Immigration to Greece: Routes and Requirements for Turkish Citizens

Immigration to Greece offers the opportunity to live in a developed EU country on the Balkan Peninsula, surrounded by four seas. Foreign nationals can relocate with a residence permit based on employment, study, property investment, business, family circumstances, or humanitarian grounds. To later qualify for long-term resident status, an applicant generally needs at least 5 years of lawful and continuous residence in Greece under qualifying grounds.

Ways to Move to Greece

Turkish citizens may qualify for long-term resident status in Greece after at least 5 years of lawful and continuous residence, provided they meet the applicable requirements. EU citizens follow a separate regime, under which the right of permanent residence generally arises after 5 years of lawful continuous residence. For long-term resident status, absences during the five-year qualifying period must generally not exceed 10 months in total or 6 consecutive months. Applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• have a stable income at or above the level established by law, sufficient to support themselves and their family without relying on social assistance;
• hold health insurance covering the applicant and family members living with them;
• demonstrate sufficient integration into Greek society, for example by passing an examination in the Greek language and in the country’s culture and history;
• have no record of offences that pose a threat to national security and/or public order.

Periods of residence that are considered temporary by law, such as seasonal employment, are not counted towards the required five-year period. Time spent in Greece with a student residence permit is counted at 50%.

Applicants planning to settle in Greece commonly obtain a residence permit through employment, study, business, investment, or research activities. Residence may also be available on family or humanitarian grounds. The validity of the initial permit and the renewal period depend on the specific immigration basis.

Through Employment

A work-based residence permit is available to applicants who sign an employment contract for at least 12 months, with a salary no lower than the statutory monthly remuneration for an unskilled worker in Greece. The employer must also demonstrate financial capacity through a tax return. To renew the residence permit, the applicant will need health insurance and evidence of regular tax payments in Greece.

A company may hire a foreign employee only after approval by the competent service of the relevant Decentralized Administration. The authority assesses whether recruiting a worker from abroad is justified by labour-market needs and the annual limits in force.

Through Investment

A Greek residence permit may be obtained through investment in the local economy. Applicants may relocate as executives, experts, financial asset managers, or specialised employees. A favourable opinion from the competent unit of the Ministry of Development is required to confirm that the investment project meets the applicable criteria and that granting residence is justified. The authority assesses the significance of the applicant’s economic activity for national development and the Greek economy.

A residence permit may also be obtained through investment in Greek real estate. The investment residence permit is issued for 5 years and can be renewed while the investment is maintained, but it does not in itself replace the physical-residence requirements for long-term resident status or citizenship. The minimum investment is EUR 800,000 in Attica, the Thessaloniki Regional Unit, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with a population above 3,100, and EUR 400,000 in other areas. A threshold of EUR 250,000 applies to certain categories of property.

Through Business

Greece grants temporary residence to foreign nationals planning to carry out independent economic activity, provided they meet the requirements of the relevant residence category. As with investment routes, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds and submit a business plan; investment projects also require an opinion from the competent unit of the Ministry of Development. Depending on the applicable legal framework, an applicant may establish a commercial, industrial, or agricultural company, provide individual services, or practise a liberal profession. Registering a company alone does not grant a right of residence.

Through Study

A Greek residence permit is available to foreign nationals who enter the country to complete a course of study. Residence may also be granted to participants in international student exchange programmes. Minors can obtain a residence permit only with the written consent of their parents or legal guardians. This type of permit provides limited access to the labour market, allowing students to work part-time. Only half of the period spent under a student residence permit counts towards the qualifying period for long-term resident status.

On Humanitarian Grounds

Greek law provides for international protection and certain residence permits on humanitarian grounds. Foreign nationals who have well-founded reasons to fear living in their country of origin may apply for asylum or other forms of international protection. This may include discrimination on national or religious grounds, political persecution, or exposure to the death penalty. Humanitarian residence may also be available to victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Each case is assessed individually by the competent immigration and law-enforcement authorities.

As a Researcher

Licensed research organisations in Greece may invite foreign specialists to carry out professional research activities. Applications are processed under the rules for recognised research organisations, information on which is maintained by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation. Recognised higher education institutions may likewise employ foreign lecturers. Applicants must demonstrate the required qualifications and sufficient financial means in accordance with the rules in force.

