What does a residence permit in Greece provide and how can it be obtained?

Advantages of living and investing in Greece

Greece, known for its beautiful landscapes and warm climate, attracts many people with various goals, whether it's for living or investing. One of the most significant steps for those who want to change their lives and settle in this country is obtaining a residence permit (RP).

What is the purpose of a residence permit in Greece?

In this article, we will discuss why a residence permit in Greece is so important and what steps need to be taken to obtain it.

Visa opportunities for foreign citizens

For citizens who are not members of the European Union, including Russians and residents of the CIS, there is an option to stay in Greece on a short-term Schengen visa. Property owners in this country can expect to receive a multiple-entry visa valid for up to five years, which significantly eases their travel.

It is important to note that after the changes in visa policy in September 2022, Russians who own real estate are more often receiving multi-entry visas valid for six months to a year, whereas previously such visas were issued for a longer duration.

Special conditions for citizens of Ukraine

For Ukrainians, the situation is more favorable: they can visit Greece without a visa thanks to a special agreement. This allows them to stay in the country for 90 days within a six-month period without having to process any visa documents.

Obtaining a residence permit

If your intention is not just a temporary stay but permanent residence in Greece, you should seriously consider obtaining a residence permit. Resident status opens up access to numerous benefits, including:

• Free education.
• Access to the public healthcare system.With social insurance, which costs about 100-130 euros per year.
• The ability to purchase cars.
• Obtaining local driver's licenses.
• Unrestricted movement across the Schengen Area countries.This allows movement under the same conditions as EU citizens.

Banking opportunities

It should also be noted that for citizens of Russia and Belarus, a residence permit provides the opportunity to open bank accounts in local financial institutions, which can be a challenging task without this status.

Stages of obtaining a residence permit

Now let's look at the steps to obtain a residence permit. The process begins with:

• Entry into Greece on a tourist visa.
• Gathering the necessary documents, including obtaining a Greek tax identification number (TIN).
• Medical insurance registration.
• Renting housing if you don't have a permanent residence.

After that, you need to submit an application to the migration service. As a result of the review of your case, you will receive what is called a "Blue Certificate," which is a temporary document and is valid for one year. With this certificate, you will be able to stay in the country legally while your application is being processed.

Usually, the waiting time for a decision takes 1-2 months, after which you will be able to receive your resident card.

Conclusion

Thus, the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in Greece offers a wide range of privileges, including unrestricted movement within Schengen countries, access to quality social services, and integration into Greek society, making this country attractive for living and doing business.

If you are planning to obtain a residence permit or citizenship in Greece, it is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer to consider all the nuances and properly prepare the documents. Greece, with its rich cultural heritage and developed infrastructure, can become not just a temporary place of stay, but your new home.

Introduction to the "Golden Visa" program

The residence permit for investors, known as the "golden visa," has been available since December 2022 to citizens of various countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and many others. This program was initiated in Greece in 2013 and has been providing foreigners the opportunity to obtain residency for a period of five years with the right to extend it if they invest in real estate for no less than250,000 eurosor they will invest in other sectors of the economy400,000 euros.

Advantages of the "golden visa"

In addition, the "golden visa" allows the involvement of three generations of the main applicant's family in the process, including:

• children under 21 years old,
• parents of both spouses.

It is important to mention that holders of this type of visa have a significant advantage: they can stay outside of Greece without time limits while still maintaining their resident status.

International interest and statistics

The program attracts wealthy individuals from around the world, as confirmed by various statistical data. From 2013 to 2021, Russians held leading positions in the number of visas issued in Greece. However, inin 2022The situation has changed. Due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union following the start of the conflict in Ukraine, the program was temporarily suspended for citizens of Russia and Belarus in early March.

Resumption of the program and new opportunities

Nevertheless, in April, the Greek authorities resumed the extension of previously issued visas and began accepting applications from family members of those investors who already hold a "golden visa." At this time, new applications from citizens of the Russian Federation are not being considered, although there are no formal barriers to submission. An exception is made for individuals with dual citizenship, such as:

• citizens of Uzbekistan,
• Moldova,
• Kazakhstan,
• and Armenia.

They can still submit documents for a visa if the property purchase is made using a second passport.

Prospects for changing the program conditions

It is important to emphasize that the "golden visa" program continues to operate. In September, representatives of the Greek authorities announced their intention to review the minimum investment requirements.in the year 2023It is planned that to obtain a visa, one will need to invest in real estate already.500,000 eurosHowever, it should be noted that this change will only affect a limited number of regions, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and the most attractive islands of the country.

Conclusion

The expected changes in the program's conditions are leading to increased interest from potential investors. According to various studies, the "golden visa" program in Greece is becoming more appealing to applicants than similar initiatives in other countries. Thus, Greece continues to develop as an attractive country for foreigners looking to secure residency through investments in the economy.

