Best Retirement Visa Lawyers in Arta

About Retirement Visa Law in Arta, Greece

Greece offers a lawful pathway for non EU, non EEA, and non Swiss retirees to live in the country through the financially independent person route, commonly referred to as the retirement visa. It is a national type D visa issued by a Greek consulate abroad, followed by a residence permit issued in Greece. Applicants must show stable and adequate income from sources outside Greece, maintain comprehensive health insurance, and agree not to work in Greece.

Arta is within the Region of Epirus. After arrival on a type D visa, applicants who intend to reside in Arta submit their residence permit application to the competent immigration service of the Decentralized Administration that serves Epirus. The legal framework is set at the national level, primarily by the Greek Immigration Code, and administered locally by the regional immigration authorities.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a retirement visa. They follow a different registration process if they stay more than three months. The information below focuses on third country nationals.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many retirees choose to work with a lawyer to identify the most suitable residence route, confirm the income and insurance requirements, and manage the sequence of consular and in country filings. A lawyer can review your finances to confirm they meet the legally required thresholds and that the source of funds is acceptable, such as foreign pension, annuities, dividends, or other passive income. If you have mixed income or remote work, a lawyer can assess risk and advise on compliance since employment in Greece is not allowed under this permit.

Obtaining official documents with apostilles or consular legalizations, certified translations, and properly formatted health insurance often requires professional guidance. Lawyers can also help with practical matters in Arta, including drafting or reviewing a compliant lease registered with the tax authority, arranging tax number issuance through a tax representative, and preparing for biometrics appointments.

If your case involves prior visa denials, criminal record issues, gaps in health coverage, or a refusal at the consulate or immigration office, legal counsel can prepare responses, appeals, or re filings. For families, a lawyer can streamline dependent applications and ensure timing aligns for spouse and minor children.

Local Laws Overview

The retirement pathway relies on national rules applied locally. In practice, applicants must show sufficient resources to cover living expenses without working in Greece. A widely applied benchmark is at least 2,000 euros per month for the main applicant, plus commonly 20 percent for a spouse and 15 percent per dependent child, although exact figures and acceptable documentation are confirmed by the consulate or immigration authority handling your case. Savings and lump sums may support the application when combined with regular income.

You must hold private health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage in Greece comparable to that of Greek insured persons. Policies must be active from the date of entry or before filing your residence application. The permit prohibits employment or professional activity in Greece. Owning property is not required for this permit.

The usual path is to secure the national type D visa at the Greek consulate in your country of residence, enter Greece, file the residence application within the visa validity, attend a biometrics appointment, and receive a temporary filing certificate while your case is processed. The initial residence permit is typically issued for two years and is renewable upon proof of continued eligibility and actual residence in Greece. Timeframes vary by office and workload.

For Arta residents, the competent authority is the Decentralized Administration that serves Epirus. Applications are supported by e paid government fees, biometric data, and proof of address such as a lease registered with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue. Official foreign documents generally require an apostille or consular legalization and an official translation by an accredited translator or certified lawyer. While holding a valid Greek residence permit, you may travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180 day period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the retirement visa in Greece and who is it for

It is a national type D visa for third country nationals who can support themselves in Greece without working there. After entry, you apply for a residence permit as a financially independent person. It suits retirees and others with passive income or significant savings.

How much income do I need to show

Authorities commonly require evidence of at least 2,000 euros per month for the main applicant, with increases for family members. Consulates may accept foreign pension statements, annuities, dividend statements, or regular income from investments. Always confirm the current threshold and acceptable proof with the consulate handling your case.

Can I work in Greece on this permit

No. This route does not permit employment or running a business in Greece. Your resources must come from outside Greece. If you plan to perform remote work for a foreign employer, seek legal advice to assess compliance and alternatives.

Do I need to buy property in Arta

No. Property purchase is not required. You can rent a home, and the lease should be properly registered with the Greek tax authority. If you wish to invest in property for immigration purposes, that falls under the separate investment residence program and has different rules.

Can my spouse and children join me

Yes. Spouses and dependent minor children can usually apply as family members, provided you meet higher financial thresholds and hold adequate health insurance for everyone. Each family member files their own application and pays applicable fees.

What documents are typically required

You should expect to provide a valid passport, recent photos, a clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence, proof of sufficient resources, proof of accommodation in Greece, comprehensive health insurance, and receipts for government fees. Foreign documents generally require apostille or consular legalization and official translation.

How long does the process take

Timing varies by consulate and local immigration office. Consular visa decisions can take several weeks, and residence permits in Greece commonly take a few months from filing to card issuance. You will receive a filing certificate after you submit your application that confirms your lawful stay while processing is pending.

Where do I apply if I plan to live in Arta

You apply for the national type D visa at the Greek consulate responsible for your place of residence. After entering Greece, you submit your residence application to the competent immigration service of the Decentralized Administration that serves Epirus. A local lawyer can help you schedule and prepare for the biometrics appointment and filings.

How long is the residence permit valid and how do renewals work

The initial permit is typically valid for two years. Renewals are commonly granted for longer periods if you continue to meet the requirements, including income and health insurance, and can show you actually reside in Greece. Prepare updated financial and insurance documents and proof of residence before the permit expires.

Will I become a Greek tax resident

Tax residence depends on your days in Greece and your personal circumstances. If you spend more than 183 days in Greece in a calendar year, you may become a Greek tax resident, which can affect taxation of worldwide income. Many retirees consult a tax advisor to plan for potential Greek tax obligations, obtain a tax number, and comply with filings.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum for residence permit categories and procedures. Greek consulates and embassies for type D visa applications and appointment instructions. Decentralized Administration of Epirus and Western Macedonia, Aliens and Immigration Directorate for local processing of residence permits serving Arta. Citizen Service Centers, known as KEP, for guidance on administrative steps and e fee payments. Independent Authority for Public Revenue for tax number issuance and lease registrations. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service or certified translators and lawyers for official translations. Local bar associations and licensed immigration lawyers experienced with financially independent person permits.

Next Steps

Clarify your eligibility and select the appropriate route. If you plan to retire in Arta under the financially independent person category, evaluate your income sources and confirm they meet the current thresholds for your family size.

Gather core documents early. Obtain your criminal record certificate, pension or income proof, bank statements, and health insurance that is valid in Greece. Arrange apostilles or consular legalizations and certified translations.

Contact the Greek consulate that serves your place of residence to confirm document formats, fees, and appointment availability. Submit the type D visa application and await a decision.

Plan your accommodation in Arta. Secure a lease or purchase contract and ensure any lease is properly registered with the tax authority. If you do not yet have a Greek tax number, a lawyer or tax representative can assist.

After arrival in Greece, file your residence permit application within the validity of your visa, pay the required e fees, and attend your biometrics appointment. Keep the filing certificate with you until the residence card is issued.

Maintain compliance for renewals. Keep your insurance active, monitor income requirements, retain proof of residence in Arta, and calendar renewal deadlines. Consider consulting both an immigration lawyer and a tax advisor to coordinate your residence plan with your tax position.

If you need legal assistance, schedule a consultation with a licensed immigration lawyer in Epirus or elsewhere in Greece. Share your goals, timeline, and documents for a tailored plan that reduces risk and saves time.