Home to Ionian seas, breathtaking beaches, and historic ruins, it’s no wonder that people from around the world are moving to Greece. Though despite the beauty, culture, and lifestyle appeals of calling this southeastern European country home, it’s not as simple as just buying a one way flight ticket.
Throughout this guide, we’ll have a look at what really goes into calling Greece home. Whether you’re an American moving to Greece or one of the many Brits moving to Greece, you’ll need to adhere to any and all visa requirements. This includes securing a residence permit, understanding the Greek bureaucracy, and potentially dealing with the Greek government for approvals.
As such, this guide is going to explore the various visa requirements for different countries. We’ll also have a look at popular destinations for expats, legal requirements for residency, the pros and cons of calling Greece home, and much more.
What Will You Find in This Article:
- Greece Golden Visa
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Popular Destinations for Expats in Greece
- Living in Greece: Pros and Cons
- Legal Requirements for Residency
- Safety and Security in Greece
Key Takeaways: What to Know Before You Move to Greece
- Greece offers multiple visa options including the popular Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Employment Visa, and Retirement Visa, each tailored to specific lifestyles and goals.
- To stay long-term, securing a Greek residence permit is essential — whether you're moving for work, study, or to enjoy the slower pace of life.
- EU citizens have easier pathways to residency, while non-EU citizens must navigate additional Greek bureaucracy and visa requirements.
- Having private health insurance or access to the public healthcare system is required for all long-term residents.
- Setting up a Greek bank account, obtaining a tax identification number, and registering with the Social Insurance Institute are all part of the legal process.
- Major cities like Athens (the capital city), Crete, and Rhodes are top choices for expats, thanks to their mix of job opportunities, international schools, and vibrant Greek cuisine culture.
- Understanding the cost of living, local customs, and beginning to speak Greek will ease your integration into daily life.
- The Greek government encourages relocation through investment, offering incentives for those with foreign income, sufficient savings, and those moving with family members.
- Compared to most European countries, Greece remains an affordable, sun-soaked destination with a rich history and strong expat communities.
EU Citizens
Since Greece is part of the European Union (EU), visa requirements for EU citizens will differ from, say, the requirements that American and/or UK citizens must adhere to. As it turns out, moving to Greece is much easier if you already reside in the EU or other European countries.
For the first three months of your stay, you’ll only require a passport or form of valid ID. However, when moving to Greece for longer than three months, you’re required to register accordingly with either the Police Department or the local Aliens Bureau. Upon doing so, you will then be given a Certificate of Registration, which proves that you’re legally residing in the country and can apply for a Greek residence permit. You may also need a tax identification number and to register with the Social Insurance Institute.
American Citizens
If you’re moving to Greece from the US, you’ll need to acquire a visa from either the Greek Consulate or an Embassy maintaining jurisdiction over your chosen Greek locality. This visa will need to be obtained ahead of your arrival in the country. After you make it to Greece, your next step will be getting a residence permit from your locality’s Decentralized Administration Office. Remember, you need to have this residence permit before your visa expires. You may also want to consider private health insurance, as well as setting up a Greek bank account to manage your finances.
UK Citizens
Brits moving to Greece will have to get a visa in order to remain in the country for more than 90 days in a 180 day period. This is done by submitting an online visa application form and then filling it out (and bringing along mandatory documents) upon setting up an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC). Be prepared to show proof of income and/or savings, accommodation details, healthcare insurance, and more. It’s also a good idea to establish a relationship with a Greek bank.
Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens who don’t live in the US or the UK will require a visa and residence permits before moving to Greece. The most appropriate visa in this scenario will depend upon whether you’re relocating for work purposes, studying at a Greek university, vocational training, etc. Some individuals may even be sponsored by a Greek employer.
If you’re a non-EU citizen and unsure of which visa best suits your situation, contacting an immigration attorney is advisable. This will prove to be most beneficial towards getting feedback and advice that’s uniquely tailored to your situation.
With that in mind, this guide will now explore two of Greece’s most popular visas.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa allows its holders to obtain residency by investing in either real estate, government bonds, fund shares, or tourist/hotel accommodation. The minimum investment amount for real estate starts at €250,000, while the investment amounts for other options range between €350,000 and €800,000.
Terms and conditions do apply, though holding the Greece Golden Visa comes with a lot of benefits. Whether you’re moving from US to Greece or relocating from a different country, you’ll have access to family reunification perks, visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, the double taxation treaty, and more. This visa may also support bringing along family members.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is uniquely tailored toward remote workers and individuals who earn their income online, typically from foreign income sources. With the rise of freelancing and digital nomad lifestyles, growing numbers of countries are coming out with relevant visas.
In Greece, the Digital Nomad Visa permits non-EU workers to remain and live in the country for up to 12 months. Though there are options to extend this period by obtaining a residence permit before one’s visa expires.
At least €3,500 in monthly income post taxes is mandatory in order to qualify for this visa. Holders of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa must also produce proof of a clean criminal record, health insurance, and either run their own business or work for an employer outside of Greece.
Among the benefits of holding this visa are visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area, access to family reunification, and a lower cost of living than in many other European countries.
Popular Destinations for Expats in Greece
With a great climate year round, picturesque landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage, it’s easy to see why so many expats are flocking to Greece. Over the years, cities like the capital city Athens, Rhodes, and Crete have held a special place in the hearts of those relocating. We’ll now explore why that is and what these Greek cities have to offer.
Athens
Athens is a one-of-a-kind wonder where compelling history meets modern amenities. Iconic landmarks like Acropolis, along with mountain peaks, archaeological museums, cafes, and other venues can make every day feel like a dream. As the capital city, Athens is also home to many events and a wonderful nightlife scene. Across the board, you truly can’t go wrong in this wonderful community. It’s also home to international schools and government offices that assist with the immigration process.
Rhodes
As the biggest Dodecanese island, Rhodes is home to beaches, green spaces, and historic places. This particular part of Greece is especially popular among expats who want to work while surrounded by fresh air and breathtaking vistas. Further appealing to expats are Rhodes’ many laptop-friendly coffee shops that create suitable environments for remote work.
Crete
The biggest and most populous Greek island, Crete is another great place for expats to work remotely without missing the natural beauty that surrounds them. Museums, nature reserves, and waterfront restaurants only add to the appeal of settling down on this island. Over the years, Crete’s expat community has grown exponentially, and there’s already a considerable UK population.
Steps to Immigrate to Greece
In this guide so far, we’ve had a look at different types of Greek visas and popular destinations that tend to attract a lot of expats. We’ve also explored how moving to Greece from the US varies from the experiences of Brits moving to Greece or other EU citizens making the transition.
If you’re ready to settle down in this southeastern European nation, it’s important to know what documents you’ll require and what to expect during the visa application process. We’ll explore the ins and outs of that now.
Gathering Necessary Documents
When moving to Greece, working with an immigration process can streamline the process and help avoid any confusion or mistakes. Having a professional by your side – whether you’re coming from the US, UK, or another non-EU country – can also make the immigration process much less intimidating.
With that in mind, you should have the following documents prepared before you begin immigration:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photo
- Proof of financial means/bank statement within the last three months
- Proof of healthcare insurance
- Employment letter
Depending on the purpose of your relocation (work, study, etc.), you may need to submit additional documents during the immigration process. Especially if you are sponsored by a Greek employer or plan to study at a Greek university.
Applying for Visas
While Greece has several visa options, they can be split into two primary categories: long stay and short stay. During the immigration process, however, you’ll typically be seeking a long stay in the country.
Among the most popular long stay options are:
- Residence Visas
- Student Visas
- Golden Visas
- Digital Nomad Visa
All Greek visas are going to require a valid passport, payment of the application fee, and recent, passport-style applicant photos. It’s also important to remember your visa application can take about 15 calendar days to fully process. Don’t forget that an in person appearance will be mandatory for visa acquisition as well.
Living in Greece: Pros and Cons
Whether you’re an American moving to Greece, a Brit, or from an EU nation, it’s important to understand all sides of relocating to this country. This means breaking down the pros and cons, then deciding whether or not becoming a Greek resident is worth it for you. Some of the most important factors to consider are affordability, healthcare access, cultural adaptation, and language barriers.
Let’s review this now.
Affordability
As one of the most budget friendly countries in Europe, Greece is a great place to enjoy a great life without breaking the bank. For context, Greece is about 54% less expensive than living in the United States. This could explain the surge of people moving from US to Greece. A lower cost of living means your money goes further and it’s easier to save for a rainy day.
