Greece residence permit for Russians in 2026
Greece's golden visa has been closed to holders of only a Russian passport since 2022, but remote work and passive income still open the door. We cover which Greek residence permits Russian citizens can actually get, what they cost and how to apply.
In short
- The golden visa has been closed to Russian citizens without a second passport since 2022.
- Remote work - income from $4,000 a month after tax, a 2-year residence permit with renewal.
- Financially independent - passive income from $4,000 a month from abroad, a 3-year permit.
- Fees for a remote worker - about $1,300 per applicant, about $170 per family member.
- Russian citizens first need a national visa from a Greek consulate.
In detail
A Russian citizen can get Greek residence in 2026 mainly without investment: through remote work or as a financially independent person, both with income from $4,000 a month. The golden visa for property has not been granted on a Russian passport since 2022, but with a second citizenship of another country you can apply. All the conditions for remote workers are on our Greece residence page.
Which Greek residence permits Russians can get
| Ground | Main condition | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Remote work | income from $4,000 a month after tax from work for a foreign company or clients | a 1-year visa or a 2-year permit |
| Financially independent | passive income from $4,000 a month from abroad: pension, rent, dividends | 3 years, renewable |
| Greek roots | documented Greek descent | citizenship straight away |
| Golden visa | a second citizenship of another country, property from $290,000 | 5 years, renewable |
| Work, study, family | a contract with a Greek employer, university enrolment, marriage or kinship | depends on the ground |
For a family the income threshold rises: plus 20% for a spouse and plus 15% for each child.
Why the golden visa is closed and what to do about property
Since 2022 Greece has not accepted golden visa applications from Russian and Belarusian citizens because of EU sanctions. The restriction is about the passport, not the money: an investor with a second citizenship of another country applies on it on general terms. Thresholds start from $290,000 for converting commercial buildings into housing, from $450,000 in most regions and from $900,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki and the popular islands. More in our article on Greek residence by property.
The law does not stop a Russian passport holder from buying an apartment in Greece, but the purchase alone will not bring residence. In that case the home serves for living or as the address for an income-based permit.
Residence for remote workers and the financially independent
Remote work. You need income from $4,000 a month after tax from outside Greece. You can take a 12-month national visa or go straight for a 2-year permit renewable for another 2 years. Working for Greek employers or clients is not allowed.
Financially independent. This suits those living on a pension, rent, interest or dividends. The threshold is the same - from $4,000 a month from abroad - and the permit is issued for 3 years. You cannot work in Greece on it, either employed or self-employed.
How to apply for Greek residence from Russia
- Prove income with recent statements and contracts.
- Take out insurance covering Greece for the whole term.
- Find housing: a lease or property.
- Apostille Russian certificates and translate them into Greek.
- Get a national visa at a Greek consulate.
- Apply for residence with the migration ministry once in Greece.
A decision usually takes 1-3 months, and the card is issued 2-6 months after applying.
How much Greek residence costs
For a remote worker the state takes about $1,300 per applicant: the national visa and the fee for a 2-year permit. Each family member adds about $170. Insurance, translations, apostilles and housing come on top. We will calculate the total for your family in the chat.
Anyone living in Greece for more than 183 days a year becomes a tax resident. Those who move their tax residence to Greece and work there get a 50% income tax discount for 7 years, and Russia suspended its double tax treaty with Greece in 2023. More on the taxes in Greece page.
About $1,300 per applicant and income from $4,000 every month
The law does not stop you from applying on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: statements with even one month below the threshold, income from Greek clients, insurance without cover in Greece, certificates without an apostille and Greek translation, a golden visa application on a Russian passport that will not be accepted. We choose the ground for your income, calculate the family threshold, prepare documents and translations, book the national visa and handle the application with the migration ministry through to the card. We guarantee professional work and a transparent process, and in most cases a result on the first application.
Support depends on the ground and family size - a manager will calculate it in the chat.
How we help
The law does not stop you from applying on your own. But mistakes cost more than the fees: statements that do not show the required income every month, insurance without cover in Greece, certificates without an apostille and Greek translation, a golden visa application on a Russian passport that will not be accepted. We choose the ground, check income by the ministry's rules, prepare documents and translations, book the visa appointment and handle the application through to the card.
Greek residence for remote workers
Conditions, documents and taxes.
Learn more →Greece's golden visa
For investors with a second citizenship.
Learn more →Greece: all programmes
Moving, taxes and life in the country.
Learn more →FAQ
Can Russians get Greek residence in 2026?
Can a Russian citizen get Greece's golden visa?
What income do you need for Greek residence?
How much does Greek residence cost for a remote worker?
Does buying an apartment in Greece give a Russian residence?
How long does Greek residence take?
Don’t want to figure this out alone?
We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Ask your question in the chat: the free consultation starts right here. Legal representation before authorities and courts is handled by Murblz specialists together with locally licensed partners.
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