Are you financially independent looking for a way to soak up the Mediterranean sun as a Greek resident? The FIP Visa Greece is here to save the day, offering retirees and financially independent persons with Greek residency.
Whether you’re a retiree looking to spend their days exploring the rich history of Greece or a digital nomad looking to reside in Greece for the long term, the residence permit for Persons with Sufficient Resources (FIP Visa) may just be the ideal option.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is the FIP visa in Greece?
The Financially Independent Person Visa Greece, more commonly known as the FIP Visa is a residency permit designed for non-EU retirees and those with sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Greece.
The FIP Visa, also known as the Residence Permit for Persons with Sufficient Resources, allows those that are financially independent to live in Greece, enjoying the stunning Mediterranean lifestyle without working within the country.
Benefits of the Greece FIP Visa
No investment requirements
No investment requirementsUnlike many residency programs, the Greece FIP Visa doesn’t require investing in real estate or making a significant financial investment in the country.
Freedom to travel
Freedom to travelObtaining a residency visa for Greece allows you to travel across the EU easily. You can enjoy freedom of movement throughout the Schengen Area.
Family inclusion
Family inclusionWhile there are financial requirements, you are welcome to bring family along. The FIP Greece Visa extends residency rights to dependent children and spouses.
Stunning Mediterranean lifestyle
Stunning Mediterranean lifestyleResiding in Greece is the ultimate adventure for those that want endless sunshine. With stunning coastlines, a relaxed laid-back lifestyle, and fascinating history, Greece is the epitome of Mediterranean living.
No language proficiency
No language proficiencyUnlike many EU Golden Visa programs, the Greece FIP Visa requirements do not include a language proficiency test.
Flexibility
FlexibilityWhile the Greece FIP residency program is predominantly for retirees, there is no maximum age limit. Anyone over 18 can apply, making it a fantastic choice for all financially independent people. So, whether you’re a remote worker with enough savings or looking to spend your golden years soaking up the sun, the FIP visa program may just be the ideal option.
FIP Visa Greece 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Greece FIP Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Non-EU/EEA citizen: The visa is only available to non-EU/EEA citizens.
- Sufficient income: Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual income of at least €3,500 per month, plus an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% per dependent child. Alternatively, enough savings to last for the duration of the three-year visa (€72,000 in savings for the main applicant, €86,400 for a married couple, or €112,000 for a family of four).
- Proof of income sources: Income sources cannot be from salary or business income. The most popular options include pension, dividends, long-term rental income, fixed-rate savings, or other non-employment sources. It must be enough to cover living expenses for the duration of the stay in Greece.
- Health insurance: Applicants must have comprehensive private health insurance covering their stay in Greece.
- Clean criminal record: A police clearance certificate is required to demonstrate good character.
- Greek residency requirements: Applicants are required to spend at least 183 days within the country to maintain their residence status.
If you don’t meet the above criteria, don’t panic. The Greece Golden Visa is one of the most popular ways to obtain residency in Greece. Unlike the financial independent person’s visa, the Greek Golden Visa program offers applicants residency in exchange for significant financial contributions to Greece, including real estate, capital contribution, capital transfer, and Government bonds.
Another alternative is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, specifically designed for non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Greece for up to 12 months.
Read our Greece Golden Visa Guide
FIP Greek Visa: Step by Step Application Process
Here is the step-by-step process of applying for the FIP Greek Visa:
- Step one: Gather necessary documents: Collect all required paperwork, including financial statements, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
- Step two: Submit the FIP Visa application: The main applicant must apply at the Greek Consulate in their country of residence or origin. Applications are accepted by appointment only.
- Step three: Receive the FIP Visa: Once the application is submitted, the visa is typically issued within 10 days. The FIP Visa is valid for up to 12 months, allowing the applicant to enter Greece and begin the next steps toward residency.
- Step four: Enter Greece and apply for a residence permit: Before the visa expires, the applicant must travel to Greece and apply for a temporary residence permit at the Ministry of Immigration. This step must be completed in person, as biometric data registration is required.
- Step five: Receive proof of application: After submitting the residence permit application online, the system generates a proof of filing document. This document acts as a temporary residence permit, allowing the applicant and their family, if applicable, to remain in Greece beyond the 90-day tourist limit while waiting for the official residence permit.
