Visa Types

Greece Permanent Residency Steps

How you can immigrate to Greece, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Greece.

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Key Points for Greece PR Visa >>>

Do you need a visa to travel to Greece?

To visit Greece, Indians will need a Schengen visa.

Greece visa application is made online or offline?

You can complete the visa application form online or offline and submit it to the Visa Application Centers for Greece in India.

Do I need to give biometrics?

Yes, Biometrics are required to obtain a visa.

Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?

Yes, you need to attend an interview at a consulate, embassy, or visa application center.

What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?

You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.

What kind of visa will we acquire from Greece?

It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport

Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)

Greece Golden Visa (INVESTMENT PROGRAM) Fee: 250.000 or 500,000 EUROS (depending on the location of the property)

 

Step-by-step guide

Let us walk you through the process

  • When applying for a visa, first discern the appropriate visa category that aligns with your visit's intent, be it tourism, business, study, or other reasons.
  • Different visa types come with distinct criteria and conditions, such as documentation, financial proof, and duration of stay, which need to be met for a successful application. It's crucial to accurately identify your visa type to ensure you fulfill all necessary prerequisites.

Apply in two simple ways: you can apply both online and offline.

  • Offline Process: You can download the visa application form, fill out the editable form, and print it (1). Bring the completed form and the necessary documents to the Greece Visa Application Centers for submission. Make sure to print and include the "Data Protection Information" document (2) as part of your application file.
  • Online services: Create an account, verify via email, set a password, and then you can log in (click "Sign In" at the top right of the Home page). Once you finish your online application, print it and bring it, along with the required documents, to your VAC appointment.

  • After filling out the form, you'll often need to book an appointment for submitting your application and attending an interview at the Visa Application Center.
  • Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken at the Visa Application Center as part of the biometric process.
  • Make sure to select a suitable date and time.

  • Attend the scheduled interview at the Visa Application Center or the embassy/consulate.
  • During the interview, you might be asked questions about your travel plans, purpose of visit, financial situation, and other relevant details.

  • Pay the visa application fee as required. Fees can vary depending on the type of visa you're applying for.

  • On the day of your appointment, submit all the required documents, including the visa application form and any supporting materials.

  • After you submit your application at the VAC, you can track its status online to check whether your passport is ready for collection.
  • You will need to wait for the processing period. This can vary based on the type of visa and other factors.

  • Once your visa is approved, you will be notified, and you can collect your passport with the visa stamped on it from the Visa Application Center or through the chosen courier service.

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Applying for permanent residence in Greece typically involves different requirements and documentation, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant. However, here is a general document checklist that may be applicable to individuals seeking permanent residence in Greece: 

  1. Application Form: Complete and sign the appropriate application form for permanent residency.
  2. Passport and Travel Document: Provide a valid passport and any other travel documents used during your stay in Greece.
  3. Long-Term Residence Permit: If applicable, provide a copy of your valid Greek long-term residence permit.
  4. Proof of Legal Residence: Provide evidence of your legal residence in Greece, such as lease agreements, utility bills, or property ownership documents.
  5. Financial Documentation: Demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself and any dependents. This may include bank statements, employment contracts, or other income-related documents.
  6. Health Insurance: Provide proof of health insurance coverage for yourself and any family members.
  7. Criminal Record Certificate: Obtain a recent and clear criminal record certificate from your home country or any country you have lived in for the specified period.
  8. Proof of Language Proficiency: Some categories of permanent residency may require proof of Greek language proficiency. This can be demonstrated through language certificates or completion of language courses.
  9. Proof of Integration: Depending on the category of permanent residency, you might need to provide evidence of your integration into Greek society. This can include certificates of attendance at integration programs, community involvement, or other relevant activities.
  10. Proof of Continuous Residency: Demonstrate that you have continuously resided in Greece for the required period. This can be proven through your legal residence documents, travel records, and other relevant documents.
  11. Birth and Marriage Certificates: Provide certified copies of birth certificates for yourself and any family members, as well as marriage certificates if applicable.
  12. Proof of Family Relationship: If you are applying for permanent residency as a family member of a Greek citizen or permanent resident, provide evidence of the relationship, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates.
  13. Passport Photos: Include passport-sized photographs meeting the specified requirements.
  14. Application Fee: Pay the required application fee as determined by the Greek authorities.
  15. Any Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on your specific circumstances and the category of permanent residency you are applying for, you might need to provide additional documents to support your application. 

Note: It’s important to note that permanent residency requirements and procedures can change, and it’s recommended to consult the official Greek immigration authorities or the Greek embassy/consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date and accurate information before submitting your application.

