Greek FIP Visa (Ultimate Guide 2025)
- Last Update Feb. 15, 2025
- Move to Greece Without Working: Is It Possible?
- Your Ticket to Greek Residency (Without a Work Permit)
- What Can You Do With the FIP Visa?
- What Can’t You Do?
- Why Expats Are Choosing the FIP Visa Over Other Residency Options
- No Investment Required—Just Proof of Financial Independence
- A Longer Residency Period (Compared to Other Visas)
- Your Family Can Join You Without Additional Income Proof
Move to Greece Without Working: Is It Possible?
Picture this: you’re sitting on a terrace in Crete, sipping Greek coffee as the sun rises over the sea.
There’s no rush to get to work, no daily grind, no boss breathing down your neck.
You’re just… living.
Legally.
In Greece.
That’s the dream, right?
And the Greek Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa) is what makes it possible.
But let’s get one thing straight—this visa isn’t a loophole for just anyone to pack up and move to Greece.
It’s designed for people who can prove they have enough passive income to support themselves without needing a job or local business.
So, if you’re wondering whether you can move to Greece and live here long-term without working, the answer is yes—but only if you meet some very specific requirements.
This guide walks you through every step, from figuring out if you qualify to applying the right way (because getting this visa approved is all about how well you structure your application).
By the end, you’ll know:
- Who qualifies for the FIP Visa and what you need to prove.
- The exact steps to apply (without making common mistakes).
- What happens after approval, including residency rules and taxes.
- How to renew your visa or transition to permanent residency.
If your goal is to live in Greece without worrying about work permits, this is your best legal option.
But before we get into the details, let’s start with the basics—what is the Greek FIP Visa, and how does it actually work?
Your Ticket to Greek Residency (Without a Work Permit)
Most people assume that moving to Greece requires one of three things—a job offer, a major real estate investment, or marrying a Greek citizen.
But what if you could live here legally without doing any of that?
That’s exactly what the Greek Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa allows you to do.
This visa was designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Greece long-term without working for a Greek company or running a business locally.
The idea is simple: if you have enough passive income to support yourself, Greece will let you stay.
It’s not a new program, but over the last few years, it has become one of the most overlooked residency options.
While most people focus on the Golden Visa (which requires a real estate investment) or the Greek Digital Nomad Visa (which has stricter work limitations), the FIP Visa provides a low-barrier entry to Greek residency—without forcing you into a financial commitment.
But here’s the part that trips most people up—not everyone qualifies.
The Greek government is strict about who gets approved and how they define “financially independent.”
The biggest mistake applicants make?
Assuming that any kind of income will do.
That’s not the case.
If you’re thinking about applying, the first thing you need to do is understand exactly what this visa allows you to do—and what it doesn’t.
What Can You Do With the FIP Visa?
Most expats assume they can just ‘get the visa and stay.’ But Greek residency laws are stricter than they seem. If you don’t follow the right renewal process, you could lose your status. We help you stay compliant—without the stress.
What Can’t You Do?
Greek work restrictions are strict—and many applicants get caught in legal loopholes that affect their residency status. Before making any financial decisions, talk to us about what you can and can’t do.
A Lot FIP Visa Applications Fail—Will Yours?
Many applicants assume they qualify, only to face rejection over income proof or paperwork mistakes. Greece is strict—one wrong detail can cost you months.
Don’t risk getting denied. We ensure your application is bulletproof.
Check If You Qualify NowBut income from active work isn’t considered passive income—and if you can’t prove the right type of earnings, you won’t be approved.
That’s why the next section is so important—understanding whether you actually qualify.
Why Expats Are Choosing the FIP Visa Over Other Residency Options
Moving to Greece sounds like a dream—but when it comes to residency, the options aren’t always as straightforward as they seem.
Some people go for the Golden Visa, thinking it’s the easiest route, only to realize it requires a €250,000+ real estate investment.
Others consider the Greek Digital Nomad Visa, but that one comes with a one-year limit before renewal and strict work restrictions.
That’s why more and more expats are choosing the FIP Visa.
It offers long-term stability without the need to buy property, start a business, or worry about job contracts.
But here’s what makes it really stand out.
No Investment Required—Just Proof of Financial Independence
Unlike the Golden Visa, you don’t need to invest in real estate or a Greek business.