- Step six: Obtain the residence permit: The temporary residence card is issued within three months of the application date. It is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional three years, granting long-term residency in Greece.
FIP Visa Greece Requirements: Documents
You will need the following documents for your FIP Visa application:
- A valid passport.
- Passport photographs.
- Proof of funds: This can include bank account balances, pension statements, social security pension etc.
- Proof of accommodation for the full duration of your stay in Greece.
- Proof of private health insurance coverage.
- Certificate of good health.
- Clean criminal record certificate.
Cost of the FIP Visa Greece
The Greece residency permit application can cost anywhere between €150-€300 per applicant. The residence card costs an additional €16.
Tax for FIP Visa Greece
Before you make the big move to Greece, it’s important to understand how the taxes in Greece work for the FIP Visa.
Firstly, since obtaining a residence permit in Greece requires you stay in the country for 183 days in the year, this automatically makes you a tax resident in the country.
However, Greece has double tax treaty agreements with many countries across the world, meaning you will not be taxed twice. Luckily, the Greece Flat tax is also applicable under the FIP visa. The flat tax offers retirees a 7% tax annually on foreign pension income.
Additionally, high net worth individuals have an annual flat tax of €100,000 on all foreign-sourced income.
FIP Greece Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the FIP Visa in Greece is generally around two months. The FIP visa only takes about ten days, but the residence permit can take up to two months.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FIP Visa Greece
What is the FIP visa in Greece?
The Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa is a Greek residency visa designed for non-EU citizens who can support themselves without working in Greece. It allows holders to reside in Greece based on sufficient passive income or financial savings, making it an attractive option for retirees and remote income earners.
Who is eligible to apply for the Greek FIP visa?
The Greek FIP visa is an excellent option for those looking to retire or live in Greece without working for a Greek employer. It covers the primary applicant, their spouse, and dependent children under the age of 21.
What are the requirements for the financially independent person (FIP) visa in Greece?
To qualify for the FIP visa, applicants must:
- Obtain health insurance covering their stay in Greece.
- Be a non-EU citizen.
- Demonstrate a stable, passive income (such as pensions, rental income, or investments).
- Have sufficient savings or financial means to support themselves without working in Greece.
- Provide proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property ownership).
How much income is needed to qualify for the FIP visa in Greece?
Applicants must demonstrate a stable annual passive income of at least €3,500 per month, plus an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% per dependent child. Alternatively, enough savings to last for the duration of the three-year visa (€72,000 in savings for the main applicant, €86,400 for a married couple, or €112,000 for a family of four).
What documents are required for the Greece FIP visa application?
Document requirements for the FIP Visa include:
- A valid passport
- Passport photographs
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of private health insurance coverage
- Type D Visa
- Certificate of good health
- Clean criminal record certificate
Is the Greece FIP visa renewable?
Yes! The initial residency visa is granted for two years and can be extended for a further three years.
How long does the FIP visa for Greece last?
The FIP visa itself is valid for up to 12 months. Once in Greece, the residence permit issued is valid for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal for 3 additional years.
What are the benefits of obtaining a Greece FIP visa?
- No investment requirements
- Freedom to travel within Schengen countries
- Family inclusion (spouse and dependent children)
- Stunning Mediterranean lifestyle
- No language proficiency required
- Flexibility (no maximum age limit, open to all financially independent individuals)
- Possibility of obtaining permanent residency after five years
Can I bring my family with a Greece FIP visa?
Absolutely, applicants are free to add their dependent children and spouse on their FIP visa. However, the financial requirements change for each additional applicant.
What are the tax implications for FIP visa holders in Greece?
Since holding a Greek residence permit requires staying in the country for at least 183 days per year, this automatically makes you a Greek tax resident. However, Greece has double tax treaties with many countries. Additionally, FIP visa holders may benefit from Greece’s flat tax schemes. Retirees can enjoy a 7% annual tax rate on foreign pension income, while high-net-worth individuals can opt for a €100,000 flat tax on all foreign-sourced income.
Do you need a Greek bank account for the FIP visa?
No, as of 2024, you no longer need a Greek bank account to meet the FIP visa requirements.
