Population
10.4 million
Capital
Athens
Languages
Greek
💰Cost & Practicalities
🏥Living Conditions
🛂Immigration
Visas & Immigration
View all💻Digital Nomad Visa
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Greece while working remotely for employers or clients outside Greece. Introduced in 2021 and updated in 2023, it requires minimum €3,500 monthly income (before tax), increasing by 20% for spouse and 15% per child. Initial visa valid for 12 months, convertible to a 2-year renewable residence permit. Holders can access the Schengen Area visa-free and may qualify for the 50% income tax discount for 7 years under the non-dom regime if staying 183+ days annually. No Greek employment or business setup allowed.
💼EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card in Greece is for highly qualified non-EU workers with a job offer in a skilled profession. Requires minimum gross annual salary of €31,919 (1.6x national average) and a recognized higher education diploma or 5 years equivalent professional experience. Valid for 2 years (or contract duration + 3 months). Since June 2024, applicants can apply from visa-exempt status or C visa (previously D visa only required), and pre-screening is now optional. After 18 months, holders can move to another EU country under that state's Blue Card rules. Family members can accompany.
👨👩👧Family Reunification
Non-EU citizens legally residing in Greece for at least 2 years can sponsor family members (spouse, minor children, dependent parents in some cases) for residence permits. Greece recognizes civil partnerships and same-sex civil unions (since 2015) for immigration purposes. Sponsor must prove adequate accommodation and income (approximately €7,000/year base, increasing for family size). Family permits mirror sponsor's permit duration. Family members generally have work rights. Processing has improved since 2024 digital reforms.
💰FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person)
Greece's Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa is designed for retirees and those with passive income who want to live in Greece without working. Requires minimum €3,500 monthly passive income (increased from €2,000 in 2023), plus 20% for spouse and 15% per child. Alternatively, €84,000 in savings. Must spend 183+ days per year in Greece. Valid for 3 years, renewable. Cannot work in Greece but can work remotely for foreign employers. Retirees may qualify for 7% flat tax on foreign pensions under the non-dom regime.
🏆Golden Visa
Greece's Golden Visa grants 5-year renewable residence permits through qualifying investments. As of August 2024, real estate investment thresholds are location-based: €800,000 in high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini), €400,000 in other areas (single property, 120+ sqm), and €250,000 for heritage building restoration or commercial-to-residential conversions. Alternative investments: €350,000 in mutual funds, €500,000 fixed-term bank deposit, or €250,000 in Elevate Greece startups (with job creation requirements). No minimum stay required. Includes family members. Digital Golden Visa cards available from 2026.
🏛️Greek Citizenship
Greek citizenship through naturalization requires 7 years of continuous legal residence (reduced to 3 years if married to Greek citizen with a child). Applicants must pass a citizenship exam (introduced 2021) testing Greek language proficiency (B1 level), history, constitution, traditions, and political system. Exam held twice yearly, €250 fee. Processing takes 2+ years due to registration, exam wait times, and background checks. Greece allows dual citizenship. Citizens of Greek origin may have accelerated pathways.
🎓Student Visa
Non-EU students pursuing studies at Greek educational institutions certified by the Ministry of Education need a National D visa for stays over 90 days. Requires admission letter from Greek institution, proof of funds for living expenses, and health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage). Must apply for residence permit within 40 days of arrival. EU/EEA students don't need visa but need residence permit for stays over 3 months. Tuition at public universities: free for EU students, €1,500-€9,000/year for non-EU. Part-time work possible with permit.
👷Work Permit
Standard employment visa for non-EU citizens with a job offer from a Greek employer. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available for the position. Typically issued for 1 year, renewable based on continued employment. Includes seasonal work permits for agriculture, tourism, and hospitality (up to 6 months) and intra-company transfer permits for multinational employees. Processing requires employer sponsorship and labor market test.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
Greece offers 20-30% lower costs than Western Europe. Athens is most expensive, island living varies widely. A single person can live comfortably on €1,200-€1,800/month including rent.
Healthcare
Greece has a mixed public-private healthcare system. Public healthcare is free for residents through EOPYY. Private care offers shorter waits and English-speaking staff. WHO ranks Greece 14th globally for healthcare.
Banking
Opening a Greek bank account requires an AFM (tax number). Major banks include Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece, and Eurobank. International transfers via Wise, Revolut are popular among expats.
Housing
Housing in Greece ranges from €400-1,200/month for a 1-bedroom depending on location. Athens center is most expensive. Long-term rentals can be found on Spitogatos, XE.gr, and Facebook groups. Landlords typically require 1-2 months deposit.
Remote Work
Greece has embraced remote workers with its Digital Nomad Visa and tax incentives. Internet quality is good in cities (50-200 Mbps fiber available). Coworking spaces are growing in Athens and Thessaloniki. 50% income tax discount available for new tax residents.
Taxes
Greece has progressive income tax up to 44%. Special tax regimes offer significant benefits: 50% income tax discount for 7 years (new residents), 7% flat tax on foreign pensions (retirees), €100,000 flat tax on foreign income (HNWI). Tax year follows calendar year.
Transportation
Athens has metro, buses, and trams. Thessaloniki opened its metro in 2024. Cars are essential outside cities. Ferries connect islands. Domestic flights are affordable. Driving culture can be chaotic.
Language
Greek is the official language. English is widely spoken in Athens and tourist areas but limited elsewhere. Learning basic Greek is helpful for daily life and essential for citizenship (B1 level required).
Safety
Greece is generally safe with low violent crime rates. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is the main concern in Athens tourist areas and on public transport. Protests occur but are usually contained to specific areas.
Expat Community
Greece has a growing expat community, especially in Athens and on popular islands. Digital nomads are increasingly common since the 2021 visa. Facebook groups, InterNations events, and coworking spaces help newcomers connect.
Culture & Lifestyle
Greek culture values family, hospitality, and social connection. Life moves slower than Northern Europe. Late meals, long coffee breaks, and afternoon closures are normal. Orthodox Christianity shapes many traditions.
Climate & Weather
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (30-35°C) and mild, wet winters (10-15°C). 300+ days of sunshine. Northern regions cooler. Islands breezier. Air conditioning essential in summer, heating in winter.
Food & Dining
Greek cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, olive oil, and shared meals. Traditional tavernas offer €10-15 meals. Street food (souvlaki, gyros) is €3-5. Dining is a social experience - meals are leisurely.
Education
Greek public education is free through university. International schools cost €8,000-15,000/year. Greek universities offer some English-taught programs. Credential recognition may require evaluation.
Family Life
Greece is family-oriented with child-friendly culture. Public spaces welcome children. Childcare costs less than Western Europe. Extended families typically help with childcare. Children are part of adult social life.
Cities
Questions
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