--- title: "Moving to Greece 2026: visas, requirements and tax" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- The Acropolis of Athens lit up at night # Moving to Greece 35 ways to move to Greece in our guide: 2 working holiday visas, 1 nomad / remote-work visa, 18 investor routes, 1 pay-to-stay route, 1 business / startup route, 7 work visas, 1 student visa, 2 routes by nationality or ancestry, 2 spouse visas. Remote workers: [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/digital-nomad-visa-i8/), €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910. Smallest investment: [Golden Visa · €250k conversion](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-change-of-use/), €250k+ ≈ $279k. Checked against official sources on 12 October 2026. **Nomad visa: income needed:** **€3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910** Digital nomad visa **Smallest investment needed:** **€250k+ ≈ $279k** Golden Visa · €250k conversion **Longest first stay:** **5 years** Golden Visa · €350k mutual fund Greece offers a range of residence routes for people who can invest, work remotely, or live on their own resources. The Golden Visa programme is built around qualifying investments, while the Digital Nomad visa is for remote workers with foreign employers or clients. Investors seeking a residence permit through a qualifying investment Remote employees and freelancers with non-Greek employers or clients People who want a base in Greece while keeping foreign-source income sources Families looking to relocate together, where the route allows dependants ## Working holiday · 2 ### Working Holiday - [Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-australia/) - [Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-canada/) ## Nomad / Remote work · 1 ### [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/digital-nomad-visa-i8/) **Income needed:** €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910 Stay 1 yr, renewable Remote work only Needs money in the bank [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/digital-nomad-visa-i8/) ## Investing · 18 ### Golden Visa - [€350k mutual fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-mutual-fund/) - [€350k alt. fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-alternative-fund/) - [€500k REIC](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-reic/) - [€500k VC fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-venture-fund/) - [€500k gov bonds](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-govbonds/) - [€500k company](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-capital-contribution/) - [€500k deposit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-term-deposit/) - [€800k stocks](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-listed-securities/) - [€250k conversion](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-change-of-use/) - [€400k property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-real-estate-400k/) - [€800k property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-real-estate-800k/) - [€250k heritage](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-listed-building/) - [€800k timeshare](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-timeshare-lease/) - [Heir of property Needs assets from €400k ≈ $447k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-inherited-property/) - [€400k timeshare](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/golden-visa-timeshare-lease-400k/) - [€250k start-up](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/startup-investment-b6/) ### [Strategic investor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/strategic-investor-b1/) **Investment needed:** from €20M ≈ $22.3M Stay 5 yrs, renewable [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/strategic-investor-b1/) ### [Company shareholder permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-shareholder-b3/) **Investment needed:** €500k+ ≈ $559k Stay 5 yrs, renewable [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-shareholder-b3/) ## Retire or live on savings · 1 ### [Independent means permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/financially-independent-residence/) **Income needed:** €3,500+ a month ≈ $3,910 Stay 3 yrs, renewable Needs money in the bank Retirement [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/financially-independent-residence/) ## Business / Startup · 1 ### [Business investor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/business-investment-b2/) **Investment needed:** €500k+ ≈ $559k Stay 5 yrs, renewable [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/business-investment-b2/) ## Work · 7 - [Large-company director permit **Assets needed:** €4M+ ≈ $4.5M](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/company-executive-b3/) - [Blue Card **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/blue-card-e1/) - [Intra-company transfer **First stay:** 1 yr](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/intra-company-transfer-e2/) - [Researcher permit –](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/researcher-h3/) - [Work permit **First stay:** 3 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/employment-e4/) - [Seasonal worker permit **First stay:** 5 yrs](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/seasonal-worker-e5/) - [Tech Visa **First stay:** 1 yr](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tech-visa-z13a/) ## Student · 1 ### [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/study-h1/) Can work: limited Needs health cover [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/study-h1/) ## For your nationality or ancestry · 2 Open only to citizens of certain countries or to people with family roots here. Unlike free movement, each needs an application. ### [Greek citizenship by descent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-by-descent/) [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-by-descent/) ### [Greek expatriate naturalisation](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-expatriate-naturalisation/) [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-expatriate-naturalisation/) ## Spouse