Moving to Greece — Relocation Guide

Ancient history and island life meet chaotic charm.

Greece at a Glance

Greece is the cradle of Western civilization, offering a lifestyle that prioritizes outdoor living, social connection, food, and family above all else. Life happens in the plateia (town square): the morning coffee that stretches for two hours, the afternoon siesta when the country effectively shuts down, the evening volta (stroll) along the waterfront, and the late-night taverna dinner that never seems to end. The concept of 'Philoxenia' (love of strangers) is deeply embedded in Greek culture — genuine hospitality toward visitors and newcomers is a point of national pride. However, Greece also means confronting legendary bureaucracy: administrative processes are slow, inconsistent between offices, and frequently require multiple visits with ever-changing document requirements. The divide between Athens (a sprawling, chaotic, vibrant metropolis of 3.7 million) and the islands (where life follows the rhythm of ferries, seasons, and tourism) is profound. 'Siga Siga' (slowly, slowly) is not just an expression — it is the operating philosophy of daily life, government offices, and social interaction. Strikes affecting transport, government services, and utilities occur periodically. For digital nomads and expats, Greece offers a stunning, increasingly affordable backdrop with improving infrastructure, provided you can embrace the beautiful chaos and accept that things happen on Greek time, not yours.

Relocation Realities

Life & Economics

Low local wages but affordable daily living outside major tourist areas. Remote income greatly improves quality of life.

Housing

Rents rising fast in Athens and islands. Older housing stock with weak insulation.

Work & Income

High unemployment. English common in tourism and international roles. Bureaucracy can be heavy.

Healthcare

Public healthcare exists but private care is often preferred for speed and quality.

Taxes & Social System

High taxes with uneven public service delivery. Informal economy remains significant.

Climate & Seasons

Hot, dry summers and mild winters. Heatwaves are common.

Who Is Greece For?

For sun-seekers and remote workers who prioritize climate, island life, and affordable Mediterranean living over career prospects or bureaucratic efficiency.

Visa Options for Greece

Golden Visa (Residence by Investment) — Greece's popular residence-by-investment program grants a 5-year renewable residence permit through real estate purchase. The investment threshold has been recently increased: EUR 800,000 in high-demand areas (Athens center, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini) and EUR 400,000 in other regions (though thresholds are subject to change). The permit covers the investor and family members. No minimum stay requirement, and it provides Schengen-wide travel. It does NOT grant work rights or access to the Greek public healthcare system without separate registration.
Digital Nomad Visa (National Visa Type D) — For non-EU citizens working remotely for employers or clients outside Greece. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least EUR 3,500 (with an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% per child). Requires proof of remote employment or freelance contracts, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The initial visa is for 1 year, convertible to a 2-year residence permit upon arrival.
Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa — For non-EU citizens who can demonstrate stable and sufficient income from pensions, investments, or other passive sources — generally approximately EUR 2,000/month for a single applicant with increases for dependents. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and accommodation. Does not permit employment in Greece.
Schengen Visa (Type C) — For short visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business meetings, or family visits. Many nationalities can enter visa-free under Schengen rules.
National Visa Type D (Employment) — For non-EU nationals with a binding employment contract from a Greek employer. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable EU candidate is available. Processing goes through the Greek consulate in your country of residence, and the permit is issued after arrival. Greece has been gradually opening specific sectors (tech, tourism management, specialized healthcare) to international talent.

Key Requirements for Moving to Greece

AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou — Tax Identification Number)

A 9-digit tax identification number issued by the local tax office (DOY — Dimosia Oikonomiki Ypiresia). For non-residents, you will need to appoint a Greek tax representative (forologikos antiprosopos) to obtain an AFM. EU citizens can apply directly with their passport at their local DOY.

AMKA (Arithmos Mitroou Koinonikis Asfalisis — Social Security Number)

An 11-digit social insurance number required for employment, social security contributions, and access to the public healthcare system (ESY). Issued at EFKA (United Social Insurance Fund) offices or KEP (Citizen Service Centres). You need your passport, AFM, residence permit (for non-EU citizens), and proof of address.

Residence Permit (Adeia Diamonis)

Non-EU nationals staying beyond 90 days must obtain a residence permit through the Decentralized Administration (Apokentromeni Dioikisi) or the relevant immigration office in their area. The application requires a valid visa, passport, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient funds, criminal record certificate, and accommodation documentation.

TaxisNet Credentials (e-Tax Platform)

Online login credentials for accessing the Greek tax system (through the AADE — Independent Authority for Public Revenue). You obtain these by applying online or at your local DOY after receiving your AFM. The platform handles tax declarations, property tax (ENFIA), vehicle tax, and income tax filing.

