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PermanentEU residency Entry/Exit System
You mayThe beEU ableplans to applyto forintroduce permanenta residencynew in Greece if youdigital haveborder lived- therecalled forthe 5Entry/Exit years withSystem a(EES). temporaryThe residenceexact permit.
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ForOnce moreintroduced, informationthis onwill eligibilityrequire andnon-EU hownationals, including UK nationals, visiting the EU to apply,create contact the regionala Directoratedigital ofrecord Aliensand provide their biometric data (fingerprints and Migration of the regionalfacial governmentimage) whereat youthe live.border Regionalwhen governmentsthey areenter alsothe knownEU’s as the ‘decentralizedSchengen administrations’ (αποκεντρωμένες διοικήσεις, apokentroménes dioikíseis). Zone.
Citizenship
Greece recognises dualUK citizenshipnationals withresident in the UK.EU Thiswill meansbe that you don’t haveexempt tofrom giveregistration upif (renounce)they yourhold Britishthe citizenshipcorrect to become a Greek citizen. documentation.
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We permits ifstrongly youurge movedall to Greece beforeUK nationals, lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021 2021, to apply for the new biometric residence document (Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) ΣΑ Έγγραφο Διαμονής) to avoid difficulties at the border.
IfWe youalso movedstrongly to Greece beforeurge all UK nationals, lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021, to make sure youtheir havebiometric a biometric residence document (Engrafo(Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) (inΣΑ Greek), ΣΑ Έγγραφο Διαμονής).Έγγραφο ThisΔιαμονής) showsremains thatvalid, youto have rightsreplace underit theif Withdrawallost Agreement. or stolen and to keep it with them when travelling.
Under theThere neware digital Entry/Exitcertain systemadditional (temporary documents issued under the WA which will also allow exemption from registration in the EES), you’ll need the Engrafo Diamonis 18. For (4) whenGreece, enteringthese ordocuments leaving Greece.are the special certificate of legal residence stating that the holder has the rights of Part Two of the WA (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής της υπ’αριθ. 4000/1/113-α’ Κ.Υ.Α. (ΥΠΟΔΕΙΓΜΑ ΚΑ-158) and the certificate of submission of the supporting documents (Βεβαίωση (κατάθεσης δικαιολογητικών). If you havehold one,these documents when travelling, you will notalso havebe exempt from registration in the EES.
Free movement residence documents, previously issued to registerUK withnationals and their family members, do not allow exemption from the EES when entering,. leavingAs such, in Greece, registration certificate ‘Veveosi Engrafis - Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής’ or travellingpermanent withinresidence thecertificate Schengen‘Engrafo area.Monimis WithoutDiamonis it,- Έγγραφο Μόνιμης Διαμονής’ if you mayregistered bebefore wrongly1 identifiedJanuary as2021, overstayingdo not allow exemption from registration in EES.
For UK nationals who are otherwise resident in Greece, the Schengendocumentation Areathat andallows deniedexemption entryfrom to Greece orEES includes other residence permits issued to third country nationals as long as it is listed in Annex 22 of the Schengen countries. Practical Handbook for Border Guards.
Read guidance from the Greek DepartmentMinisterial ofDecision Labouron andresidence Socialdocuments Security on (in Greek) and the rightsrelated of Britishannouncement nationalsfrom whothe wereHellenic residentPolice in(including Greecea beforeseries 1of JanuaryQ&As).
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If you werehave livingbeen in Greece beforelegally 1resident Januaryin 2021,Greece butfor:
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Read the Hellenic Police police’s guidance on how to apply,renew includingyour adviceresidence ondocument.
The whatGreek toauthorities dowill ifonly mobilityaccept issuesyour meanapplication if you areinclude unableall tothe applydocuments inthat person.
Ifthey request. When your application is successful, you’ll getaccepted, you will be given a temporary certificate. You can use this until you receive your biometric residence carddocument.
You calledshould an Engrafo Diamonis 18also (4). read the Greek government’s website for UK nationals living in Greece and submit any questions using the contact form.
If your applicationmobility is unsuccessful,impaired, for example you mayare bebedridden, ablehospitalised, in a nursing home or care facility, you do not need to appeal. Considerrequest gettingthe legalbiometric adviceresidence fromdocument an English-speakingin person. You can authorise a family member or lawyer in Greece. The refusalto letterapply on your behalf. You can also ask a police officer to collect your application and supporting documents, and take your biometric data (fingerprints). You will explainneed howa to appeal but you must domedical so withincertificate 20to daysconfirm ofthat the refusalyour decision. Whenmobility you appeal youis will: impaired. If you lack mental capacity, your representative will need to provide a medical certificate confirming your condition.
