Welcome to our simple guide to help third country nationals, non-EU citizens and their family members navigate the process of obtaining a Greek Permanent Residence card. Greece offers a 5-year Permanent Residence Permit (officially called the “European Long-Term Resident Permit”) to non-EU nationals who have legally lived in the country for at least five years. This permit grants near-equal rights to Greek citizens, including free movement within the Schengen Zone.
🛑 guide is for people who have lived here legally for 5 consecutive years. Contact a lawyer if this is not the case.😅
🔍Who is Eligible for the Greek Permanent Residence Permit?
To qualify, you must:
✔ Legally reside in Greece for 5+ years
✔ Have stable & regular income
✔ Adequate health insurance (public or private).
✔ Basic knowledge of Greek language & culture
✔ No serious criminal record (in Greece or abroad).
⚠️ Important Notes:
Family reunification: Spouse/children can apply separately.
You can only apply if you have been in Greece for exactly 5 years, so if your old permit expires today, you can apply the next day. (No need to renew the old permit, otherwise you will have to wait until is ready to submit for the PR, you cannot have 2 pending applications at the same time.).
Absences from Greece: Max 10 months in 5 years and Max 6 Months in a row (or permit may be revoked).
📄 Documents
The following is a list of the documents that you will need to prepare for your application
- Valid passport : A copy of the passport stamped by a layer on all pages (if it is a refugee passport, the stamp is not required)
- Current Greek residence permit. ( Include a copy of your old residence permits in the same PDF)
- Tax declaration Statement. ( Please note that the minimum income should be => 9000 € per year [ Download tax return/statement] )
- Health insurance ([Download health insurance certificate] ).
- Greek language certificate: either A2 level required+ Greek history, and civilization Or B1 level [Greek Language Certification]
- 1 Photo.
- Application fee receipt ” Paravolo” (€150 code 2107).
- Proof of your address ( optional)
📋 Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Ensure all documents are in the format of PDF except the photo.
Step 2: Submit Application
- Visit https://portal.immigration.gov.gr/electronic-applications/
- Select Long Term Licence “ΕΠΙ ΜΑΚΡΟΝ ΔΙΑΜΕΝΩΝ“
- Click on ” ΧΟΡΗΓΗΣΗ-ΕΠΙ ΜΑΚΡΟΝ ΔΙΑΜΕΝΩΝ (Ν5038/23)”
- Click on “Υποβολή αίτησης“
- Verify your phone number
- 1 Tαυτοποίηση: Identification
- 2 Αίτηση: Application/ Request
- 3 Παράβολο: Paravolo ( Administration fees)
- 2 Συνημμένα: Attachements
- Verify your information
- Confirm submission
👏 Congratulations on successfully submitting your PR. You will receive your copy of the white paper within a few minutes.
Step 3: Keep an eye on your Pending request
- Visit the government website to keep an eye on your Pending request
Step 3: Attend Biometrics Appointment
- Book and appointment
- Take with you 4 photos +CD or USB
- Paravolo + Paravolo receipt (€16 code 2119)
Step 4: Wait for Approval
- Processing time: 3–12 months.( It could take more than 1 year, depending on the backlog)
- You’ll receive an “EU Long-Term Resident” card (valid for 5 years, renewable).
💰 Costs & Fees
- Application fee: ~€150–€200.
- Greek language test: ~€90–€200.
✅ Rights & Benefits of the EU Long-Term Residence Permit
✔ Live & work freely in Greece (no restrictions).
✔ Travel visa-free in the Schengen Zone (90/180 days rule).
✔ Access to healthcare & education (same as Greeks).
✔ Path to Greek citizenship (after 7+ total years in Greece).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I have a student or work permit?
✅ Yes! Any legal residence counts toward the 5-year requirement.
Q: Do I need to live in Greece full-time?
⚠️ No, but you must spend most of the year in Greece (max 10 months abroad in 5 years).
Q: Can I bring my family?
✅ Yes, but they must apply separately.
Q: Does this permit lead to Greek citizenship?
✅ Yes! After 7 total years in Greece, you can apply for naturalization.
✍️ Final Tips
✔ Start preparing early (gather tax records, language certificates).
✔ Hire an immigration lawyer if your case is complex.
✔ Check for updates (Greek laws change frequently).
📌 Need Help?
For official info, visit:
عربي 🇸🇦
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