Your life in Greece starts here
Make your move to Greece
Islands, ancient sites and long warm summers draw people to Greece, whose tax regime famously rewards foreign pensioners. Property is affordable, healthcare excellent, and a path for the financially independent offers a way in.
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Photo: K / Pexels
At a glance
Greece, in brief.
How Greece compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Greece ranks among the best for healthcare (13th of 78) and visa ease (23rd of 81) and safety (30th of 78).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~19°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Established
Financially-independent visa (~€3,500/mo)
Worldwide; 7% flat pensioner regime
Life in Greece
Read an interview with Tanya Korteling about her life as an expat in Greece.
Health insurance in Greece
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Greece, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Greece into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Greece.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Greece moving guide.
55 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Greece
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Greece share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Greece stories
- Athens
Celeste Tat
My name is Celeste Tat. I am a Dutch/Italian born and raised in the Netherlands. I live inAthens, Greece with my family.…
- Symi
James Collins
James Collins, a 54-year-old British-born writer, now living in Symi, Dodecanese, Greece. Where, when and why did you move abroad?I moved to…
- Athens
Marissa Tejada
I am a proud New Yorker! I was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. I’ve been in the communications…
Fresh from Greece
Latest articles.
Yamas! A Cultural Guide to Greek Social Etiquette and Customs
Embracing the vibrant culture of Greece is a delightful experience for expats and tourists alike. From the spirited toast of "Yamas!" to intricate social…
How To Open A Bank Account In Greece
In terms of banking, there are a few options open to expats living in Greece. For example, some choose to maintain an existing account…
How To Learn The Language In Greece
Living and working in Greece will give you an ideal opportunity to learn one of the great classical languages of the world. Modern Greek…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Greece.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Greece episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to Greece, and compare them side by side.
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