How Should You Plan Your Journey to Residence and Citizenship in Greece According to 2026?
Greece has become one of the most attractive routes for Turkish investors and professionals as it enters 2026, thanks to the EU passport, Mediterranean lifestyle, and relatively flexible investment conditions.
However, the path from short-term tourist visas to the Golden Visa; from there to permanent residence and citizenship consists of a seemingly complex multi-step process.
In this guide, based on the updated rules for 2025–2026; we systematically address all stages leading to short stays of up to 90 days, long-term D visa, residence permits, permanent residence, and finally Greek citizenship.
We will also clarify the new thresholds in the Golden Visa, the ETIAS application, and the critical differences between different residence categories.
1. Key Concepts: Visa, Residence Permit, Permanent Residence, Citizenship
To properly plan the system in Greece (and the EU in general), it is necessary to distinguish between four key concepts:
- Visa (Schengen C or National D): It is the permission to enter Greece and stay for a certain period. For short stays (tourism/business), a Schengen C visa is used, while for stays longer than 90 days, a National D visa is required.
- Residence permit: It is a card obtained after entering Greece, valid for 1–5 years. There are different categories such as work, family reunification, investment, digital nomad, etc.
- Permanent residence / EU long-term residence status: It is a long-term status that generally provides additional rights across the EU, obtained after at least 5 years of continuous legal residence (independent of the Golden Visa).
- Citizenship: It is the Greek passport and full EU citizenship. As a general rule, it requires at least 7 years of legal residence and meeting language/integration requirements.
2. Short Stay of Up to 90 Days: Schengen C Visa and 2026 ETIAS Requirement
2.1 Greek Schengen C Visa (Tourism / Business)
If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country and do not fall under the exemption, you typically need a Schengen C visa to visit Greece for tourism, business, or family visits.
This visa:
- Purpose: Tourism, business, fair, meeting, family/friend visit, etc.
- Duration of stay: Up to 90 days in every 180 days in the Schengen area.
- Validity: Single/double or multiple-entry visas can be issued for 1–5 years; however, the 90/180 rule always applies.
Typical application documents include:
- A passport issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after your return date
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Biometric photo (35×45 mm)
- Travel health insurance valid in all Schengen countries, with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental contract, invitation letter, etc.)
- Sufficient financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letter, etc.)
- Flight reservation / travel itinerary
2.2 ETIAS from 2026: New Requirement for Visa Exemptions
Citizens of countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia currently enter Schengen without a visa for short stays.
However, the EU will implement an electronic pre-authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for this group starting in 2026.
Key features of ETIAS:
- Who is it for? Citizens of countries that are normally visa-exempt for short stays in Schengen
- Duration: Stays for tourism/business/visits up to 90 days in 180 days
- Process: Fully online application, permission electronically linked to the passport after a security check
- Important note: If you already have a valid Schengen C or National D visa, you do not need to obtain ETIAS.
This regulation becomes critical for investors and professionals planning exploratory trips, saying, “I’ll see Greece first and then move.”
3. Stay Exceeding 90 Days: How Does the National D Visa (Long-Stay) Open the Door?
If you want to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, as a rule, you first need to obtain a National D (long-stay) visa, and then apply for a residence permit after entering the country.
D-type national visas are used for:
- University education, Erasmus, research
- Employment (work visa), seasonal work, EU Blue Card
- Family reunification
- Financially Independent Person (FIP)
- Digital Nomad visa
- Investor / Golden Visa and other investment-based statuses
The visa procedure and required documents are detailed by category on the official visa page of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The D visa acts as a “ticket to enter Greece”; the actual long-term rights are determined by the residence card.
4. Main Paths to Residence in Greece (2026 Perspective)
4.1 Financially Independent Person (FIP) Residence
Greece offers a Financially Independent Person (FIP) residence permit for those who wish to live without having to work, relying on passive income or savings.
This route is quite suitable for retirees and individuals with high rental/dividend income.
Basic conditions (there may be slight variations by consulate):
- Regular passive income: Must demonstrate an income of approximately €3,500 per month or equivalent annual income; this amount increases for family members.
- Alternatively, must document at least €48,000 in savings (some consulates look for a combination of income + savings).
- Condition of not working in Greece (you can manage your own assets but cannot be employed by a local employer).
