Our lawyers can help with the Retirement Visa process in Greece.
Greece does not have any specific retirement visa, but there’s a few options that can fit individuals who want to retire in Greece. If you are able to purchase a property of more than 250,000€ ($271,000), and in some cases more than 500,000€ ($543,000) (depending on the location you purchase the property), then we recommend you the Golden Visa. Click here to know more about the Greek Golden Visa.
However, if you don’t want to purchase a property, but you have passive income to support yourself, then the best option is the Finantial Independent Person (FIP) Visa. Let’s learn more about this retirement option.
The FIP Residency Program addresses citizens of non-EU countries who want to reside and retire in Greece, and have sufficient passive income to support themselves, in the form of a stable annual income (2,000€ monthly passive income, or have at least €48,000 savings in the bank account) to cover their living expenses during their stay.
The FIP residency permit is issued for a period of 2 years. It can be extended, on the condition that the holder of the residency permit maintains his/ her income.
The candidate becomes eligible for permanent residency in Greece after five years of temporary residency, and after seven years (and subject to integration in Greece, which involves, among other things, proficiency in Greek), the applicant becomes qualified to apply for citizenship.
Applicants must be physically present in Greece for at least half the year (183 days) to maintain their residency status, at which point they also become tax residents.
The main applicant is required to provide evidence of a guaranteed monthly passive income, such as the balance of his bank accounts, dividend checks, retirement annuities, etc. The main applicant must have a minimum monthly passive income of €2,000, or at least €48,000 in bank account savings.
Salary income does not apply for this Visa, however, Greece also has the Digital Nomad Visa for those remote workers or freelancers that want to live in Greece working remotely.
Also, if you apply with your family, you will also need:
Although this program has very rigorous requirements, the advantages of having a Greek residence are quite extraordinary. Having a FIP Retirement Visa for Greece has the following advantages:
We offer a wide range of services for investors at Lexidy. Our skilled and committed team has years of experience in legal counsel, management, real estate, conveyancing, new visas, immigration challenges, residence, and investment opportunities for investors with a global perspective.
If you are thinking to apply for the FIP Retirement Visa in Greece, contact us for a free consultation of your case and our expert lawyers will help you with anything you need!
You will need to collect the paperwork to support the application. This includes marriage and birth certificates if your family is joining you, as well as proof that you can support your lifestyle. These documents may need to be certified and officially translated.
The applicant must apply for Visa D by appearing in person at their Greek Consulate in their home country or where they legally reside. Visa D is a long-term visa and is the first permit needed to get a retirement visa. You will be interviewed by the immigration officials during this step.
Once the application is approved, you will be granted a visa that allows you to travel to Greece. It usually takes 10 days to get a Greek visa. The entry visa is valid for one year.
Once you have the entry visa and have entered Greece, you must apply for a Residence Permit with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. To get the Residence Permit, you will need to provide some biometric data. Your submission will be confirmed with a “blue certificate”, which allows you to travel to and from Greece. The residence permit is usually approved within two months.
Some clients struggle with the language barrier, so Lexidy’s immigration attorneys can accompany you to the appointment.
The process to renew the visa is relatively simple. The main requirements are:
The permit is renewed for two-year periods and you can work with our immigration attorneys to maintain your status.
Our law firm has helped numerous clients successfully apply for a FIP Retirement Visa and start their new lives in Greece.
A lawyer can assist you with the Retirement Visa in Greece (also known as the Financially Independent Person visa) by:
Ensuring eligibility: A lawyer will review your financial situation to confirm you meet the requirement of having sufficient passive income, such as pensions or savings, to support yourself without working in Greece.
Document preparation: They can guide you in preparing the necessary paperwork, such as proof of income, accommodation in Greece, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Application submission: A lawyer will ensure your retirement visa application is accurately completed and submitted to the relevant Greek authorities, reducing the chance of delays or errors.
Appealing rejections: If your application is denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision, address any issues, and increase your chances of approval.
Ongoing legal support: They will assist with the renewal of your visa and provide advice on maintaining your residency status, as well as help you transition to long-term residency if desired.
If you’d like, we can discuss your specific situation in more detail to help you through the process.
As in order to get the FIP Retirement Visa you will have to reside in Greece for at least 183 days, you will become tax resident in Greece, which means you will have to pay taxes here. Contact us now and our lawyers can help you with the exact taxes you will have to pay depending on your case.
No, this visa grants you the right to reside in Greece without having to work, as you will be able to mantain yourself with the passive income. Actually, it is the opposite, you will not be able to work with this Visa.
Your partner or children can apply with you. You must show that you can financially support them. You will need to provide extra paperwork such as marriage or birth certificates.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
Yes, however, you will have to prove economic dependence and single status. Your children must also be enrolled at a university or academy.
Yes, you will have to be phisically in Greece for at least 6 months (183 days) each year.
As everything, it has the pros but also some inconvenients, like:
It’s not required, but it’s always recommended to consult a professional. At Lexidy we can help you will all the process of getting the FIP Visa in Greece.