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Ifyouneedfurtherinformationonhowtosecureyourresidency,youmayfindusefultheEuroBritsGreeceguidanceonresidency.AppealsprocessIfyourbiometricresidencedocumentapplicationisrefused,therefusalletterwillexplainhowyoucanappeal.Youmustappealwithin20daysoftherefusaldecision.Youwillbe given a Certificate of Legal Residence (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής),(ΕιδικήshowingΒεβαίωσηΝόμιμηςΔιαμονής).Thisshowsthatyou stillcontinuetohave rightsfullunderWithdrawalthe WithdrawalAgreementAgreement untilrightsyouruntilappealthereis completeafinaldecisiononyourappeal. -
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ForIf moreyour informationappeals onare howrefused, you may be able to apply orfor appeal,the read the:
Renewing ornationals. replacing yourA residencythird documentcountry ifnational youis movedsomeone to Greece beforewho 1does Januarynot 2021 have EU, EEA or Swiss nationality.
Family members
You’ll needYour toclose renewfamily yourmembers residencycontinue document every 5 or 10 years,to dependingbe on whetherable to join you registeredand forsettle ain 5-yearGreece orat 10-yearany permit. time in the future. Read more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance.
Read guidanceNationals fromof the Helleniccertain Policenon-EU andcountries the Ministrymay ofneed Citizena Protection on: visa before travel. The Greek authorities should issue family reunion visas free of charge.
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The Europeanor Commission,European the UKFree and Greek governmentsTrade provideAssociation information(EFTA) on:
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PassportsIf andyou travel
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AlwaysYou carrymust proactively show your passportresidence anddocument, residencyor documentother when entering,evidence leavingof or travellingresidence withinstatus, the Schengenif area. If you’re askedyou are asked to show your passport at border control,control. makeOther sureevidence youmay alsobe show your residencetenancy documentagreement or othera evidenceutility ofbill residencein status. Youryour passportname, maydating befrom stamped2020. ifIf you dohave not. applied for, but not yet received, your residence document, show your certificate of registration.
If you havecannot dualprove citizenshipthat withyou an EU or Europeanare Freeresident Tradein AssociationGreece, (EFTA) country, you shouldmay be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU. Your passport may be stamped on entry and leave Greece usingexit. your EU orThis EFTAwill passport.
Dualnot citizensaffect travellingyour torights in the UK
Whencountry travellingor tocountries thewhere UK,you Britishlive citizensor mustwork. carryIf a valid British passport or certificate is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of entitlement.lawful residence. Read EU guidance on dualfor citizenshipUK nationals on entering and leaving the Schengen area. .
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If childrenyou travellinghave withoutrights aunder parentthe orWithdrawal legalAgreement, guardian
Childrenyou agedcan 17enter and underexit mustGreece carrywith a letteryour ofvalid authority if they’re travellingUK outpassport. of Greece withoutYou theirdo parentnot orneed legalany guardian. Seeadditional validity on the Greekpassport government’sbeyond advicethe on traveldates documentson forwhich minors foryou moreare information. travelling.
Healthcare
Contact the GreekRead Embassyour guidance on healthcare in LondonGreece orand themake Consulatesure inyou Manchester orare the Ministry ofcorrectly Foreignregistered Affairs forfor moreyour information. circumstances.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
UnderCheck the newthe digital Entry/ExitGreek Systemgovernment (EES)website for cross-border healthcare there.
Travel areinsurance newis rulesnot for entering,intended leavingto orcover travellinghealthcare withincosts the Schengenif areayou live overseas.
If Non-EUyou nationals willdo neednot to have theirany photohealthcare andinsurance, fingerprintsyou takencan get medical treatments or verifieddiagnostic attests from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres. Read the border.Greek ThisMinisterial dataDecision willon beuninsured storedcitizens’ inaccess ato digitalmedical recordtreatments and useddiagnostic to monitor howtests long(in visitorsGreek). haveYou spentwill inalso theonly Schengenbe area.
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What thedo supportingwe documentsmean (Βεβαίωσηby κατάθεσης δικαιολογητικών)
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IfSocial youcare aremeans legallythe residenttype in Greece butof docare notor havesupport an Engrafo Diamonis 18needed (4),to contact thehelp Alienswith division (γραφείο αλλοδαπών) at yourday-to-day regionalliving branchbecause of theillness, Hellenic policedisability (inor Greek). reduced ability due to older age.
