Thank you so much for all of this information! I am a U.S. citizen in process of getting dual citizenship through my Greek father. Once that comes through, my American husband and I plan to move to Greece for early retirement. We are strongly considering Kalamata at the moment. My husband will be going through the same process you are going through, now. We love your videos, and have found them to be very helpful in our journey to become Greek citizens.
Glad I was useful! I would really go for kalamata, you need to research and drive around but there are some lovely areas in kalamata and it has a great vibe and all year around life, which is not guaranteed in Greece, the airport is close, and Athens is only 2 hours or so on a great road. Good luck with it!
In order to qualify for citizenship, you need to have been living in, working, and paying taxes (income tax at least at the minimum legal salary which is about 700 Euros per month these days) for seven years, and then you qualify to write the apparently tough exams. I have a permanent residence card (also through marriage). The card expired in May 2023 (I applied for a renewed card two months prior to expiry), I finally got called in for my biometrics one year later (May 2024) and I continue to wait for the renewed card (i.e it has been nearly 18 months with an expired residence card). As someone whose passport does not allow EU access, this makes it very difficult to leave Greece because a) the EU access my residence card should provide is not available with an expired card, and b) airlines will not allow me on to a flight to Greece with an expired residence card.
Spot on! Not all residency permit types are allowed on the citizenship through naturalization path. People think that they are going to come to Greece on a Financially Independent Persons Visa for 1 year, then get a FIP residence permit for 3 years and renew it once more for another 3 years and then they have the illusion that they are eligible for citizenship through naturalization after they pass the exams! You need income produced and taxed in Greece for at least 5 years (if you are on the 7 year naturalization track) or 7 years (if you are on the 12 year naturalization track). Moreover, you have to prove that you have created social ties in Greece. Andrew made it sound quite easy, i.e. 7 years of residency + exams and you become Greek. NO CHANCE OF THAT HAPPENING!
Thank you, very helpful. I think my dream of obtaining an FIP visa is just that; I can't imagine many pensioners having a fixed income from a private pension of 3500 euros. Seems extraordinarily high, given that the average wage in Greece is between 1000 and 1500 euros! Appreciate your work on our behalf.
It was only just increased, it used to be 2.5k. I think the reality is there residency in Europe is meant to be restrictive outside of Birth and marriage.
Great content 🙏 It's getting more difficult to move around the EU now we are not a member😟 But illeagal Boat imigrants can go and live anywhere 😳 and get free private healthcare in the UK now........
If you have an Irish Passport you can just move there - you have the right. I believe if you stay for more than 6 months you are meant to register for tax etc but that is it. you are lucky!
The Greek government are introducing a ban on new short term rentals, so this might affect Golden Visa applicants who buy 3 properties and want to rent out 2 of them
@@GreeceExplored Indeed it is, trying to protect the housing market for all and not just pandering to the wealthy, which is surprising from ND because that is what they have been doing so far!
Interesting broadcast, as always, bro. I have just analysed the new 2024 requirements, re pensioners, and it seems to state that you either have to prove you have the higher private pension income, OR alternatively, have €70k plus, in savings, plus %20 more to cover a spouse/civil partner. So most folk would presumably go for the savings route? - with all relevant docs etcetera. This is the route we will take, as our savings are well over €100k, plus we have pension incomes, which do not amount to the needed income requirement route. So, it’s a bit frightening, but a fearful heart is never strident, as they say. But, a great many will be now excluded. Which is sad.😮
For sure. I’ve published this article based on the Greek gov new rules, for retirees, the other routes, as you have indicated, can be very problematic… 🤔?THINKING OF MOVING TO GREECE FROM A NON-EU COUNTRY? Greece offers an incredible amount of scenic and historical wealth; add this to its welcoming people, the climate, the ancient mythology, culture, cuisine and the ravishing Aegean Sea that drips with historical resonance, and fabulous beauty. So it’s not surprising the focus of retirees is set on Greece. The following is a crucially 2024 updated, Greek governmental, guide to the D and FIP visa entry route for retired or newly retiring folk, looking to move to Greece. The 2024 Greek FIP (Financially Independent Person) residence visa for retirees offers a pathway for non-EU nationals, including retirees, to reside in Greece by demonstrating sufficient financial means without the need to engage in employment. Here's an overview based on the latest information available up to September 2024: Key Features Visa Duration The FIP visa now grants a residence permit for three years, an increase from the previous two-year duration. Financial Requirements Monthly Income A minimum of €3,500 per month is required, which must be passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends, etc.). Deposit Option Alternatively, a lump sum deposit of €72,000 can be made to a Greek bank account, which effectively covers the financial requirement for the first year, with additional funds needed for subsequent years. Application Process Initially, applicants must secure a "D" Visa from a Greek Consulate outside of Greece before applying for the residence permit in Greece. This visa allows entry into Greece for the purpose of obtaining the residence permit. The application involves submitting various documents like proof of income, health insurance, and other personal documents. Cost The application for the FIP visa includes a fee of €1,000 plus an additional €16 for the issuance of the electronic card. Purpose and Limitations This visa is designed for those who wish to live in Greece without engaging in employment. It does not provide access to the labor market or rights to perform independent economic activities. Family Members Spouses and children under 18 can also apply for residence permits, with the financial requirement adjusted upwards depending on the number of family members. Long-term Residency While the FIP visa is temporary, it can be a stepping stone towards long-term residency in the EU. After five years of continuous legal residence in Greece, one might be eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status, which offers additional rights within the EU, though this process has its own set of requirements beyond the scope of the FIP visa. Considerations Economic Stability The adjustment in financial requirements to €3,500 monthly or a deposit of €72,000 reflects Greece's aim to ensure that retirees can sustain themselves without relying on the state's resources, aligning with broader economic stability measures. Tax Implications Greece offers a beneficial tax regime for foreign pension income, making it an attractive destination for retirees. However, understanding all tax obligations related to residency is crucial.