There’s no requirement to own property, hold assets in Greece, or commit to a specific financial structure.
As long as you can prove you have a steady passive income, you qualify.
This is a huge advantage for those who want flexibility rather than locking themselves into a long-term investment.
A Longer Residency Period (Compared to Other Visas)
One of the biggest frustrations with visas like the Greek Digital Nomad Visa is that they expire quickly.
The Digital Nomad Visa, for example, starts with just one year, and if you want to stay longer, you have to renew it every 12 months.
The FIP Visa?
It’s valid for three years from the start.
That means less paperwork, fewer renewals, and more time to actually enjoy life in Greece.
Your Family Can Join You Without Additional Income Proof
For a lot of residency programs, each family member needs to prove their own financial means—which makes moving as a couple or with children complicated.
With the FIP Visa, it’s different.
If you qualify, your spouse and dependent children under 18 can join you—without needing to show their own financial independence.
They’ll get the same residency rights as you, without extra income requirements.
This makes the FIP Visa one of the best residency options for families who want to move to Greece without dealing with separate applications or income thresholds.
Schengen Zone Travel Without Additional Visas
Once you get your Greek residence permit, you gain something else too—visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Zone.
That means no separate visas for Italy, Spain, France, Germany, or any of the other 27 Schengen countries.
You can live in Greece but travel freely across Europe, making it perfect for those who want the flexibility to explore.
A Clear Path to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
If Greece is your long-term goal, the FIP Visa can eventually lead to permanent residency and even citizenship.
- After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, removing the need for visa renewals.
- After seven years, you may qualify for Greek citizenship, as long as you meet integration requirements (like proving language proficiency and time spent in Greece).
That means if you’re looking for a true long-term residency plan, the FIP Visa isn’t just a temporary fix—it’s a potential pathway to full EU citizenship.
Why the FIP Visa Might Not Be for Everyone
While this visa has huge advantages, it doesn’t work for everyone.
The biggest issue?
Not everyone meets the financial requirements.
That’s what we’ll cover next—who actually qualifies and what you need to prove.
How Much Money Do You Need for the Greek FIP Visa?
This is where most people run into trouble.
The Greek FIP Visa isn’t about how much money you have sitting in a bank account.
It’s about proving that you earn enough passive income every single month to support yourself—without working in Greece.
A lot of applicants assume that if they have a high salary, work remotely, or run a successful online business, they’ll qualify automatically.
But that’s not how this visa works.
Greece isn’t looking for digital nomads or people who want to start fresh with a new job.
They want financially independent individuals—people who already have steady, predictable income that doesn’t depend on a paycheck.
The official requirement is €3,500 per month for a single applicant.
That’s the bare minimum.
If you’re applying with a spouse, you need to prove €4,200 per month.
Adding a child?
That jumps to €4,725.
Each additional dependent increases the requirement further.
Now, before you assume that your income qualifies, you need to be very clear about what Greece actually accepts as passive income.
What Type of Income Actually Counts?
Passive income means exactly that—income that keeps coming in, whether you work or not.
Not all income qualifies—even if it seems passive. Many applicants get rejected because they assume their earnings meet the requirements. Your consultant has to review your passive income if it’s eligible for the Greek FIP Visa.
But here’s where people get rejected—income that might seem passive but doesn’t qualify.
If you’re a freelancer working for foreign clients, that’s not passive income.
If you have a full-time remote job for a US or UK company, that doesn’t count either.
And if you’re actively running a business—even one based outside of Greece—that’s still considered active income.
Greek immigration officials are strict about this.
They don’t care if your earnings come from outside the country.
If you’re actively working to generate income, your application will be rejected.
The safest way to prove your financial independence is through stable, predictable earnings that don’t require ongoing work.
Proving Your Financial Independence (And Why Most People Get It Wrong)
Having enough income isn’t enough—you have to prove it beyond any doubt.
Greek authorities want clear, official documentation that shows exactly how much you earn, where it comes from, and whether it’s stable and legal.
That means you’ll need to submit bank statements from the last six months, tax returns from the last two years, and official financial documents verifying your income sources.
And here’s a mistake many applicants make—they submit their documents in English.
Greek authorities won’t accept them unless they are translated into Greek and certified.
It doesn’t matter if you have the strongest financial profile in the world—if your paperwork isn’t in the right format, your application won’t even be reviewed.
