What are the main immigration pathways to Greece?

Greece overhauled its framework with the Migration Code (Law 5038/2023, in force from April 2024), which now governs most residence routes for non-EU nationals. The best-known is the Golden Visa — a renewable five-year permit for a qualifying investment, most often real estate, with location-tiered thresholds since the 2024 reform (Law 5100/2024). It covers the family and has no minimum stay, but grants residence (not citizenship) and does not allow work in Greece; short-term rental of Golden Visa property is prohibited.

Beyond investment, Greece offers a Financially Independent Person (FIP) permit for those living on passive income, a digital nomad / remote-worker permit for active remote work, the EU Blue Card and standard employment routes (including a seasonal scheme and an annual admission-quota system), plus self-employment, student, family-reunification and ICT permits. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy free movement and do not need these permits.

The nearest equivalent to permanent residence is the EU Long-Term Resident permit, available after five years of continuous lawful residence, subject to income, health-insurance and integration conditions including Greek at B1 level. One important limitation: Greece does not currently offer a post-study work permit. Because the official English Golden Visa page has at times lagged behind the law, always confirm thresholds, fees and rules on migration.gov.gr and gov.gr — and ACME can help you compare routes for your situation.