GR country scene

Residence permit for independent economic activity

GreeceStarting a business

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Official link

Is this for a founder, startup entrepreneur, self-employed person, freelancer, company owner or another business profile?

Self-employed people and business owners. Independent economic activity means activity aimed at earning income from a commercial, industrial, craft or agricultural business, or from any other service business or liberal profession. The official page covers renewal of an existing permit for this activity.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The Attica page covers renewal only (Law 4251/2014 art. 138 par. 3 and 7); no official source for a first-time permit under current law was found.

What must actually exist or be demonstrated: business plan, company, innovation, clients, contracts, economic activity, job creation or other substance?

For renewal, the activity must still be carried on. Proof is a recent Chamber of Commerce certificate and a recent certificate of start and end of activity from the tax office (DOY). The official source does not state requirements for a first-time application.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The Attica page covers renewal only (Law 4251/2014 art. 138 par. 3 and 7); no official source for a first-time permit under current law was found.
  • Requirements for a first-time application (business plan, capital, etc.) were not found.

What investment, capital, income, revenue, funding or viability evidence is central to this pathway?

For renewal: tax and social-insurance obligations must be met, i.e. the minimum number of insured days or minimum insurance period per year and per fund. Also needed: proof of insurance, a tax clearance note or the tax return, and an EFKA health booklet. No investment or capital minimum is stated.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The Attica page covers renewal only (Law 4251/2014 art. 138 par. 3 and 7); no official source for a first-time permit under current law was found.
  • No investment or capital minimum is stated for renewal; first-issue criteria not found.

What business/self-employed activity may the holder conduct? Are there important restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

The checked official sources did not provide enough route-specific evidence to confirm the business activity the holder may carry out, its restrictions and the family position.

What approval/application sequence applies, how long is the status granted, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction is officially stated?

Permits for independent economic activity valid when the 2023 Migration Code took effect are renewed for 3 years each time, if the activity continues and tax/insurance obligations are met. Renewal costs an electronic fee of EUR 150 plus a EUR 16 card fee. No longer-term residence direction is stated.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The Attica page covers renewal only (Law 4251/2014 art. 138 par. 3 and 7); no official source for a first-time permit under current law was found.
  • Cited text is the Migration Code (Law 5038/2023) as published in FEK A 81/01.04.2023; no official consolidated text was used; Law 5275/2026 (FEK A 17/06.02.2026) does not amend this provision, but other amendments were not excluded.
  • No accelerated or long-term residence direction is stated.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

Your story.
Your next step.

Get your free results