This is where most people fail.
It’s not because they don’t have the money—it’s because they don’t prove it correctly.
They assume that their tax documents and bank statements will be enough.
But if they aren’t structured the way Greek officials expect, the application will be denied.
Can You Qualify With Savings Instead of Monthly Income?
A lot of applicants ask, “What if I don’t have a monthly income, but I have a large amount of savings?”
The answer is—it depends.
In some cases, Greek authorities will accept an applicant who has enough savings to cover their living expenses for at least three years.
But that’s not always a guarantee. Officials prefer consistent, recurring income over lump-sum savings.
If you’re applying using cash reserves alone, be prepared for extra scrutiny during the review process.
If you’re taking this route, expect to show at least €126,000 in savings—and even then, approval isn’t guaranteed.
The more structured your financial proof, the smoother the process will be.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Financial Requirements?
If your income doesn’t qualify, your application will be denied.
There’s no second chance to explain or submit additional documents.
Greek authorities won’t email you asking for clarifications—they’ll just reject the application and move on.
That’s why preparation is everything.
People don’t fail because they don’t have enough money.
They fail because they don’t present their financials in a way that meets Greek immigration standards.
If you’ve read this and you’re confident that you qualify, you’re ready for the next step—understanding how to apply and avoiding the mistakes that get people rejected.
How to Apply for the Greek FIP Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
So, you’ve crunched the numbers, checked your financials, and you’re confident you qualify.
Now comes the real challenge—getting your application approved.
The process isn’t complicated, but it’s also not something you want to get wrong.
Every mistake means delays, rejections, or, in the worst case, starting over from scratch.
That’s why understanding each step in advance is the difference between a smooth approval and months of frustration.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
Every application is different, and approval times vary. One mistake in your documents can set you back months. Let’s make sure you get it right the first time by using our consultancy services at Totsi.
Step 1: Get Your Type D Visa (Before Moving to Greece)
One of the biggest misunderstandings about the FIP Visa is that you can’t apply for it from inside Greece—at least, not at first.
You have to start with a Type D national visa, which is your gateway to applying for residency.
This happens at the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country.
You’ll submit your initial application there, and if approved, you’ll get a one-year Type D visa, allowing you to enter Greece and complete the process.
This isn’t just a formality.
If your application isn’t strong enough to get the Type D visa, you won’t even make it to the next step.
That’s why you need to treat this first application as seriously as the final residency permit request.
Once your Type D visa is issued, you must travel to Greece within six months to complete the residency application.
Step 2: Gather the Right Documents (Without Mistakes)
Before you submit your application, you’ll need a full set of supporting documents that prove you meet every requirement.
And here’s where most people get it wrong—even if you qualify financially, if your paperwork isn’t perfect, your application will be denied.
At a minimum, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Bank statements and tax returns
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- A clean criminal record certificate
- Private health insurance that meets Greek residency requirements
Many applications get rejected over minor issues—missing notarizations, incorrect translations, or incomplete financial proof.
Step 3: Submit Your Residency Application in Greece
Once you’re in Greece with your Type D visa, the clock starts ticking.
You have 90 days to submit your official residency application at the local Aliens and Immigration office.
At this appointment, you’ll:
- Submit your documents
- Pay the residence permit fees (if not already paid)
- Give biometric data (fingerprints and photos) for your residence card
Greek bureaucracy can be unpredictable.
Some offices require appointments booked weeks in advance, while others process applications faster.
The earlier you prepare, the smoother the process will be.
Step 4: Wait for Approval and Receive Your Residency Card
Once your application is submitted, you’ll be given a temporary certificate of submission, which allows you to stay legally in Greece while waiting for approval.
The waiting period varies, but in most cases, you’ll get your official three-year residence permit within 5–9 months.
Once approved, you’ll receive a biometric residence card—your proof of legal residency in Greece.
From this point on, you can live in Greece without visa restrictions and travel freely across the Schengen Zone.
The FIP Visa Seems Easy—But Most Applicants Get It Wrong
Many people think they qualify for the FIP Visa—until they submit their application and face rejection. Greece has strict rules on income sources, documentation, and financial proof.
Don’t assume you’ll be approved. Let’s make sure your application is structured the right way—before you risk delays or denial.
