The short answer is yes — but with important conditions.

What Is a Type D Visa?

A Type D visa is a national long-stay visa issued by a Schengen member state (in this case, Greece). Unlike the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C), which allows visits of up to 90 days, a Type D visa authorises you to stay in the issuing country for a longer period — typically in connection with a residence permit application.

For Greece, Type D visas are issued to applicants who intend to reside in the country under categories such as the FIP programme, the Digital Nomad Visa, the Golden Visa (where applicable), employment, studies, or family reunification.

The Legal Basis: EU Regulation 265/2010

The key piece of legislation governing travel rights for Type D visa holders is EU Regulation 265/2010, which amended the Schengen Convention and the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation 562/2006).

Before this regulation, holders of national long-stay visas faced significant obstacles when trying to travel to other Schengen countries. Member states were slow to replace Type D visas with residence permits, leaving visa holders in legal limbo — legally residing in one country but unable to move freely across the Schengen Area.

Regulation 265/2010 resolved this by introducing a simple but powerful principle: a valid Type D visa grants its holder the same freedom of movement as a residence permit within the Schengen Area.

What the Regulation Says

The regulation amended Article 21 of the Schengen Convention by adding paragraph 2a, which states that the right of free movement that applies to holders of valid residence permits also applies to holders of valid long-stay (Type D) visas.

In practical terms, this means that as a Type D visa holder, you can:

• Travel to other Schengen member states for up to 90 days within any 180-day period
• Transit through other Schengen countries when returning to Greece or travelling to your home country
• Enter and exit the Schengen Area through border crossing points in any member state

These rights are subject to the standard Schengen entry conditions: you must hold a valid travel document (passport), you must not be listed on any national alert lists, and you must not be considered a threat to public policy, internal security, or public health.

The Critical Condition: Your Visa Must Be Valid

Here is where many applicants run into trouble. Under Article 18(2) of the amended Schengen Convention, Type D visas have a maximum validity period of one year. If a member state allows you to stay longer than one year, it must replace the visa with a residence permit before the visa expires.

This creates a practical problem that is very common in Greece: processing times for residence permits can be lengthy. If your Type D visa expires before your residence permit is issued, you will receive a certificate of application submission (commonly referred to as the “blue paper” or bebaiosi katathesis), which confirms that your application is pending and that you are legally residing in Greece.

However, the blue paper does not grant you the right to travel to other Schengen countries. It only legalises your stay within Greek territory.

Practical Advice for Expats and Investors

Based on our experience assisting international clients with Greek immigration procedures, here are the key takeaways:

1. Track your visa expiry date carefully. If you plan to travel within the Schengen Area, make sure your Type D visa is still valid at the time of travel. Once it expires, you will need to wait for your residence permit to be issued before travelling outside Greece.

2. Submit your residence permit application early. Greek law requires you to apply for your residence permit before your visa expires. Submitting early gives you the best chance of receiving your permit (or at least a residence card) before you lose your Schengen travel rights.

3. Understand the 90/180-day rule. Even with a valid Type D visa, your time in other Schengen countries is limited to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period. This is a separate calculation from your right to stay in Greece.

4. Carry your documents when travelling. When crossing Schengen borders, always carry your passport with the Type D visa, proof of your residence in Greece, and any supporting documents (such as your lease agreement or proof of financial means). Border officers may ask for evidence that you meet the entry conditions.

5. Plan return travel through Greece. If your visa is approaching its expiry date, avoid complex multi-country itineraries. Ensure you can return to Greece before your visa expires, as re-entering Greece on an expired Type D visa (even with a pending application) may cause complications at border control in other member states.

What About the Application Period?

A common question from our clients is whether submitting a residence permit application affects their travel rights. The answer is straightforward: no, it does not. The act of applying for a residence permit neither enhances nor diminishes your existing visa rights. Your ability to travel depends solely on whether your Type D visa is still valid.

This is an important distinction, because some applicants mistakenly believe that having a pending application either (a) extends their visa validity or (b) restricts their movement. Neither is true under EU law.

