Greece is one of the countries where political openness to LGBTQIA+ is increasing. In one of its annual reports, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) has reported that Greece was the 7th country in 2025 when it comes to LGBTQ friendliness.
In our Greece for LGBT expats guide, we’ll explore Greece’s relationship with the LGBT community, what rights LGBT expats have there, and the best neighborhoods and islands to live in.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- How Gay Friendly is Greece in 2025?
- Homosexuality in Ancient Greece
- The History of the LGBT Community in Greece
- LGBT Rights in Greece
- Is Greece Friendly for LGBT Expats?
- LGBT Events in Greece
- The Most LGBT Friendly Places in Athens, Greece
- Real Estate in LGBT-Friendly Neighborhoods in Athens
- The Most LGBT Friendly Greek Islands in Greece
- Greece Golden Visa for Gay Couples
How Gay Friendly is Greece in 2025?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and trans rights in Greece are strictly protected. According to ILGA Europe, it is stated to be 86.43% with equality and non-discrimination laws, proving its gay-friendly status. Below, the table you can take a look at into the basic aspects:
| LGBTQ Rights in Greece | |
|---|---|
| Category | Status |
| Homosexuality | Legal |
| Censorship | No censorship |
| Changing Gender | Legal, self-determined (18+) |
| Non-Binary Gender Recognition | Not legally recognized |
| Housing Protections | Protected under anti-discrimination laws |
| Discrimination Laws | Illegal (covers sexual orientation and gender identity) |
| Military Service | Transgender people are banned; lesbians, gays, and bisexuals are allowed. |
| Same-Sex Marriage | Legal (since 2024) |
| Gender-Affirming Care | Accessible and legally supported |
| Adoption by LGBTQ+ | Legal for individuals and couples |
| Intersex Infant Surgery | Full banned |
| Blood Donation | Banned |
Homosexuality in Ancient Greece
Looking at the historical timeline, we first come across homosexuality in Ancient Greece. In ancient times, philosophers like Herodotus and Plato thought about same-sex sexual activity. The concept of homosexuality was a common and socially acknowledged aspect of society.
One of the common forms of it was pederasty. It is a type of socially structured bond between an adult male (the erastes) and a younger adolescent boy (the eromenos). These relationships were often pedagogical and emotional.
Plus, same-sex partnerships were widely explored in Greek literature, philosophy, and art. Philosophers like Plato discussed homoerotic love as a noble pursuit of beauty and virtue. This cultural acceptance extended even into the military. For instance, the Sacred Band of Thebes, an army of male lovers, was believed to be especially brave due to their emotional bonds.
Apart from these, women’s same sex relationships are less mentioned. However, poets like Sappho of Lesbos provide glimpses into female homoeroticism.
The History of the LGBT Community in Greece
Among European countries, Greece legalized homosexuality in 1951. The government passed a law allowing civil partnerships for same-sex couples in 2015, making legal protections and rights available the same as opposite-sex couples. In 2017, transgender people were given the right to change their legal gender without having to undergo surgery.
Same-sex couples were granted the right to be foster parents in 2018. In the same year, the court allowed a non-binary person to have a gender-neutral name. In 2024, same-sex marriage is allowed, and full adoption rights were given to same-sex couples in Greece.
Greece has laws that protect LGBT individuals against discrimination. In this regard, the country performs better than the OECD average. Since 2016, discrimination explicitly based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics has been prohibited in the country.
Plus, Athens has been home to Gay Pride events since 2005. Another gay pride takes place in Thessaloniki. Most Greek Islands are gay-friendly, too.
LGBT Rights in Greece: 6 Considerations
There are still some areas where Greece can improve for LGBTI inclusivity. The following are the rights that the LGBT community has currently in Greece.
1. Adoption Rights for LGBT Couples in Greece
As of 2024, Greece has granted full adoption rights to same-sex couples following the legalization of gay marriage under Law 5089/2024.
Married same-sex couples can now adopt children together, including each other’s children. This is a big change from the previous law.
Note that same-sex couples are still not allowed to have children through surrogacy.
2. Same Sex Marriage
Before February 2024, same-sex couples were not allowed to marry. However, you can enter into a civil partnership since December 2015 in Greece, which will give you the same rights as married couples.
