Overview
Greece is a Schengen member and EU country. The Greek Migration Ministry and IAKA (Immigration & Social Integration Service) handle residency. Greece is notable for its competitive Golden Visa real estate route and a recently launched Digital Nomad Visa program.
Visa Types
- Valid passport (3+ months beyond return)
- Completed visa application form
- 2 recent passport photos
- Travel insurance €30,000 (Schengen-wide)
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Return travel ticket
- Bank statements (€50/day minimum)
- Fee: €80
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2021) allows remote workers employed by non-Greek companies to live in Greece for up to 2 years.
- Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts (non-Greek company)
- Minimum monthly income: €3,500/month
- Health insurance valid in Greece
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Valid passport
Greece's Golden Visa remains one of Europe's most accessible, though thresholds have increased in popular areas. Grants a 5-year renewable residence permit and visa-free Schengen travel.
- Real estate investment: €800,000 (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini) or €400,000 (rest of Greece)
- Alternative: €500,000 in Greek companies, bonds, or bank deposits
- Valid passport
- Health insurance valid in Greece
- Criminal background check
- Proof of investment source of funds
- Acceptance letter from Greek university
- Proof of financial means (min. €300/month + tuition)
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal background check
- Valid passport
Application Process
Contact Greek Consulate
Locate the Greek consulate or embassy in your country. Book an appointment online through their website.
Prepare & Apostille Documents
Foreign documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Greek. Allow time for this — it can take 2–4 weeks.
Submit Application
Attend your appointment, submit documents, pay the visa fee, and provide biometrics.
Await Processing
Schengen: 15 working days. National/long-stay visas: up to 60 days. Golden Visa: approximately 2 months.
Register with IAKA on Arrival
For long-stay visas, visit the local IAKA (migration office) to convert your entry visa to a residence permit within 2 months of arrival.
Tax System
Greece's tax authority is the Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων (AADE) — the Independent Authority for Public Revenue. Tax residents (spending 183+ days in Greece or with their primary residence there) are taxed on worldwide income. Greece has introduced several attractive alternative tax regimes to attract foreign investment and residency.
🌞 Alternative Tax Regimes for New Residents: Greece offers three special regimes: (1) a €100,000 flat annual tax on foreign-sourced income for high-net-worth individuals; (2) a 7% flat tax on all foreign-sourced income for retirees who transfer residency to Greece; (3) a 50% income exemption for employees/freelancers who relocate to Greece to work.
| Tax | Rate |
| Income Tax — up to €10,000 | 9% |
| Income Tax — €10,000–€20,000 | 22% |
| Income Tax — €20,000–€30,000 | 28% |
| Income Tax — €30,000–€40,000 | 36% |
| Income Tax — above €40,000 | 44% |
| Retiree Flat Tax (foreign income) | 7% (if transferring residency to Greece) |
| HNW Flat Tax (foreign income) | €100,000 lump sum/year |
| New Employee/Freelancer Exemption | 50% of Greek-source income exempt (7 years) |
| VAT (ΦΠΑ) — Standard | 24% |
| VAT — Reduced (food, transport, hotels) | 13% |
| VAT — Super-reduced (medicines, books) | 6% |
| Island VAT discount (most Aegean islands) | 17% / 9% / 4% |
| Corporate Tax | 22% |
| Dividend Tax | 5% |
| Capital Gains — Real Estate | 15% (suspended until 2025, check current status) |
| Capital Gains — Listed Shares | 15% |
| Property Transfer Tax (purchase) | 3.09% |
| ENFIA (annual property tax) | Varies by property value and location |
| Inheritance Tax | 1%–10% (direct relatives); up to 40% (others) |
| Tax Year | Calendar year |
| Tax Return Deadline | June 30 of following year |
Tax on rental income: Greek rental income is taxed at 15% (up to €12,000), 35% (€12,000–€35,000), and 45% (above €35,000), separate from employment income brackets.
⚠️ Presumptive Taxation: Greece uses an "objective" (presumptive) system for certain income calculations — the tax office may impute minimum income based on your lifestyle (car, property, living expenses) even if your declared income is lower. Keep thorough financial records.