Check If You Actually QualifyWhat Happens If You Make a Mistake?
If your application is rejected, you’ll have to fix the issue and reapply.
There’s no appeals process—Greek authorities don’t negotiate or give second chances on incomplete applications.
That’s why every document must be perfect before you submit.
The most common reasons applications get rejected?
- Financial proof doesn’t meet the passive income standard (remote work or freelance earnings instead of true passive income).
- Documents aren’t translated into Greek or properly certified.
- Errors in the application form or missing paperwork.
If everything is correct from the beginning, the process is straightforward.
Get it wrong, and you’ll be dealing with delays—or worse, starting over from scratch.
Once your permit is approved, the next step is understanding what you can and can’t do as a resident of Greece.
Living in Greece with the FIP Visa: What You Need to Know
Getting your FIP Visa approved is a huge step, but it’s not the finish line—it’s just the beginning.
Once you have your residence permit in hand, the reality of living in Greece long-term starts to take shape.
This is where things get interesting.
| Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center) | €500 – €700 |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment outside city center) | €350 – €550 |
| Groceries | €200 – €350 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet) | €120 – €180 |
| Healthcare (Private Insurance) | €50 – €200 |
| Entertainment & Dining Out | €150 – €300 |
| Transportation | €30 – €60 |
Unlike some visas that come with strict stay requirements or constant renewals, the FIP Visa gives you the freedom to live in Greece on your terms—as long as you continue to meet the conditions.
But what does that actually look like in day-to-day life?
And are there any rules you need to be aware of?
Let’s break it down.
Do You Have to Live in Greece Full-Time?
The short answer?
No, but there’s a catch.
Unlike some residency programs that require you to spend a minimum number of days in the country, the FIP Visa doesn’t force you to live in Greece full-time.
You’re free to come and go, and you won’t lose your residency status if you spend long periods outside the country.
However, if your long-term goal is permanent residency or citizenship, things change.
To qualify for permanent residency, you’ll need to have lived in Greece for at least five consecutive years.
If you’re thinking about applying for Greek citizenship, that number jumps to seven years, and you’ll need to show integration—things like learning Greek, having strong ties to the community, and proving Greece is your primary home.
So while you’re not legally required to stay year-round, if you’re planning to make Greece your long-term home, it’s something to keep in mind.
Renewing Your Residence Permit
The FIP Visa is issued for three years, but it’s not permanent.
When it expires, you’ll need to renew it to stay legally in Greece.
Renewing isn’t automatic—you’ll have to prove that you still meet the original visa conditions.
Your Greek Residency Isn’t Permanent—Are You Prepared for Renewal?
Many expats assume they’re set once they get their FIP Visa, but renewing it is a different challenge. If you don’t meet the conditions or fail to prove your financial stability, you could lose your residency status.
We help applicants stay compliant, avoid renewal issues, and secure their long-term future in Greece. Don’t risk rejection—let’s make sure you’re fully prepared.
Get Residency Renewal AssistanceThat means:
- Your passive income is still stable and meets the financial requirements.
- You still have a legal residence in Greece (a rental contract or property ownership).
- You have valid health insurance that meets Greek residency standards.
As long as nothing has changed, the renewal process is fairly straightforward.
But if your income drops below the minimum threshold or you lose your Greek address, your renewal could be denied.
How Does Tax Residency Work?
One of the biggest concerns for expats moving to Greece is taxation.
Do you have to pay Greek taxes if you live here?
The answer depends on your residency status.
If you live in Greece for more than 183 days per year, you’re considered a Greek tax resident and will need to declare your worldwide income.
But if you spend less time in the country, you may remain a tax resident of your home country instead.
Greece does have tax-friendly programs for expats, including:
- A low-tax scheme for retirees moving to Greece.
- A flat 7% tax rate for foreign pensioners.
- Special tax incentives for those relocating under the Non-Dom tax regime.
Before making any major financial moves, it’s best to consult with a tax professional who understands both Greek and international tax laws.
Can You Work or Start a Business in Greece with This Visa?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the FIP Visa.
You cannot work in Greece.
That means:
- No taking a local job.
- No freelancing for Greek clients.
- No starting a business that operates in Greece.
If your goal is to work in Greece, you’ll need to apply for a different visa type—either a work visa or the Greek Digital Nomad Visa (which allows remote work but has different rules).
