If you are contemplating life, work, or real estate purchase in Greece, you have surely encountered a plethora of information, diverse interpretations, and complex experiences. In this text, the most important procedures, realistic possibilities, and limitations are succinctly explained - based on personal experience and current rules in Greece.
The text will help you gain a clear picture of what is and what is not possible, as well as the realistic options available to our people.

Who can obtain papers in Greece? (basic paths)

The most common grounds for obtaining Greek papers are:

  • marriage to a Greek citizen
  • cohabitation agreement
  • studies
  • family reunification
  • exceptional reasons (sports, science, etc. - very rarely applicable)

There is also the possibility of extending existing permits if the person was employed at the time of losing the basis (e.g. divorce) and can prove a minimum of 100 days of work experience per year.
The same applies to students who manage to find a job after their studies.

How long do permits last and what rights do they grant?

  • Marriage-based permits
      The first one lasts for 5 years, followed by a 10-year one which is considered permanent.
  • Student permits
      They are renewed more often and allow only part-time work.
  • All other permits (except student and ten-year ones) automatically grant the right to work.
  • Ten-year permit
      It also allows for starting a business.

Is it possible to obtain a work permit through an employer?

This way of obtaining a permit exists in theory but in practice - almost never.
A foreigner from a non-EU country can obtain a work permit only if:

  1. the employer reports the need for a worker to the labor office
  2. no Greek or foreigner who already legally resides in Greece is available
  3. the employer agrees to go through a long, expensive, and complicated process

Realistically, employers avoid this.
Attempts usually end in rejection, even with lawyers and good recommendations.
The only jobs where there is a chance are seasonal, more physically demanding jobs: livestock farming and agriculture, which our people rarely want to do, so there are many Albanians in these sectors.
Also, some people apply for political asylum, but it is only a temporary solution until a negative decision is made.

Experience: “I went through the procedure with my brother, had a lawyer who is a district commissioner in the area of Halkidiki (I intentionally hired her), and it didn’t work out.” (Ivana Stanojević)

Golden Visa - buying real estate as a basis for residency

Residency permit can also be obtained by purchasing a Golden Visa. The minimum amounts are around 500,000 euros for real estate, and you can read the details in our text here. The Golden Visa allows citizens of third countries (and their family members) to obtain a residence permit in Greece. It is issued for a period of five years, with the possibility of renewal as long as the property is owned. However, the Golden Visa only allows residence but not work in Greece.

Owners of cheaper properties (below that amount) have the right to stay in Greece for up to 180 days per year.
If you are interested in the topic of buying real estate in Greece, you can read more here, and experiences and recommendations of our people here.

Rights of citizens who are EU nationals

Our citizens with a passport from an EU country can obtain a residence and work permit in Greece through a much simpler procedure.

Residence and work visa in Greece for digital nomads

In 2021, Greece adopted Law 4825⁄2021, which allows remote workers from outside the EU to legally reside and work from Greece. This visa allows a stay of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension in the form of a residence permit (Digital Nomad Residence Permit) for an additional two years, with the right to extend every 2 years.

Important: this visa does not allow employment with Greek companies. Work must be for an employer or clients outside Greece.

Greek citizenship - conditions and reality

Anyone who:

  • has been living in Greece for 7 years, continuously
  • or has a child with a Greek citizen (then the requirement is 3 years)

has the right to apply for citizenship.
The fee is 700 euros and is non-refundable, but rejections are not common.
The biggest problem is the waiting time: at least 5 years, often longer.
Citizenship is necessary only in certain cases:

  • working in the public sector
  • voting rights
  • applying for EU grants, donations, certain programs
  • travel where Greeks have special privileges

For the everyday life of most people, it is not crucial.

FAQ - frequently asked questions about residency and real estate in Greece

Can I work in Greece without papers?

No. A work permit is practically not obtained without grounds such as marriage, studies, family reunification.

Does buying a cheaper apartment grant a residence permit?

Unfortunately no. A residence permit is only obtained for the purchase of real estate over 500,001 €.

How much is the annual tax on an apartment?

Mostly 200-500 €, depending on many parameters.

How long does the citizenship procedure take?

At least 5 years, sometimes longer.

Does a student permit allow full-time work?

No. Only part-time work is allowed.

Explore the complete process of buying property in Greece through our detailed guides:

Buying Property in Greece – a clear, step-by-step introduction to the entire process, including taxes, costs and ownership obligations.
Buying an Apartment or House by the Sea in Greece – Real Experiences – real buyer stories, practical examples and advice based on first-hand experience.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Property in Greece? – an analysis of the most popular regions, with recommendations based on budget and intended use.
Buying Real Estate Near Thessaloniki - Tips and Recommendations - a practical guide to the most attractive areas around Thessaloniki
Greek Golden Visa – a complete guide to the investment requirements, application process and benefits of the Golden Visa program.
Working from Greece: A Guide for Digital Nomads – a detailed overview of residence and visa options for digital nomads who want to live and work in Greece.

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Internet as soon as you cross the border

You can have Internet as soon as you cross the border by purchasing our Nikana eSIM card here: https://nikana-esim.com/
Setting up is very simple, via a barcode in a few seconds you will have internet on your phone for any country in the world.
Detailed instructions, how to check if your phone supports eSIM and answers to all questions can be found here: Nikana ESIM internet

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