- Initial residence duration: Generally 3 years, renewable thereafter.
General residence conditions:
- Must be over 18 years old
- Must have private health insurance that meets public standards in Greece
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or title deed)
- Clean criminal record
- Obtain a Greek tax number (AFM)
FIP offers a more flexible option with lower entry costs compared to the Golden Visa for those who say, “I want to live in Greece but not work.”
4.2 Digital Nomad Visa and Residence Permit
Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa and associated residence permit for remote working professionals.
The main principle: Your income must come from outside Greece, and you will not work for a Greek company.
Typical conditions:
- Remote work for an employer abroad or freelance/company income serving clients abroad
- Net monthly income of at least €3,500 (increases with family members)
- Must not be employed by a local employer in Greece
This route is particularly appealing for knowledge workers and entrepreneurs who want to “live flexibly within the EU by optimizing tax residency.”
When structured correctly, a setup can be established that optimizes your tax burden in both Turkey and Greece.
4.3 Residence through Family Reunification
Family reunification with a Greek citizen or a spouse or parent who has legal residence in Greece is the most natural and fastest route for many.
In this context:
- Spouse and children under 18; in most cases, children aged 21–24 who are in education
- Parents in need of care under certain conditions
A national visa and then a residence card are granted for this purpose.
Basic principles:
- The sponsor must have a regular income sufficient to support family members (guides indicate an initial reference of around €7,000 per year; this increases depending on status).
- The residence must be suitable for the family size
- Documents proving the authenticity of the marriage/relationship
Residence obtained through family reunification generally counts towards both 5 years of permanent residence and 7 years of citizenship duration.
4.4 Work and Seasonal Work Visas
EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Greece without needing a visa; only local registration requirements apply for long stays.
For non-EU citizens, generally:
- A job offer / employment contract from a Greek employer
- A national work visa obtained based on this contract and subsequently a work residence permit
are required.
Seasonal work visas are often issued for 90–180 days.
There are Working Holiday Visa agreements with some countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand); these visas are generally:
- For applicants aged 18–30
- Subject to proof of approximately €3,000 in starting funds, return ticket or equivalent money, health insurance, and clean criminal record
- Generally valid for 12 months and non-renewable
are arranged.
5. Golden Visa 2026: Increased Thresholds, Regional Differences
The Greece Golden Visa Program is the most well-known route offering residency in exchange for investment.
However, during the 2024–2026 period, especially in real estate investments, thresholds have significantly increased and regional differences have emerged.
5.1 Investment Options and New Amounts
For many years, the standard real estate investment for the Golden Visa was defined as at least €250,000.
With new regulations (e.g., Law 5100/2024), the situation as we enter 2026 is roughly as follows:
- High-demand areas (e.g., central Athens, certain districts of Thessaloniki, tourist islands):
- Real estate investment of at least €800,000
- Other areas:
- Real estate investment of at least €400,000
- Limited transition period: There are still exceptional cases that remain around €250,000 under certain conditions; however, as of 2026, the default entry level is not €250,000.
Some general guides still use the phrase “€250,000+ real estate or €400,000+ business investment for 5 years of residence.”
However, when planning your investment, you should base it on the current regional threshold.
Alternative investments (amounts are generally €400,000 and above):
- Investment in Greek company capital
- Greek government bonds or bank deposits
- Approved investment funds, REITs
Key parameters of Golden Visa residence:
- Validity period: Generally 5 years
- Renewal: Can be renewed every 5 years as long as you maintain the investment
- No minimum stay requirement: That is, you can renew your card simply by maintaining your investment.
- Family coverage: Spouse, minor children, and in most cases, dependent parents can be included.
5.2 Main Advantages of Golden Visa
- Right to live in Greece: You can settle and reside in Greece as you wish.
- Schengen free movement: Short travel to other Schengen countries without a visa, adhering to the 90/180 rule.
- Access to public health and education systems: Under similar conditions as local residents.
- Business and investment flexibility: You can establish, operate a company, and create a real estate portfolio (some positions may also require a work permit).
However, the Golden Visa does not automatically mean citizenship by itself; additional planning for actual residence, tax, and language aspects is required for citizenship.