@@Kingswick I believe that your info is incorrect, probably sourced off the internet. 1-Year FIP visa Deposit (single person): €3,500 x 12 = €42,000 3-Year FIP residence permit Deposit (single person): €3,500 x 36 = €126,000 The above do not need to be in a Greek Bank account any more. To the deposits above you add the spouse + children additional amounts as needed. We are talking serious money here. I am pretty sure that quite a few expats will not be able to renew their permits any more.
Very informative! Can we claim our monthly limit of 3,5000+ 20% = 4,200 based on the funds we have in our country (Canada) or we need to transfer required amount into our (future) Greek bank account?
You need to ask a lawyer to be honest, but my understanding is you need a Greek bank account, so the implication is the funds are transferred to Greece.
My wife and I visited Athens a couple years ago and fell in love. We would like to retire there in a expat community. I am retired U S Army, and I receive a VA pension as well I am watching your video on Visas. Residency and citizenship. Are you saying we cannot use Social Security as part of our retirement income? Thank you for time
Thank you for such a precise & informative video! I lived in the Mani for 3 yrs in the late 60's early 70's. It has never left my memory. Now I am old and retired and want to come back. Planning a trip next year and want to scope out the land to determine if to make the move and where to live. Thinking of Nafplio. I need some help. I have a Greek ID card from the late 60's and an expired Greek passport under my married Greek name (unfortunately divorced and he has since passed away). Am I still a Greek citizen? Could you help me navigate this situation? Hoping for EU citizenship. Would you know of an English-speaking lawyer who could help? Thank you!
I am not a lawyer, or a real expert, only relating what I know through my own experiences. My wife and I believe that once a Greek citizen with a passport you remain a Greek citizen, regardless. Perhaps you should contact your local Greek Embassy or Consulate and enquire about renewing it? Once you have done that then Greece is open to you. Nafplio is a great place to retire, about 300k euros should get you a half decent 2 bed apartment there. I don't know any lawyer I can recommend I am afraid, but there are a lot in Nafplio who speak English. I do have a video on buying property in Greece too, which may be worth a look, and another about retiring in Greece.
@@Kostaki51 Then you may be a Greek citizen, but it will also depend on the nationality of your parents, and their citizenship. If one is Greek, fine, if not, maybe but will depend on residency in Greece at the time.
@@GreeceExplored Thanks i follow your great work both parents were born in Greece I was told by the Greek Consulate in Australia I should have no problem staying more than 90 days they have my Greek birthday Certificate It's on file just as long at the airport they don't hassel me it happened in 1985
Brilliant prsentation. Congratulations. A must for anyone seeking a way through the regulations.
Thanks, it is a 'dry' video but I am glad if it was useful!
I love your voice Sir!!!!.... And love your contents... this one is no exception!!!. Thank you!!!!...😍
Thank you, much appreciated, a bit of a dry subject too!
Thank you so much for all of this information! I am a U.S. citizen in process of getting dual citizenship through my Greek father. Once that comes through, my American husband and I plan to move to Greece for early retirement. We are strongly considering Kalamata at the moment. My husband will be going through the same process you are going through, now. We love your videos, and have found them to be very helpful in our journey to become Greek citizens.
