A brief note on getting a permit in Greece as a Financially Indepedent Person

In general, we need to clarify that Visa is an official document that it allows for a non-national to enter a country, while permit is an official document that it allows a non-national to resident a country. The granting of a permit to an applicant is based on the appropriate type of the already issued Visa. Depending on the purpose of travelling to Greece, there are different types of Visas that may apply to each occasion. In a nutshell, the applicant is required to apply for – and issue – a proper Visa as a prerequisite for the granting of permit. The granting of a Visa falls in the powers and the discretion of the Greek consulate where the applicant resides legally or the country of his nationality.

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, a national visa – and then a permit – indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the visa sticker, the reference «C.3.1 Financially independent persons». The persons concerned are required to submit to the competent diplomatic mission or consular authority the following supporting documents:
1. 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. The amount of income is evidenced by a foreign pension, a bank account or proof that they have 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.
2. The general supporting documents (application, valid travel document, criminal record, medical certificate, health insurance – examples are attached).

The amount of income, at a stable annual level, is evidenced by a foreign pension, a bank account or a proof that they have own sufficient financial resources, of legitimate origin, to meet their subsistence expenses, without engaging in paid employment anywhere or being engaged in an independent economic activity in Greece. It would be useful for the applicant to open a bank account in Greece and transfer here an amount of ca 30K – 40K (it would be useful for proving purposes).

The above may be accompanied or followed by their family members. Their subsistence and health care expenses will not burden the Greek national welfare system, The latter may be granted, a national visa – and then a permit – indicating, in the field “REMARKS” of the of the visa sticker, the reference «F.1. Family members of third – country nationals». The 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.

Permits of that kind of type are valid for 2 and may be renewed for another 3 years. The same information apply also as regards family members. Successful applicant should reside in Greece for 6 months per year.