Greece · Skilled Worker Visa

Independent Economic Activity

Official name Independent Economic Activity - Article 138, paragraphs 3 and 7 (Law 4251/14) - Renewal

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-09 · Our methodology
4.8/10 diff
Moderate

Renewed for 3 years; requires proof the self-employment activity is still carried out (Chamber of Commerce and Tax Offic…

Min income
Processing
30+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Renewed for 3 years; requires proof the self-employment activity is still carried out (Chamber of Commerce and Tax Office certificates), EFKA/OAEE self-employed health insurance and tax clearance, with an electronic fee of 150 euros plus a 16-euro card printing fee.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
36 months
Processing Time
30+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18–65
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Language RequiredB1
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Independent Economic Activity - Article 138, paragraphs 3 and 7 (Law 4251/14) - Renewal?

Renewed for 3 years; requires proof the self-employment activity is still carried out (Chamber of Commerce and Tax Office certificates), EFKA/OAEE self-employed health insurance and tax clearance, with an electronic fee of 150 euros plus a 16-euro card printing fee.

Can the Independent Economic Activity - Article 138, paragraphs 3 and 7 (Law 4251/14) - Renewal lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Greece?

Yes. Greece offers 21 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Greece country page.

What is the cost of living in Greece?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Athens: €2,330/mo; Thessaloniki: €1,403/mo; Patras: €1,593/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-09 · See our methodology

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