Summary

EU Regulation 265/2010 ensures that Type D visa holders enjoy meaningful freedom of movement across the Schengen Area — the same freedom that residence permit holders have. This was a significant improvement over the previous legal framework, which left many long-stay visa holders unable to travel.

The key limitation is temporal: your visa must be valid. Once it expires, your travel rights within the Schengen Area are suspended until your residence permit is issued. Given the processing times commonly experienced in Greece, this is a real and practical concern that requires careful planning.

At D-Law Greece, we advise international clients on all aspects of Greek immigration law, including FIP visas, Digital Nomad Visas, Golden Visas, and residence permit applications. If you need guidance on your travel rights or immigration status, contact us for a consultation.Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation

The Scenario That Most Guides Get Wrong

If you search online for “Greek citizenship by descent,” you will find dozens of guides explaining that Greece follows the jus sanguinis principle: if your parent is Greek, you are Greek. Simple enough.

But what happens when the chain is broken? Specifically, what if your grandfather was a registered Greek citizen, but your parent — his child — never applied for or obtained Greek citizenship? Can you, the grandchild, still claim Greek nationality?

The short answer is yes. But the legal route is different from what most online guides describe, and understanding the distinction matters enormously — because choosing the wrong path can cost you years and lead to a dead end.

Key distinction: There are two fundamentally different procedures for acquiring Greek citizenship when you have Greek ancestry. Most guides conflate them. This article explains each one and helps you determine which applies to your situation.

Route 1: Determination of Citizenship by Descent (Articles 1–2, Law 3284/2004)

Under Articles 1 and 2 of the Greek Citizenship Code, a person born to a Greek parent is considered a Greek citizen from birth, regardless of where they were born. This is not a grant of citizenship — it is a recognition of a right that already exists. The legal term is ex tunc: citizenship is deemed to have existed retroactively from the moment of birth.

This route is straightforward when your parent is already registered in a Greek municipality (δημοτολόγιο). You simply prove the parent-child relationship, submit the required documents, and the competent authority issues a decision confirming your citizenship.

However, this route has a critical prerequisite: there must be an unbroken chain of citizenship registration leading from your Greek ancestor to you. In practice, this means that before you can be recognised as Greek, your parent must first be registered as a Greek citizen.

The catch: If your parent (the child of the Greek grandparent) was never registered in the Greek municipal records, they must be registered before you can proceed. This means your parent must apply first, and only after their citizenship is confirmed can you submit your own application.

For many families, particularly those in the diaspora, this creates a practical problem. The parent may live far from a Greek consulate, may not speak Greek, may lack motivation to go through the process, or — in some cases — may have passed away. And even if the parent cooperates fully, the process involves two sequential applications, which can mean a timeline of several years.

When Determination by Descent Is Not Possible

Here is the situation that brings most diaspora clients to a lawyer’s office: the grandparent was undeniably Greek — perhaps even held a Greek passport — but the parent was born abroad, was never registered in Greece, and has not acquired Greek citizenship.

In principle, the parent could apply for recognition. But in certain cases, this route hits a wall. Some common obstacles include the grandparent’s records in Greece containing inconsistencies — different spelling of names between Greek and foreign documents, conflicting dates of birth, or discrepancies in the place of birth. These require court correction procedures before registration can proceed. Additionally, the parent’s birth certificate from the foreign country may not clearly establish the link to the Greek grandparent in the way that Greek administrative authorities require. In cases involving countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention, document legalisation becomes more complex and time-consuming.

In such scenarios, there is another — and often more practical — route.

Route 2: Naturalization of Persons of Greek Origin Residing Abroad (Article 10, Law 3284/2004)

Article 10 of the Greek Citizenship Code provides a distinct pathway specifically designed for persons of Greek ethnic origin (ομογενείς) who live abroad and wish to acquire Greek nationality through naturalisation. This is the procedure known in Greek administrative law as πολιτογράφηση ομογενών.