Visa for digital nomads

The digital nomad visa, available as of December 2022, can be obtained by citizens of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and other countries. This type of long-term residence visa was introduced in Greece in September 2021. At the beginning of its history, this visa format did not gain popularity, as most potential immigrants preferred to participate in the program for "financially stable citizens," where the income requirements were lower.

Economic sanctions and new opportunities

With the introduction of economic sanctions, visas of this type, as well as "golden visas," have become unavailable for citizens of the aforementioned countries. In contrast, the visa for digital nomads has become a popular option for those wishing to move to Greece. This permit is intended for those who work remotely for international companies or manage a business located outside of Greece.

Visa application requirements

This document is issued to the main applicant and their family for a period of two years, with the possibility of extending it for another two years, and then for five years. After nine years of living in Greece, residents have the right to apply for citizenship.

Who can obtain a visa?

The majority of visa recipients for digital nomads are specialists in the field of information technology. This group faces high competition from various countries, which we discussed in detail in one of our previous articles. However, among those who have successfully obtained such residency, you can also find:

• lawyers,
• owners of online stores,
• psychologists,
• marketing specialists,
• teachers.

Financial requirements

To apply for residency under this visa program, it is necessary to demonstrate a certain level of income - at least3500 euros per monthfor the primary applicant.

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece

Currently, to obtain a residence permit in Greece under the financial independence program, you need to prepare a specific set of documents. First of all, you will need to provide bank statements or statements from several different accounts, showing that the required amount is available. This document must also reflect regular income deposits.

If you are planning to move with family members, you should also have notarized copies of your marriage certificate and the birth certificates of your sons and daughters.

Necessary documents

• Bank statements with a fixed amount and regular income.
• Notarized marriage and birth certificates, if the move is taking place with family.
• Rental agreement for housing or property ownership documents in Greece.
• Greek tax number (TIN).
• Health insurance that covers the whole family (about 100 euros per person).

State duty

It is also necessary to pay the state fee: for the main applicant, it is 1000 euros, and for family members, it is 150 euros. This fee is not charged for children under 18 years old. The application for a digital nomad visa should be submitted exclusively in Athens. Usually, the agency acting on behalf of the applicant takes care of the document collection and application submission procedures.

Conditions for visa holders

It is worth noting that individuals obtaining a digital nomad visa must stay in Greece for at least 183 days a year to maintain their resident status. It is important to remember that working with this visa is prohibited, but earning income from passive sources is allowed.

Who can obtain a residence permit?

As of now (as of December 2022), a residence permit for financially independent individuals can be obtained not only by the main applicant but also by their spouse and adult children. This document is issued for a period of two years with the possibility of subsequent extension for citizens from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and several other countries.

Conditions for financially independent individuals

This long-term residence permit is aimed at people with passive income. The minimum amount of such income is 2000 euros per person, to which 20% is added for a spouse and 15% for each child. Thus, a family of three must have a total income of at least 2700 euros.

The required amount in the account

Candidates for a residence permit are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds in their bank accounts to cover their annual living expenses. This amount is at least 24,000 euros, to which 20% is added for a spouse and 15% for children. Additionally, residence permit holders must spend at least 180 days in Greece each calendar year.

Changes after the introduction of sanctions

It should be noted that after the sanctions were imposed against Russia and Belarus in the spring of 2022, this program has practically become unavailable to citizens of these countries. Although the program formally continues to operate, the Greek authorities are extremely reluctant to consider applications from these citizens due to the political situation, which leads to delays. At the same time, all conditions remain the same for applicants from other countries. In particular, this program is actively used by citizens of Ukraine.

As of now, Ukrainians can obtain a temporary residence permit or refugee status, but many prefer to apply for a residence permit to establish a stable and long-term status in Greece.

Conclusion

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece opens up numerous opportunities and benefits for foreigners, making this country attractive for living and investing. We have examined the key points regarding obtaining a residence permit, including the advantages, the steps involved in the process, as well as special programs like the "golden visa" for investors.

It is especially important to note that having resident status allows one not only to legally reside in Greece but also to enjoy benefits such as:

• Free education
• Access to the health insurance system
• Simplified entry into Schengen Area countries

Despite changes in legislation and the economic climate, Greece continues to be an attractive destination for investors from Russia, the CIS countries, and other parts of the world. It is important to stay updated on the latest news and changes in visa policies, especially in light of recent sanctions and crises. Having realized from my own experience that the process of acquiring real estate and obtaining residency permits has become more competitive compared to other countries, I understand the value of consulting professional lawyers and advisors. This can help avoid mistakes and clarify many nuances.

Ultimately, the idea of living in Greece becomes not just a dream, but a real possibility for many people. The availability of the "golden visa" and other programs makes the process easy and straightforward, while the living conditions in Greece, along with its cultural, historical, and natural riches, make this country an ideal place for doing business and comfortable living.

If you are considering obtaining a residence permit in Greece, you now have useful information to take the next step towards your new life.