Greece Residence Permit – Complete Guide for 2025

A Greece residence permit (Άδεια Διαμονής) is required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who intend to live in Greece for longer than 90 days. Issued by local Foreigners’ and Immigration Services offices, it authorizes legal residence, work or study, and grants access to public services.

Types of Residence Permits in Greece

Permit Type	Purpose	Validity
Work Permit	Employment with a Greek employer	Up to 2 years, renewable
Student Permit	Full-time study at a recognized institution	Duration of studies
Family Reunification Permit	Joining a family member legally residing in Greece	Up to 3 years, renewable
Digital Nomad Permit	Remote work for non-Greek companies	1 year, renewable
Golden Visa (Investment)	Real estate investment (€250,000+)	5 years, renewable
Blue Card (EU Highly Skilled)	Highly qualified employment	Up to 2 years, renewable
Permanent Residence Permit	Long-term residence after 5 years lawful stay	Indefinite

Who Needs a Residence Permit?

You need a Greece residence permit if you are a:

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national planning to stay over 90 days
Student enrolled in a Greek university or school
Employee with a valid work contract
Family member of a permit holder or Greek/EU citizen
Investor under the Golden Visa scheme
Digital nomad working remotely under the new digital nomad rules

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not require a permit but must register their residence with local authorities.

Application Process (Step by Step)

Enter Greece on the appropriate visa (if required)
Book an appointment at the local Decentralized Administration or Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP)
Submit application with supporting documents
Pay the state fee and biometric processing fee
Collect your residence card once approved (usually within 2–3 months)

Required Documents

Valid passport with at least two blank pages
Completed application form (ΔΕ1 form)
Biometric photos (as per Greek standards)
Proof of purpose:
- Work: employment contract and employer sponsorship
- Study: university admission letter and fee receipt
- Family: marriage/birth certificates and sponsor’s permit
- Investment: property deed or investment proof
- Digital nomad: remote work contract and income proof
Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or property deed)
Health insurance valid in Greece
Financial means evidence (bank statements or contract)
Fee payment receipt

Some categories may require a criminal record check or medical certificate.

Fees (2025 Estimates)

Permit Category	State Fee (EUR)	Biometric Fee (EUR)
Work, Family, Digital Nomad	300	16
Student	150	16
Golden Visa	2,000	16
EU Blue Card	350	16
Permanent Residence	450	16
Renewal	150–300	16

Fees vary slightly by region and may change annually.

Validity and Renewal

Temporary permits (work, study, family, digital nomad) are valid 1–2 years and are renewable before expiry.
Golden Visa is valid 5 years, renewable if investment is maintained.
EU Blue Card aligns with contract length, renewable.
Permanent residence can be obtained after 5 years of continuous legal stay; the card itself must be renewed every 10 years.

Renewals require proof that original conditions still apply (e.g., continued employment or study enrollment).

Rights and Obligations

Permit holders may work, study, and access healthcare and social services per their permit type.
You must notify the immigration office of any change in address, employer, or family status within 30 days.
Overstaying or working outside permit conditions can lead to fines, permit revocation, or removal proceedings.

Travel within Schengen

With a valid Greece residence permit, you can:

Travel visa-free across the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Re-enter Greece using your residence permit card and passport.

For longer stays in other EU countries, separate national permits are required.

Summary

The Greece residence permit system offers multiple pathways—employment, study, family, investment, and remote work—for non-EU nationals to live and participate in Greek society. Applications must be made through local immigration offices with thorough documentation and timely renewals to maintain legal status.

Official Resources: