Residence Permit in Greece: Financially Independent Persons (FIP) vs. Golden Visa

A Complete Guide to Choosing a Residency Program in 2026

Choosing between Financially Independent Person (FIP) status and the Golden Visa requires a clear understanding of the latest legislative changes. Since September 2024, Greece has operated a three-tier investment system, which has significantly changed the entry threshold for foreign investors.

Program Comparison: FIP vs Golden Visa

Detailed Overview of the FIP Program (Financially Independent Person)

The FIP program is aimed at those who see Greece as their main place of residence. It is the classic route for digital nomads, retirees, and people living on investment income.

Income and capital criteria:

To obtain this type of residence permit, you must prove a stable income from abroad. This can be dividends, rental income, a pension, or a remote contract.

• Main applicant: €3,500 per month.
• Spouse: +€700 (20%).
• Child: +€525 (15%).

Important: Greek authorities require that these funds either arrive monthly or be held in full in a bank account 2 years in advance (about €84,000 for a family of two).

Advantages and risks:

The main advantage is that there is no need to "freeze" hundreds of thousands of euros in real estate. The main risk is the need to actually live in the country. If you spend less than 183 days in Greece, your residence permit renewal may be denied.

Golden Visa: Investments and New Rules for 2026

The Golden Visa remains one of the most popular in Europe thanks to its flexibility. Since 2024, legislation (Law 5100/2024) has divided the country into zones based on investment attractiveness.

Investment thresholds:

1. €800,000 zone: Includes Attica (Athens), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with a population over 3,100. Here, you can only buy one property with an area of at least 120 m².
2. €400,000 zone: The remaining regions of mainland Greece and small islands.
3. €250,000 zone: Applies nationwide to properties that change their use (for example, converting a factory into a loft) or require full restoration.

Key insight: A two-tier market and returns

Greece's real estate market shows steady growth (+15% per year). Due to the acute housing shortage in Athens (rent for a one-bedroom apartment ~€800 with an average salary of €1,100), investors receive stable returns from long-term rentals. The Golden Visa has become not only a relocation option, but also a defensive asset amid inflation in the EU.

Tax Benefits for New Residents

Greece actively attracts foreign capital through special tax regimes available to participants in both programs:

• For retirees (Non-Dom): A flat tax rate of 7% on all foreign income for 15 years.
• For investors (Lump-sum): The ability to pay a fixed €100,000 per year regardless of the amount of worldwide income.
• For digital nomads: A 50% tax exemption on income during the first 7 years of residence.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Preparation: Document collection, apostille, and obtaining a Greek tax number (AFM).
2. Submission: For FIP — through the consulate in the country of residence; for the Golden Visa — remotely through lawyers after purchasing property.
3. Biometrics: An in-person visit to Greece to provide fingerprints.
4. Card issuance: The residence permit card is issued within 2–6 months after the application is approved.

Summary: If you plan to make Greece your home and the center of your life interests, the FIP program is the optimal financial choice. For those who value mobility and view residency as part of an investment portfolio, the Golden Visa remains the best tool, despite price increases in popular locations.