With its sun-soaked islands, historic cities, and simple Mediterranean lifestyle, Greece is more than just a beautiful place to visit – it's a dream destination to call home. Whether you're attracted by personal passion, career opportunities, or the appeal of starting over somewhere scenic, immigrate to Greece to open the door to a vibrant and fulfilling life.
From charming coastal villages to bustling urban hubs like Athens and Thessaloniki, the country has something to offer you. But like any move abroad, moving to Greece involves some practical steps – from applying for a visa to finding housing and planning your finances. Here, we break down everything you need to know to prepare for a smooth transition and begin your new life in one of Europe's most beautiful countries.
Greece Entry Requirements
If you aren't an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you must obtain a visa before you can relocate to Greece. Before entering Greece, non-EU nationals must apply for a national visa (Type D), and while there, they must apply for a residency permit. However, EU nationals can enter Greece without a visa. The EU's freedom of movement regulations allow them to live, work, and study in Greece without a visa. Nevertheless, they have ninety days from the date of arrival to register with the local authorities.
Benefits of Moving to Greece
1. Affordability
Greece is one of Europe's most affordable countries, making it a fantastic opportunity to live a wonderful life without going over budget. Here, you can get the best quality of life. For comparison, the cost of living in Greece is roughly 54% lower than in the US. This may help to explain the spike in the number of Americans and other foreign citizens relocating to Greece. A lower cost of living makes saving for the future easier, and your money goes farther.
2. Safety and Security
The country is generally seen as a safe country, although it is not immune to crime. This is why most people immigrate to Greece. Foreign visitors are often warned about theft and minor crime before they travel. People are reminded to take basic safety precautions and keep aware of their surroundings. This applies doubly to major cities like Athens, and when visiting locations with many people.
3. Great Healthcare System
The National Health System in Greece provides citizens with both public and private healthcare options. Most foreign residents choose public healthcare, which is either taxpayer-funded or has low out-of-pocket payments. Private coverage is more costly, but it gives access to upscale facilities and modern equipment. Some foreigners decide to add private health insurance to the public healthcare system.
4. Friendly Locals
Everyone is excited about the prospect of relocating to Greece because it is the world's most hospitable and friendliest country. Its natural beauty, low crime rate, and rich history add to the overall picture. The restaurants also provide a cozy atmosphere, making you feel as though you are visiting a loved one. In addition, Greeks are often kind and helpful. They are renowned for leading a peaceful and stress-free life. It's why most foreigners plan to immigrate to Greece.
5. Climate
One of the most important reasons to choose Greece as your next location is its climate. Greece, located in Southeast Europe and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and west, provides comfortable, warm weather for most of the year. The country gets over 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, and temperatures rarely fall below 10°C. During the summer, the scenery is usually covered with wildflowers. However, snowfall is not rare in the mainland northern parts. Spring and autumn are the busiest seasons of the year.
Different Ways to Immigrate to Greece
Here are the most common ways for foreign nationals to immigrate to Greece:
1. Moving to Greece to Study
Non-EU/EE students who want to continue their education in Greek universities can apply for a study visa from Greece. This visa is intended for individuals accepted to study at a Greek college, university, or other recognized educational establishment. Since getting a degree can take years, a study visa is typically issued for the length of the program.
Annual visa renewals are possible if the program lasts more than a year. Students must apply for a residency permit. This allows them to stay in the nation while pursuing their education. With a Greek study visa, students can also work part-time for Greek employers in the country. However, there are limits on how many hours they can work weekly. Students can find part-time work in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.
2. Moving to Greece for Work
If a Greek company offers you a job, you can immigrate to Greece for employment. In general, you can apply for one of three primary work visa categories based on your qualifications and profession:
Seasonal worker visa: A seasonal worker visa allows you to stay in Greece for a short time (6–10 months) and work for the company that sponsored you. Your employment type will vary depending on the season, but it typically involves jobs in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and fisheries.
