---
title: "Greece Independent means permit 2026: income €3,500+/mo needed"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/financially-independent-residence/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-11
---

Greece · Retire or live on savings

# Greece Independent means permit

**Income needed:** €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910

Type I.8 residence permit for persons with sufficient financial resources

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Income needed:** €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910 (Income of at least EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910) · Minimum for the main applicant, shown by a pension from abroad, bank account or proof of lawfully sourced own means; assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income. Income of at least EUR 700 a month (≈ $780) · Addition for a spouse or partner (20% of EUR 3,500). Income of at least EUR 525 a month (≈ $590) · Addition for each child (15% of EUR 3,500). A fee of EUR 1,000 (≈ $1,120) · Residence permit fee for type I.8; EUR 150 for holders of a pension from a Greek public insurer.)
- **First stay:** 3 yrs (Permit valid 3 years and renewable for equal periods while the conditions are met.)
- **Who can apply:** Most passports (Third-country nationals (citizens of non-EU states).)
- **Spouse work:** Can't work (Family members can obtain individual permits that expire with the sponsor's permit; the resources test can be met by each member or jointly for the household. Your spouse or partner may not work in Greece on this visa.)

## Key facts

Independent means permit is a retire or live on savings route for Greece. Applicants need income of €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910. You can stay 3 yrs, renewable. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

- **Money needed:** €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910
- **Government fees:** €1,000 ≈ $1,120
- **First stay:** 3 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fee €1,000 ≈ $1,120; income to show €3,500+/mo ≈ $3,910. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: €1,000 ≈ $1,120**

- EUR 1,000 (≈ $1,120) Residence permit fee for type I.8; EUR 150 (≈ $170) for holders of a pension from a Greek public insurer.

**Shown, not spent: €3,500+/mo ≈ $3,910 · +2 more**

- EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910) Minimum for the main applicant, shown by a pension from abroad, bank account or proof of lawfully sourced own means; assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income.
- EUR 700 a month (≈ $780) Addition for a spouse or partner (20% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)).
- EUR 525 a month (≈ $590) Addition for each child (15% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)).

**Renewal: Renewable**

Valid 3 years and renewable for equal periods while the income conditions are met.

[Taxheaven legal text repository](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/163)

**Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence**

Long-term resident status needs 5 years of continuous legal residence and income at least the annual minimum wage (plus 10% for dependants); absences under 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total are allowed.

[TaxHeaven](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/144)

**Citizenship: After 12 years of residence**

Naturalisation needs 12 continuous years of legal residence on a permit like this one, but only 7 years once you hold a long-term resident permit or another listed title, plus Greek language and history tests.

[Ministry of Interior, National Registry of Administrative Public Services](https://mitos.gov.gr/index.php/%CE%94%CE%94:%CE%A0%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%86%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B3%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%8E%CE%BD_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8E%CE%BD)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- The applicant is a third-country national.
- The applicant enters on a national visa.
- The applicant has stable resources covering living costs without dependent work or independent economic activity in Greece.

#### What you must show

- Net resources of at least EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910) per month for the main applicant.
- An addition of EUR 700 (≈ $780) per month for a spouse or partner (20%).
- An addition of EUR 525 (≈ $590) per month for each child (15%).
- Resources are assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income.

#### Documents

- A foreign pension, bank account or proof of own means shows the resources.
- The means must be lawfully sourced.

#### Steps

1. The decision is made by the Secretary General of the Decentralised Administration.

## What happens at day 183

How Greece decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **3 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in any 12-month period** Presence in Greece for more than 183 days in total makes a person tax resident from the first day of presence.
- **Foreign-source income:** Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, including foreign-source income, at progressive rates from 9% to 44% (scale applied from tax year 2026); residence follows the main home, habitual abode or centre of vital interests, or presence over 183 days.