For Family Reasons

Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Greece for at least 2 years may apply for family reunification with close relatives, including a spouse and unmarried children under 18. The sponsor must have suitable accommodation for the family. A Greek resident must also demonstrate regular income of at least the national minimum wage, increased by 20% for a spouse and, as a general rule, by 15% for each child.

Family members admitted through reunification receive a Greek residence permit valid for the same period as the main applicant’s residence card. If the sponsor holds permanent residence, family members receive a residence permit with a standard validity of 2 years, renewable for a further 36 months.

Family reunification is also available to relatives of Greek citizens. In exceptional cases, a residence permit may be granted to other dependent relatives or family members who are unable to care for themselves. Spouses of Greek citizens who have a child together may become eligible for naturalisation after 3 years of lawful and continuous residence, provided the other applicable conditions are met.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to Greece

To relocate successfully and obtain Greek residence, you generally need to complete the following steps:

How Much Money Do You Need to Move?

The cost of moving to Greece varies from applicant to applicant. In general, the budget may include transport, accommodation, immigration and legal services, administrative fees, and health insurance.

Consequences of Illegal Immigration

Foreign nationals staying in Greece illegally, for example after their visa has expired, are subject to return procedures and must leave the country within the period set by the competent authority. Failure to comply may result in forced removal and an entry ban covering Greece and other EU territories for a period determined according to the circumstances of the case. Undocumented migrants may also be fined, as may persons who facilitate their illegal stay, including employers.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Greece

The main advantages of permanent residence in Greece include:

• Favourable location.
  Greece is located in southern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula and has an extensive coastline, numerous cultural landmarks, and protected natural areas.
• A balanced cost of living relative to local income.
  Monthly living expenses in Greece are approximately EUR 700–900, excluding rent, while the average monthly salary in the country is above EUR 1,500 before tax.
• Excellent climate and environment.
  According to Numbeo, Greece has a high climate index. The country is developing «green» energy and has relatively few large industrial facilities with a significant environmental impact.
• Access to European social and financial services.
  Greek residents can open bank accounts for international transfers, loans, mortgages, and deposits. Holders of a residence permit can also access European-standard healthcare services and higher education.

Among the disadvantages of living in Greece is a lower average income compared with Western European countries. The average monthly salary is around EUR 1,000 after tax, while competition in the labour market remains significant. Property is also relatively expensive, at approximately EUR 2,000–3,000 per square metre, partly due to the country’s developed tourism sector.

Greece: Where to Live

For permanent residence, immigrants most often choose Greece’s larger cities.

Athens

The capital of Greece is the country’s main administrative, cultural, and economic centre. Athens is the most populous and one of the fastest-developing cities in Greece, with one of the country’s strongest labour markets. Vacancies are available across a wide range of sectors, from information technology to hospitality and food service. The average monthly salary in Athens is around EUR 1,150, while estimated monthly expenses per person are about EUR 800. A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around EUR 500–900 per month to rent, while property prices average approximately EUR 3,500 per square metre.

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest major city is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea. It is home to Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, one of the largest universities in the Balkans, Thessaloniki Airport «Makedonia», and a major seaport with both industrial and cultural importance. The city has textile, engineering, light-industry and food-processing businesses, as well as oil refineries and shipyards. The average monthly salary is around EUR 1,000, while estimated living expenses are up to EUR 800 per person excluding rent. Apartment rents start at approximately EUR 350, while property prices start from around EUR 2,000 per square metre.

Patras

Greece’s third-largest city is located on the north-western edge of the Peloponnese and has a Mediterranean climate with relatively cool, very dry summers and mild winters. Patras is a port city and a popular tourist destination, so many jobs are concentrated in entertainment, hospitality, logistics, shipbuilding, maritime services, and fishing. The average salary is around EUR 1,050 per month, while expected monthly expenses for one person are about EUR 850. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for approximately EUR 350–600 per month, while property prices start at around EUR 1,500 per square metre.

Professional Support for Moving to Greece

International immigration specialists can prepare an individual relocation plan for Greece. Lawyers review the applicant’s circumstances and recommend suitable routes for obtaining European citizenship or residence. Professional support may cover each stage, from document preparation and immigration guidance to assistance when dealing with public authorities. Working with immigration specialists can reduce the risk of documentation errors and make the overall process easier to manage.