  1. Investor Visa (Golden Visa):
    • Investment documents (real estate, business, or other ventures).
    • Proof of investment value meeting minimum requirements.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
    • Power of attorney (if applicable).
  2. Humanitarian Grounds:
    • Detailed personal statement explaining the situation.
    • Copies of threats, communication, documents.
    • Reports from reputable sources.
    • Proof of persecution, trafficking, or torture.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  3. Long-Term Resident EU Status:
    • Valid residence permit.
    • Proof of legal residence for 5 years.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  4. Family Reunification:
    • Proof of family relationship.
    • Valid residence permit of family member in Greece.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  5. Marriage to Greek Citizen:
    • Marriage certificate.
    • Proof of spouse’s Greek citizenship.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  6. EU Blue Card:
    • Valid job offer in Greece.
    • Employment contract.
    • Relevant qualifications and degrees.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  7. Retirement Residency:
    • Proof of retirement income.
    • Proof of sufficient funds for living.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  8. Children of Foreign Nationals:
    • Proof of parent’s legal residence in Greece.
    • Birth certificate and proof of parentage.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate (if applicable).
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  9. Special Talent Residency:
    • Proof of exceptional skills (arts, sports, academics).
    • Relevant certificates and achievements.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.
  10. Student Pathway to PR:
    • Proof of continuous studies in Greece.
    • Valid student visa or residence permit.
    • Relevant educational certificates.
    • Valid passport and copies.
    • Health insurance coverage proof.
    • Criminal record certificate.
    • Medical certificate of good health.
    • Passport-sized photos.

Note: Please note that specific document requirements and procedures may vary, so it’s recommended to consult the official website of the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country for the most up-to-date information before applying for any visa.

VISA APPLICATION FORMS

Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.

Application Form For Long Stay In Greece

Online Visa Application Form

A “D” long-stay visa allows you to enter and stay in Greece for more than 3 months. It’s given for various reasons like work, study, research, events, religion, and family.

 

VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES (In Person):

The process for applying for a Greece Permanent Residence typically involves the following steps:

  1. Choose the Right Program: Greece has various routes to permanent residency, including investment programs, family reunification, and work permits. Research and select the program that best suits your situation and eligibility.
  2. Check Eligibility: Different programs have different eligibility criteria. These could include minimum investment amounts, required skills or qualifications, financial stability, and more. Ensure you meet the specific requirements for your chosen program.
  3. Gather Required Documents: Depending on the program you’re applying for, you’ll need to gather documents such as identification, passport, proof of funds, criminal record clearance, health insurance, and other relevant documents. It’s crucial to have all required documents translated into Greek and properly authenticated.
  4. Apply for the Residency Permit: Submit your application for the relevant residency permit at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country. If you’re already in Greece, you might need to apply at the nearest immigration office.
  5. Interview and Biometrics: You might need to attend an interview and provide biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) as part of the application process.
  6. Waiting Period: The processing time for residency applications can vary. During this period, the authorities will review your application and documents.
  7. Approval and Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a residence permit that allows you to live and work in Greece. The duration of the permit and the possibility of renewal will depend on the specific program you applied under.
  8. Comply with Residency Requirements: Once you have the residence permit, make sure to comply with any requirements, such as maintaining your investment, renewing your permit on time, and following Greek laws. 

Note: It’s important to stress that immigration policies can change. For the most accurate and current information, I strongly recommend consulting the official website of the Greek government, contacting the Greek embassy or consulate in your country, or seeking advice from immigration experts or legal professionals familiar with Greek immigration laws.

  1. Investor Visa (Golden Visa): This program allows non-EU citizens and their families to obtain Greek residency by making qualifying investments in Greece. This could involve purchasing real estate, investing in businesses, government bonds, or other eligible financial instruments. The key is to meet the minimum investment thresholds set by the Greek government. Successful applicants receive a residence permit that allows them to live in Greece and travel within the Schengen Area.
  2. Humanitarian Grounds: This pathway applies to individuals who are facing serious humanitarian circumstances or fleeing conflict, persecution, or other dire situations in their home countries. It involves seeking asylum or international protection in Greece. Those who can prove their need for humanitarian protection might be granted a residence permit on these grounds.
  3. Long-Term Resident EU Status: Non-EU nationals who have legally resided in Greece or any other EU country for a continuous period of five years may apply for Long-Term Resident EU status. This status grants a long-term residence permit, allowing individuals to live and work in Greece without any time limit.
  4. Family Reunification: Family members of individuals who hold a valid residence permit in Greece (like the Golden Visa holders or EU citizens) can apply for family reunification. This process allows spouses, children, and dependent relatives to join their family members in Greece.
  5. Marriage to Greek Citizen: Foreign nationals who marry Greek citizens can apply for a residence permit based on their marriage. This permit allows them to reside and work in Greece as long as the marriage remains valid.
  6. EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled non-EU citizens who want to work in an EU member state, including Greece. It requires having a job offer that meets specific criteria, such as a minimum salary threshold. The card allows you to work and live in Greece and provides a pathway to permanent residency.
  7. Retirement Residency: Greece offers a residency pathway for individuals who are retired and have a sufficient source of income. To qualify, applicants need to demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves without seeking employment in Greece. The income requirement can vary and is subject to change.
  8. Children of Foreign Nationals: Children of non-EU nationals who hold a valid residence permit in Greece may also be eligible for a residence permit. This allows them to live with their parents and access education and other services in Greece.
  9. Special Talent Residency: Foreign individuals with exceptional talents, skills, or accomplishments in fields like arts, sports, academia, or business may be eligible for a special talent residency permit. This aims to attract individuals who can contribute positively to Greece’s culture and economy.
  10. Student Pathway to PR: While not a direct route to permanent residency, international students who study in Greece can transition from a student visa to a work permit after graduation. Gaining work experience in Greece can eventually lead to other residency pathways, such as the EU Blue Card.

Note: It’s important to note that each category may have specific documentation, requirements, and application procedures. Make sure to verify the latest information and consult official government sources or legal professionals specializing in Greek immigration to ensure accuracy and compliance with the current regulations.