Crucially, under Article 10, it is not a prerequisite for your parent to be a Greek citizen. You can apply directly on the basis of your connection to your Greek grandparent — or even a more distant ancestor — provided you can establish two things:

1. Greek National Origin (Formal Condition)

You must prove, through documentary evidence, that you descend from a person who was a Greek citizen. This is assessed by the Greek Consul based on records such as ancestor registrations (even in old or obsolete municipal registries), family history, consular registry entries, acquisition of Greek citizenship by blood relatives, consular passports, or equivalent municipal documents.

2. Greek National Consciousness (Substantive Condition)

You must demonstrate a genuine connection to Greek culture and identity. This is evaluated through a personal interview before the Greek Consul, covering your knowledge of the Greek language, familiarity with Greek history and geography, ties to Greece (such as travel, property, or family connections), and participation in activities of Greek cultural or national interest.

How the Article 10 Process Works in Practice

Here is how the naturalisation procedure typically unfolds:

Step 1 — Locate the Ancestor’s Registration in Greece. This is the cornerstone of the entire process. A search must be carried out in the Greek municipal registry (δημοτολόγιο) and, for male ancestors, the military register (μητρώο αρρένων) to confirm that the ancestor is recorded as a Greek citizen. If the ancestor held a Greek passport, it is almost certain that such a registration exists — but it must be located and officially certified.

Step 2 — Gather and Prepare Supporting Documents. You will need to compile your birth certificate, your parent’s birth certificate (establishing the link to the Greek grandparent), marriage and death certificates where applicable, and any Greek documents relating to the ancestor. All foreign documents must bear the Apostille (or consular legalisation for countries not party to the Hague Convention) and must be officially translated into Greek.

Step 3 — Submit the Application at the Greek Consulate. The naturalisation application is submitted to the Greek consular authority in your country of residence. The application must be completed in Greek characters, and all personal details must match the information in the translated supporting documents exactly. A fee of €100 plus a stamp duty of €100 is required at the time of filing.

Step 4 — The Consul’s Assessment: Two Stages. In the first stage, the Consul examines your documentary evidence to verify your Greek descent, including ancestor registrations, family history, and corroborating documents, and prepares a reasoned report. In the second stage, a personal interview is conducted to assess your connection to Greek culture. The Consul evaluates your Greek language ability, knowledge of Greek history, geography, and political system, your ties to Greece, and your involvement in diaspora or cultural activities. This stage is equally important as the documentary stage.

Step 5 — Decision by the Ministry of Interior. The Consul’s report and the complete file are forwarded to the Ministry of Interior in Athens. The final decision on naturalisation is made by the Minister of Interior, based on the recommendation of the competent service and, where necessary, the opinion of the Ministry of Citizen Protection on matters of public order and security.

Step 6 — Oath and Registration. If the application is approved, the decision is published in the Government Gazette. You must then take the oath of a Greek citizen before the Consul or a designated authority. Upon completion, you are registered in a Greek municipality and can apply for a Greek identity card and passport.

Key Differences Between the Two Routes

For clarity, here is how the two pathways compare for someone in the “grandparent was Greek, parent was not” scenario:

Determination by descent (Articles 1–2) is a recognition of an existing right. It has retroactive effect — you are deemed to have been Greek since birth. However, it requires an unbroken chain of registration, meaning your parent must be registered first. There is no language or culture test, and no discretionary element.

Naturalization under Article 10 is a grant of new citizenship. It takes effect from the moment you take the oath — it is not retroactive. It does not require your parent to be a citizen first. However, it requires you to demonstrate both Greek national origin and Greek national consciousness, including a personal interview with the Consul. The final decision is at the discretion of the Minister of Interior.

Practical takeaway: If your parent is willing and able to apply first, and the documentation is clean, the determination by descent route may be faster and more certain. If your parent cannot or will not apply, or if there are significant document issues, the Article 10 naturalization route allows you to bypass that bottleneck entirely — at the cost of a more demanding application process that includes proving your cultural connection to Greece.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Whether you pursue Route 1 or Route 2, certain practical steps will significantly improve your chances.

Start with the registration search. Nothing else matters until you confirm that your Greek ancestor is registered in a Greek municipality. If possible, engage a lawyer in Greece who can visit the relevant municipal offices in person. Online searches are possible in some municipalities, but many older records require physical access.