Glad I was useful! I would really go for kalamata, you need to research and drive around but there are some lovely areas in kalamata and it has a great vibe and all year around life, which is not guaranteed in Greece, the airport is close, and Athens is only 2 hours or so on a great road. Good luck with it!
In order to qualify for citizenship, you need to have been living in, working, and paying taxes (income tax at least at the minimum legal salary which is about 700 Euros per month these days) for seven years, and then you qualify to write the apparently tough exams. I have a permanent residence card (also through marriage). The card expired in May 2023 (I applied for a renewed card two months prior to expiry), I finally got called in for my biometrics one year later (May 2024) and I continue to wait for the renewed card (i.e it has been nearly 18 months with an expired residence card). As someone whose passport does not allow EU access, this makes it very difficult to leave Greece because a) the EU access my residence card should provide is not available with an expired card, and b) airlines will not allow me on to a flight to Greece with an expired residence card.
Spot on! Not all residency permit types are allowed on the citizenship through naturalization path. People think that they are going to come to Greece on a Financially Independent Persons Visa for 1 year, then get a FIP residence permit for 3 years and renew it once more for another 3 years and then they have the illusion that they are eligible for citizenship through naturalization after they pass the exams! You need income produced and taxed in Greece for at least 5 years (if you are on the 7 year naturalization track) or 7 years (if you are on the 12 year naturalization track). Moreover, you have to prove that you have created social ties in Greece. Andrew made it sound quite easy, i.e. 7 years of residency + exams and you become Greek. NO CHANCE OF THAT HAPPENING!
So helpful, thank you 🙏🏻
@@ladymiriamful Glad if it has been useful :)
Thank you, very helpful. I think my dream of obtaining an FIP visa is just that; I can't imagine many pensioners having a fixed income from a private pension of 3500 euros. Seems extraordinarily high, given that the average wage in Greece is between 1000 and 1500 euros! Appreciate your work on our behalf.
It was only just increased, it used to be 2.5k. I think the reality is there residency in Europe is meant to be restrictive outside of Birth and marriage.
Great content 🙏 It's getting more difficult to move around the EU now we are not a member😟 But illeagal Boat imigrants can go and live anywhere 😳 and get free private healthcare in the UK now........
It is becoming very difficult here unless you have some sort of qualifying route.
Well, there goes my dream of retiring in Greece :-( Mexico it is then. Three months out of six ain't so bad in the end.
It is quire restrictive, I guess with intention.
I too Andrew won the lottery when I married a Greek, thankfully I'm not reminded of that fact!😂
Thanks Frank, at least it is a little cooler now too!
Thanks for such a detailed video! What do you think is the best option for someone with an EU (Irish) passport?
If you have an Irish Passport you can just move there - you have the right. I believe if you stay for more than 6 months you are meant to register for tax etc but that is it. you are lucky!
The Greek government are introducing a ban on new short term rentals, so this might affect Golden Visa applicants who buy 3 properties and want to rent out 2 of them
Yes I had heard this too, good news I think.
@@GreeceExplored Indeed it is, trying to protect the housing market for all and not just pandering to the wealthy, which is surprising from ND because that is what they have been doing so far!
Interesting broadcast, as always, bro.
I have just analysed the new 2024 requirements, re pensioners, and it seems to state that you either have to prove you have the higher private pension income, OR alternatively, have €70k plus, in savings, plus %20 more to cover a spouse/civil partner. So most folk would presumably go for the savings route? - with all relevant docs etcetera. This is the route we will take, as our savings are well over €100k, plus we have pension incomes, which do not amount to the needed income requirement route. So, it’s a bit frightening, but a fearful heart is never strident, as they say. But, a great many will be now excluded. Which is sad.😮
@@Kingswick thanks mate, probably a case of having to see advice because different sources give different values…..
For sure. I’ve published this article based on the Greek gov new rules, for retirees, the other routes, as you have indicated, can be very problematic…
🤔?THINKING OF MOVING TO GREECE FROM A NON-EU COUNTRY?
Greece offers an incredible amount of scenic and historical wealth; add this to its welcoming people, the climate, the ancient mythology, culture, cuisine and the ravishing Aegean Sea that drips with historical resonance, and fabulous beauty. So it’s not surprising the focus of retirees is set on Greece.
The following is a crucially 2024 updated, Greek governmental, guide to the D and FIP visa entry route for retired or newly retiring folk, looking to move to Greece.
The 2024 Greek FIP (Financially Independent Person) residence visa for retirees offers a pathway for non-EU nationals, including retirees, to reside in Greece by demonstrating sufficient financial means without the need to engage in employment. Here's an overview based on the latest information available up to September 2024:
Key Features
Visa Duration
The FIP visa now grants a residence permit for three years, an increase from the previous two-year duration.
