Greece – Visa, Residency & Investment

1. Greece Education Visa & Study Pathways

Greece provides attractive and affordable study opportunities within Europe, enriched by cultural diversity and internationally recognised universities. Studying in Greece is not only an academic choice but a long-term EU pathway. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Education System & Institution Types

• Public Universities: Free undergraduate education, and 25–30% fee exemptions for postgraduate studies.
• Private Universities/Colleges: Recently regulated; provide English-taught programmes.
• Technical Schools & Vocational Training: Applied and industry-focused diploma pathways.

Language, Credits & Academic Calendar

• Greek is the primary instruction language; more English-taught programmes are emerging.
• Greece follows the ECTS system (Bologna Process).
• Academic year: 32 weeks / 2 semesters.

Costs, Living & Work Rights

• Living expenses: €400–800/month depending on city and lifestyle.
• Accommodation: €200–500/month; food & transport: €180–300/month.
• Non-EU students can usually work part-time (≈20 hours/week).

Study Visa Procedure

• University acceptance letter.
• Type D National Visa application (~€150 fee).
• Residence permit issuance within 90 days after arrival.

2. Greece Residence Permits – Full Overview

Greece offers multiple temporary and long-term residence pathways for students, workers, investors and families. Selecting the correct category and meeting documentation requirements is essential for long-term planning. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Main Residence Categories

• Temporary residence permits.
• Work/employment permits.
• Study permits for international students.
• Non-lucrative residence visa.
• Family reunification permits.
• Long-term residence permits and citizenship pathway.

Requirements

• Passport, biometric data, criminal record check.
• Health insurance and proof of accommodation.
• Financial proof: typically €400–800/month minimum.

Processing Times & Post-Arrival

• Processing: a few weeks up to 3–4 months depending on type.
• After arrival: address registration, AFM tax number, bank account.
• Schengen travel allowed depending on permit class.

3. Company Formation in Greece

Greece is an increasingly attractive EU hub for investors due to its location, legal stability, and expanding business ecosystem. Choosing the right legal structure is key. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Popular Company Types

• IKE (Private Company): Limited liability; most preferred for SMEs.
• S.A. (AE): Public limited company for large-scale operations.
• Sole Proprietorship: Easy setup; unlimited liability.
• General/Limited Partnerships: Multi-partner structures.

Foreign Ownership

• Foreigners can own companies in most sectors.
• Restrictions apply in media, banking, energy and telecoms.
• Documents: passport, proof of address, apostille, company registry extract.

Incorporation Steps

• Determine entity type & check name availability (GEMI).
• Prepare Articles of Association.
• Capital deposit and bank certificate.
• Register with Trade Registry.
• Obtain AFM tax number, social security registration.
• Submit UBO declaration.

Typical incorporation time: 1–4 weeks. Estimated initial cost: €200–€600.

4. Buying Property in Greece

Greece remains one of the Mediterranean’s most attractive real estate markets. Foreigners can generally purchase property, with some regional restrictions and additional requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Foreign Buyer Rules

• Purchase allowed for foreigners; special permits required in selected coastal/island regions.
• Military/strategic areas are restricted.
• Airbnb & short-term rentals require a licence in major cities.

Company Purchases

• Local or foreign-owned companies may buy property.
• UBO reporting obligations apply (10–25% effective ownership).

Golden Visa Pathway

• Minimum property investment: €250,000.
• Grants a 5-year renewable residence permit.

Taxes, Fees & Financing

• Purchase tax: 3–24% depending on region.
• Annual ENFIA tax: 0.1–1.1%.
• Sale: 15–25% capital gains tax.
• Mortgages: 30–40% down payment typical for foreigners.
• Transfer process: 4–8 weeks.