Address name discrepancies early. If the Greek documents spell your ancestor’s name differently from the foreign documents, or if the place of birth doesn’t match, this needs to be resolved before submission. Depending on the severity, this may require a “same person” affidavit or a correction through the Greek courts.

Invest in proper translations and legalisation. Every foreign document must be officially translated into Greek and bear the Apostille stamp (or consular legalisation for non-Hague Convention countries). Errors in translation — even minor ones — can cause delays or rejection.

If you are pursuing Article 10, prepare for the interview seriously. The consular interview is not a formality. The Consul assesses your knowledge of Greek language, history, geography, culture, and political system. Enrol in Greek language courses, visit Greece if possible, join a Hellenic association or Greek community organisation in your country, and study the fundamentals of Greek civic life.

Collect supporting evidence of your ties to Greece. Travel records, photographs, property documents, membership in Greek organisations, Greek language course certificates, and correspondence with Greek relatives all strengthen your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Greek citizenship if only my grandparent was Greek? Yes, but the route depends on whether your parent (the grandparent’s child) is a Greek citizen. If yes, you apply through determination by descent. If not, you may apply through naturalisation under Article 10 of the Greek Citizenship Code.

Does my parent need to apply before me? Under the determination by descent route (Articles 1–2), yes — the chain must be unbroken. Under the Article 10 naturalization route, no — you can apply directly based on your connection to the grandparent.

Do I need to speak Greek? For determination by descent, no language requirement exists. For naturalisation under Article 10, you must demonstrate knowledge of the Greek language during the consular interview. Fluency is not required, but a basic conversational ability and familiarity with Greek script is expected.

How long does the process take? Timelines vary considerably. Determination by descent, if all documents are ready and the parent is already registered, can take 12 to 18 months. The Article 10 naturalisation process typically takes longer — two to three years is common, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the Ministry of Interior.

Will I get an EU passport? Yes. Greek citizenship automatically confers European Union citizenship. Once registered, you can apply for a Greek passport, which allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 180 countries and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU.

Does Greece allow dual citizenship? Yes. Greece fully recognises dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current nationality when acquiring Greek citizenship.

Vasileios Doulopoulos · Attorney at Law ·· LLB, LLM European & International Legal Studies (AUTH)

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Each case involves unique circumstances that require individual assessment.

The Basics: Requirements and Duration

The Golden Visa is granted to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying investment in Greece, most commonly through real estate purchases starting at €250,000 (or €800,000 in high-demand areas). It is initially granted for five years and is renewable indefinitely, provided the investment is maintained. There is no requirement to reside in Greece.

The FIP Residence Permit, on the other hand, requires no investment. Instead, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources from abroad — specifically a minimum monthly income of €3,500, increasing by 20% per additional family member — to support themselves without working in Greece. It is granted for two years and is renewable.

Who Can Join You: The Family Reunification Gap

One of the most overlooked differences between the two permits concerns family reunification — specifically, who qualifies as a dependent family member.

Under the Golden Visa, the definition of family is broad. Holders can include their spouse, minor children, and importantly, ascendants — meaning the parents and parents-in-law of the main applicant — in their application. This makes it a particularly attractive option for applicants who support elderly parents or wish to relocate their extended family to Greece.

The FIP Residence Permit does not extend to ascendants. Parents and in-laws of the main applicant are not eligible for inclusion under this route. For families where multi-generational relocation is a priority, this distinction alone may be decisive.

The Residency Requirement and Its Tax Consequences

This is perhaps the most critical practical difference between the two permits — and one that is frequently underestimated at the application stage.

The FIP Residence Permit is designed for individuals who genuinely intend to live in Greece. Greek immigration law requires FIP holders to actually reside in the country, and this requirement becomes directly relevant at the time of renewal. Applicants seeking to renew their FIP permit must be able to demonstrate actual physical presence in Greece during the preceding period. In practice, this means providing evidence such as utility bills, lease agreements, school enrollment for children, or other documentation that confirms continuous residence.

