Best Retirement Visa Lawyers in Thivais

About Retirement Visa Law in Thivais, Greece

Greece offers a residence pathway that is commonly used by retirees and other non-working individuals known as the residence permit for financially independent persons. This is a national immigration route under Greek law that allows third-country nationals who can prove sufficient stable income from sources outside Greece to live in the country. People often call it the retirement visa because it fits retirees who receive pensions or passive income. Residents of Thivais apply under the same national rules that apply throughout Greece.

The process typically has two stages. First, you apply at a Greek consulate for a national type D visa for financially independent persons, which lets you enter and reside in Greece for an extended period. Second, after arriving in Greece, you submit an application for a residence permit at the competent local migration authority and complete biometrics. If you are an EU or EEA or Swiss citizen, you do not need a retirement visa. Instead, you register your residence in Greece and obtain a registration certificate from the local authorities.

This permit is designed for people who do not intend to work in Greece. You must show adequate resources, comprehensive health insurance, and accommodation. The permit is normally issued for two years and can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While many applicants complete the process on their own, a lawyer can reduce risk and delays in several common situations:

- Determining the right route. Some applicants are better served by the financially independent person route, while others may qualify for different categories such as family reunification or the investor residence permit. A lawyer can compare options based on your income, family situation, and goals.

- Proving sufficient legal income. Consulates and migration offices closely scrutinize pensions, annuities, dividends, rental income, and savings. A lawyer can help present acceptable evidence, structure affidavits, and address currency and tax documentation issues.

- Preparing translations and apostilles. Many documents must be legalized and translated into Greek by certified translators. A lawyer ensures compliance so your file is not rejected for formal defects.

- Managing timing and travel. Coordinating the D visa issuance, entry into Greece, local registration, biometrics, and temporary residence certificate can be complex, especially if you have fixed travel plans.

- Adding dependents. Bringing a spouse and children requires proof of relationship, extra income thresholds, and sometimes separate appointments. A lawyer helps avoid omissions.

- Handling refusals and appeals. If a consulate or migration office refuses or delays your application, a local lawyer can file remedies, supply additional evidence, and represent you before the competent authority.

- Tax planning. Greece has a special 7 percent flat tax regime for foreign pensioners who transfer tax residence to Greece. A lawyer working with a tax advisor can time your move and application to optimize your position.

- Property and banking. If you plan to rent or buy in Thivais, or open a bank account, legal guidance helps with contracts, source of funds, and compliance with local requirements.

Local Laws Overview

- Legal framework. The residence permit for financially independent persons is governed by Greek immigration legislation, primarily the Immigration Code and its amendments, and ministerial decisions that set income thresholds and procedures. Local implementation in Thivais is handled by the competent migration offices under the Decentralized Administration of Thessaly - Central Greece.

- Eligibility. You must be a third-country national with sufficient and stable resources from lawful sources outside Greece, such as pensions, investments, or rental income. There is no fixed retirement age requirement, but retirees commonly qualify because they receive predictable pensions.

- Income threshold. Authorities typically expect at least 2,000 euros per month for the main applicant, plus 20 percent for a spouse and 15 percent per dependent child. Thresholds can be updated, so verify the current amounts before applying.

- Work restrictions. This permit does not grant the right to work as an employee or self-employed in Greece. You may manage your own assets and receive passive income, but you cannot engage in local economic activity that is considered work.

- Health insurance. Comprehensive health insurance that covers you in Greece is required. Many applicants purchase private coverage that meets Greek standards until they become eligible for national coverage.

- Accommodation. You must show proof of accommodation in Greece, such as a lease agreement or property ownership documents valid for the period of stay.

- Criminal record and good conduct. A recent criminal record certificate from your country of residence and declarations of good conduct are generally required, properly legalized and translated.

- Entry visa stage. Apply for a type D visa at the Greek consulate serving your residence abroad. Consulates can request interviews and additional evidence, and fees apply.

- Residence permit stage in Thivais. After arrival, you submit your residence permit application at the competent Directorate of Aliens and Migration for Central Greece. You will receive a certificate of submission while your application is processed and will attend a biometrics appointment for fingerprints and a photo.

- Validity and renewal. The initial permit is typically valid for two years. Renewals require proof that you continue to meet the income and insurance requirements and that you have resided in Greece as required. Processing times vary by office.

- Travel within Schengen. With a valid Greek residence permit, you can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, carrying your passport and residence card.

- Long-term residence. After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may be eligible to apply for long-term EU residence in Greece if you meet integration, income, and insurance conditions.