visas · 2 For people married to, or in a partnership with, a citizen or permanent resident. ### [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) **First stay:** 5 yrs Can work: yes [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) ### [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/family-reunification/) Needs health cover [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/family-reunification/) **Free movement and visa-free stays · 1** - **[EU free movement](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/free-movement-eu/)** · Lets you live here Open to 31 passports: [Austria](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/austria/), [Belgium](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/belgium/), [Bulgaria](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/bulgaria/), [Croatia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/croatia/), [Cyprus](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/cyprus/), [Czechia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/czechia/), [Denmark](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/denmark/), [Estonia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/estonia/), [Finland](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/finland/), [France](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/france/), [Germany](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/germany/), [Greece](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/greece/), [Hungary](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/hungary/), [Iceland](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/iceland/), [Ireland](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/ireland/), [Italy](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/italy/), [Latvia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/latvia/), [Liechtenstein](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/liechtenstein/), [Lithuania](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/lithuania/), [Luxembourg](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/luxembourg/), [Malta](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/malta/), [Netherlands](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/netherlands/), [Norway](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/norway/), [Poland](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/poland/), [Portugal](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/portugal/), [Romania](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/romania/), [Slovakia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/slovakia/), [Slovenia](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/slovenia/), [Spain](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/spain/), [Sweden](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/sweden/), [Switzerland](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/switzerland/). [Where each passport can live without a visa →](https://settleanywhere.com/passports/) ## Tax Greek tax residence generally follows your permanent or principal home, habitual abode, centre of vital interests, or presence over the stated day count. Residents are taxed on worldwide income, with treaty rules applied where relevant. Special regimes exist for new residents, high-net-worth individuals and foreign pensioners, each with its own conditions and treatment of foreign-source income. Special regime ### [Article 5C special taxation for new tax residents (employment or individual business)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/#tax-gr-article-5c-new-resident) Tax relief **Details** - On: 50% of income from employment - Who: Not Greek tax resident in five of the six years before moving tax residence to Greece New Greek tax residents who take up employment in Greece or start an individual business there pay no income tax on 50% of that Greek-source income for up to seven tax years. #### Taxed on 50% of income from employment (with a Greek entity or a Greek permanent establishment of a foreign business) or from individual business activity arising in Greece; the exemption covers income tax and the solidarity contribution. Foreign-source income is not covered and follows the ordinary rules. #### Who it applies to - Not Greek tax resident in five of the six years before moving tax residence to Greece. - Moves tax residence from an EU or EEA state or a state with a tax administrative-cooperation agreement with Greece. - Employment is performed in Greece for a Greek legal entity or the Greek permanent establishment of a foreign business, or the person starts an individual business in Greece. - Declares an intention to stay in Greece for at least two years. - Applies to the tax administration: for starts up to 2 July the same year the application is filed by the end of that year (or the next), and for later starts by the end of the following year. #### Exclusions - Applies to the tax years from the one for which the application is filed, for seven tax years in total, with no extension. - Ceases from the first year in which the employment or residence conditions are no longer met. - Employment income from a foreign employer and other foreign-source income are outside the regime. #### Days in the country - 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 (art. 4(2) ITC); the exception applies to stays of up to 365 days solely for tourism, medical or similar private purposes. #### Tax residence Tax residence follows the permanent or main home, habitual abode or centre of vital interests; presence over 183 days in any 12 months makes a person resident from the first day. #### Visas Separate from immigration status: a digital nomad or other permit does not by itself qualify, because the income must come from Greek employment or business activity. #### Other taxes Covers income tax and the solidarity contribution only; VAT and social insurance contributions are outside the regime. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/) Special regime ### [Article 5A alternative taxation for high-net-worth individuals (EUR 100,000 annual lump sum)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/#tax-gr-article-5a-lump-sum) Tax relief Foreign-source income: Flat lump sum EUR 100,000 **Details** - Who: Not Greek tax resident in seven of the eight years before moving tax residence to Greece - Limit: €100k/yr ≈ $112k New Greek tax residents who invest at least EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) in Greece (or hold a Greek investor residence permit) pay a flat EUR 100,000 (≈ $112,000) a year on foreign-source income for up to 15 tax years, plus EUR 20,000 (≈ $22,300) a year per included relative. #### Taxed on Foreign-source income of the individual: an annual lump sum of EUR 100,000 (≈ $112,000) regardless of the amount earned abroad. Greek-source income is taxed under the general rules. #### Who it applies to - Not Greek tax resident in seven of the eight years before moving tax residence to Greece. - Invests EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) or more in Greek real estate, businesses, transferable securities or shares in Greek-seated entities, personally, through a relative or through a majority-owned entity, completed within three years of the application; not required for holders of an investor residence permit under art. 16 of Law 4251/2014. - Applies to the tax administration, with proof that the minimum investment amount was transferred to an account at a financial institution in Greece; relatives can be added for EUR 20,000 (≈ $22,300) a year each. #### Exclusions - Greek-source income is taxed under the general provisions. - Lapses and the person is taxed on worldwide income if the full lump sum is not paid in a year, or if the investment is found incomplete after three years; at least EUR 100,000 (≈ $112,000) a year stays payable for those years. #### Limits - EUR 100,000 a year (≈ $112,000) · Lump-sum tax on foreign-source income for the main beneficiary - EUR 20,000 a year (≈ $22,300) · Lump-sum tax per included relative - EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) · Minimum investment in Greece #### Tax residence Requires transfer of tax residence to Greece; applies from the first tax year of the application and ends after 15 tax years with no extension. #### Visas Separate from the visa: the EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) investment can overlap with an investor-permit investment, and holders of an investor residence permit are exempt from the investment test, but the tax status needs its own application to the tax administration. #### Other taxes Payment of the lump sum settles all Greek tax on foreign-source income and exempts the beneficiary from Greek inheritance and gift tax on foreign-situated movable property received or passed on by succession or gift; the tax is paid in one instalment by the last working day of December. VAT, social insurance and Greek-source income follow ordinary rules. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/) Special regime ### [Article 5B alternative taxation of foreign-source income (7% flat rate for foreign pensioners)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/#tax-gr-article-5b-pensioners-7pct) 7% tax Foreign-source income: 7% flat on foreign-source income **Details** - Who: Beneficiary of pension income arising abroad Recipients of a pension arising abroad who move tax residence to Greece pay a flat 7% a year on all foreign-source income for 15 tax years. #### Taxed on All income arising abroad of a beneficiary of foreign-source pension income, taxed separately at 7% a year in one instalment by the last working day of December; this settles Greek tax on that income. #### Who it applies to - Beneficiary of pension income arising abroad. - Not Greek tax resident in five of the six years before moving tax residence to Greece. - Moves tax residence from a state that has a tax administrative-cooperation agreement in force with Greece. - Applies to the tax administration; the regime starts from the next tax year after the application and runs for 15 tax years. #### Exclusions - Ends from the year the 7% tax is not paid in full; the person is then taxed on worldwide income under the general rules. - Greek-source income is taxed under the general provisions. #### Tax residence Requires transfer of tax residence to Greece; runs 15 tax years from the next tax year after the application. #### Visas Not a visa: a residence permit such as type I.8 is needed separately. #### Other taxes Greek-source income, VAT and social insurance contributions follow ordinary rules; the regime does not override double tax treaties ratified by Greece. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/) Standard rules ### [Greek tax residence and ordinary income tax scale](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/#tax-gr-tax-residence-ordinary) Progressive rates **Details** - On: Worldwide income of tax residents - Limit: €10k/yr ≈ $11k 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. #### Taxed on Worldwide income of tax residents; Greek-source income of non-residents. From tax year 2026 (Law 5246/2025), employment, pension and business income is taxed on the scale: 9% up to EUR 10,000 (≈ $11,200); 20% to EUR 20,000 (≈ $22,300); 26% to EUR 30,000 (≈ $33,500); 34% to EUR 40,000 (≈ $44,700); 39% to EUR 60,000 (≈ $67,000); 44% above EUR 60,000 (≈ $67,000). The 20% band falls to 18%, 16% or 9% with one, two or three dependent children, and the first two bands are 0% with four or more; the 26% band falls to 24%, 22%, 20% or 18% with one, two, three or four dependent children, and by 2 more points for each further child; for income up to EUR 20,000 (≈ $22,300) the first two bands are 0% up to age 25 and 9% at ages 26 to 30. #### Who it applies to - A person is tax resident with a permanent or main home, habitual abode or centre of vital interests in Greece, or when present for more than 183 days in total in any 12 months. #### Limits - EUR 10,000 a year (≈ $11,200) · Upper limit of the 9% band - EUR 20,000 a year (≈ $22,300) · Upper limit of the 20% band - EUR 30,000 a year (≈ $33,500) · Upper limit of the 26% band - EUR 40,000 a year (≈ $44,700) · Upper limit of the 34% band - EUR 60,000 a year (≈ $67,000) · Upper limit of the 39% band; 44% applies above this level #### Days in the country - 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. #### Tax residence Presence of more than 183 days in total in any 12-month period makes a person resident from the first day, except for stays of up to 365 days solely for tourism, medical or similar private purposes. #### Visas Immigration status does not itself decide tax residence. #### Other taxes Foreign tax paid on foreign-source income is credited up to the Greek tax on that income. VAT and social insurance contributions are separate. Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/tax/) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) **Switch to later · 1** Work ### [Post-study job search](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/post-study-search-year/) **First stay:** 1 yr Needs money in the bank [Details](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/post-study-search-year/) **Path to permanent residence · 2** - **Citizenship** · Greek citizenship by descent through registration in the municipal rolls (Code of Greek Citizenship, Law 3284/2004) - **Citizenship** · Naturalisation of expatriates of Greek origin living abroad (Article 10 of Law 3284/2004) ## Arriving in Greece: first steps 1. Arrange health cover that meets the requirements for your route before or soon after arrival. 2. Register your address with the relevant Greek authorities once you have a permanent place to stay. 3. Keep evidence of your income, investment or remote-work arrangements ready for permit applications and renewals. 4. For family members, confirm their permit conditions and any restrictions on work or economic activity before they arrive. ## Questions people ask ### Does Greece have a working holiday visa? Yes. Greece has 2 working holiday visas. [Working Holiday · Australia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-australia/) is for ages 18 to 30 and gives a first stay of 1 year. [Working Holiday · Canada](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/working-holiday-canada/) is for ages 18 to 35 and gives a first stay of 1 year. ### What is the Greece digital nomad visa income requirement in 2026? Greece has 1 nomad or remote-work visa. [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/digital-nomad-visa-i8/) asks for an income of at least EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910) and gives a first stay of 1 year that can be renewed. ### How much do you need to invest for residency in Greece? Greece has 18 investor routes. [Golden Visa · €350k mutual fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-mutual-fund/) asks for an investment of at least EUR 350,000 (≈ $391,000) and gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. [Golden Visa · €350k alt. fund](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-alternative-fund/) asks for an investment of at least EUR 350,000 (≈ $391,000) and gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. [Golden Visa · €500k REIC](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/fin-reic/) asks for an investment of at least EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) and gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. ### Can I retire or live in Greece on my savings or pension? Greece has 1 retirement or pay-to-stay route. [Independent means permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/financially-independent-residence/) asks for an income of at least EUR 3,500 a month (≈ $3,910) and gives a first stay of 3 years that can be renewed. ### Can I move to Greece by starting a business? Greece has 1 business or startup route. [Business investor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/business-investment-b2/) asks for an investment of at least EUR 500,000 (≈ $559,000) and gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. ### What work visas does Greece offer foreigners? Greece has 7 work visas. [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/blue-card-e1/) gives a first stay of 3 years that can be renewed. [Intra-company transfer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/intra-company-transfer-e2/) gives a first stay of 1 year that can be renewed. There is also [Researcher permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/researcher-h3/). ### How do I get a student visa for Greece? Greece has 1 student visa. It is [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/study-h1/). ### Can my nationality or ancestry give me residence in Greece? Yes. Greece has 2 routes by nationality or ancestry. There is also [Greek citizenship by descent](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-by-descent/) and [Greek expatriate naturalisation](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/citizenship-expatriate-naturalisation/). ### Can I join my spouse or partner in Greece? Yes. Greece has 2 spouse visas. [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) gives a first stay of 5 years that can be renewed. There is also [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/family-reunification/). ## Compare with [🇵🇹 Portugal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/) [🇪🇸 Spain](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/) [🇬🇪 Georgia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/) [🇮🇹 Italy](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/) [🇩🇪 Germany](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/) [🇫🇷 France](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/) [🇬🇧 United Kingdom](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/) [🇳🇱 Netherlands](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. **Sources (2)** ## Official sources 1. [Law 5275/2026 (Government Gazette A 17/06.02.2026): legal migration policies, amendments to the Migration Code](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5275/2026) · Taxheaven legal text repository (Law 5275/2026) · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-02-06 2. [Law 5275/2026, art. 25, adding art. 79C (Talent Visa, type Z.15) to the Migration Code](https://www.taxheaven.gr/law/5275/2026/arthro/25) · Taxheaven legal text repository (Law 5275/2026) · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-02-06