Accessing social care if you live in Greece
ForTo moreaccess informationsocial aboutcare theand EES,other read: services in Greece, you must have:
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Challenges in accessing social care
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Where to access social care
The social care available to you will depend on what the Greekmunicipality government’swhere onlineyou platformlive foroffers. orderingWhat prescriptionsis withinavailable Greececan (PDF,vary 925greatly KB) (somebetween informationdifferent parts of Greece, particularly with fewer resources in Greek).rural areas and on small islands. As part of preparing for later life or for ill health you should familiarise yourself with what your local municipality offers.
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In the UK, mothers and most fathers have legal rights and responsibilities as a parent – known as ‘parental responsibility’. A person who is not the mother can apply for parental responsibility, for example as a step-parent. This is also known as ‘recognising a child’.
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you took legal responsibility for a child in the UK but are not one or either of the biological parents
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Updates to this page
-
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section). Moved social care content to a separate guide.
-
12 March 2025 Section on social care added.
-
5 December 2024 Added information on how to prove you have parental responsibility for a child to Greek authorities.
-
18 October 2024 Added information and downloadable letters about watersport diplomas and pleasure craft operator certificates. Added information to get an HMRC letter for tax purposes.
-
18 June 2024 The Visas and residency section has been updated to include information on the EU Entry/Exit System that will be introduced in Autumn 2024.
-
11 March 2022 Important information in the Working in Greece, and National insurance sections if you work in Greece, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
-
17 February 2022 Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and healthcare sections.
-
22 December 2021 There are now no restrictions on driving in Greece for residents with valid UK or Gibraltar driving licences
-
24 September 2021 Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 31 October 2021
-
24 August 2021 Guidance reviewed for money, tax and banking, benefits, births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships, and useful information sections.
-
9 August 2021 Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Greece, Studying in Greece, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.
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2 August 2021 Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Greece after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.
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20 July 2021 Working in Greece section updated: new guidance for frontier workers
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19 April 2021 Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund, healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Greece section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on recognition of professional qualifications and link to DIT guidance on working or providing services.
-
19 February 2021 Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
-
31 December 2020 Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, pet travel and moving to Greece
-
17 December 2020 Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.
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4 December 2020 Visa and residency section updated on how to get the new residence document
-
10 November 2020 Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.
-
17 September 2020 Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
-
9 September 2020 Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
-
6 May 2020 Healthcare section updated to include details on how to use the new online platform for ordering prescriptions.
-
23 January 2020 Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
-
23 September 2019 Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
-
3 September 2019 Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
-
15 April 2019 EU Exit update: updates on 'Passports and Travel', 'Pensions' and 'Returning to the UK' sections
-
9 April 2019 EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections
-
13 March 2019 EU Exit update: Details on Greek government's statement regarding the protection of citizens’ rights after EU Exit in the Visas and residency section
-
13 March 2019 We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.
-
22 February 2019 Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip
-
29 January 2019 EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare
-
18 January 2019 EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.
-
22 November 2018 EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.
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15 November 2018 Brexit update: added in information about outreach events in Greece
-
4 April 2018 Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.
-
29 September 2014 Update to healthcare for early retirees and pensions information.
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5 May 2014 Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.
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29 October 2013 a contact information has been added under 'Useful Contacts'
-
19 July 2013 Updated the information on life certificates for UK state pensions.
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27 May 2013 First published.
Update history
2026-01-09 18:15
Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section). Moved social care content to a separate guide.
2025-08-01 12:16
The guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary. Link added to Greek government’s guidance on becoming a digital nomad in Greece.
2025-03-12 13:47
Section on social care added.
2024-12-05 10:46
Added information on how to prove you have parental responsibility for a child to Greek authorities.
2024-10-18 14:47
Added information and downloadable letters about watersport diplomas and pleasure craft operator certificates.Added information to get an HMRC letter for tax purposes.
2024-06-18 08:22
The Visas and residency section has been updated to include information on the EU Entry/Exit System that will be introduced in Autumn 2024.
2022-03-11 08:00
Important information in the Working in Greece, and National insurance sections if you work in Greece, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.
2022-02-17 11:29
Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and healthcare sections.
2021-12-22 19:21
There are now no restrictions on driving in Greece for residents with valid UK or Gibraltar driving licences
2021-09-24 17:40
Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 31 October 2021
2021-02-19 11:18
Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.
2020-09-17 14:41
Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
2020-09-09 13:03
Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021
2020-05-06 15:03
Healthcare section updated to include details on how to use the new online platform for ordering prescriptions.
2020-01-23 15:33
Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
2019-09-23 17:32
Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement
2019-09-03 17:44
Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.
2019-04-15 13:06
EU Exit update: updates on 'Passports and Travel', 'Pensions' and 'Returning to the UK' sections
2019-04-09 16:17
EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections