Greece – Elderly Care

How are elderly people regarded and treated in Greece?

Greece holds a deep and genuine cultural esteem for older people. The elderly are seen as an inseparable part of family life, and it is both a social expectation and a practical norm that adult children will shoulder the primary responsibility for caring for ageing parents. This stands in clear contrast to countries like Sweden or the Netherlands, where the state intervenes earlier and more comprehensively in elder care, or to Australia, where a structured government-funded aged care system provides funded residential and home care packages as a right.

The long-term care landscape in Greece is characterised predominantly by reliance on family and informal support networks. The weight of care continues to fall mainly on family members, a disproportionate number of whom are women, with consequences for their working lives, personal wellbeing, and financial security. For expats who lack Greek family connections, the absence of a robust formal safety net can come as an unwelcome discovery.

Despite almost 21.8% of the Greek population being aged over 65, geriatrics is still not fully established as an independent medical specialty in the country. A 2024 assessment by the World Health Organization found that the system of geriatric care remains fragmented, chronically underfunded, and heavily reliant on unpaid family carers. Reform efforts are in motion, but progress is slow.

The WHO report underscores the lack of a cohesive legal framework and the inadequate support available to families who bear the majority of the care burden. For expats, the takeaway is clear: proactive planning for future care needs is essential rather than assuming public services will step in.

What state or publicly funded elderly care is available in Greece?

Greece has no universal statutory long-term care programme. Instead, the country operates a mixed system that combines formal and informal care, encompassing direct service delivery through social services, care coverage via social insurance, and limited support for informal carers through tax relief.

The primary community-based public programmes are KAPI (Open Care Centres for the Elderly), KIFI (Day Care Centres), and the Help at Home scheme. Semi-residential, day-care for the elderly is delivered through 68 Day Care Centres (KIFI), which serve older people who are unable to care for themselves, face serious financial and health challenges, and whose relatives are unavailable due to work commitments. The Help at Home programme, which connects older people with social workers, nurses, physiotherapists and home support workers, was piloted in 1998 and subsequently extended to cover the majority of the country.

Although Greece has a well-established tradition of public long-term care for its citizens, the three main community-level publicly funded programmes — KAPI, KIFI and Help at Home — fall short of delivering equitable, high-quality, and sustainable care for all those who require it. There is little coordination between these programmes and non-state providers — private organisations and NGOs — who already operate across all segments of the aged care market, and regulation of care quality remains insufficient.

For older people with minimal or no income, the state provides a financial safety net. The Social Solidarity Allowance for Uninsured Elderly Persons is payable to those aged 67 and over who do not receive — and are not entitled to receive — a pension from abroad or any insurance or welfare benefit from Greece whose value exceeds the full allowance amount of €360 per month. The Organisation of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (OPEKA) administers this payment; applicants and enquirers can reach OPEKA by phone at 210–6241888 or online at opeka.gr.

A housing benefit is also available — a rental subsidy paid to uninsured and financially disadvantaged elderly people over 65 who live alone or with their spouses. To qualify for this benefit, applicants must have been legal and permanent residents of Greece for the five years preceding their application; for third-country nationals, the requirement extends to twelve years of legal and permanent residency. Since thresholds and criteria are revised periodically, it is important to consult the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs website for the most current eligibility conditions.

Access to residential care is subject to means-testing, though the criteria are applied somewhat more flexibly than for the Help at Home programme. Admission to state-run care centres and contracted non-profit or for-profit facilities requires a referral from the social services departments of local authorities or regional welfare directorates.

What residential, care home, and nursing home options exist in Greece?

Residential care in Greece encompasses a wide spectrum of settings, from state-managed nursing homes and non-profit facilities to a sizeable private sector. The state delivers residential care for elderly people in need through 25 Chronic Illness Nursing Homes, though only three of these — two in northern Greece and one in Crete — include a dedicated geriatric unit.

Long-term care for frail and dependent older people is also offered by approximately 100 non-profit residential care homes, the majority of which are operated by the Church of Greece, with the remainder run by specific charitable endowments and some local authorities. Around 100 for-profit residential homes for the elderly also exist, and together the non-profit and for-profit sectors account for a total capacity of approximately 15,000 beds.

The representative body for licensed care homes is PEMFI (Hellenic Union of Care Homes). PEMFI speaks for all legally operating care homes in Greece, with 120 member facilities and a combined capacity of up to 10,000 beds, providing residential care and nursing services to older people with higher long-term care needs. Staff at these homes typically include social workers, registered nurses, care assistants, and associated professionals such as doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and exercise specialists.

A significant caution applies: a substantial unlicensed sector exists, comprising facilities that operate primarily under hotel licences, employ largely untrained staff, and offer cheaper but substandard care. Prospective residents and their families should verify that any facility holds a valid licence from the relevant municipal social services department before making any commitment.

Better-resourced private nursing homes offer a genuinely comprehensive care model. For example, Nursing Home Myrtia in Thessaloniki provides high-standard services including specialist medical care across multiple disciplines, delivered in consultation with residents’ relatives, with nursing staff on duty around the clock.

Accreditation of institutions providing care to elderly, chronically ill, and incapacitated persons is the responsibility of the Directorate of Welfare within the Ministry of Labour, Social Insurance and Welfare; both state and non-state institutions are also subject to regular inspection by the health inspectorate services of the Ministry of Health.

How much does elderly care cost in Greece?

Care costs in Greece differ substantially based on the type of care required, the region, and whether a facility is publicly operated, non-profit, or private. Generally speaking, Greece remains more affordable than countries in northern and western Europe, yet out-of-pocket expenses can still be considerable given the limited state subsidies available to most residents.

Care for chronically ill people in state residential units or contracted care centres barely meets demand, owing to an inadequate number of beds, low reimbursement rates from social insurance organisations, and a contracting public budget. Private long-term care insurance barely exists in Greece, and those who can afford private residential care must fund it almost entirely from their own resources.

For private nursing home and residential care, indicative monthly fees typically range from around €1,200 to €3,500 or more as of 2024–2025, varying according to the level of care provided, room configuration, and location. Urban facilities in Athens or Thessaloniki and those offering specialist dementia or memory care tend to occupy the upper end of this range. Costs in rural areas or on smaller islands may be lower, but the range of options is significantly narrower. These figures are indicative only — always request an up-to-date fee schedule directly from any facility under consideration.

For home care services, private agencies typically charge on an hourly or daily basis. Hourly rates for a home care aide range from roughly €8 to €20 as of 2024–2025, while live-in care arrangements vary widely depending on the carer’s qualifications and the level of medical support involved.

Among the achievements of PEMFI has been the standardisation of care unit costs and improved value for money through the voluntary adoption of quality care standards, alongside proposals for partial contribution by major health and social insurance funds to residents’ expenses — costs that are currently borne almost entirely by residents and their families.

For the most current published cost guidance and information on any means-tested subsidies you may be eligible for, consult the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and OPEKA at opeka.gr.

Can expats access elderly care in Greece, and are there any restrictions?

Eligibility for publicly funded or subsidised elderly care in Greece is strongly linked to residency status, social insurance contribution history, and — for financial welfare benefits — the duration of lawful residence in the country. The situation varies considerably depending on whether the individual is an EU citizen or a national of a non-EU country.

Long-term residents — including expats who have lived in Greece for more than three months — workers or self-employed people, EU state pensioners, and their dependent family members are entitled to apply for AMKA, the Greek social security number that serves as the gateway to public healthcare and most social services.

For EU citizens, the process is relatively straightforward. EU retirees can access Greece’s healthcare system by presenting the S1 form, which ensures that healthcare costs are met through the home country’s social security arrangements with Greece. This means that an EU retiree receiving a pension from their home country can, in principle, access Greek public health services without making additional contributions in Greece.

Non-EU retirees have no automatic entitlement to public healthcare unless they acquire permanent residency or citizenship. While it is possible to obtain a public health insurance policy for partial access to services, this comes with significant limitations. Non-EU nationals on long-stay visas — such as Greece’s Financially Independent Persons (FIP) visa — are typically required to hold private health insurance as a condition of their residence permit.

