Like other European Union countries, Greece is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. This agreement regulates border control and immigration policies within the EU and grants certain benefits and ease of access to non-EU countries.
According to the Schengen Agreement, non-residents or non-citizens of the EU are limited in the number of days they can stay without a proper residency permit. The maximum duration one can stay in Greece is 90 days within a 180-day period, calculated retrospectively from the day of the check.
Staying illegally beyond the 90-day limit is against the law, and anyone who stays longer than this period may face fines of several hundred euros and potentially be denied re-entry upon their return.
It is crucial to keep track of the days spent in Greece or elsewhere in Europe, and as mentioned, the calculation is done retrospectively from the day of the check.
There are different types of visas that regulate staying in Greece. If you wish to stay longer than the allowed days, it is recommended to check if you can obtain such a visa.
Types of Residency Visas Available in Greece
Work Visa
A work visa for Greece can be obtained by presenting a work contract for at least one year, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the work contract period, health insurance for the entire period, and a clean criminal record. The work visa is valid for two years and can be extended as needed. Family members can be included during the work period, but the applicant must prove the ability to support them financially. In the first month of staying in Greece, the applicant must visit the police station to fill out a residency permit form. After five years of legal stay in Greece, one can apply for permanent residency.
Student Visa
To obtain a student visa, you need to present an acceptance letter from a higher education institution in Greece, a passport valid for at least one year, proof of medical condition and health insurance for the entire period, and proof of financial means to support yourself during the studies. A student with a student visa can work up to 20 hours a week during the school term and up to 40 hours during holidays.
Digital Nomad Visa
Since 2021, it is possible to obtain a digital nomad visa in Greece, allowing foreigners to live and work remotely from Greece without needing an EU passport or residency. The application can be submitted online or at the Greek Embassy in Israel. The visa is granted for one year and can be extended. To receive this visa, applicants must prove their earning capability, and if they have a family, they must also demonstrate financial means to support them.
Golden Visa
Due to the economic crisis Greece experienced, the authorities decided to offer a Golden Visa to foreign investors who purchase property in Greece worth at least €250,000. The goal was to attract foreign investors to the country. The Golden Visa grants investors a residence permit in Greece for five years, with the possibility of extension for another five years if the investors continue to hold the property or purchase an alternative one. After five years of such residency, one can apply for Greek citizenship. The required investment amount for a Golden Visa in Athens has been increased to €500,000.
How Can We Help?
At Lar Homes, we can assist our investors who are interested in obtaining a Golden Visa in Greece. We provide support from finding the right property for purchase, through the purchase process, to submitting the Golden Visa application. The process is handled by local professionals familiar with the system's requirements and the application procedures.
Have More Questions?
Our team of experts is happy to assist you through the process, making it much simpler and more straightforward.
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