This includes inheritance rights, tax benefits, hospital visitation, and the ability to make emergency decisions for your partner. To form a civil partnership, both partners used to sign an agreement in front of a notary and register it with local authorities.
At first, civil partnerships for same-sex couples did not include the right to adopt children or be legally recognized as parents. These rights were only available to opposite-sex couples in civil partnerships or marriages. But this changed in February 2024. Greece legalized same-sex marriage and granted full adoption rights to married same-sex couples.
3. Same-Sex Couples Can Enter Into Cohabitation Agreements
Law 4540 of 2018 allows same-sex couples to avail of cohabitation agreements and jointly apply under the Greek Golden Visa Programme. Same-sex couples can apply for a residency visa in Greece under the investment program.
4. IVF for LGBT Couples in Greece
Same-sex couples are not typically allowed to have IVF treatment. But if one partner signs a notarial deed stating that she’s undergoing the treatment as a single woman using the donor sperm, it’s agreed upon. However, same-sex male partners aren’t allowed this treatment.
5. Right to Change Legal Gender Identity
Greece is quite progressive when it comes to gender-affirming healthcare. If you are a transgender person, you have the right to change your legal gender and name without needing surgery, hormone treatment, or a medical diagnosis. This became possible after the Legal Gender Recognition Law, passed in 2017.
If you are 17 or older, you can apply directly to the court to change your gender on official documents like your ID or birth certificate. However, if you are between 15 and 16, you will need parental consent and a certificate from a medical council to move forward.
What is unique about Greece is that it became one of the few countries in Europe to recognize gender identity rights for non-citizens. In June 2018, the court ruled that foreign transgender people, including refugees and immigrants, also have the right to change their legal gender.
6. Discrimination Protections and Hate Crimes
As an LGBTQ+ expat considering moving to Greece, you need to consider anti-discrimination legislation. Luckily, since 2005, it has been illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation at work.
Over the years, the law has expanded to cover gender identity and sex characteristics. Thus, you have the right to be treated equally in employment and other areas of life.
You are also protected by some hate crime and hate speech laws in Europe. If someone targets you with violence or hateful language because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, they can face serious prison time and heavy fines.
Is Greece Friendly for LGBT Expats?
Greece is one of the best countries for LGBT expats. Homosexuality has been legal in the country since 1951. Additionally, equal age of consent has been legal in Greece since 2015. The country also allows LGBT individuals to serve openly in the military.
Over the years, there has been a significant shift in the perception of people towards the LGBT community. However, the LGBTQ community still faces some social discrimination that non-LGBT residents don’t deal with.
But the government has stringent anti-LGBT discrimination in place. It encompasses all areas of hate crimes, including gender identity, sexual orientation, sex characteristics, etc.
LGBT Events in Greece
There are a few lGBT events that you can consider joining in Greece. Firstly, you can think of Athens Pride. It is usually held every June and stands as the biggest LGBT event in Greece. If you want to experience the LGBT culture, it is a great chance for you to taste this inclusivity. You can walk in the Pride Parade, enjoy concerts, and hear powerful speeches.
If you are interested in queer arts and culture, the Athens Queer Festival is a great event to check out. You will find films, performances, and talks that share stories and perspectives from LGBTQ+ people. This will give you a chance to connect with queer creativity and experiences in a welcoming space.
For lesbian visibility, the Lesbian Festival Greece offers workshops, social gatherings, and events designed just for lesbian women. During the summer, Purple Nights hosts fun and inclusive parties in Athens. If you want to dance, meet people, or just enjoy a lively atmosphere where everyone is welcome, these events are perfect for you.
The Most LGBT Friendly Places in Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital city of Greece, hosts many gay bars and clubs. It’s a gay-friendly city and you’ll enjoy your stay there.
Below are some of the best gay-friendly places in Athens that LGBT expats can consider living in Greece.
Platia Agaias Irini
It is near Monastiraki and is becoming quite popular. It is one of the central destinations where you can learn about the gay community in the region. You will have tons of restaurants to choose from and meet new people. Whether it’s during the day or evening, the place also remains vibrant.
