Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons

The Greek Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons (FIP permit) allows non-EU/EEA nationals with sufficient passive income to reside in Greece without engaging in any employment or economic activity. Governed by Law 5038/2023 (Migration Code) and classified as Type I.8, the program targets retirees, pensioners, and financially self-sufficient individuals who wish to live in Greece on income from pensions, rental income, dividends, or other legally acquired assets. Since April 2024, the permit is valid for 3 years (previously 2) with a minimum income threshold of €3,500 per month.

• Non-EU/EEA nationality
• Minimum passive income of €3,500 per month (€42,000 per year) from legal sources
• Additional 20% for a spouse (€4,200/month total for a couple) and 15% per child (€4,725/month for a couple with one child)
• Valid private health insurance covering medical and hospitalisation expenses in Greece
• Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental lease or property deed)
• Criminal record certificate from country of residence (issued within last 6 months, apostilled and translated into Greek)
• No educational, professional, or language requirements

Phase 1 — Type D Visa (at Greek consulate):

• Long-term visa application form
• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond planned stay, at least 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled and officially translated into Greek)
• Health certificate (WHO/EU standards)
• Travel insurance (minimum 1 year, covering repatriation and emergency care)
• Biometric data (photograph and 10 fingerprints)
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources
• Family status certificate (if applicable)

Phase 2 — Residence Permit (at Decentralised Administration):

• Valid passport photocopy and Type D entry visa
• EUR 1,000 e-payment receipt
• Private medical insurance policy
• Evidence of stable annual income (pension statements, bank account documentation)
• Four colour photographs (40x60mm, white background) in physical and digital JPEG 2000 format
• EUR 16 e-payment for electronic residence card

The permit is valid for 3 years and renewable for equal 3-year periods, provided requirements continue to be met. Renewal applications must be submitted within 2 months before permit expiry. Late renewal is accepted up to 3 months after expiry with a €100 fine per month of delay. After the 3-month grace period, no renewal application is accepted unless force majeure is demonstrated. Renewal applications are now processed through the Integrated Information System "Migration" portal. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, holders may apply for EU long-term resident status, subject to income, health insurance, and integration requirements (Greek language B1 level or 12 years of residence).

Spouses (18+) and unmarried children under 18 (including legally adopted and step-children with custody) may accompany the main applicant. Each family member receives an individual permit expiring simultaneously with the main applicant's. Family member visa fee is €90 at the consulate (vs. €180 for the main applicant). Residence permit fee for adult family members is €150 (minors are exempt). Family members are also prohibited from working in Greece. Polygamous marriages disqualify additional spouses and their children.

Holders who reside 183+ days per year in Greece become tax residents subject to Greek income tax on worldwide income under standard progressive rates. Foreign pensioners who transfer their tax residence to Greece may apply for a special 7% flat tax rate on all foreign-source income (pensions, dividends, interest, rental income, capital gains) under Article 5B of Law 4172/2013, valid for up to 15 consecutive tax years. Eligibility requires having been a non-tax-resident in Greece for at least 5 of the prior 6 years and transferring residence from a country with a tax cooperation agreement with Greece. Applications must be submitted to AADE by 31 March of the year the regime is to begin, with tax paid as a lump sum by the last business day of July each year.

The application follows a two-phase procedure:

1. Phase 1 — National Visa: Apply for a Type D visa at the Greek consulate or embassy in your country of residence (by appointment only). Provide all required documentation including proof of financial means, criminal record certificate, health certificate, and travel insurance. The visa is typically issued within 10 days and is valid for up to 1 year.

2. Phase 2 — Residence Permit: After entering Greece on the Type D visa, submit a residence permit application to the competent Decentralised Administration before the visa expires. Upon submission, applicants receive a certificate confirming legal stay during processing. The electronic residence permit card is issued within approximately 2-3 months.

Fees: National visa €180 (main applicant), €90 (family members); residence permit €1,000 (main applicant), €150 (adult family members, minors exempt); €16 residence card fee per person.

Holders may not engage in any form of dependent employment or independent economic activity in Greece. This restriction applies equally to all family members. Greek pension recipients from EFKA may renew regardless of pension amount.