Culture in Greece

Greek culture is loud, passionate, communal, and deeply rooted in family, food, and connection. "Kefi" describes the Greek spirit of joy, spontaneity, and zest for life — it erupts at dinner tables, in tavernas, and at celebrations. Personal space is smaller than in Northern Europe; conversations are animated with gestures, interruptions are signs of engagement (not rudeness), and meals are always shared. Family is the central organizing unit of Greek society — Sunday lunch with the extended family is a weekly institution, and parents maintain close involvement in their children's lives well into adulthood. Fighting over the bill at a restaurant is a genuine social ritual (you should always try to pay, even if you expect to lose). Greek hospitality (philoxenia) is real and deeply felt — refusing offered food, drink, or help can cause genuine offense. Time operates on a different logic: social events start late, meetings overrun, and the concept of "Greek time" is a lived reality that frustrates punctual newcomers until they learn to embrace it.

Greek Time: "Siga siga" (slowly, slowly) is the operating philosophy. Social events start 30-60 minutes late, meetings overrun, and the afternoon siesta (mesimeri) from approximately 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM is still observed in many areas — shops close, voices drop, and calling someone during siesta hours is considered inconsiderate.
Coffee Culture: Greek coffee culture is a social institution, not a caffeine delivery system. A single frappe or freddo espresso is sipped over 1-2 hours of conversation at a kafeneio (traditional coffee house) or modern cafe. Rushing your coffee signals that you do not understand Greek social life.
Yes and No Gestures: A slight upward nod of the head means "No" (ochi), often accompanied by a "tsk" sound. A downward nod or tilt means "Yes" (nai). This is the opposite of most Western gesture conventions and causes frequent confusion.
Name Days: In Greece, your "name day" (celebrating the saint your name derives from) is often celebrated as much as or more than your birthday. On your name day, you are expected to treat friends and family, not the other way around.
The Evil Eye (Mati): Belief in the evil eye is widespread, even among educated Greeks. The blue eye amulet (mati) is worn as protection, and if you feel unexplainably unwell after receiving a compliment or attention, Greeks may suggest someone "matiasmenos" (gave you the evil eye). It is a cultural practice, not mere superstition.

Common Mistakes When Moving to Greece

Showing the open palm (Moutza). Extending your hand with all five fingers spread toward someone's face is one of the most severe gestures of insult in Greek culture — equivalent to an aggressive obscenity. Even the "talk to the hand" gesture can be misinterpreted. Keep your palm closed when gesturing toward people.
Expecting things to work normally in August. The week around August 15 is effectively a national shutdown. Offices close, construction stops, ferries are packed with returning Greeks heading to ancestral villages, and island accommodation is at peak prices and minimum availability. Plan around it.
Rushing the waiter. In Greek taverna culture, the waiter is not ignoring you — they are giving you space to enjoy your meal and conversation without pressure. Flagging down a waiter aggressively or complaining about service speed is considered rude. When you are ready, make eye contact and gently signal. The bill (logariasmo) is never brought until you ask for it.
Declining offered food or drink. When a Greek host offers you something — coffee, fruit, sweets, a meal — they mean it sincerely. Declining repeatedly can cause genuine offense. Accept at least a small amount, compliment it, and participate in the offering.
Underestimating Greek bureaucracy. Even simple administrative tasks (obtaining an AFM, registering a lease, applying for a residence permit) can require multiple office visits, changing document requirements, and significant patience. Budget full days for bureaucratic errands, bring extra copies of every document, and cultivate a philosophical attitude toward the process.

Things to Know About Greece

Toilet Paper Protocol: In many Greek buildings — particularly older construction, islands, and non-luxury accommodation — plumbing cannot handle toilet paper. A bin is provided next to the toilet for used paper. This applies even in some modern buildings in Athens. Newer luxury hotels and recently constructed apartments have upgraded plumbing, but always check before assuming.
Island Life in Winter: Living on a Greek island during summer is paradise. In winter, it is a very different experience — quiet, windy, isolated, and with limited services. Ferry schedules are dramatically reduced (sometimes cancelled for days due to storms), many restaurants and shops close entirely, and the social landscape shrinks. If you plan year-round island living, choose a larger island (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) with better infrastructure.
Cash and POS: While POS terminals are legally mandatory in all businesses, many tavernas, kiosks (periptera), and small shops prefer cash or claim their machine is broken (chalasmenon) to avoid transaction fees. Always carry cash, particularly on islands and in rural areas.
August Shutdown: Like Italy, Greece experiences a significant slowdown around August 15 (Dekapentavgoustos — Assumption of the Virgin Mary). Government offices operate with skeleton staff, many businesses close, and administrative processes halt. Do not plan any bureaucratic tasks for August.
Strikes and Protests: Greek workers and unions exercise their right to strike regularly. Transport strikes (metro, buses, ferries, air traffic control) can disrupt travel plans without much advance notice. Check news and union announcements before making critical travel plans, especially for ferry or flight connections.