Gazi District
The area is close to the Acropolis and is one of the popular gay-friendly neighborhoods. It is especially loved by gay tourists who enjoy bar-hopping. The place is brimming with LGBT-owned restaurants, bars, and small businesses. The queer-friendly crowd will make it among the most popular neighborhoods in Athens.
Real Estate in LGBT-Friendly Neighborhoods in Athens
The real estate cost in Athens can vary based on what kind of property you’re buying and its location.
Real Estate in Plateia Agias Irini
The neighborhood is extremely beautiful, with a gay-friendly crowd. The area is home to different types of houses, from apartments to studios. There are also detached house options. The prices vary depending on the size of the house.
Real Estate in Gazi District
Gazi District is considered one of the biggest hubs for the LGBT community in Athens. You’ll find different kinds of properties here, including apartments, houses, villas, etc.
The Most LGBT Friendly Greek Islands in Greece
Greece is home to some of the amazing islands that you’ll ever come across. Here are some options that are best suited for LGBT expats.
Mykonos
Mykonos is the best Greek island for LGBT people with its vibrant nightlife and sparkling boutiques. The place is fun and free-spirited, making it ideal for LGBT expats. In August, the island hosts XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival. The festival is famous for its epic parties that include the best DJs from across the globe.
Skiathos
Mykonos is the best Greek island for LGBT people with its vibrant nightlife and sparkling boutiques. The place is fun and free-spirited, making it ideal for LGBT expats. In August, the island hosts XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival. The festival is famous for its epic parties that include the best DJs from across the globe.
Here, you can choose from one-bedroom apartments to big villas with pools. The island offers detached houses with great sea views. You can find affordable houses in Ornos and Ano Mera. The prices go up in the center.
Skiathos
This island has been popular among travelers for many years. Skiathos is a blend of striking landscape and adventurous nightlife. Moreover, the island also hosts the International Gay Culture Festival, which makes it a perfect destination for gay travelers. Skiathos is home to some of the most striking beaches in Greece.
If you’re looking for a villa, the prices are lower in Skiathos. The island also offers different types of detached houses, apartments, and maisonettes. Get in touch with us to learn more about availability and prices.
Greece Golden Visa for Gay Couples
Greece allows Golden Visa applicants to include their same-sex partners as dependents. The only requirement for this is to sign a cohabitation agreement in Greece in the presence of the Greek Notary public. This step is important to make your relationship valid in front of Greek law.
Several investment types qualify you and your partner for a Golden Visa in Greece.
- Invest at least €250,000 in specialized real estate (commercial-to-residential conversions or historic building restorations), regardless of location or size
- Buy property worth €400,000+ in rural areas or less populated cities/islands, with a minimum of 120 m²
- Purchase property worth €800,000+ in Athens, Thessaloniki, or islands with over 3,100 residents
- Sign a 10-year lease for hotel accommodation or furnished tourist residences valued at €400,000 or €800,000, depending on location
- Invest €500,000+ in Greek government bonds witha minimum three-year maturity through a Greek bank
- Buy €800,000+ in shares, corporate bonds, or Greek government bonds traded on Greek markets
- Invest €350,000+ in shares of a fund focused on Greek stocks, corporate bonds, or government bonds
Plus, you can consider applying for Greece Digital Nomad Visa by proving a monthly income of €3,500 if you are a freelancer or remote worker.
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FAQs About Greece’s LGBT Friendliness
Is Greece safe for LGBT tourists?
Greece is generally safe and welcoming for LGBT tourists, especially in major cities. Some rural areas are more conservative, but overall, it is a gay-friendly destination.
Is Crete LGBT-friendly?
Crete is one of the most LGBT friendly spots in Greece, especially in popular tourist spots like Heraklion and Chania. While some parts of the island are still traditional, you can find welcoming gay-friendly bars, hotels, and events.
Is Santorini LGBT friendly?
Yes, Santorini is LGBT friendly, known for its welcoming atmosphere and popular with LGBTQ+ travelers.
Can I retire in Greece?
Yes, you can retire in Greece as an LGBT person. Greece offers legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and a generally welcoming environment.