This residency requirement carries a significant tax implication. Under Greek tax law, an individual who spends more than 183 days per year in Greece — or whose primary centre of vital interests is in Greece — may be classified as a Greek tax resident. For FIP holders who genuinely live in Greece as required by the permit, this threshold is easily met. Once classified as a Greek tax resident, the individual becomes liable to pay income tax in Greece on their worldwide income, not just income earned within the country. Depending on the applicant’s financial situation and country of origin, this can represent a substantial and unexpected tax burden.

The Golden Visa operates entirely differently in this regard. There is no minimum stay requirement attached to the Golden Visa. Holders are not required to reside in Greece for any minimum number of days per year in order to maintain or renew their permit. As a result, Golden Visa holders who do not establish genuine residence in Greece will not, under normal circumstances, meet the threshold for Greek tax residency — and will therefore not be subject to Greek taxation on their global income.

For high-net-worth individuals, investors, and those with complex international income structures, this distinction is not a technicality — it is a fundamental consideration in choosing the right permit.

Which Route Is Right for You?

The FIP Residence Permit is well-suited for individuals who genuinely wish to live in Greece on a long-term basis, do not require investment-linked residency, and whose tax position is not adversely affected by Greek tax residency. It is a straightforward and cost-effective pathway for those who are prepared to make Greece their primary home.

The Golden Visa is the preferred option for investors, individuals who divide their time between multiple countries, those who wish to include their parents in the application, and anyone for whom avoiding Greek tax residency is an important consideration.

Navigating these differences requires careful legal and tax planning. At D-Law Greece, we advise clients on both pathways and help them identify the option that best aligns with their personal, family, and financial circumstances.

Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore the right route for your relocation to Greece.

Under the previous framework, individuals who intended to reside in Greece as digital nomads had a certain degree of flexibility. They could either apply for a national visa (Type D) at the competent Greek consulate abroad and then complete the residence permit process in Greece, or they could lawfully enter the country with a short-stay visa or under a visa-free regime and submit the application for the residence permit from within Greece during their permitted period of stay. The second option was widely used, as it allowed applicants to travel to Greece, arrange accommodation, gather supporting documents locally and proceed with the residence application without first obtaining a national visa.

Law 5275/2026 abolishes this possibility. From now on, anyone wishing to obtain a Digital Nomad residence permit must first be issued a national visa (Type D) specifically for this purpose before entering Greece. Entry as a tourist or under a Schengen short-stay regime is no longer sufficient in order to submit an initial application for this category of residence permit.

This change effectively shifts the starting point of the procedure to the Greek consular authorities abroad. Applicants must now prepare a complete and properly documented file at the visa stage, including evidence of remote work, sufficient and stable income, and confirmation that their professional activity is conducted exclusively for entities or clients outside Greece. Only after entering the country with the appropriate national visa can they proceed with the issuance of the residence permit.

For prospective digital nomads, this means that timing and preparation are more important than before. Travel planning should follow, not precede, the visa approval. In practice, early assessment of eligibility and careful compilation of documentation are essential in order to avoid delays or complications at the consular stage.

Anyone considering relocation to Greece under the Digital Nomad scheme should therefore assume that prior issuance of a Type D national visa is now a mandatory step in the process. Proper legal guidance at an early stage can help ensure compliance with the new framework and a smoother transition to residence in Greece.

As of 2026, the program operates under a more structured and regulated framework. Minimum investment thresholds now depend on both the location and the legal classification of the property, while strict rules apply to how Golden Visa properties may be used. As a result, proper legal planning has become more important than the size of the investment itself.

Under the current regime, standard residential properties require a minimum investment of €800,000 in high-demand areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini, and €400,000 in all other parts of Greece. In both cases, the investment must concern a single property with a minimum surface area of 120 square meters. These thresholds have significantly increased the entry cost for conventional residential purchases, particularly in urban markets.

At the same time, Greek legislation fully preserves the €250,000 Golden Visa option, which remains the most efficient and flexible route into the program.

