Complete Guide to Greek Long-Term Stay Visas
A Greek visa is an official authorization issued by the Greek authorities that allows non-EU nationals to legally enter, stay, or travel through Greece for a specific purpose and duration. The type of visa required depends on your nationality, the length of stay, and the reason for travel, such as tourism, investment, retirement, employment, or family reunification.
If you wish to remain in Greece for more than 90 days — the standard limit under visa-free travel for many nationalities, including U.S. passport holders — you must obtain the appropriate Greek long-term visa or residence permit.
This guide explains all major Greek visa options available for short-term and long-term stay.
A Greek visa is a great way to be able to stay in Greece over the 90 day period you are allowed with a US passport.
Greek Dual Citizenship put together this guide getting a Greek visa to help you understand your options.
The Schengen Visa (Type C) is a short-stay visa that allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A Schengen Visa issued by Greece enables seamless travel across multiple European countries without additional border checks.
A Schengen Visa for Greece allows travel to all Schengen member states, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, and many more.
To apply for a Greek Schengen Visa, applicants generally need:
Applications must be submitted to the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Processing times vary, so early application is strongly recommended.
The Greece Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program for non-EU citizens who wish to obtain a Greek residence permit through a qualifying investment. The most popular option is real estate investment, starting from €250,000, depending on location and property type.
The Greek Golden Visa is one of the most competitive investment residence programs in Europe, offering:
This program is ideal for investors seeking EU residency and a long-term pathway to Greek citizenship.
The Greece Retirement Visa, officially known as the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, allows non-EU nationals to live in Greece without engaging in employment.
This visa is designed for retirees and financially independent individuals who have sufficient income to support themselves while living in Greece.
Key Requirements
Applications are submitted through the Greek consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence.
Issued to non-EU students accepted by Greek universities or educational institutions. Required documents include proof of enrollment, financial support, and valid health insurance.
Allows legal employment in Greece and is typically sponsored by a Greek employer. Employment terms must comply with Greek labor and immigration law.
Available to family members of Greek citizens or legal residents. This visa allows spouses, children, and dependent parents to legally reside in Greece.
Foreign nationals who legally and continuously reside in Greece for seven years may become eligible to apply for Greek citizenship through naturalization.
Under newer immigration regulations, certain non-EU nationals may qualify for long-term residence permits after just three years of legal residence, depending on their visa category and personal circumstances.
Greek immigration law can be complex, and choosing the wrong visa can lead to delays or rejection.
Schedule a free consultation to receive personalized guidance on the best Greek visa or residence permit for your situation and long-term goals.
A Greek visa allows entry into Greece for a limited period and specific purpose, while a Greek residence permit allows long-term legal stay in Greece and may grant additional rights such as work, family reunification, or a pathway to Greek citizenship.
No. Non-EU nationals can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen rules. Staying longer requires a national Greek visa or a valid residence permit.
The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most popular residence permits, offering a renewable five-year permit through investment, with visa-free travel in the Schengen Area and no minimum stay requirement.
Yes, indirectly. While the Golden Visa itself grants residency, it can lead to Greek citizenship through naturalization after meeting residence, language, and integration requirements, typically after seven years.
The Greece retirement visa, officially known as the Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa, allows non-EU citizens with sufficient income to live in Greece without working, making it ideal for retirees and remote lifestyle seekers.
No. A Schengen visa or tourist visa does not allow employment in Greece. To work legally, you must obtain a Greek residence permit that explicitly includes work authorization.
Family reunification allows close family members of Greek citizens or legal residents to obtain a Greek residence permit, provided they meet legal, financial, and documentation requirements.
Processing times vary depending on the type of permit and case complexity. On average, Greek residence permits take between 2 and 6 months, though delays may occur if documentation is incomplete.
Common reasons include missing or incorrect documents, name discrepancies, unregistered foreign civil status changes, insufficient financial proof, or failure to meet legal eligibility criteria.