[All tax rules for Greece](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026

**Full official text**

Third-country nationals entering on a national visa can obtain a 3-year renewable permit if they have stable annual income or resources and do not work in Greece. (sources 1, 2, 3)

#### What you must show and pay

- Income of at least EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910) · Minimum for the main applicant, shown by a pension from abroad, bank account or proof of lawfully sourced own means; assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income. (sources 1, 2)
- Income of at least EUR 700 a month (≈ $780) · Addition for a spouse or partner (20% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)). (source 2)
- Income of at least EUR 525 a month (≈ $590) · Addition for each child (15% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)). (source 2)
- A fee of EUR 1,000 (≈ $1,120) · Residence permit fee for type I.8; EUR 150 (≈ $170) for holders of a pension from a Greek public insurer. (source 1)

#### Requirements

- The applicant is a third-country national. (sources 1, 2)
- The applicant enters on a national visa. (sources 1, 2)
- The applicant has stable resources covering living costs without dependent work or independent economic activity in Greece. (sources 1, 2)
- Net resources of at least EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910) per month for the main applicant. (sources 1, 2)
- An addition of EUR 700 (≈ $780) per month for a spouse or partner (20%). (sources 1, 2)
- An addition of EUR 525 (≈ $590) per month for each child (15%). (sources 1, 2)
- Resources are assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income. (sources 1, 2)
- A foreign pension, bank account or proof of own means shows the resources. (sources 1, 2)
- The means must be lawfully sourced. (sources 1, 2)
- The decision is made by the Secretary General of the Decentralised Administration. (sources 1, 2)

#### Stay

- Permit valid 3 years and renewable for equal periods while the conditions are met.
- Initial permitted stay: 36 months.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

Third-country nationals (citizens of non-EU states). Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

#### Work

No dependent employment or independent economic activity in Greece for the holder, spouse or family members.

#### Family

Family members can obtain individual permits that expire with the sponsor's permit; the resources test can be met by each member or jointly for the household. Your spouse or partner may not work in Greece on this visa.

Checked 2026-10-11

## Official sources

1. [Law 5038/2023, Migration Code (Government Gazette A 81/01.04.2023)](https://ia37rg02wpsa01.blob.core.windows.net/fek/01/2023/20230100081.pdf) · Ethniko Typografeio (Government Gazette) · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2023-04-01
2. [Joint Ministerial Decision 225679/2024 on sufficient resources (Government Gazette B 5223/17.09.2024)](https://issu.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/uoa.gr/issu/uploads/yp-apofasi_225679_2024_GIA_YPSOS_KOSTOYS_DIABIOSIS_FEK_5223.pdf) · Hellenic Republic Government Gazette (copy hosted by University of Athens) · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2024-09-17
3. [Migration Code, art. 163 (other permits: I.5 Canada youth mobility, I.8 sufficient resources), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/163) · Taxheaven legal text repository (consolidated Migration Code, Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Migration Code, art. 144 (long-term resident status: conditions), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/144) · TaxHeaven (consolidated Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Migration Code, art. 143 (long-term resident status: scope), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/143) · TaxHeaven (consolidated Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Naturalisation of non-ethnic-Greek aliens (Politografisi Allogenon Allodapon)](https://mitos.gov.gr/index.php/%CE%94%CE%94:%CE%A0%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%86%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B3%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%8E%CE%BD_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8E%CE%BD) · Ministry of Interior, National Registry of Administrative Public Services (mitos.gov.gr) · checked 2026-10-11

## Independent means permit and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Independent means permit | Needs income of €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910 | 3 yr, renewable | – |
| [D7 passive income visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/retirement-own-income-visa/) Portugal | Needs income of €920+ a month ≈ $1,030 | 2 yr, renewable | – |
| [Non-lucrative visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/nonlucrative-residence/) Spain | Needs income of €2,400+ a month ≈ $2,680 | 1 yr, renewable | No |
| [Elective residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/elective-residence/) Italy | Needs income of €31k+ a year ≈ $35k | – | No |
| [Visitor card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/visitor-card/) France | Needs income of €1,478+ a month ≈ $1,650 | 1 yr, renewable | No |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Independent means permit?

