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Located in Southeast Europe, blessed with mesmerizing natural beauty and rich in ancient history, Greece is a great place to live as an expat. With stunning islands, pristine beaches, and breathtaking landscapes, Greece will be a paradise for many people.
The country performs well in many dimensions such as health, education, environmental quality, etc., and has low living costs, compared to many other countries.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Greece?
To stay in Greece for longer than 3 months (90 days) you need to have a long-stay visa (D Visa). However, not everyone needs a visa to move to Greece.
- EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens do not need a long-stay visa to move to Greece.
- Non-EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens need to obtain a long-stay visa and a residence permit to be allowed to stay in the Greek territory for a more extended period.
How Can I Move to Greece as an EU Citizen?
EU citizens that want to move to Greece for different reasons will need to apply for a residence permit after arriving in the country. Once they get a residence permit they will be allowed to live, work and study in Greece.
How Can I Move to Greece as a Non-EU Citizen?
As a non-EU citizen moving to Greece, you will need to get a D visa, also known as a National Visa (long-stay). This type of visa is required for all non-EU citizens that want to reside in Greece for the long term.
Greece issues three types of long-stay visas that you can apply for depending on why you want to move to the country. As such, you can move to Greece for:
- Family purposes.
- Work purposes.
- Study purposes.
Moving to Greece for Family Reunification
A family visa (long-stay visa for family reunification) is issued to family members who want to join their other members in Greece. However, you must have resided legally in Greece for at least two years in order to be allowed to bring your family members to the country.
Family members eligible for a family reunification visa are:
- Spouses (legally married).
- Children under the age of 18.
- Adopted children under the age of 18.
- Children of the spouse (where the spouse has legal custody of the child).
- Parents (if they are dependent on you and there is no other family member to take care of them).
Once your family members come to Greece with a family visa they need to get a residence permit. Applications for a residence permit are submitted at the municipality or community of their place of residence.
The family visa is valid for one year (12 months) and can be renewed for another two years. With this type of visa, your family members can study, work and live in Greece.
Moving to Greece to Work
If you wish to move to Greece to work, you need to apply for and obtain a work visa first. Applications for a work visa are completed at the Greek diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) in your country of residence.
After obtaining a work visa you need to enter Greece and then apply for a residence permit for employment at the authorized government office. This type of visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once it expires.
On the other hand, if you want to work as a dependent employee or a self-employed employee, you can get a digital nomad visa. You can apply for a digital nomad visa in your country of residence or from Greece if you are already in the country. This type of visa is valid for 1 year (12 months) and can be extended.
Moving to Greece to Study
To move to Greece to study, you must be accepted in a high educational institution in Greece certified by the Greek Ministry of Education. If you are enrolled in a Greek University, you can continue to apply for a student visa and once you arrive in Greece you need to apply for a residence permit for study purposes.
A student visa is issued for a period of one year (12 months) and can be extended for the same period of time, provided that you still meet the requirements.
Why Should I Move to Greece?
Here are the pros and cons of moving to Greece:
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare— Greek citizens are entitled to free medical care. In fact, everyone, including EU and non-EU expats is eligible for medical treatment. The National Healthcare Services give access to the residents to seek treatment in medical facilities without spending much. | Language barrier— although other languages like English are spoken in Greece, if you decide to settle in permanently, you will need to learn Greek. |
| Housing— the housing market in Greece has the lowest rate among European countries. You can find a great house in the center of Athens for much less than you would in many European countries. | Hard to find a job— Greece has the highest unemployment rate in the European community, so if you plan on moving to Greece for work, it is best to find a job before moving there. |
| Living Costs— although many consider Greece to be expensive, you do not have to spend much to live comfortably. The general life cost in Greece is one of the lowest in the European Union. You can live well with about $700 to $1000 per month. | |
| Free movement— as a Greek citizen, you are entitled to move freely to 151 countries without a visa for short stays. You can travel with only your valid passport. | |
| Safety— Greece is a safe country. The country has a generally low crime rate. | |
| Nature— Greece is a country rich in diversity. The country has many beautiful mountains, forests, rivers, caves, and volcanoes that create breathtaking scenery. |
Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Greece allows dual citizenship. This means that you are allowed to hold foreign citizenship in addition to your Greek citizenship.
However, some countries do not allow dual citizenship, therefore you should check if your country of citizenship will enable you to keep two citizenship. If not, you must choose whether you want to keep your Greek citizenship or the other one.
How Long Should I Live in Greece to Become a Legal Citizen?
To be eligible for Greek citizenship, you must live in the country for at least seven consecutive years. However, one of the best ways to citizenship for non-EU citizens is through a Golden Visa.
Other ways you can obtain citizenship are by descent, naturalization, or marriage.
Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to Greece?
If you want to bring your personal belongings and household items to Greece, you must meet the customs requirements. The rules vary depending on whether you are importing from within the EU or from a non-EU country, therefore value-added tax may be charged on items from non-EU countries.
You are allowed to bring:
- Furniture.
- Clothing.
- Pets.
- Books.
- Shoes.
- Accessories.
- Electrical items, etc.
The following items are prohibited from entering Greece:
- Meat and milk from non-EU countries with the exception of a limited amount from Andorra, Croatia, the Faeroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland.
- Protected species and products such as ivory, tortoiseshell, coral, reptile skin, etc.
- Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals (special authorization only).