- Fees. Government fees are payable via the e-paravolo system. Expect a residence permit fee that is commonly around 1,000 euros for this category, plus a card printing fee. Always confirm current fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age to apply for the retirement visa route in Greece?

No. There is no specific minimum age in law. The key is proving sufficient lawful passive income and meeting all other requirements. Many applicants are retirees because pensions satisfy the stability requirement.

How much income do I need to show?

Authorities typically require at least 2,000 euros per month for the main applicant, plus 20 percent for a spouse and 15 percent per dependent child. Some consulates may ask for higher amounts based on local policy or your documentation profile. Always check the consulate guidance before applying.

Can I work in Greece on this permit?

No. The financially independent person permit does not allow employment or self-employment in Greece. It is intended for non-working residents with independent means.

Do I need private health insurance?

Yes. You must have comprehensive health insurance covering you in Greece. Many applicants purchase a Greek private policy that meets the required coverage levels. If you later qualify for national health coverage, you can update your file accordingly.

Can I bring my spouse and children?

Yes, provided you meet the higher income threshold and present proof of family relationship. Family members usually receive dependent residence permits tied to the main applicant and must have insurance.

Do I need to buy property in Thivais or elsewhere in Greece?

No. Property purchase is not required. A valid lease or other proof of accommodation is sufficient. Buying property is optional and may help with accommodation proof, but it does not change the work restrictions of this permit.

How long does the process take?

Timelines vary. Consular processing for the type D visa may take several weeks to a few months. After arrival, residence permit processing commonly takes 2 to 6 months depending on the local office workload. You receive a submission certificate that allows you to reside legally while waiting.

What if my application is refused?

You generally have the right to appeal or submit a new application with stronger evidence. A local immigration lawyer can assess the refusal reasons, prepare additional documentation, and represent you before the competent authority.

Will I become a tax resident of Greece automatically?

Immigration status and tax residency are related but separate. If you stay in Greece for more than 183 days in a tax year or center your vital interests there, you may become a Greek tax resident. Retirees may apply for the special 7 percent flat tax regime on foreign pensions if they transfer tax residence to Greece and meet the conditions. Seek tax advice before relocating.

Can I travel in Schengen while my residence permit is pending?

Travel during the pending period can be restricted. The submission certificate allows stay in Greece, but it is not a travel document. Plan travel around your valid passport, D visa validity, and the issuance of your residence card, or consult a lawyer before traveling.

Additional Resources

- Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum for national rules, forms, and category guidance.

- Greek Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction over your place of residence for type D visa instructions.

- Decentralized Administration of Thessaly - Central Greece, Directorate of Aliens and Migration, which is the competent authority for residents of Thivais.

- Hellenic Police Aliens Departments for biometrics coordination and residence card issuance steps where applicable.

- Citizen Service Centers known as KEP in Thivais and nearby towns for guidance on appointments and document submissions.

- Independent Authority for Public Revenue known as AADE for tax number issuance and tax residency procedures.

- Certified translators and sworn lawyers in Greece for official translations and document legalization.

Next Steps

- Confirm eligibility. Review your income sources, monthly amounts, and insurance options to ensure you meet the financially independent person criteria.

- Map your timeline. Check processing times at your consulate and the local migration office serving Thivais. Align your travel plans with visa and biometrics appointments.

- Gather documents. Prepare passports, recent criminal record certificates, pension or income statements, bank statements, proof of accommodation, and comprehensive health insurance. Arrange apostilles or consular legalizations and certified Greek translations.

- Consult a local lawyer. An immigration lawyer in Central Greece can verify requirements, prepare your application, book appointments, and represent you in case of queries or refusals. Ask about adding dependents and renewing on time.

- Consider tax planning. Before you move, speak with a tax advisor about Greek tax residence, double tax treaties, and the 7 percent pension regime, including application deadlines.

- Apply for the type D visa. Submit your file to the Greek consulate with jurisdiction over your residence abroad, attend any interview, and pay the applicable fees.

- Enter Greece and apply for the permit. After arriving in Thivais, file your residence permit application with the competent migration office, pay the e-paravolo, and complete biometrics. Keep your submission certificate safe until your card is issued.

- Maintain compliance. Keep your insurance active, maintain sufficient income, renew your lease or maintain property ownership, and track renewal deadlines. If your circumstances change, seek legal advice promptly.

This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. For personalized assistance with a retirement visa in Thivais, consult a qualified Greek immigration lawyer.