Long-term resident status
EU long-term residence permit · Official name: Επί μακρόν διαμένων / Long-term resident status
Third-country nationals who have lived in Greece legally and permanently for at least 5 years can ask for long-term resident status. It needs stable income, health insurance, housing and proof of Greek language and culture knowledge (A2+ certificate or an equivalent). The permit is issued for 5 years and renewed. Applications are made online.
Life in Greece
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
66
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
9–44%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
2026 scale for employment/pension/business income: 9%, 20%, 26%, 34%, 39% (EUR 40,000-60,000), 44% above EUR 60,000; lower rates for families and under-30s.
Living
1
Happiness
#83 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals who have held Greek residence permits for at least 5 years and want a lasting status in Greece.
Eligibility
5 years of legal and permanent residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need at least 5 years of permanent residence in Greece straight before you apply, with limits on time away.
Residence and absence limits
- Required residencejust before application
- 5 years
- Each absencelongest, consecutive
- 6 months
- Total absencesover the 5 years
- 10 months
- Absences count over the whole 5-year period
Official wording
At least 5 years of permanent residence in Greece just before the application. Absences must be no longer than 6 consecutive months each and no more than 10 months in total over the 5 years.
Stable income
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow income at least equal to a minimum-wage worker's yearly earnings, plus 10% for each family member.
Income to show
- Just you
- 1 minimum-wage year
- Each family memberadded to the base
- +10%
- Show it with the latest tax clearance or another official document
Official wording
Income at least equal to the yearly earnings of a minimum-wage worker, plus 10% for each family member. Shown with the latest tax clearance or another official document.
Health insurance and housing
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow an EFKA insurance printout for you and your dependants, plus proof of housing.
- Housing proof: purchase contract, valid electronic lease, or tax return listing occupants
Official wording
An EFKA insurance printout covering the applicant and dependants (showing AMKA, AMA and AFM), and proof of housing such as a purchase contract, a valid electronic lease or a tax return that lists the occupants.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 8 documents
- 2 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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