Greece, the gateway to Eastern Europe, is an ideal destination for living due to its mild climate, rich history, and diverse economic and investment opportunities. Many foreigners seek to obtain a residence permit in Greece, whether for work, study, investment, or even asylum.

In this article, we will discuss all aspects related to residence in Greece, including types of residence, residency requirements, required documents, residency laws, and renewal procedures. We will also explore how to obtain residence through investment or work, as well as details about the Golden Visa, which is one of the most popular ways to acquire permanent residency in Greece.

Types of Residence in Greece

The types of residence in Greece vary depending on the purpose of staying in the country. Here are the main categories:

1. Temporary Residence in Greece
   • Granted to individuals visiting Greece for a limited period for study, tourism, or short-term work.
   • Duration ranges from 6 months to 1 year.
   • Can be renewed based on need and meeting the required conditions.
2. Permanent Residency in Greece
   • Granted after a legal residence period of at least five years in the country.
   • Includes Golden Visa holders, investors, and long-term workers.
   • Allows free movement within Greece without additional visas.
3. Residency by Investment in Greece
   • Available to individuals investing in real estate or the Greek economy with specific amounts.
   • Known as the Greece Golden Visa, one of the fastest ways to obtain permanent residency in Greece.
4. Work and Residence in Greece
   • Designed for skilled workers, companies, and business owners wishing to settle in the country.
   • Requires a valid employment contract with a Greek employer.
5. Asylum in Greece
   • Granted to individuals fleeing conflicts or persecution in their home countries.
   • Requires submitting an asylum application and having the case reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Residency Requirements in Greece

Each type of residence in Greece has specific requirements, but there are general conditions that must be met to obtain a residence permit in Greece, including:

• A valid passport for at least six months.
• Proof of stable income sufficient to cover personal expenses without government support.
• A clean criminal record proving no criminal history.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering the entire residence period.
• Proof of residence in Greece, such as a rental contract or property ownership.

For residency through investment, the requirements vary based on the investment amount and nature, and investors must provide proof of their real estate purchase or economic projects in Greece.

Required Documents for Residence in Greece

The required documents for residence in Greece vary depending on the visa type, but generally include:

1. Completed residence application form.
2. Valid passport and a copy of it.
3. Recent passport-sized photos meeting official standards.
4. Proof of financial ability such as bank statements or a salary certificate.
5. Employment contract or university acceptance letter (depending on the visa type).
6. International health insurance covering the residence period.
7. Clean criminal record certificate proving no prior offenses.

After submitting the documents, the review process takes several weeks, and a personal interview with the authorities may be required before a final decision is issued.

Residency by Investment in Greece

The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most popular ways to obtain permanent residency in Greece. The requirements for obtaining it include:

• Purchasing real estate worth at least €250,000 within Greece.
• Maintaining the investment for at least 5 years.
• No requirement for actual residence in Greece, as a visit once a year is sufficient.

Benefits of the Golden Visa:

✔️ Free movement within the Schengen Area.
✔️ Possibility of obtaining Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence.
✔️ Ability to include family members in the residence application.

Residence in Greek Cyprus

Greek Cyprus, located in the eastern Mediterranean, is one of the most popular destinations for living and investment due to its mild climate, favorable tax system, and high standard of living. If you are considering moving to Greek Cyprus, there are several options for obtaining a residence permit, whether through work, study, investment, or even retirement.
Greek Cyprus is one of the best destinations for living, whether for work, study, or investment. Through temporary residence, permanent residency, investment-based residency, or employment-related residency, foreigners can benefit from a stable economy, low taxes, and a strategic location.

Work and Residence Permit in Greece

If you wish to work and reside in Greece, you must obtain a work permit through the following steps:

1. Receive a job offer from a Greek employer.
2. Apply for a work visa at the Greek embassy in your home country.
3. Complete residence procedures after arriving in Greece.

It is essential to have a formal employment contract and proof that the job cannot be filled by a Greek citizen before the permit is granted.

Cost of Residence in Greece

The cost of residence in Greece depends on the type of residence required. Here is an overview of some major costs:

• Temporary residence visa: Starts at €150.
• Permanent residence permit: Ranges between €500 – €1,000 depending on the application type.
• Residency by investment: Requires a minimum real estate investment of €250,000.
• Health insurance: Around €200 – €500 annually.

Additionally, living expenses should be considered, which vary based on the city of residence.

Renewal of Residence in Greece

Renewing residence in Greece is essential for maintaining legal status. The renewal request should be submitted at least 60 days before expiration.

The required documents include:
✔️ A valid passport.
✔️ The previous residence permit.
✔️ Proof of stable income.
✔️ Updated health insurance.

For residency by investment, proof of continued property ownership is required for renewal.

Residency Laws in Greece

The residency laws in Greece follow European regulations and include:

•  Avoiding illegal residence to prevent fines or deportation.
• Compliance with financial requirements and not working without an official permit.
• The possibility of applying for Greek citizenship after 7 years of legal residence.

Obtaining residence in Greece is a great option for those looking to live, work, or invest in Europe. Whether you seek temporary residence, permanent residence, investment-based residency, or work-related residency, complying with the requirements and submitting the necessary documents correctly ensures the success of your application.