When it comes to welfare benefits specifically, the length of residency plays a decisive role. The Social Solidarity Allowance for uninsured elderly persons is available to those aged 67 and over with low income who reside in Greece and neither receive nor are entitled to receive any pension from abroad or any social security or welfare benefit from Greece above the applicable threshold. For the housing benefit, applicants must have been lawful and permanent residents for the five years preceding their application; for third-country nationals, twelve years of legal and permanent residency are required.

Access to subsidised residential care is also governed by a referral process. Admission to state-operated facilities for chronically ill older people and to contracted non-profit or for-profit care homes requires a referral from the social services departments of local authorities, regional welfare directorates, or NHS hospitals. Expats who lack established local connections may find this process more challenging to navigate and could benefit from engaging a local social worker or legal representative for assistance.

What private elderly care and international options are available in Greece?

Private and non-state provision of aged care services — delivered by both for-profit and non-profit organisations — is widespread across Greece, spanning institutional, community-based, and home-based settings. This sector has expanded to address the significant gap left by limited public provision.

Private nursing homes in larger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki generally offer superior facilities, better staffing ratios, and a broader range of specialist services — including dementia and memory care units — compared to their public counterparts. Private medical facilities are typically less affected by public budget pressures, tend to be better equipped with modern technology, and are more likely to employ English-speaking or multilingual doctors and nurses.

Private healthcare is a more popular choice among expats for its shorter waiting times, greater access to specialists, and higher probability of multilingual staff. These same advantages largely apply to private care homes and assisted living facilities.

Greece does not have a large-scale international retirement village sector or an expat-specific elderly care industry comparable to those found in Portugal or Spain. However, certain private facilities in Athens and Thessaloniki have experience accommodating non-Greek-speaking residents and can arrange translation assistance or provide multilingual staff. Prospective residents are encouraged to enquire explicitly about language support, cultural considerations, and dietary preferences when evaluating any facility.

Non-profit care homes run by the Church of Greece and by established local endowments occupy a middle ground, often charging less than fully private facilities while maintaining reasonable standards. These homes are partly subsidised by the state and partly funded through donations, as well as through per diem fees paid by social insurance organisations on behalf of those entitled to such coverage.

What role does health insurance play in covering elderly care in Greece?

Health and social insurance in Greece is organised primarily around EFKA (the National Social Security Fund) and its associated healthcare body EOPYY. Expats who hold an AMKA number and contribute to public insurance through EFKA are entitled to care under Greece’s national health system. However, EFKA and EOPYY cover healthcare in a broad sense — they do not constitute a dedicated long-term care insurance scheme in the way that, for example, Germany’s statutory Pflegeversicherung does.

Private long-term care insurance is virtually non-existent in Greece, and the cost of private residential care is borne almost entirely through out-of-pocket spending. This means that the majority of residents — expats included — who require nursing home or assisted living care will need to finance it themselves through a combination of pension income and personal savings.

One critical consideration relates to age thresholds: many private insurers will not offer first-time coverage to individuals above the age of 65, making it essential to take out a policy before reaching that point — preferably before relocating to Greece. Expats who arrive already in their 60s or older should urgently review their insurance options, as securing comprehensive private cover becomes increasingly difficult and costly with advancing age.

When choosing a private health insurance policy for retirement in Greece, look specifically for plans that cover:

• Long-term residential and nursing care (not merely acute hospital stays)
• Specialist geriatric consultations and dementia care
• Home-based nursing and physiotherapy
• Medical repatriation, should you wish to return to your home country for treatment
• Care coordination and case management services

The most appropriate health insurance for expats in Greece is a private international health plan that meets the requirements of the Schengen area; Greece is one of the 27 Schengen member countries and requires expats and visitors to demonstrate proof of insurance when applying for a visa. Always confirm current minimum coverage requirements with your insurer and the relevant Greek consulate, as these thresholds are subject to change.

