If you have decided to move to Greece, you need to understand what immigration pathways are available to you—these depend on factors like your profession, income, and personal preferences.
Here’s how you can move to Greece in three steps!
Step 1. Understand Your Immigration Options
Some of the most common reasons why non-EU nationals move to Greece are:
- To work for a Greek company or employer
- To work as a digital nomad
- To invest in real estate (Golden Visa)
- To retire
Although the application process for a visa is generally straightforward, a lot of the requirements once you are in Greece can be confusing and bureaucratic. A basic level of Greek is often required, so you may need to bring someone with you or get advice from professionals.
Moving to Greece for Work
You can move to Greece for work if you have a job offer from a Greek employer. Typically, there are three main work visa types you can apply for, depending on your profession and qualifications:
- Employed worker visa. This is the “general” work visa, typically for jobs considered in shortage. You need a work permit, and your employer must make sure the annual quota for foreign workers in Greece is not filled.
- EU Blue Card. The Blue Card is a work visa issued to highly qualified workers (e.g., IT, engineering, and medicine, etc) who sign a work contract for at least one year, and will earn a salary that is at least 1.5 times the national average; this means your annual salary should be at least €31,918.83.
- Seasonal worker visa. With a seasonal worker visa, you can move to Greece for a limited period (6-10 months), and you will work only for the job and employer that sponsored you. The type of work you do depends on the year’s season, but usually, it’s jobs in agriculture, fishery, tourism, and hospitality.
As an employed worker or EU Blue Card holder, you will receive a two-year residence permit, which can be extended. However, as a seasonal worker, your stay in Greece is limited to six to ten months.
Jobs in shortage in Greece
According to an EURES report, the jobs with the most shortage in Greece are:
- Kitchen helpers
- Building construction laborers
- Cleaners and helpers in offices, hotels, and other establishments
- Domestic cleaners and helpers
- Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers
- Mechanical machinery assemblers
- Motor vehicle mechanics and repairers
- Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
- Plumbers and pipe fitters
- Protective services workers not elsewhere classified
- Bartenders
- Waiters
- Hotel receptionists
- Contact center information clerks
- Chefs
- Nursing professionals
- Supply, distribution, and related managers
Applying for a job in any of these occupations increases the chances of obtaining a work visa.
Where to find jobs in Greece?
If you don’t already have a job offer, you can look for jobs in Greece online. You can check the usual channels (such as LinkedIn) or job posting websites. The following sites are the most popular:
Moving to Greece as a Digital Nomad
To relocate to Greece as a digital nomad, you have to meet the following requirements:
- You must work remotely for an employer outside Greece. If you are self-employed, your clients must be from outside Greece as well.
- You must earn at least €3,500/month after tax. If you are bringing your spouse as a dependent, income requirements increase by 20% (for dependent children, the income requirements increase by 15%).
This visa will let you live in Greece for one year—if you want to stay longer, you can apply for a residence permit which can be renewed every two years.
You cannot work for a Greek employer or client during this time, under any circumstances.
Investing in Greece (Golden Visa)
You can also move to Greece if you invest in real estate. As of 2024, there are three options for investment, depending on the type and location of the real estate property:
- €250,000 investment in a property to be converted from commercial to residential use or for the restoration of listed buildings.
- €400,000 investment by purchasing a single property of at least 120 square meters.
- €800,000 investment by purchasing a property located in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, or islands with populations exceeding 3,100.
With an investment (Golden) visa, you will get a five-year residence permit for yourself and your family. The residence permit can be renewed.
Retiring in Greece
You can retire in Greece through the Financially Independent Individual Visa. The requirements for this visa are:
- You must be financially independent. This means you need at least:
- €3,500 per month in pensions or other independent income, or
- €48,000 in total savings
- You must be at least 21 years of age
- You must have a clear criminal record
- You must be in good health
This visa is issued for two years initially and can be renewed. You cannot work or earn income in Greece during this time.
Step 2. Apply for a Visa
Once you determine the type of visa you need, you have to submit your visa application at the nearest Greek embassy or consulate. You first have to apply for a national visa (from your country of residence) and then a residence permit (after you arrive in Greece).
