How to get a residence permit in Greece - popular ways and costs

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece is an important step for those who want to enjoy life in this sunny and hospitable country. Greece attracts people not only for its climate and cultural heritage, but also for the opportunity to do business, get an education or simply live in the territory of the European Union. In this article we will consider popular ways of obtaining a residence permit in Greece, as well as tell you about the cost and conditions that must be met to successfully complete the documents. Whether you are planning a permanent move or looking for a convenient base for work and travel, this information will be helpful in your decision.

Greece

Greece is a country rich in history and culture, located in southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula and numerous islands in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Greece is known as the cradle of Western civilization, where philosophy, democracy and many arts originated. Here you can enjoy not only historical sights, but also beautiful landscapes, picturesque beaches, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Climate

Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In the north of the country the climate can be more continental, with cold winters and hot summers, while in the south and on the islands the climate is milder and comfortable all year round.

Population

Greece has a population of about 10.5 million people. Most of the population is concentrated in the major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, but many also live on the islands and in coastal areas. Greeks are known for their hospitality and friendliness, as well as strong family traditions.

National Language

The official language of Greece is Greek. It is one of the oldest languages in the world and has preserved its unique written language and rich cultural tradition. Despite this, many residents, especially in tourist areas, are fluent in English, making communication easier for foreigners.

National currency and exchange rate for 2024

The national currency of Greece is the euro (€). For 2024, the exchange rate of the euro to the US dollar ranges from $1.05 to $1.15 per euro. This rate may vary depending on global economic conditions and European Central Bank policy.

Advantages of obtaining a residence permit

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece offers many advantages for foreigners. One of the main ones is the possibility of visa-free travel in the Schengen zone countries, which greatly simplifies travel in Europe. In addition, residence permit in Greece allows you to do business, work, study and use medical services in the country. Another significant plus is the opportunity to buy real estate and enjoy a high quality of life in one of the most beautiful corners of the Mediterranean. Greece also attracts with its stable climate, cultural diversity and accessibility of services for the whole family.

Cost of obtaining a residence permit

The cost of obtaining a residence permit in Greece starts at 250,000 euros for real estate investments. This is the minimum threshold for participation in the “Golden Visa” program, which allows foreign nationals to obtain a residence permit on the basis of investment in real estate. In addition to investing in real estate, there are other ways to obtain a residence permit, but all of them also require a significant financial investment. The total cost of paperwork and associated costs may vary depending on the chosen method and the individual circumstances of the applicant.

Stages of obtaining a residence permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Greece involves several key steps that must be completed in order to successfully complete the paperwork and obtain residency status. It is important to follow all requirements and prepare the necessary documents in time to avoid delays and rejections.

Checking the possibility of obtaining a residence permit

The first step is to assess the opportunities and available programs for obtaining a residence permit. You need to determine if you meet basic criteria such as having the necessary financial resources, a criminal record, and a willingness to make investments or other commitments. At this stage, it is often recommended to seek professional advice to help you choose the appropriate way to obtain a residence permit.

Collection of documents

Once you have decided on the program, the stage of collecting documents begins. The list of required documents may include passport, birth certificates, documents confirming marital status, as well as documents confirming financial capacity, such as bank statements or real estate purchase agreements. Proper and complete paperwork plays a crucial role in the application process.

Criminal record check

One of the mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Greece is the absence of a criminal record. This will require a criminal record certificate from your country of citizenship, as well as from other countries where you have lived for a long period of time. This document must be officially translated into Greek and certified accordingly.

Proof of income

An important step is to prove a stable income that will allow you to live in Greece without the need for employment. This can be a salary, business income, pension or other sources that need to be documented. Often this requirement is accompanied by the need to submit tax returns or other financial statements.

Payment of counseling services, fees and obtaining a residence permit

The final step is to pay all required fees and services related to filing and obtaining a residence permit. This may include government fees, translators, notaries and legal support. Once all procedures have been completed and your documents have been successfully verified, you will receive a residence permit in Greece, which will allow you to officially reside in Greece and enjoy all the rights of a resident of the country.

Banks in Greece

Greece has several large banks that play a key role in the country's financial system. Each of them provides a wide range of services for both locals and foreigners. Let's take a look at the most well-known banks.

Piraeus Bank

Piraeus Bank is one of the largest banks in Greece, founded in 1916. The bank offers a full range of financial services, including retail and corporate banking, investment products, as well as mortgage and consumer loans. Piraeus Bank is actively involved in supporting small and medium-sized businesses, as well as implementing modern digital technologies to improve customer service.

National Bank of Greece

National Bank of Greece (NBG) is the oldest bank in the country, founded in 1841. It is a leading financial institution with an extensive network of branches and ATMs throughout Greece. NBG offers a wide range of banking products including deposits, loans, investment services and insurance. The bank plays an important role in the country's economy, supporting both private clients and large corporate entities.

Alpha Bank

Alpha Bank is one of the best known private banks in Greece, founded in 1879. The Bank provides a wide range of services, from traditional banking to investments, insurance and asset management. Alpha Bank actively embraces innovation and digital solutions, offering its customers convenient online services and a mobile application for financial management.

Eurobank

Eurobank is one of the largest and fastest growing banks in Greece, founded in 1990. The bank is known for its customer-oriented approach and innovative products. Eurobank offers a variety of services including retail and corporate banking, mortgage lending and asset management. The bank is also actively developing its digital platforms, offering customers convenient and modern solutions for financial management.

These banks play an important role in the Greek economy and provide a high level of service to their customers by providing both traditional and modern banking services.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Greek residence permit when investing in real estate?

Obtaining a residence permit in Greece through real estate investment is one of the opportunities offered by the state program Greece Golden Visa Program. In order to obtain a residence permit, investors need to purchase residential or commercial real estate for an amount of €250,000 or more. The process from the purchase of the property to obtaining a residence permit takes approximately 6 months. The investor has the right to sell the property after 5 years of ownership.

Is it possible to have dual citizenship?

Greece allows dual citizenship for its citizens. This means that it is not necessary to renounce your previous citizenship when obtaining a Greek passport. However, in order to obtain Greek citizenship, every foreigner must prove their knowledge of the Greek language.

What does a Greek passport provide?

The Greek passport gives free access to 174 countries of the world. Its holder gets the right to live, work, travel, study, buy real estate and do business in any country of the European Union without any restrictions. Greek citizenship can be obtained by birthright if one of the parents is a Greek citizen, or if the child is born in Greece to foreign parents who have lived in the country for at least five years and enrolled the child in a Greek school.

A company that deals with residence permits

If you are considering the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Greece, we recommend contacting our specialists. They will tell you in detail about all the stages of obtaining a residence permit, help you with the paperwork and provide comprehensive information about the cost and conditions of the process.