Greek residency for financially independent people: pension, rent, dividends

This route is often called the retirement visa, but it is not only for retirees. The key condition is income that arrives without you working in Greece: a pension, rent from a home back in your country, dividends or interest. For many of my clients it is the calmest way to move to the sea.

How much income you need

• €3,500 a month for the main applicant.
• Plus 20% for a spouse, so €4,200 for a couple.
• Plus 15% for each child, for example €5,250 for a couple with one child.

The income is proved with documents: a pension certificate, rental contracts and bank statements for recent months. A salary does not count, because the income must be passive.

How the process works

1. A national D visa at the Greek consulate in your country: income, insurance, a police certificate and an address in Greece.
2. Moving and applying for the permit in Greece: a rental or purchase contract, health insurance and an AFM tax number.
3. The residence card. The permit fee is €1,000 and the card €16. The permit is issued for several years and renewed as long as the income continues.

What you can and cannot do

• You can live in Greece full time, bring your family and travel in the Schengen area.
• You cannot work in Greece, either as an employee or with your own business. Remote workers have a separate digital nomad visa.
• After 5 years you can apply for long-term resident status, and after 7 for citizenship (with a language and history exam).

Tax for retirees

If you move your tax residence to Greece, there is a special regime: 7% tax on a foreign pension for 15 years. It is a separate application to the tax office, not part of the permit, so check the conditions with an accountant in advance.

My advice

Work out the income for the whole family, not just for yourself, because the consulate looks at the total. And choose your region: in Kavala or Halkidiki life is much calmer and cheaper than in Athens. I can help you find a home for the rental or purchase contract and recommend a lawyer I trust.