To apply for a Greek national visa, follow these steps:
- Schedule a visa appointment. Find the Greek embassy or consulate nearest to you. Follow the instructions under the “Consular” section on the website to set up an appointment. You may have to wait up to several weeks to get an appointment.
- Fill out the visa application form. You have to print and fill out the visa application form, and then sign it at the end. You can download the national visa form here.
- Collect the required documents. Collect all the documents the embassy requests. The checklist of documents will depend on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Submit the documents & pay the visa fee. On the day of your appointment, show up in person at the embassy and make sure all your documents are in order. You also have to pay the visa fee and submit your fingerprint scans.
- Wait for the visa to process. Typically, it takes around 30 to 35 days for the embassy to reach a decision. If further processing is required by other authorities, it will take longer.
- Get your visa and travel to Greece. If your visa is approved, it will be affixed to your passport, and you can travel to Greece. The visa will usually be issued for up to one year, but you can apply for a residence permit to extend your stay in Greece.
Remember that the exact application process will depend on the country you are applying from as well as the visa type. Consider this process as a general guideline.
Step 3. Settle in Greece
When you land in Greece, there are a few more things you need to do to live there legally. This includes:
Get Your Tax ID Number (AFM)
One of the first things you need to do after you arrive in Greece is to apply for a tax ID number (AFM). You need this number for a lot of your initial procedures, such as opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, or applying for a residence permit.
You can apply for the AFM (Tax Identification Number) online through the AADE website (Independent Authority for Public Revenue). Sometimes, you may also have to appear in person at a local tax office (DOY).
Find Accommodation
After obtaining your AFM (Tax Identification Number), the next step is to secure long-term accommodation. You can work with a real estate agent or look at online listings for renting an apartment in Greece. You will need your ID/passport number and your AFM (tax number) to sign a rental agreement.
If you have purchased a property, the ownership must be registered with the Hellenic Cadastre.
Apply for a Residence Permit
Once you have your tax number and accommodation, you have to apply for a residence permit. You can apply for a Greek residence permit through the official website of the Ministry of Immigration and Asylum. Start the online application and schedule an appointment here.
To start the application, you have to enter the following information:
- Phone number (you will receive a code)
- Email address
Additionally, you have to attach electronic copies of the required documents (as determined on a case-by-case basis). The documents are listed on the website of the Immigration Directorate.
Please note that you cannot start this process until you are already in Greece. Additionally, a lot of the information and document lists on the website are in Greek, so you will either need to translate them or use professional help with your application.
Registering for Health Insurance
There are two health insurance options for expats in Greece:
- Public insurance: The public insurance scheme provides free (or at least very inexpensive) healthcare for all Greek residents. If you are employed, you can enroll in national health insurance, which is part of the Social Insurance Institute (IKA).
- Private insurance: Most expats, however, opt for private health insurance. The reason for this is that it offers coverage for private hospitals and doctors as well. Additionally, retirees or digital nomads are usually not eligible for public insurance.
Moving to Greece as an EU Citizen
As an EU citizen, you can move to Greece much more easily. For up to three months, you can stay without restriction, with just your valid ID or passport. For stays longer than three months, you have to register your stay at the local Aliens Bureau (for cities with a Directorate of Foreigners) or at the Police Department. You will receive a Certificate of Registration (Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής Πολίτη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης), which confirms your legal stay in Greece.
To stay long-term, you should be employed, self-employed, studying, or have sufficient funds and health insurance. Your family members, regardless of nationality, are also eligible to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Greece?
On average, a single person living in Greece needs about €800/month, excluding rent. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in larger cities is around €800, whereas in smaller ones you can find apartments ranging from €300-€500.
What’s the average salary in Greece?
The average salary in Greece, as per the latest reports, was €17,685 a year, which is around €1,400/month.
What are the best places to move to in Greece?
Some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Greece are:
- The capital city is naturally a popular choice since you get a mix of ancient history, modern amenities, and job opportunities, all in the same place.
- Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki is known for its economy and emphasis on education and research institutions. It’s also quite culturally diverse but has a lower cost of living than Athens.
- Situated on the island of Crete, Chania is a charming place, with its traditional architecture and cultural heritage. If you want to retire or work remotely, this is a great location for you.
- This island is best known as a popular tourist destination—the natural landscapes and historic sites attract both tourists and those looking to settle down somewhere quiet.