⭐️New Immigration Changes for Non-EU Citizens, Inheritance Reforms

Pending immigration changes relating to both FIP and Digital Nomad Visas

Author

Chloe Mason
January 08, 2026

👋 Hey there expats,

In this week’s newsletter, we’re sharing with you our weekly roundup of news in Greece, concerning bureaucracy, immigration or administrative changes, tax and real estate. But first, we have some important immigration announcements to share with you.

🚨 New Changes to the Digital Nomad Visas and FIP Dependents

👉 Update on the Greek FIP Visa for Adult Dependents 

A new Greek immigration law is expected to come into force after the 14th January, introducing an important change for children over the age of 18 who are unable to act independently under Greece’s FIP Visa program.

Under this update, eligible adult children will be able to apply as dependent family members under a parent’s FIP Visa, rather than needing to submit a separate application. This simplifies the process significantly for families and opens the door for more inclusive residency options in Greece. As always, we’ll be monitoring the final legislation closely and will share practical guidance once the law is officially enacted.

👉 Potential Changes to Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa Process

The Greek Ministry of Migration has recently proposed a significant change regarding how remote workers apply for their status. Currently, many digital nomads enter Greece on a tourist visa and apply for their Digital Nomad residence permit directly at the Ministry of Migration. The new proposal suggests a shift in this policy:

  • The "Direct" Path May Close: The option to apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit from within Greece is expected to be abolished.

  • Mandatory Consular Step: If the law passes, all applicants would likely be required to apply for a National (Type D) Visa at a Greek Consulate or Embassy in their home country before arriving in Greece.

  • Not Yet Finalized: It is important to emphasize that this bill has not yet been voted on or signed into law. We do not have a confirmed date for the parliamentary vote or a specific "start date" for these changes.

  • The "Window" is Still Open: For now, the existing process remains in effect. However, those planning to move to Greece should be aware that the "in-country" application route could close shortly after the law is officially published in the Government Gazette.

Disclaimer: We are monitoring the progress of this bill closely. As of now, it remains a proposal under discussion, and we will update you the moment a final vote is scheduled or the law is officially ratified.

Chloe Mason, Founder of My Greek Expat Journey

Historical nuggets

🏛️Life in Ancient Greece Was Surprisingly Similar to Our Own – Read here

🥉Bronze Age Burial Unearthed in Rafina – Read here

Inheritance Law Changes

The Greek government is undertaking the first major overhaul of its inheritance laws after 80 years. A new reform aims to modernize the legal framework, provide better protection for modern family structures, and prevent the abandonment of property caused by complex multi-generational co-ownership and debt liabilities.

These reforms are expected to take full effect by September 16, 2026. The upcoming changes include:

  • Increased Spousal Share: The compulsory "forced share" (nomimi moira) for a surviving spouse is set to increase from 25% to 33.3% in cases where children are also heirs.

  • Rights for Unmarried Partners: For the first time, long-term partners (cohabiting for at least three years) will gain inheritance rights if no other close relatives exist, preventing the estate from automatically defaulting to the state.

  • Right of Residence: Surviving partners will be granted the right to remain in their shared home for at least one to three years after the owner’s death, providing a critical safety net.

  • End of Personal Debt Liability: Heirs will no longer be personally liable for the deceased's debts with their own assets. Creditors can only claim against the assets within the estate itself.

  • Abolishing Co-ownership Deadlocks: The "forced share" is shifting from a real property right to a monetary claim. This allows one heir to take full ownership of a property while compensating others in cash, preventing "fragmented" ownership that often leaves Greek properties derelict.

  • Introduction of Inheritance Contracts: Testators will be able to enter into binding, notarized contracts with heirs while still alive to clearly define asset distribution and prevent future litigation.

  • Digitalization: Wills will now be managed through a digital platform (diathikes.gr), reducing the risk of lost documents and speeding up the probate process.

To find out more, book a 15-minute discovery call to learn more about our services and get help with inheritance issues.

On the blog

🏠Why Expats Should Not Buy Property Alone in Greece: Many expats assume that buying property works more or less the same everywhere. Unfortunately, the Greek real estate market operates very differently from what buyers are used to in places like the UK, the US or Canada. Read here.

That's it for this week's newsletter! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or if you'd like to be featured.

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead filled with Greek adventures and memorable experiences.

Yassas!

The “My Greek Expat Journey” Team

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