Financial Requirements
Monthly Income
A minimum of €3,500 per month is required, which must be passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends, etc.).
Deposit Option
Alternatively, a lump sum deposit of €72,000 can be made to a Greek bank account, which effectively covers the financial requirement for the first year, with additional funds needed for subsequent years.
Application Process
Initially, applicants must secure a "D" Visa from a Greek Consulate outside of Greece before applying for the residence permit in Greece. This visa allows entry into Greece for the purpose of obtaining the residence permit.
The application involves submitting various documents like proof of income, health insurance, and other personal documents.
Cost
The application for the FIP visa includes a fee of €1,000 plus an additional €16 for the issuance of the electronic card.
Purpose and Limitations
This visa is designed for those who wish to live in Greece without engaging in employment. It does not provide access to the labor market or rights to perform independent economic activities.
Family Members
Spouses and children under 18 can also apply for residence permits, with the financial requirement adjusted upwards depending on the number of family members.
Long-term Residency
While the FIP visa is temporary, it can be a stepping stone towards long-term residency in the EU. After five years of continuous legal residence in Greece, one might be eligible to apply for EU long-term resident status, which offers additional rights within the EU, though this process has its own set of requirements beyond the scope of the FIP visa.
Considerations
Economic Stability
The adjustment in financial requirements to €3,500 monthly or a deposit of €72,000 reflects Greece's aim to ensure that retirees can sustain themselves without relying on the state's resources, aligning with broader economic stability measures.
Tax Implications
Greece offers a beneficial tax regime for foreign pension income, making it an attractive destination for retirees. However, understanding all tax obligations related to residency is crucial.
@@Kingswick I believe that your info is incorrect, probably sourced off the internet.
1-Year FIP visa Deposit (single person): €3,500 x 12 = €42,000
3-Year FIP residence permit Deposit (single person): €3,500 x 36 = €126,000
The above do not need to be in a Greek Bank account any more.
To the deposits above you add the spouse + children additional amounts as needed. We are talking serious money here. I am pretty sure that quite a few expats will not be able to renew their permits any more.
Very informative! Can we claim our monthly limit of 3,5000+ 20% = 4,200 based on the funds we have in our country (Canada) or we need to transfer required amount into our (future) Greek bank account?
You need to ask a lawyer to be honest, but my understanding is you need a Greek bank account, so the implication is the funds are transferred to Greece.
Your 'walk about' area looks very nice! Just curious where about are you located?
I was walking around Argos int eh Peloponnese
It seems to me that brexit was a big mistake. I will never understand why UK voted to leave EU. It makes no sense at all.
I don't think it was of benefit, but I don't want to become too political.
My wife and I visited Athens a couple years ago and fell in love. We would like to retire there in a expat community. I am retired U S Army, and I receive a VA pension as well I am watching your video on Visas. Residency and citizenship. Are you saying we cannot use Social Security as part of our retirement income? Thank you for time
Thank you for such a precise & informative video! I lived in the Mani for 3 yrs in the late 60's early 70's. It has never left my memory. Now I am old and retired and want to come back. Planning a trip next year and want to scope out the land to determine if to make the move and where to live. Thinking of Nafplio. I need some help. I have a Greek ID card from the late 60's and an expired Greek passport under my married Greek name (unfortunately divorced and he has since passed away). Am I still a Greek citizen? Could you help me navigate this situation? Hoping for EU citizenship. Would you know of an English-speaking lawyer who could help? Thank you!
I am not a lawyer, or a real expert, only relating what I know through my own experiences. My wife and I believe that once a Greek citizen with a passport you remain a Greek citizen, regardless. Perhaps you should contact your local Greek Embassy or Consulate and enquire about renewing it? Once you have done that then Greece is open to you. Nafplio is a great place to retire, about 300k euros should get you a half decent 2 bed apartment there. I don't know any lawyer I can recommend I am afraid, but there are a lot in Nafplio who speak English. I do have a video on buying property in Greece too, which may be worth a look, and another about retiring in Greece.
@@GreeceExplored Thank you, both to you and your wife for the info. I'm looking at your videos one by one and enjoying them very much!
What about you if you are born in Greece but live overseas??
@@Kostaki51 Then you may be a Greek citizen, but it will also depend on the nationality of your parents, and their citizenship. If one is Greek, fine, if not, maybe but will depend on residency in Greece at the time.
@@GreeceExplored
Thanks i follow your great work
both parents were born in Greece
I was told by the Greek Consulate in Australia
I should have no problem staying more than 90 days they have my Greek birthday Certificate It's on file just as long at the airport they don't hassel me it happened in 1985