Healthcare System
Greece is home to a National Health System that affords residents access to public and private options. Most expat residents opt for public healthcare, which is either taxpayer funded or comes with low out of pocket costs. Private coverage, on the other hand, is more expensive, but permits access to high end facilities and updated equipment. Some expats choose private health insurance as a supplement to the public healthcare system.
Cultural Adaptation
Depending on the country you’re moving to Greece from, adapting to the culture here can take some time. For instance, Greece is much more family oriented and less individualistic than some places, like the United States. Of course, each person – regardless of their home country – will have a different experience. EU residents, for instance, may find it easier to integrate and settle in Greece as new residents.
Language Barriers
While some English is spoken in Greece (especially in major cities like Athens), the official language is Greek. Knowing a bit of the language before moving here can make the immigration process easier. Many expats take the time to speak Greek at a conversational level to ease daily life.
Thankfully, in this day and age, there are all sorts of available resources to streamline the language learning process. Apps like Duolingo and Babble are great tools for picking up Greek while enjoying yourself during lessons. You might also consider hiring a private tutor to perfect your language skills.
Legal Requirements for Residency
Before buying your ticket and moving to Greece, it’s important to fully understand the legal requirements for residency. Here, we’ll explore what’s mandatory for both temporary and permanent residency; though working with an immigration attorney may prove helpful as well, depending on your personal circumstances.
Temporary Residency
Acquiring temporary residency in Greece generally takes about two months. Your specific path during this process will depend upon your nation of origin, along with the purpose of your relocation. However, you will still need to gather the necessary documents that we reviewed earlier in the guide. You’ll also have to submit the application for the visa of your choosing.
Perminant Residency
Acquiring temporary residency in Greece generally takes about two months. Your specific path during this process will depend upon your nation of origin, along with the purpose of your relocation. However, you will still need to gather the necessary documents that we reviewed earlier in the guide. You’ll also have to submit the application for the visa of your choosing.
Safety and Security in Greece
Greece is generally considered a safe country, though it is not immune to crime. Theft and petty crime, in particular, are issues that visiting tourists are typically warned about ahead of travel. Across the board, people are encouraged to apply normal safety precautions and remain cognizant of their surroundings. This applies doubly so in major cities like Athens and when visiting areas with lots of people.
Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Greece the Right Choice for You?
Over the course of this guide, we had an in depth look at what you should know before moving to Greece. From visa requirements to popular expat destinations, we were able to review the many steps and options one must consider before planning to relocate.
This guide also provided an assessment of the pros and cons of calling Greece home before exploring the differences between temporary vs. permanent residency. If you’re thinking of transitioning to this southeastern European country, this guide is a valuable resource that can make your journey easier.
If you know someone who is moving to Greece or considering relocation, feel free to pass along this guide to them as well. You never know when its findings will come in handy or answer some important questions.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can US citizens move to Greece permanently?
Yes, US citizens can move to Greece. They can apply for a long-term visa. Options include the Greek Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Retirement Visa. After arriving, they need to get a Greek residence permit. They must also meet some legal requirements.
These tasks include:
- Securing health insurance
- Proving foreign income
Getting a tax identification number
Is moving to Greece a good idea in 2025?
Moving to Greece in 2025 is a smart choice. It offers a lower cost of living, a nice climate, and rich cultural experiences. Many expats see Greece as a great choice compared to other European countries. They enjoy both public healthcare and private health insurance. Plus, flexible visa options make living there easier.
Is it cheaper to live in Greece or the USA?
Yes, living in Greece costs much less than living in the USA. Monthly expenses can be up to 50% lower, depending on location and lifestyle. Greece is affordable. This attracts retirees, remote workers, and families. They all want to stretch their foreign income.
Are Greeks friendly to Americans and expats?
Generally, Greeks are friendly and welcoming to Americans and other expats. Speaking Greek is helpful, especially outside big cities. In cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, many Greeks are used to seeing foreigners. They are open to cultural exchange.
What is the best visa to live in Greece long-term?
The best long-term visa depends on your goals. The Golden Visa works well for investors. The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers with enough foreign income. The Employment Visa is for people employed by a Greek company. All need a valid residence permit and proof of medical insurance.
