Overview
The Financially Independent Person (FIP) residence permit allows non-EU nationals (including UK citizens after Brexit) to live in Greece without working or running a business there, provided they can support themselves financially from income or funds outside Greece.
The initial permit is issued for three (3) years and can be renewed for the same period, as long as the applicant continues to meet the financial and residence requirements.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
• Have stable and sufficient income from sources outside Greece (e.g., pension, savings, rental income, dividends, or remote work income).
• Be able to cover living expenses in Greece without depending on public funds.
• Have valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Greece.
• Have a place of residence in Greece (rental contract, property purchase, or accommodation agreement).
• Have a clean criminal record and a valid passport.
Minimum Income Requirement
• For salaried employees → 3.500 euros net income (after tax and deductions).
• For other cases (e.g. savings, self-employment, pension income) → 3.500 euros as the actual available amount to cover living expenses, ensuring that the applicant does not burden the Greek welfare system.
• For a spouse/partner, an additional +20% (€700) is required.
• For each dependent child, an additional +15% (€525) is required.
• Funds can come from employment or business abroad, pensions, savings, or other verifiable income.
• Proof can be provided via employment contracts, bank statements, pension letters, or tax returns.
What You Cannot do and what you can do
• You cannot work or carry out any business activity in Greece.
• You can own property, receive rental income, or manage personal investments, but you cannot perform paid work for a Greek company or individual.
Documents Typically Required
Below is what applicants usually need to prepare for the residence permit:
Valid passport: Must cover the full period of stay
Passport copies: Including all visa/entry pages
Passport-style photos: For the residence card
Proof of sufficient funds: e.g. bank statements, income certificates, contracts, pension proof
Criminal record certificate: From any other country of residence
Proof of residence in Greece: Rental agreement, property deed, or accommodation statement
Private health insurance: Must cover healthcare in Greece
Payment of application fee (1.000 euros): Payable upon submission
Certified translations and apostilles: Required for all foreign documents
All foreign documents must be officially translated into Greek and apostilled or certified (UK documents typically require an apostille from the UK’s FCDO).
Summary of Must-Knows
→ Minimum income: 3.500euros/month*
→ Permit duration: 3 years, renewable
→ Work rights: No employment or business in Greece
→ Health insurance: Mandatory private coverage
→ Residence proof: Required (rental or property)
→ Application fee: 1.000 euros
→ Translations and apostilles: All non-Greek documents