Residence Permit for People with Sufficient Financial Means (Type I.8)
Greece
Last updated: December 24, 2025
3 years (renewable)
$1,000
3-4 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you live in Greece if you have steady money coming in from outside Greece. You don't need a job there. It's for people with pensions, investment income, or rental money who want to live in Europe long-term. You can't work or run a business in Greece. But you can own property, invest money, and live there permanently. Your spouse and children under 18 can come with you. This is different from work visas. It's for people who are financially independent and don't need Greek income to survive.
Key Benefits
- Live in Greece long-term with 3-year renewable permit
- Bring spouse and children under 18
- Travel 29 European countries visa-free (up to 90 days at a time)
- Own property and invest money
- Children can attend Greek schools
- No yearly renewals - get 3 years at a time
- Path to Greek citizenship after 7 years
- Access Schengen zone freely
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Not from EU/EEA countries - visa only for non-EU/non-EEA citizens
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Clean background - no serious crimes
- Stable income of at least €3,500 per month from outside Greece
- Income must be from legal sources
- Must have no serious infectious diseases
- Not listed as unwanted (persona non grata) by Greece
- No requirement for job, degree, or Greek language skills
Financial Requirement
Minimum €3,500 per month ($4,109 USD) from outside Greece. Add €700/month for spouse and €525/month per child under 18. Income must be continuous and verifiable for 12 months. Can come from pensions, investments, rental income, or bank interest.
Documents
- Valid passportAt least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 3 months beyond stay
- Bank statementsLast 6-12 months showing stable income
- Pension statementsIf retired - proof of pension payments
- Tax returnsFrom home country
- Investment income statementsIf applicable
- Private health insuranceMust cover medical treatment and hospitalization
- Criminal record checkFrom home country
- Medical certificateFrom doctor - issued within 1 month
- Travel insuranceValid for duration of stay
- Proof of residenceLease agreement or property deed for place in Greece
- Officially translated documentsAll documents must be translated to Greek and have official seal (apostille)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.