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🇬🇷Greece · passive income

Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa

Best for: retirees, savings/dividends. Pairs perfectly with 7% flat tax

Income req
€2,000/mo
€24,000/year
Tax rate
7% flat
Special regime
Processing
30-60d
From submission
Total cost
€575-€1,500
App + lawyer + fees

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Overview

The Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa is one of Greece's primary residency routes for retirees and individuals with stable passive income. Best for: retirees, savings/dividends. Pairs perfectly with 7% flat tax

This visa is designed for non-EU citizens. Minimum monthly income requirement: €2,000 from pension, rental_income, dividends, savings.

After 5 years on this visa, you qualify for permanent residency in Greece. Citizenship becomes available after 7 years of continuous residence.

Tax treatment

Tax treatment

Optional 7% flat tax (Article 5B) for retirees.

Holders pay a flat 7% rate.

Important: Retiree can opt for 7% flat tax on global income for 15 years.

Requirements

Application process — step by step

1

Apply at Greek consulate

Submit financial proof (12 months consistent)

⏱ 30-60 days
2

Enter Greece + residence permit application

1-year initial permit

⏱ 1 month
3

Optional 7% flat tax setup

Article 5B for retirees — apply within first year

4

Renew at year 1, 3, 5

Maintain financial threshold

⏱ ongoing

⚠ Common pitfalls

  • ZERO work in Greece allowed (even remote work for foreign company is grey)
  • 7% flat tax requires applying — many miss the deadline
  • Need to spend 183+ days/year in Greece for tax residency benefits

Cost breakdown

The total cost of obtaining the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa ranges from €575 to €1,500, depending on lawyer choice, document translation needs, and country-specific fees.

Family inclusion

Yes — the Greece FIP allows family members to be included as dependents.

Path to permanent residency and citizenship

The Greece FIP is renewable and leads to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Greece.

Citizenship is available after 7 years, subject to language exam (typically A2-B1) and integration interview.

This pathway is therefore valuable not only for relocation but as a long-term route to EU citizenship and freedom of movement across the Schengen area.

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa?

€24,000+/year stable passive income. Health insurance. Greek bank account. Cannot work in Greece (passive income only). Available to non-EU/EEA citizens.

How much income do I need for the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa?

€2,000/month minimum (€24,000/year). Income source must be: pension, rental_income, dividends, savings. €24,000+/year passive income proof

What is the tax rate for Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa holders?

Optional 7% flat tax (Article 5B) for retirees. Flat tax rate of 7%. Retiree can opt for 7% flat tax on global income for 15 years.

How long does the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa application take?

Typical processing time is 30-60 days from submission. Plus 2-6 weeks for document preparation beforehand. Account for additional time at consulate appointments and post-arrival residency permit processing.

What does the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa cost in total?

Application fee: €75. Lawyer assistance (recommended): €500 on average. Total: €575-€1,500 including all fees, translations, and apostilles.

Does the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes — after 5 years of continuous residence under this visa, you qualify for permanent residency. Citizenship is available after 7 years.

Can I bring my family with the Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa?

Yes. Spouse income requirement is typically +20% of base requirement. Each child adds 15% to the income threshold.

What are the most common pitfalls with Financially Independent Person (FIP) / D Visa?

ZERO work in Greece allowed (even remote work for foreign company is grey). 7% flat tax requires applying — many miss the deadline. Need to spend 183+ days/year in Greece for tax residency benefits

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-01 · Sources: official government immigration websites + verified immigration lawyer firms.
This page is informational only — not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.