Greek tavern where retired people love to sit

If you are a non-EU citizen looking to retire in Greece, you will need a Greece retirement visa. While there is no dedicated retiree option, the government still encourages retirees to move to the country with two excellent choices.

  1. The Financially Independent Persons Visa, Greece (FIP)
  2. The Greece Golden Visa
Greek tavern where retired people love to sit

Which is the best Greece retirement visa?

Choosing between the two Greece retirement visa options will depend on your circumstances. In this article, we’ll cover the FIP in detail as the easiest Greece retirement visa option. We’ll also look at using the Greek Golden Visa for your retirement and link to our in-depth article for more information.

The Financially Independent Persons Visa, Greece (FIP)

How to qualify for the FIP Greek Retiree Visa

To qualify for the FIP, you need to meet these requirements.

  1. Be a citizen of a non-EU country.
  2. Show you can support yourself and any dependents.
  3. Take out qualifying private health insurance.
  4. Arrange accommodation for the duration of the visa
  5. Provide a health certificate and a police check.

Note: You’ll need to have your documents translated into Greek by an authorized translation service.

How long is the FIP valid?

The Greek immigration department issues your FIP residence permit for two years. After that, you can indefinitely renew the residency permit for additional two years.

You must apply for your FIP visa in your home country. You cannot submit your application if you are already in Greece.

Financial requirements for the Greece Retirement Visa (FIP Program)

There are two options available. The financial requirements for the FIP visa depend on which option you choose.

1) Regular Passive Income

You should be able to show at least €2000 per month of passive income. You’ll need an additional €400 per month for a spouse and €200 for each dependent family member.

Acceptable income sources are pensions, annuities, rental income, investment income, dividends, royalties, etc.

Note: If you are submitting a joint application, you can show income from both people on the application.

If you qualify for a Greek Public Pension, you don’t need to show any income to renew your Greek FIP Retirement Visa.

Additional requirements for your FIP visa

  • Qualifying Greek private or Expat healthcare.
  • A police record that shows no serious crime.
  • A health certificate that shows no serious communicable disease.
Greece retirement visa application form
Greece retirement visa application form

Residency requirements for the FIP

The Greek government amended the FIP program in 2020 to include a minimum residence requirement. To meet the terms of the program, you must live in the country for a minimum of 183 days per year.

So, to renew the visa, you must show that you’ve lived in Greece for at least six months. And, you’ll need proof for each year of the visa.

Note: Living in Greece for six months per year may make you a resident in Greece for taxation.

Benefits of the FIP

  • Unlimited travel in the European Union (EU) and the SCHENGEN zone.
  • With the proper support, a fast process to navigate.
  • You can bring your spouse and dependent children (up to 18 years) to Greece.
  • After five years, you can qualify for Greek permanent residence (PR).
  • You can invest in Greek companies and startups.

Note: You cannot legally work in Greece if you are living there as part of the FIP program.

Using the Golden Visa Program for retirement

The Greek Golden Visa is one of the best programs in Europe. So, if you plan to buy a house for your Greek retirement, check it out.

You’ll need to buy real estate for at least €250,000 in Greece, but there are some significant advantages.

Check out our detailed Greek Golden Visa article for more details. We also cover a range of investment options for those who don’t want to buy Greek real estate.

Advantages of the Golden visa for your Greek retirement

  • No residency requirements, so come and go as you please.
  • No expiry on your residence permit.
  • Unlimited travel in the European Union (EU) and the SCHENGEN zone.
  • With the correct support, a fast process to navigate.
  • You can bring your spouse and dependent children to Greece like the FIP. However, the Golden visa also extends to parents and parents-in-law.
Beautiful doorway in a white building with pink flowers in a Greek town

Do EU citizens need a visa to retire in Greece?

No, citizens of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need a Greek retirement visa. So, if you are from any EU country, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, you only need a passport or ID card.

If you plan on staying for more than 90 days, you should register your Greek residency and apply for a Tax Identification Number.

What tax will you pay if you retire in Greece?

In 2021 the Greek government passed a new law to attract foreign retirees. For many retirees moving to Greece, you’ll pay just 7% tax on foreign pension payments and international investment income.

You’ll be eligible for this tax rate for up to 15 years.

This scheme is open to non-Greek citizens of retirement age. You’ll also need to be a Greek tax resident who has moved to Greece from abroad.

Greek citizenship and a passport

If you retire in Greece, you may be able to qualify for Greek citizenship and a European Union passport.

While the Greece citizenship by naturalization process is complex, it is achievable. If you want to consider this path, please consult an expert Greek Immigration lawyer as early as possible. They’ll be able to help you plan the best approach for success.

Next steps to get your Greece retirement visa

Greece has two exciting retirement visa options. Once you decide to move to Greece, you’ll need to choose the best options for you and your family. Living in Greece is famous for many reasons. And, you could qualify for Greece citizenship and an EU passport.

Your next step is to talk to an expert Greek Immigration Lawyer. They’ll be able to help you choose the best option and manage a successful application for your Greece retirement visa.

Greek Retirement Visa FAQ from Where Can I Live

Does Greece have a retirement visa?

Yes, you can use the FIP or Golden Visa to retire in Greece.

How much money do you need to retire in Greece?

For the FIP Visa, you need around €2000 per month. For the Greek Golden Visa, the most popular option is to buy a property for at least €250,000.

Can I retire to Greece after Brexit?

Yes, British citizens can retire to Greece after BREXIT. You’ll need a Greece retirement visa, and your best options are the FIP or Golden Visa.

What is the Greece retirement visa income requirement?

The income requirement for the Greece retirement visa (FIP Program) is €2000 per month. There is an additional amount if you include family members on the application. Budget 20% (€400) for a spouse and 10% (€200) for each child.

How do I get a residence visa for Greece?

We recommend engaging an expert Greek Immigraoitn Lawyer to find the perfect residence visa for Greece. The best Greece retirement visa options are the FIP or Golden Visa.

Can you live in Greece without being a citizen?

Yes, Greece has a range of visa and residency permit options. The most popular for non-EU retirees are the FIP or Golden Visa.

Does Greece tax US pensions?

Yes, Greece does tax US Pensions and foreign income. However, Greece has a tax scheme for Expat retirees where all foreign income (including US Pensions) is taxed at just 7%. This preferential tax rate lasts for up to 15 years.

Can I work in Greece on a FIP visa?

No, you cannot legally work in Greece on a Greek retirement visa (FIP program or Golden Visa).

Can I do remote work on a FIP visa?

Yes, you can work remotely for an overseas employee or overseas clients while living in Greece on a FIP visa.

How long does it take to get a Greek retirement visa?

While time can vary, it typically takes between 3 – 4 months to process a Greek retirement visa application.

2 Comments

  1. Dear Alistair,
    My spouse and I are exploring retirement residency options in Greece.
    We are both currently resident in Dubai UAE and are receiving a passive income from UK and Australian property. Gross income approx. 55-60,000 euro per year.
    As we don’t intend to invest in Greek property ,we are looking at the FIP residency permit.
    The intention is to have a residency in place by August 2024.
    Is this an area you can advise on?
    Regards, Alan

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