How to get a Financial Independence Visa for Greece

Since I moved to Greece in February 2019, I've been asked a lot about what kinds of visas are available to spend more than just a few months in Greece. As a result, I figured I would write out exactly what I've learned directly from my professional friends at the Greek Embassy in Chicago about some of the most appealing options. If you have questions about what's required for any visas that can get you to Greece, I have some answers that you may not be able to find online. This is especially helpful if you're interested in becoming a member of my latest project: Greek Village Cohousing.

Disclaimer 1: I'm not a lawyer; I just know exactly what you need for any visa you could possibly want to live in Greece.

Disclaimer 2: You must get your visa in your home country as it's not going to be possible to get one while you're already abroad.

Disclaimer 3: There may be visa processing fees at your local Greek Consulate from anywhere between $50 to $300 USD, give or take $100.

C.3.1 Financially Independent Persons

As provided in section A, Article 20 of Law 4251/2014, non EU/EEA nationals, provided the persons concerned have sufficient income at the stable annual income level to cover their subsistence expenses, may be granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field "REMARKS" of the visa sticker, the reference <<C.3.1 Financially Independent Persons>>, provided the persons concerned submit to the competent diplomatic mission or consular authority the following supporting documents:

• Evidence that the person is financially independent (income earner, high pension retiree, etc.) and has sufficient subsistence income at a stable annual income level, the amount of which is set at 2,000 euros per month or a certification of a public pension institution on granting a final pension. If foreigner is accompanied by his/her family members, this amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and by 15% for each child.

• In the case of third-country nationals entitled to pension from a Greek main pension fund, they can (only) renew their residence permit (rather than initially granting it), under Article 20 of Law 4251/2014, irrespective of the amount of the pension.

• The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance).

The amount of income, at a stable annual level, is evidenced by a foreign pension, a bank account or proof that they have their own sufficient financial resources, of legitimate origin, to meet their subsistence expenses, without engaging in paid employment or being engaged in an independent economic activity in Greece.

The above may be accompanied or followed by their family members, provided that their subsistence and health care expenses will not burden the Greek national welfare system and provided they are granted, following an interview, a national visa indicating, in the field "REMARKS" of the visa sticker, the reference.

<<F.1 Family members of third-party nationals>>

This national visa is granted upon presentation of the following supporting documents:

• A family status certificate issued by the local competent authorities, proving family relationship.

• The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance).

If said third-country national is accompanied by his/her family members, the amount of 2,000 euros is increased by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each child.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at ourlifeinreview@gmail.com to ask!