Greece financially independent person visa (FIP)

Key requirements

We use about €3,500 a month equivalent for one person plus extra savings because many files mix recurring income with a cash buffer. Your embassy may ask for more.

• Income we use for estimates~$3,800 / month (estimate)
• SavingsOften ~$14,000+
• Accepted income typesPassive income, Pension, Savings only
• Remote work allowedNo
• Local employment allowedNo
• Health insuranceUsually required
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Several weeks to a few months (Type D long-stay visa at embassy, then permit in Greece)

Consular and in-country steps vary by location and legal updates. Confirm current ministry guidance and consulate checklist before you legalise documents.

1. 1

   Confirm FIP fit and filing route

   Check that financially independent person is the right category and find the consulate or authority for your legal residence.

2. 2

   Gather sufficient-means proof

   Collect pension, rental, dividend, annuity, and other lawful-resource documents showing steady income above current requirements.

   • •Include a budget table with dependent amounts for clarity.
3. 3

   Prepare a clear bank story

   Show consistent account ownership, regular inflows, and savings that support your declared means.

4. 4

   Secure housing proof in Greece

   Provide lease, title, or hosting documents that match your municipality and application.

5. 5

   Arrange health insurance

   Obtain coverage meeting Greek standards for visa or permit issuance for your full stay.

6. 6

   Collect police and civil records

   Gather required background and civil documents, then apostille and translate per the checklist.

7. 7

   Submit Type D or permit package

   File forms, fees, and evidence through the correct channel and keep proof of submission.

8. 8

   Respond to authority requests

   Answer follow-ups quickly, especially on income consistency and source of funds.

9. 9

   Complete residence card in Greece

   After approval, finish biometrics and card issuance per local timelines.

10. 10

    Renew and plan long-term options

    Keep financial and no-work conditions for renewals and evaluate long-term EU residence or citizenship tracks separately.

This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Greece financially independent person thresholds and rules can change. Check official Greek sources and your consulate before you file.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-05-15

Citizenship & nationality

FIP is for people who are not EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens and already have predictable money from outside Greece. EU citizens use free movement instead. Greece checks security, whether your money story makes sense, and that you are not taking a job in Greece.

• •Recent official guidance sets monthly enough resources in euros for the main applicant and adds percentages for a spouse and each child. Always read the current ministerial decision, not blog round numbers.
• •Typical embassy files include legalized police records, insurance that meets Greek rules, a lease or deed in your municipality, and 6 to 12 months of bank history showing steady passive income.
• •If your money looks like remote salary from a foreign employer, officers may point you to the digital nomad or work route instead of FIP. Pick one story and stick to it.
• •Renewals require you to keep meeting money tests and stay rules. Long-term EU residence and citizenship follow separate timelines and language rules.

Confirm current rules for financially independent persons with your Greek embassy and the Ministry of Migration and Asylum website before you translate or legalize documents.

Best for

• •Passive or stable recurring income from pensions, rent, or dividends
• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record
• •EU settlement plans (check Schengen travel vs national residence rules)

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

First permits are often issued for several years, then renewed if you still qualify. Tax residence and social security are separate from the immigration label.

Practical difficulty

medium

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Rated medium because of organized paperwork and picking the right permit category, not because of a large investment.