The Path to Residency: EU vs. Non-EU Nationals
Your entry route depends entirely on your passport:- EU/EEA Citizens: The process is straightforward. You can move without a special visa, stay up to 90 days freely, and simply apply for a Registration Certificate at a local police station if you plan to stay permanently. Still, keep in mind that the process might take a while.
- Non-EU Citizens (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.): To stay beyond the standard 90-day Schengen limit, you must obtain legal residence through one of two main pathways:
| Residency Option | Key Requirements | Who It Is Best For |
| Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa | Proof of €3,500/month in passive, foreign-sourced income (pensions, rentals, investments) plus €700 for a spouse. | Retirees living on stable pensions or investments who prefer to rent. |
| Greece Golden Visa | A real estate purchase starting at €250,000 (for restoration/conversion projects) up to €400,000–€800,000 in prime regions. | Retirees looking to buy property and secure a 5-year renewable permit without strict stay requirements. |
Step-by-Step: From Application to Arrival
- Secure Your Visa at Home: Non-EU retirees must apply for an entry Type D Visa at the Greek consulate in their home country, submitting background checks, financial proof, and health clearances. Digital nomads applying for a digital nomad visa should also do that in their home country prior arrival.
- Obtain an AFM (Tax ID): Your Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou is the master key to living in Greece. You need this tax number to open a bank account, set up internet, sign a lease or buy property (basically anything).
- Open a Local Bank Account: Having a local account simplifies utility payments and provides required proof of local funds for immigration authorities.
- Complete Biometrics in Greece: Once in Greece on your Type D visa, you submit your biometric data to the Immigration Department to finalize your residence card.
The 7% Tax Incentive for Foreign Retirees
Greece actively encourages global retirees to relocate through its foreign pension tax regime. If you transfer your tax residence to Greece and spend at least 183 days a year in the country, you can qualify for a flat tax rate of just 7% on all foreign-sourced income (including pensions, dividends, and rental income from abroad) for 15 consecutive years.Healthcare and Peace of Mind
Non-EU citizens applying for residency are required to maintain private health insurance coverage. Once you are an official resident, you can register for an AMKA (the Greek social security number) to access public healthcare services (ESY). Many expats choose a combination of private insurance, giving quick access to private clinics and English-speaking doctors alongside public coverage for routine primary care. If you need assistance or additional clarification regarding your potential relocation to Greece, Atlas Consulting can help. Check their website: https://atlasconsulting.gr/en/Frequently asked questions
Can non-EU citizens retire in Greece?
Yes, but to stay beyond the 90-day Schengen limit they need legal residence. The two main pathways are the Financially Independent Person visa, which requires proof of about 3,500 euros a month in passive foreign-sourced income plus 700 euros for a spouse, and the Greece Golden Visa, based on a real estate purchase starting at 250,000 euros for restoration or conversion projects and 400,000 to 800,000 euros in prime regions.
What is the 7 percent tax for retirees in Greece?
If you transfer your tax residence to Greece and spend at least 183 days a year in the country, you can qualify for a flat 7 percent tax rate on all foreign-sourced income, including pensions, dividends and rental income from abroad, for 15 consecutive years.
How do EU citizens retire to Greece?
EU/EEA citizens can move without a special visa, stay up to 90 days freely and then apply for a Registration Certificate at a local police station if they plan to stay permanently. The process can take a while, so start early.
Do retirees need health insurance to get Greek residency?
Non-EU citizens applying for residency must hold private health insurance. Once you are an official resident you can register for an AMKA, the Greek social security number, to access the public ESY system. Many expats combine private insurance with public coverage.
What are the first steps after deciding to retire in Greece?
Non-EU retirees apply for a Type D entry visa at the Greek consulate at home with background checks, financial proof and health clearances. Then obtain an AFM tax number, open a local bank account, and once in Greece submit biometrics to the Immigration Department to finalise the residence card.
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