What should expats consider when planning for elderly care in Greece?

Preparing for elderly care in Greece calls for early action and a thorough understanding of the local legal and administrative environment. The following steps are strongly recommended for any expat thinking ahead about their future care needs.

1. Obtain your AMKA as soon as you become a legal resident. Register for AMKA at your local Citizens Service Centre (KEP) or through the myAADE digital platform, bringing your passport, residence permit (if non-EU), proof of address, and AFM tax number. Processing typically takes one to five working days. Your AMKA is the key to accessing all public health and social welfare services.
2. Understand your healthcare entitlements from the outset. EU citizens should register their S1 form with EOPYY; non-EU residents should confirm what public healthcare access — if any — their visa category grants, and take out appropriate private insurance to cover any gaps.
3. Take out private health and long-term care insurance before you turn 65, or ideally before you relocate. Many providers stop offering first coverage to those above 65 years old; it is possible to arrange this even before moving.
4. Establish a legal power of attorney (PoA) in Greece. Greek law requires a locally valid PoA for a trusted person to make healthcare and financial decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity. A PoA executed abroad may not be automatically recognised without apostille certification and notarial translation.
5. Consider advance care directives. While Greece’s legislative framework around advance care planning is less developed than in some other European countries, making your wishes clearly known in writing and discussing them with your doctor and family is still valuable. Consult a Greek lawyer familiar with medical law for the most current guidance.
6. Clarify next-of-kin rights for foreign nationals. If your closest family members live abroad, ensure they understand the process for acting as your legal representative in a Greek healthcare or care home setting, including any documentation they would need to provide.
7. Research care options early and in person. Waiting lists for state and non-profit facilities can be long. Visit private nursing homes or assisted living facilities well before they may be needed, request fee schedules, check for PEMFI membership, and confirm the facility’s licence status.
8. Consult a local legal and financial adviser with experience of expat situations. They can guide you on pension portability, tax implications of care costs, inheritance law as it applies to non-citizens, and how best to structure your finances for future care needs in Greece.

What are the best official sources of information on elderly care in Greece?

When investigating elderly care options in Greece, always give priority to official government and regulatory sources over third-party websites, since eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and facility listings are subject to revision. The following are the most relevant official channels available.

• Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (Υπουργείο Εργασίας και Κοινωνικών Υποθέσεων): The lead ministry for social welfare, elderly care programmes, and the regulation of care homes. Visit ypergasias.gov.gr for information on elderly welfare programmes, the Social Solidarity Allowance, and relevant legislation.
• OPEKA (Organisation of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity): Administers the Social Solidarity Allowance for uninsured elderly persons and other welfare benefits. Visit opeka.gr or call 210–6241888 for eligibility information and applications.
• EFKA (National Social Security Fund / e-EFKA): Manages social insurance contributions and healthcare entitlements. Visit efka.gov.gr for information on contributions, pension rights, and AMKA registration.
• EOPYY (National Organisation for Healthcare Services Provision): Oversees healthcare provision for insured persons and administers the national primary healthcare network. Visit eopyy.gov.gr to find registered healthcare providers and verify coverage.
• Ministry of Health (Υπουργείο Υγείας): Responsible for healthcare policy, hospital regulation, and — alongside the Ministry of Labour — inspection of care facilities. Visit moh.gov.gr.
• KEP (Citizens Service Centres / Κέντρα Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών): Local one-stop government service centres where you can apply for AMKA and access a wide range of administrative services. Find your nearest centre via the gov.gr portal.
• European Commission — Your Social Security Rights in Greece: A regularly updated guide covering welfare benefits, long-term care programmes, and cross-border entitlements for EU citizens. Available at employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu.

For queries about care home accreditation status, licensing matters, or formal complaints regarding the standard of care in a specific facility, contact the Directorate of Welfare within the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, or the health inspectorate services of the Ministry of Health. Always confirm current fees, eligibility criteria, and facility listings directly through these official channels before reaching any decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elderly Care in Greece

Is there a free state nursing home system in Greece?

