Greece Visa & Work Permit Complete Guide 2026

Greece has rapidly become one of Europe's most attractive destinations for expats, digital nomads, and retirees — offering a warm Mediterranean climate, low cost of living, and some of the most generous tax incentives in the EU.

Main Visa Types

Digital Nomad Visa

Introduced in 2022 for remote workers serving clients or employers outside Greece.

• Minimum monthly income: €3,500+
• Validity: 1 year, renewable for a further year (maximum 2 years)
• Spouse and dependents can accompany (separate application required)
• Apply at a Greek consulate or embassy in your home country
• Application fee: ~€75

Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)

Investor residency program through real estate (renewed every 5 years).

• Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and other major areas: €800,000+
• Other regions: €400,000+
• Grants Schengen/EU travel rights
• No right to work (business activities require a separate permit)
• Application fee: €2,000 (main applicant); €150 per family member

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled professionals with a Greek job offer.

• Annual salary threshold: ~€30,000+ (varies by occupation)

General Work Permit (Άδεια Εργασίας)

For non-EU/EEA nationals with a Greek job offer. The employer applies first through the Ministry of Labor.

Tax Incentives (2026)

50% Income Tax Exemption for New Residents (Article 5C)

• For foreigners newly relocating to Greece for employment or business (must not have been Greek tax residents for at least 3 of the previous 5 years)
• Duration: first 7 years in Greece
• 50% of Greek-sourced income: is excluded from taxation
• Apply to the tax authority in the year of relocation

Flat 7% Tax for Retirees (Article 5B)

• For pensioners transferring their tax residency to Greece (must not have been Greek resident for 5+ of the 6 years prior to relocation)
• A flat 7% tax rate on all foreign-sourced pension income
• Duration: up to 15 years
• Annual fee: €500

Flat €100,000 Annual Tax for High-Net-Worth Individuals (Article 5A)

• For new Greek residents who invest €500,000+ in qualifying assets
• A flat €100,000/year covers all tax on foreign-sourced income
• Duration: up to 15 years

Greek Income Tax (2026)

Social Insurance (EFKA)

• Employee: ~13.87% of gross salary
• Employer: ~22.29% of gross salary
• Self-employed: ~26.95% (varies by income)

Cost Overview

Rent in Athens' Expat-Friendly Neighbourhoods

Monthly Living Costs (Athens)

• Groceries (home cooking): €250–400
• Taverna meal (eating out): €10–25 per person
• Monthly metro pass: €30
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): €100–200
• Private health insurance (optional): €80–200/month

Total estimate: €1,000–2,000/month (single person, urban)

Pre-Move Checklist

1. Get your AFM (Tax Number): Issued by AADE (Greek tax authority) — required for banking, property, and contracts
2. Get your AMKA (Social Security Number): Required for healthcare and social insurance
3. Apply for tax incentive schemes on time: Both Art. 5C (50% exemption) and Art. 5B (7% retiree rate) must be applied for in the year of relocation
4. Housing research: Athens and Thessaloniki rents are rising. Aegean islands offer good off-season value
5. Get your TRP residence permit card: Apply after arriving on your Digital Nomad Visa. Fee: €16
6. Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas; Greek is helpful for bureaucratic processes and daily life

Greece offers one of Europe's lowest costs of living combined with an exceptional quality of life. Use MoveWorth to simulate your tax burden and living costs before making the move to the Mediterranean.

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References

This article is based on the following official sources.

• Visas & Residence Permits General: Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum
• Visa & Residence Permit Applications: Greek Ministry of Migration – Online Application Portal
• Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment): Greek Ministry of Migration – Golden Visa