Long-stay visas · Greece

Greece: long-stay visa options

When 90 days isn't enough — the 3 national long-stay routes that legally extend a visit to Greece beyond the Schengen short-stay limit.

Greece has emerged as one of the most strategically interesting Schengen destinations for long-stay residents, driven by an active Golden Visa program (one of the few remaining in the EU), a fast and competitive Digital Nomad Visa, and a relatively low cost of living compared to Western European peers. The combination has attracted significant interest from American, British, Israeli, and Gulf high-net-worth applicants.

The Golden Visa remains Greece's flagship investor program, though the rules have evolved significantly since 2024 when the previously uniform €250,000 threshold was replaced by a tiered system based on geography. High-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos) now require €800,000 investment; mid-tier areas €400,000; less-developed regions retain the €250,000 threshold. The structure aims to direct investment away from already-heated property markets and toward regional development.

The Digital Nomad Visa launched in 2021 has become unexpectedly competitive globally — processing times of around 10 days are among the fastest in the EU, the income threshold (≈ €3,500/month) is competitive with Spain and Portugal, and the lifestyle appeal of Athens and the islands speaks for itself. For those who can manage the language gap, Greece has become a serious alternative to the established Iberian destinations.

The Financially Independent Person visa serves the retirement-relocation cohort, requiring demonstrable monthly passive income of around €3,500 and offering a 2-year initial residence permit renewable for 3-year periods. Holders can apply for permanent residence after 5 years and citizenship after 7.

Greek citizenship requires language proficiency at B1 level, which remains a significant filter — many long-stay residents settle for permanent residence rather than citizenship. For short-stay visitors, the 90/180 rule is enforced uniformly across all Greek entry points.

Quick facts

Country
Greece 🇬🇷
Capital
Athens
Currency
EUR
In Schengen since
1 January 2000

Long-stay visa options in Greece

Frequently asked questions

Why did Greece change its Golden Visa thresholds?
To cool property markets in Athens, Thessaloniki, Santorini, Mykonos, and other in-demand zones. Since 2024, those areas require €800,000 investment; €400,000 in most other areas; €250,000 in less-developed regions. The previous uniform €250,000 threshold ended.
Does Greek citizenship require Greek language proficiency?
Yes — naturalization after 7 years requires demonstration of B1-level Greek and a citizenship interview. Many long-stay residents remain on permanent residence (granted after 5 years) without pursuing citizenship for this reason.
What's the tax position for Digital Nomad Visa holders?
DNV holders who stay more than 183 days per year become Greek tax residents. The Foreign Pensioner regime offers a 7% flat tax on foreign-source income for up to 15 years (eligibility-dependent). For non-pensioners, the standard tax regime applies.
How is the 90/180 rule enforced at Greek islands?
Direct international arrivals to Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, etc.) are processed by airport border police with full Schengen Information System access. Cumulative day calculations are standard.
Can I travel between Greek islands without Schengen checks?
Yes — once you're inside Schengen, internal travel including ferries between Greek islands has no border controls. Domestic flights are domestic.

Track your Schengen days while planning

Long-stay visa applications take weeks. Stay within the 90/180 rule on visa-free entries in the meantime.

Open the Schengen tracker