However, you can still earn income from outside Greece.
If your passive income comes from rental properties, investments, or a foreign pension, you’re good.
But if you actively work for clients or employers—even if they’re based in another country—you could run into issues.
What Happens If You Want to Switch to Another Visa?
Some people start with the FIP Visa but later decide they want more flexibility to work or invest in Greek real estate.
The good news is, you can switch to another visa type if your situation changes.
Many expats eventually transition to:
- The Greek Golden Visa, if they decide to invest €250,000+ in property.
- The Greek Digital Nomad Visa, if they want to legally work remotely from Greece.
- Permanent residency or citizenship, if they meet the long-term stay requirements.
The key is knowing what you want long-term so you can choose the best visa option from the start.
Is the FIP Visa the Right Choice for You?
If your goal is to live in Greece long-term without needing to work, the FIP Visa is one of the best residency options available.
It’s flexible, doesn’t require a major financial investment, and gives you the ability to live in Greece full-time or travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
But it’s not for everyone.
If your income doesn’t qualify as passive, or if you plan to work while living in Greece, you’ll need to explore other visa options.
The biggest takeaway?
Planning ahead is everything.
Greece has clear rules for this visa, and if you follow them carefully, the process can be smooth.
But if you miscalculate your financial proof, submit incomplete documents, or don’t understand the restrictions, your application won’t make it past the first stage.
Now that you have a full breakdown of how the FIP Visa works, the next step is figuring out if this is the right residency path for you—and how to apply successfully.
How We Help You Secure Your Greek FIP Visa—The Right Way
By now, you understand exactly how the Greek FIP Visa works.
You know the financial requirements, the step-by-step process, and what life in Greece looks like with this visa.
But here’s the reality—knowing what to do and actually getting approved are two very different things.
The biggest mistake applicants make?
Going into this process unprepared.
It’s not just about having enough income or filling out a form.
If your documents aren’t structured correctly, if your financial proof doesn’t meet Greek standards, or if you make even a small mistake in your application, you will be rejected—without a second chance.
That’s where we come in.
At Totsi, we guide clients through every step of the process—from verifying eligibility to submitting a bulletproof application that meets Greek immigration standards.
What We Do for Our Clients
✔ We assess your eligibility upfront. Before you waste time and money, we review your financial situation to ensure you meet the passive income requirements. If there’s a potential issue, we help you find the right solution.
✔ We prepare your documents properly. Greek immigration authorities require translated, notarized, and certified paperwork. We handle the entire process, ensuring your application is flawless from day one.
✔ We structure your financial proof correctly. Many applicants get rejected because they don’t present their income in a way Greek officials accept. We ensure your financial documentation is clear, verifiable, and 100% compliant.
✔ We manage the entire application process. From securing your Type D Visa to scheduling your residency appointment in Greece, we make sure you stay on track and avoid delays.
✔ We handle renewals, tax advice, and long-term residency planning. Once your visa is approved, we don’t stop there. We guide you through renewals, tax implications, and even transitions to permanent residency or citizenship.
Why Work With Totsi?
There’s a lot of misinformation online about the Greek FIP Visa.
Some say freelancers qualify (they don’t).
Others claim you can apply without proper financial proof (you can’t).
We don’t deal in vague advice—we deal in results.
With extensive experience handling residency applications for non-EU citizens, we know exactly what Greek authorities expect.
That means we eliminate the guesswork, minimize the risks, and get your application right the first time.
Moving to Greece is a huge life decision, and your residency shouldn’t be left to chance.
If you want to ensure a smooth, stress-free application, we’re here to make it happen.
Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk.
If you’re serious about applying for the Greek FIP Visa, the best way to move forward is with a strategy that ensures success.
Let’s discuss your eligibility, walk you through the process, and make sure your application is structured for approval.
Your Greek Residency Isn’t Permanent—Are You Prepared for Renewal?
Many expats assume they’re set once they get their FIP Visa, but renewing it is a different challenge. If you don’t meet the conditions or fail to prove your financial stability, you could lose your residency status.
We help applicants stay compliant, avoid renewal issues, and secure their long-term future in Greece. Don’t risk rejection—let’s make sure you’re fully prepared.
Get Residency Renewal AssistanceContact Us to Apply for the Greek Financially Independent Visa
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