The state provides residential care to elderly people in need — those who are indigent and without family support — through 25 Chronic Illness Nursing Homes. These facilities are means-tested, have limited capacity, and require a formal referral for admission. They are not a universally accessible, free-at-point-of-use service. Demand for places in state residential units and contracted care centres far exceeds availability, due to insufficient beds and a contracting public budget. The majority of people who require residential care in Greece fund it privately or through a combination of pension income and personal savings.

Can I access subsidised elderly care in Greece as a foreign national?

This depends on your residency status and contribution history. The Social Solidarity Allowance for uninsured elderly persons is available to those aged 67 and over who reside in Greece and do not receive — and are not entitled to receive — any pension from abroad or any insurance or welfare benefit from Greece above the qualifying threshold. EU citizens may access public healthcare through their EFKA/EOPYY entitlements or by registering an S1 form. Non-EU retirees have no automatic right to public healthcare unless they attain permanent residency or citizenship. Contact OPEKA and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs for up-to-date eligibility details.

What is the quality of private nursing homes in Greece like?

Quality varies considerably across the sector. PEMFI-member facilities have voluntarily adopted professional staffing and quality standards, and the better private nursing homes in cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki provide around-the-clock medical cover, physiotherapy, psychological support, and modern amenities. However, a substantial unlicensed sector exists, made up largely of facilities operating under hotel licences with primarily untrained staff, offering lower costs at the expense of care standards. Always confirm that any facility holds a valid municipal licence and, ideally, is a PEMFI member before making any commitment.

Will there be language barriers in Greek care homes?

Language capabilities differ markedly between settings. Higher-end private facilities in Athens and Thessaloniki are more likely to employ multilingual staff, while smaller or rural homes generally operate almost exclusively in Greek. If communication in a language other than Greek is important for you or a loved one, ask directly about multilingual capabilities when visiting any facility, and factor this into your assessment. Engaging a local support person, legal representative, or professional interpreter is strongly advisable for any care planning discussions.

What happens if a family member in Greece needs emergency residential care and I am abroad?

In an emergency, Greek public hospitals will provide acute medical treatment free of charge. However, moving from hospital to a residential care setting is a considerably more involved process, requiring a social services referral, documentation of income and residency, and often a waiting period. If you have a family member living in Greece whom you support from abroad, it is strongly advisable to put a legally valid Greek power of attorney in place well in advance, and to investigate residential care options before any emergency arises. Approach the social services department of the relevant local authority or the hospital’s social worker at the earliest possible stage.

Does private health insurance in Greece cover nursing home fees?

Private long-term care insurance is almost non-existent in Greece, and the cost of private residential care is met almost entirely through out-of-pocket payments. Most standard private health insurance policies cover acute hospitalisation and medical consultations but do not extend to ongoing residential or nursing home fees. If long-term care coverage matters to you, seek out international policies that specifically include long-term care or nursing home benefits, and scrutinise the policy terms carefully for any exclusions based on age or pre-existing conditions.

How do I find a licensed, regulated care home in Greece?

Care home licensing in Greece is granted by the Municipal Social Services department, and the accreditation of non-profit and for-profit facilities is carried out by the Directorate of Welfare within the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. To verify a facility’s licence, contact the ministry directly or your local municipal social services office. You can also check whether a facility holds membership of PEMFI, the Hellenic Union of Care Homes, which represents legally operating licensed homes and promotes adherence to professional standards. Always visit in person, request documentation of the current licence, and where possible speak with staff and the families of existing residents.

Are there any specialist care facilities in Greece for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

Of the 25 state Chronic Illness Nursing Homes, only three have a dedicated geriatric section, and specialist psychogeriatric provision across the country remains limited. Some better-resourced private nursing homes do operate memory care units staffed by trained dementia specialists. Because geriatrics is not yet fully recognised as an independent medical specialty in Greece, the professional infrastructure underpinning dementia care is less advanced than in countries with established geriatric medicine frameworks. If dementia care is a priority, research private facilities with dedicated memory care units and verify staffing qualifications and dementia care protocols directly with the home before making any decision.