Conditions for Settling in Greece and Being an Immigrant in Greece
Atomic Answer: Conditions For Settling In Greece And Being An Immigrant In Greece is a critical component of the Canadian immigration framework. As of 2026, applicants navigating this pathway must adhere to the latest IRCC guidelines, ensure all documentation is properly prepared, and meet the specific eligibility requirements. Processing times and exact costs will vary based on individual circumstances.
Conditions for Settling in Greece and Being an Immigrant in Greece
Greece is preferred by immigrants due to its mild climate, proximity to Turkey and its low cost compared to other European countries. Greece stands out in terms of immigration and settlement with various options such as working, receiving education, family reunification and becoming a refugee.
The percentage of the foreign population in Greece is 7.1% of the country's total population. The 4.4 million registered immigrants in Greece contribute 9% to the Greek workforce. 60% of immigrants in Greece are Albanian immigrants. The countries of origin of immigrants settled in Greece are Turkey, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia and Ukraine.
Statistics expressing the change in the number of foreigners immigrating to Greece are documented as 860 thousand in 2015; 177 thousand in 2016; 36 thousand in 2017; 50 thousand in 2018; and 23 thousand in 2019.
What Do EU Citizens Need to Live in Greece?
Citizens of European Union countries can immigrate to Greece in the following cases.
- As a student in educational institutions in Greece
- As a worker in Greece
- As a business owner in Greece
- As a family member of a person living in Greece
- As an investor in Greece
What is the process of immigration to Greece for European Union citizens?
The process for immigration to Greece for European Union citizens who wish to stay in Greece for more than 90 days is listed below.
- It is necessary to go to the local Foreigners Office and fill out the application form.
- To apply, a passport, 4 passport-sized photographs, a health insurance policy, a document from the workplace if the applicant is employed, a statement of bank account transactions, a retirement certificate if the applicant is retired, and a residence certificate must be submitted.
- After the application is evaluated, a Greek residence registration certificate is issued on behalf of the applicant.
What are the Greek Immigration Requirements for Non-EU Citizens?
Greece immigration requirements for non-EU citizens are listed below.
- Immigration by working in Greece
- Immigrating as an entrepreneur in Greece
- Immigration by studying in Greece
- Immigration through family reunification in Greece
- Immigration to Greece (asylum)
Do Non-EU Citizens Need to Obtain a Residence Permit to Immigrate to Greece?
Yes, non-EU citizens are required to obtain a residence permit to immigrate to Greece.
How to Settle in Greece by Working?
Foreign nationals who want to work and settle in Greece must first find a job in Greece. Factors such as the working conditions of the job in Greece, its reputation, salary status and the workplace where it will be worked play an effective role in the evaluation of the Greece immigration application.
People who will work in service areas such as cooks, cleaners, caretakers, and those who have fixed-income jobs such as managers, teachers, scientific researchers, artists and those who participate in internship activities have the right to settle in Greece through work. People who plan to do agricultural work or forestry work in Greece must have a Greek work permit .
How to Settle in Greece by Starting a Business?
It is possible to settle in Greece by establishing a business. People who want to establish a company or business within the borders of Greece and who want to be entrepreneurs have the right to settle in Greece after obtaining a residence permit.
The conditions for people who want to establish a business and settle in Greece are listed below.
- Having a startup idea as an entrepreneur
- Establishing a sole proprietorship
- Becoming a partner in an existing business in Greece
- Receiving an offer to become a senior manager in an existing company in Greece
It is possible to settle in Greece and obtain a residence permit through work.
In order to open a commercial business in Greece, legal registration procedures must be completed at the Greek Chamber of Commerce.
How to Settle in Greece as a Student?
The educational institutions that provide student settlement in Greece are secondary education, high school and university education institutions at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.
Things to do to settle in Greece as a student are listed below.
- The institution where education will be received in Greece must be determined.
- A health insurance valid and insured in the European Union must be obtained.
- An adequate financial plan must be provided to cover living expenses throughout the education period.
- In order to settle in Greece as a student, the documents required during the application must be prepared in an orderly manner.
If the education in Greece is for less than 90 days, the type of visa that must be obtained is the Greece student visa. If the student period in Greece is longer than 90 days, a residence permit must be obtained from Greece. When a residence permit is obtained for education in Greece, individuals gain the right to settle in Greece as a student. Support can be received from visam.ent consultants while preparing the necessary documents for the Greece student visa .
How to Settle in Greece with Family Reunification?
Non-EU citizens with a family member living in Greece have the right to settle in Greece through family reunification. In order to reunite with a family member residing in Greece, it is necessary to have sufficient resources such as regular salary, business income, assets or pension.
Children with one Greek parent are eligible to settle in Greece with a Greek family reunification visa. In order for children to be eligible for a residence permit in Greece, the parent residing in Greece must have custody of the child. If both parents are guardians of the child, the other parent must give notarized consent for the child to move to Greece.
How to Settle in Greece as a Refugee?
People who face threats in the country they live in and are citizens of can apply for refugee status in Greece. People who are persecuted in their own country due to ethnicity, religion, nationality or political views can apply for immigration to Greece and, if accepted, can settle in Greece as a refugee.
Asylum applications in Greece are made in person. In the interviews held to settle in Greece as a refugee, the applicant is asked questions. During the interview, the applicant must give detailed and transparent answers. Applicants who apply for asylum in Greece are granted asylum in Greece if they pass the interview.
How to Apply for Immigration in Greece?
Greek immigration applications are made to the Greek Immigration Office. In the Greek immigration application, application documents such as the applicant's ID, residence, professional certificate, account transactions, health insurance are required. The applicant's fingerprints are taken at the Greek Immigration Office.
Greek immigration applications are free. Greek passports are given to those whose Greek immigration applications are approved.
What is the Immigrant Population in Greece?
The immigrant population in Greece is 4.4 million. The foreign population in Greece constitutes 7.1% of the country's population. 2.6 million of the foreigners in Greece are Albanian citizens.
What is the contact information for the Greek Immigration Office?
The Greek Immigration Office is located at Thivon Avenue 196- 198, 182 33 Ag. Ioannis Rentis- Nikaia and the telephone number is +30 21 30 29 53 63.