Greece offers two low‑tax residency schemes that let foreigners live in a high‑tax European country while paying only single‑digit rates on most of their income.
Non‑domiciled regime for investors
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Duration: 15 years, extendable to family members (additional cost).
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Eligibility: Must not have been a Greek tax resident for the previous 7–8 years.
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Tax payment: One‑time lump‑sum tax of €100,000 for the primary applicant, covering all foreign income and assets.
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Family add‑on: Each dependent can be added for an extra €20,000.
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Asset requirement: Ownership of Greek assets worth at least €500,000. The investment can be split among up to three separate assets and must be completed within three years of the application. Acceptable assets include:
- Real estate
- Business interests
- Transferable securities or shares of a Greek‑registered legal entity
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Tax benefits:
- No Greek tax on foreign income, dividends, interest, or capital gains.
- No reporting of foreign assets to Greek authorities.
- Family members are exempt from Greek inheritance, gift, and parental grant taxes.
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Greek‑source income: Any income generated from Greek assets is taxed at the regular Greek rates.
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Risk of loss: Failure to pay the €100,000 lump‑sum tax each year results in loss of non‑domicile status and retroactive taxation on worldwide income from the start of the tax year.
Non‑domiciled regime for retirees
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Duration: 15 years, does not extend to family members.
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Flat tax rate: 7 % on pension income and other passive foreign income (dividends, interest, capital gains).
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Tax credits: If the same foreign income has already been taxed abroad, credits or deductions can be claimed against the 7 % Greek tax.
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Eligibility criteria:
- Must receive a pension or pension‑like income from a foreign source.
- Must not have been a Greek tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 years.
- Must transfer tax residency from a country that has a double‑tax treaty or an active tax‑cooperation agreement with Greece.
Practical considerations
- Financial commitment: The investor scheme requires a substantial upfront investment (€500k) and a €100k lump‑sum tax, plus €20k per dependent.
- Compliance: Ongoing annual payment of the lump‑sum tax is mandatory; missing a payment triggers full global tax liability.
- Asset selection: Diversifying the €500k across real estate, business, and securities can spread risk and meet the three‑year completion window.
- Retiree suitability: The 7 % flat tax is attractive for those with sizable foreign pensions and passive income, especially when double‑tax treaties allow credits.
- Family planning: Only the investor regime offers tax‑free status for spouses and children, making it preferable for families.
Greece’s non‑domiciled programs provide a structured path to low‑tax residency, but they demand careful planning around investment amounts, tax payments, and eligibility windows. Prospective applicants should verify treaty status with their current country of residence and ensure they can meet the asset and payment requirements before committing.