The €250,000 threshold applies to specific categories of property, most notably commercial-to-residential conversions and the restoration of listed or protected buildings. This route is not subject to geographic restrictions and does not require a minimum surface area. As a result, it is still possible to qualify for a Greek Golden Visa with a €250,000 investment even in prime urban locations, including Athens, where standard residential acquisitions would otherwise require substantially higher capital.

Importantly, the €250,000 amount refers to the total qualifying investment for Golden Visa purposes. There is no requirement to exceed this threshold by paying additional amounts for renovation, provided that the property is lawfully converted to residential use and fully compliant with planning and building regulations at the time the application is submitted. When the conversion is properly completed and documented, the residence permit is granted on the basis of the €250,000 investment alone.

Investors should also be aware that the use of Golden Visa properties is subject to clear statutory limitations. Properties acquired under the program may not be used for short-term rentals or as registered business premises. Long-term residential leasing remains permitted and offers a stable source of euro-denominated income while remaining fully compliant with immigration rules.

In 2026, the Greek Golden Visa is no longer about purchasing the most expensive property available. It is about selecting the correct legal structure and investment pathway from the outset. For investors who are properly advised, the €250,000 conversion-based route continues to represent the most capital-efficient and legally secure way to obtain residence in Greece and long-term access to Europe.

For personalized legal guidance, assistance with real estate structuring, and full support throughout the Golden Visa application process, from property selection to permit issuance, please  contact us!

What Is the Greek Golden Visa?

The Greek Golden Visa is a 5-year renewable residency permit granted to individuals who invest at least €250,000 in real estate. The investment can include residential, commercial, or even tourism properties. In designated high-demand areas like Athens or Thessaloniki, the minimum investment may be set at €500,000, following recent legal updates.

Once granted, the visa allows for:

• Free travel across all 26 Schengen countries
• No requirement to live in Greece
• Family inclusion (spouse, children under 21, and parents of both spouses)
• Permanent residency potential, and in some cases, future eligibility for Greek citizenship

Golden Visa Greece Requirements

To apply for the Greek residency permit by investment, the main requirements include:

• Being a non-EU/EEA citizen
• Being at least 18 years old
• Having no criminal record
• Making a minimum real estate investment of €250,000 (or €500,000 depending on the region)
• Holding full ownership of the property
• Paying taxes and fees associated with the property purchase

The property can be owned by a single person or via a legal entity (as long as the applicant owns 100% of the shares).

Real Estate Investment Options

You can fulfill the investment requirement through:

• Residential properties (apartments, villas, etc.)
• Commercial properties (shops, hotels, offices)
• Tourism properties (Airbnb-ready flats, resorts)
• Leasing contracts (minimum 10-year lease of hotel or tourist accommodation)

Investors often choose areas like Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, where real estate yields are high, and property value is likely to appreciate.

Application Process for the Greece Golden Visa

Here’s a breakdown of the step-by-step process:

1. Choose your property and sign a preliminary contract
2. Open a Greek bank account and obtain a tax number (AFM)
3. Complete the property purchase
4. Gather required documentation
5. Submit your application to the relevant Greek immigration authority
6. Provide biometric data
7. Receive your temporary residence permit, followed by the official Golden Visa

How Long Does It Take?

On average, the whole process can be completed in 2 to 4 months, depending on how quickly the property transaction and paperwork are completed.

Key Benefits of the Greece Golden Visa

• Fast and straightforward process
• No minimum stay requirement
• Access to EU healthcare and education
• Ability to rent out the investment property
• Potential path to Greek citizenship after 7 years (with residency)

Changes to the Golden Visa in 2024–2025

Recent reforms have introduced tiered investment thresholds based on location. As of 2024:

• €250,000 minimum investment applies in most areas of Greece
• €500,000 applies in central Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Thessaloniki
• The investor must retain full ownership for the duration of the permit

Always consult a lawyer or immigration advisor to verify eligibility in your preferred area.

Is the Greek Golden Visa Worth It?

If you are looking for a secure EU residency solution, diversifying your assets, or gaining travel freedom within Europe, the Greek Golden Visa offers strong advantages at one of the lowest entry points in the EU.

Ready to Apply?

For a personalized consultation or assistance with real estate selection, legal paperwork, and the full application process, contact us!