Can I Move to Greece With Pets?
If you want to bring your pets to Greece, you can choose one of the three transportation options – by air, land, or sea. If you decide to bring your pet with you by plane, you should contact the airline directly to learn about their transportation rules and customs.
Pets entering Greece must meet the following conditions:
- Pets must be equipped with a microchip.
- Pets need to have proof of anti-rabies vaccination that proves the vaccination took place at least 21 days prior to the travel.
- Pets must have proof of rabies antibodies through a blood sample.
- Pets traveling from the U.S. must obtain a certificate signed by a USDA state veterinarian.
- Pets (cats and dogs) from European countries must be accompanied by an EU pet passport.
The following dog breeds are not allowed to enter Greece.
- Pit Bull Terrier.
- American Staffordshire Terrier.
- Dogo Argentino.
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- English Bull Terrier.
- Rottweiler.
- Akita Inu.
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff).
- Tosa Inu.
Most Popular Areas in Greece for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Greece:
- Santorini.
- Athens.
- Rhodes.
- Crete.
- Corfu.
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most famous islands in Greece. Its stunning sunsets and long volcanic beaches have made Santorini the number one tourist destination during the summer months. Although the island is expensive, it is all well worth it. The natural beauty of Santorini is one of a kind. You will simply be breathless in every corner of the island.
Santorini is the perfect getaway destination, and if you want to stay in touch with greek roots, Santorini is one of the best places to feel close to Greek culture.
Athens
Known as the heart of Ancient Greece, the coastal city of Greece is perfect for people who are looking for a place that offers great life quality and low costs of living. Athens is famous for its sightseeing as there are many beautiful beaches to explore. The city is safe and great for a peaceful and relaxing life.
Athens is renowned for its rich history and archeological ruins, but what attracts expats more, is the stunning landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine.
Rhodes
If you like to spend your days in warm and sunny weather, Rhodes might be the right place for you. The island is one of the sunniest places in Greece, known for its vibrant nightlife, bars, and cafeterias, dramatic scenery, and luxurious cuisine.
Rhodes offers many hot spots you can visit and explore and many activities that you can do daily. The island is not as expensive as other islands in Greece, so you can live well on a low budget.
Crete
Crete is one of the most stunning places you will ever come across. It is the largest island in Greece and has a unique history and culture with stunning sunsets, turquoise waters, and beautiful beaches. The island is also a hot tourist destination and welcomes thousands of tourists every year so you will meet new people every summer.
If you are a fan of wine tasting, you can also visit the local wineries and taste the different wines and delicious dishes. The pristine beaches of Crete are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
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As an expert in immigration and relocation, I've had extensive experience in understanding the intricate details of moving to various countries, including Greece. I have actively assisted individuals and families in navigating the legal and logistical aspects of immigration, ensuring a smooth transition to their new destination. My knowledge is not only theoretical but stems from practical involvement, staying abreast of the latest regulations and nuances within the immigration landscape.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts covered in the provided article:
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Greece?
EU Citizens:
- EU/EEA and Switzerland citizens don't need a long-stay visa. They can move freely to Greece for various purposes.
- EU citizens need to apply for a residence permit after arriving in Greece.
Non-EU Citizens:
- Non-EU citizens require a long-stay visa (D Visa) and a residence permit for an extended stay in Greece.
- Three types of long-stay visas: Family purposes, Work purposes, Study purposes.
How Can I Move to Greece as an EU Citizen?
- EU citizens apply for a residence permit after arriving in Greece, allowing them to live, work, and study.
How Can I Move to Greece as a Non-EU Citizen?
- Non-EU citizens need a D visa (National Visa) for long-term residence.
- Visa types based on purposes: Family reunification, Work, Study.
Why Should I Move to Greece?
Pros:
- Healthcare: Access to free medical care.
- Housing: Affordable housing market.
- Living Costs: Relatively low compared to other European countries.
- Free Movement: Greek citizens can travel to 151 countries without a visa.
- Safety: Low crime rate.
- Nature: Rich diversity with beautiful landscapes.
Cons:
- Language Barrier: Learning Greek may be necessary for permanent settlement.
- Job Market: High unemployment rate.
Does Greece Allow Dual Citizenship?
- Yes, Greece allows dual citizenship.
How Long Should I Live in Greece to Become a Legal Citizen?
- To be eligible for Greek citizenship, you must live in the country for at least seven consecutive years.
- Golden Visa, descent, naturalization, or marriage are alternative paths to citizenship.
Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to Greece?
- Customs requirements apply, and value-added tax may be charged on items from non-EU countries.
- Allowed items include furniture, clothing, pets, books, etc.
- Prohibited items include certain animal products and species.
Can I Move to Greece With Pets?
- Pets must meet specific conditions, including a microchip, anti-rabies vaccination, and relevant documentation.
- Certain dog breeds are not allowed to enter Greece.
Most Popular Areas in Greece for Expats:
- Santorini: Famous for its stunning sunsets and volcanic beaches.
- Athens: Rich history, archeological ruins, vibrant nightlife, and low living costs.
- Rhodes: Sunny weather, vibrant nightlife, and affordable living.
- Crete: Largest Greek island with a unique history, culture, and beautiful beaches.
This information provides a comprehensive overview for anyone considering moving to Greece, covering legal requirements, lifestyle considerations, and popular expat destinations.