Income of at least EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910). Minimum for the main applicant, shown by a pension from abroad, bank account or proof of lawfully sourced own means; assessed monthly for periodic income and annually for other income. Income of at least EUR 700 a month (≈ $780). Addition for a spouse or partner (20% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)). Income of at least EUR 525 a month (≈ $590). Addition for each child (15% of EUR 3,500 (≈ $3,910)). A fee of EUR 1,000 (≈ $1,120). Residence permit fee for type I.8; EUR 150 (≈ $170) for holders of a pension from a Greek public insurer.

### How long can I stay on the Independent means permit?

Permit valid 3 years and renewable for equal periods while the conditions are met.

### Can I work on the Independent means permit?

No dependent employment or independent economic activity in Greece for the holder, spouse or family members.

### Can I bring my family on the Independent means permit?

Family members can obtain individual permits that expire with the sponsor's permit; the resources test can be met by each member or jointly for the household.

### Who can apply for the Independent means permit?

Third-country nationals (citizens of non-EU states). Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia.

### Does the Independent means permit lead to permanent residence in Greece?

Time on the Independent means permit counts toward permanent residence in Greece, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Independent means permit counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 12 years of residence.

### How are Independent means permit holders taxed in Greece?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Independent means permit. The standard rules apply: Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, including foreign-source income, at progressive rates from 9% to 44% (scale applied from tax year 2026); residence follows the main home, habitual abode or centre of vital interests, or presence over 183 days.

## More in Greece

[Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-australia/) [Working Holiday · Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-canada/) [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/digital-nomad-visa-i8/) [Golden Visa · €350k mutual fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-mutual-fund/) [Golden Visa · €350k alt. fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-alternative-fund/) [Golden Visa · €500k REIC](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-reic/) [Golden Visa · €500k VC fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-venture-fund/) [Golden Visa · €500k gov bonds](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-govbonds/)

## Retirement and live-on-savings visas elsewhere

[🇨🇾 Retiree on foreign income](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cyprus/category-f-retirement/) [🇦🇱 Pensioner permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/albania/pensioner/) [🇲🇹 Retirement Programme](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/malta/retirement-programme/) [🇧🇬 Pensioner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/bulgaria/retirement-pensioner/) [🇦🇹 Financially independent permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/austria/settlement-no-gainful-employment/) [🇮🇪 Retirement / Stamp 0](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ireland/retirement-stamp-0/)

## Head to head

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Law 5038/2023, Migration Code (Government Gazette A 81/01.04.2023)](https://ia37rg02wpsa01.blob.core.windows.net/fek/01/2023/20230100081.pdf) · Ethniko Typografeio (Government Gazette) · checked 2026-10-11
2. [Joint Ministerial Decision 225679/2024 on sufficient resources (Government Gazette B 5223/17.09.2024)](https://issu.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/uoa.gr/issu/uploads/yp-apofasi_225679_2024_GIA_YPSOS_KOSTOYS_DIABIOSIS_FEK_5223.pdf) · Hellenic Republic Government Gazette (copy hosted by University of Athens) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Migration Code, art. 163 (other permits: I.5 Canada youth mobility, I.8 sufficient resources), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/163) · Taxheaven legal text repository (consolidated Migration Code, Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Migration Code, art. 144 (long-term resident status: conditions), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/144) · TaxHeaven (consolidated Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Migration Code, art. 143 (long-term resident status: scope), consolidated text](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5038/2023/arthro/143) · TaxHeaven (consolidated Law 5038/2023) · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Naturalisation of non-ethnic-Greek aliens (Politografisi Allogenon Allodapon)](https://mitos.gov.gr/index.php/%CE%94%CE%94:%CE%A0%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B9%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%AC%CF%86%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B3%CE%B5%CE%BD%CF%8E%CE%BD_%CE%91%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%B4%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8E%CE%BD) · Ministry of Interior, National Registry of Administrative Public Services (mitos.gov.gr) · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.