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  • Greece Self Employment Permit 2026 — Complete Guide

    Self-Employment Permit for Greece.

    Best For

    Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

    Not Ideal For

    Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria

    Known Issues

    Must prove business viability and sufficient funds; subject to tax obligations from first euro; requires business plan approval

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    24 months
    Processing Time
    60–120 days
    Min Income
    €1,000/monthly
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    5/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €500

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Profession RequiredNo
    Experience Required2 years in field
    Job Offer RequiredNo
    Sponsorship RequiredNo
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedYes
    Business Activity RequiredYes
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredYes
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Income€1,000/monthly
    Minimum Salary€12,000/year
    Minimum Savings€5,000
    Application Fee€500
    Est. Total Relocation Cost€15,000

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkYes
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsfull
    Remote Work Rightsfull
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship7 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Athens
    Single (monthly)€2,330
    Family (monthly)€3,750
    Rent 1BR (center)€950
    Groceries€582
    Transport pass€140
    Thessaloniki
    Single (monthly)€1,403
    Family (monthly)€2,500
    Rent 1BR (center)€475
    Groceries€351
    Transport pass€84
    Patras
    Single (monthly)€1,593
    Family (monthly)€2,850
    Rent 1BR (center)€550
    Groceries€398
    Transport pass€96
    Heraklion (Crete)
    Single (monthly)€1,509
    Family (monthly)€2,578
    Rent 1BR (center)€573
    Groceries€377
    Transport pass€91

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Self-Employment Permit?

    Self-Employment Permit for Greece.

    Who is the Self-Employment Permit best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements.

    Who should not apply for the Self-Employment Permit?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria.

    What are the financial requirements for the Self-Employment Permit?

    Applicants need minimum income of €1,000/monthly, minimum salary of €12,000/year, minimum savings of €5,000. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the Self-Employment Permit?

    Processing typically takes 60 to 120 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Self-Employment Permit?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

    Can the Self-Employment Permit lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 7 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the Self-Employment Permit?

    Known issues and warnings: Must prove business viability and sufficient funds; subject to tax obligations from first euro; requires business plan approval. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Can I work remotely on the Self-Employment Permit?

    Yes, this pathway allows remote income from outside Greece. Remote work rights: full.

    Are there alternative pathways to Greece?

    Yes. Greece offers 6 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Greece country page.

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    Official source: https://migration.gov.gr/en/