6. After 5 Years: Permanent Residence (EU Long-Term Resident) Status
Many third-country nationals who have completed at least 5 years of continuous and legal residence in Greece can apply for the EU’s “long-term resident” status (EU Long-Term Resident).
This status:
- Provides a stronger and longer-term residence right.
- Is evaluated independently of the initially obtained residence cards.
- Can facilitate moving and working in other EU countries (varies according to each country’s domestic law).
It is important not to neglect this step when the 5 years are completed, especially for those genuinely living in Greece under statuses such as family reunification, work, or FIP.
7. Greek Citizenship: 7 Years and Beyond
Transitioning to Greek citizenship means obtaining an EU passport and full EU citizenship. The general framework:
- At least 7 years of legal residence (can be reduced to 3 years in some exceptions; e.g., marriage to a Greek citizen, exceptional contributions, etc.)
- Greek language proficiency: Generally requires an A2 level language exam
- Integration criteria: Basic knowledge of Greek history, culture, and social structure
- Clean criminal record and regular income
The process generally includes:
- Documenting 7 years of residence and tax records
- Starting the application through your local authority or authorized Greek representations (if you are abroad)
- Participating in language and citizenship exams
- After approval, taking an oath and applying for citizenship certificate and passport
Remember: It is not possible to obtain citizenship solely by investing with a Golden Visa without ever living in Greece.
If you aim for citizenship, you need to plan for actual residence, tax residency, and social integration.
7.1 Citizenship by Descent
If your mother, father, or in some cases grandmother/grandfather was born in Greece, you may have the possibility of obtaining citizenship through bloodline (jus sanguinis).
In this case:
- Birth/marriage records are obtained from Greek archives.
- The process is conducted through Greek consulates abroad.
- The long-term residence requirement may not be sought.
8. Cost, Tax, and Strategic Planning Dimension
The decision to move to or invest in Greece should be considered not only in terms of immigration law but also in conjunction with tax, corporate structuring, and family planning dimensions.
For example:
- Golden Visa:
- Investment amount: €400,000–€800,000+ depending on the region
- Title deed tax, notary, lawyer, and consultancy fees at the time of purchase
- Annual property taxes and maintenance costs
- FIP or Digital Nomad:
- Sustainability of monthly income criteria
- Management of double taxation risk between Turkey and Greece
When the right structure is established:
- You can open up to the EU market with the company you establish in Greece,
- You can employ staff in Greece or other EU countries using the Payroll / EOR (Employer of Record) model,
- You can legally optimize your tax and social security burdens with the “Posted worker” model.
9. How Can You Strengthen Your Strategy for Greece with Corpenza?
The decision to move individually, immigrate as a family, establish a company, or obtain a Golden Visa through investment brings a multi-layered process that spans from visas to tax residency, payroll to cross-border staffing in the EU.
As Corpenza, we provide comprehensive support in:
- Company establishment (in Greece and other EU countries),
- International accounting, tax compliance, and reporting,
- Payroll / EOR and posted worker models for cross-border staffing,
- Structuring investment and residency and citizenship strategies
For example:
- You can plan to establish a company in Greece along with Golden Visa or Digital Nomad status,
- You can transport the staff of Turkish companies wishing to grow in the EU to Europe through Greece using tax-optimized posted worker models,
- You can manage obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM), local accounting, and payroll processes from a single source.
Thus, your immigration and investment decision transforms not just into a residence card but also into a sustainable business and living strategy on an EU scale.
10. Conclusion: Clarify Your Roadmap While Preparing for 2026
As we enter 2026, Greece:
- Maintains its prominent position as a country for investors with increased Golden Visa thresholds but still strong EU access,
- Offers FIP and Digital Nomad visas for professionals and retirees,
- Provides family reunification and education opportunities for families.
For a successful strategy:
- First, clarify your goal: Is it just residence, or citizenship in the long term?
- Select the route that suits this goal: Golden Visa, FIP, Digital Nomad, family reunification, work, etc.
- Consider visa, residence, tax, and corporate steps as a single integrated plan.
Disclaimer
This text is a general guide prepared based on publicly available information for the 2025–2026 period.
It does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice.
Since immigration and investment regulations change frequently, we recommend that you check current official sources (e.g., the official visa page of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and seek professional advice specific to your situation before applying.