Employed work visa: This is the “general” work visa, which is often used for jobs that are in limited supply. Your company must ensure that the Greek annual quota for foreign workers is not exceeded, and you must have a work permit. You can learn more about the Greek work visa application process here.
EU Blue Card: This Blue Card is a work visa granted to highly qualified individuals (such as those in IT, engineering, medical, etc.) who agree to a one-year work contract and make at least 1.5 times the national average.
3. Moving to Greece through Real Estate Investment (Golden Visa)
You can also immigrate to Greece by investing in real estate. This is called the Golden Visa Program. Three investment options are available as of 2025, based on the kind and location of the real estate property:
- €250,000 for the repair of listed buildings or the purchase of a property to be turned from commercial to residential usage.
- Investing €400,000 to buy a single house that is at least 120 square meters in size.
- Invest €800,000 in real estate in popular destinations like Athens, Mykonos, Thessaloniki, Santorini, or islands with a population of more than 3,100.
Once a Greek Golden Visa holder has lived in Greece continuously for seven years, with at least 183 days of physical occupancy during those seven years, they become naturalized Greek citizens. The Greek citizenship process also requires applicants to prove their Greek language proficiency.
4. Moving to Greece to Retire
Greece offers the Financially Independent Individual Visa, which allows you to retire there. This retirement visa has the following requirements:
- You should be self-sufficient financially. This shows that you need at least €48,000 in total savings or €3,500 in pensions or other sources of independent income each month.
- You have to be 21 years of age or older.
- You need to have a spotless criminal history.
- You must be in good health.
Documents Required for Visa Applications
Here are the general documents for foreign nationals who intend to immigrate to Greece:
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photo
- Proof of healthcare insurance
- Proof of financial means, like a bank statement within the last three months
- Employment letter
- Proof of a clean criminal record
- Proof of income
- Travel documents
Depending on the reason for your move (job, education, etc.), you may be required to submit additional documents during the immigration procedure, especially if a Greek company sponsors you or intends to attend a Greek institution.
How to Apply for Your Greek Visa
After deciding what type of visa you require, you must apply for one at the Greek embassy or consulate closest to you. You must first obtain a national visa from your home country (country of residence), followed by a residence permit after arriving in Greece. Additionally, the type of visa you are applying for and the nation you are applying from will determine the specific application process. This procedure should be regarded as a general rule.
1. Set up a visa appointment: Locate the closest Greek embassy or consulate to you. To make an appointment, follow the directions in the website's “Consular” section. It could take weeks for you to get an appointment.
2. Complete the visa application: You must print the application form, complete it, and sign it at the end. The national visa form can be downloaded here.
3. Gather the required documents: Obtain all the documentation that the embassy asks for. The travel documents needed will vary depending on the kind of visa you seek.
4. Submit the documents: When you arrive at the embassy on your appointment day, be sure that all of your paperwork is in order. You must also submit your fingerprints and pay the visa fee.
5. Wait for a decision: The embassy usually decides within thirty to thirty-five days. It will take longer if other authorities need further processing.
6. Travel to Greece: You can travel to Greece once your visa is accepted and attached to your passport. The visa typically lasts a year, but you can stay longer in Greece by applying for a residence permit.
Greece Visa Fees
The list of long-stay visa costs for Greece is a little more comprehensive because the amounts vary depending on the category. While the general national visa price is 180 euros ($203), the rates vary. Students must pay €90 ($101), while workers must pay €75 ($84) for processing their visa.
Conclusion
Immigrating to Greece is an excellent opportunity to engage in a brand-new way of life, rich in culture, beauty, and history. While the process involves careful planning and paperwork, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you're relocating for employment, learning, leisure, or life experience, Greece invites you in with open arms. With some thoughtful anticipation, your path to inhabiting this wonderful Mediterranean nation can be a seamless, rewarding, and life-changing experience.
