From stars to Parthenon: how to move to Greece from the United States in 2025

Requirements for American citizens entering Greece depend on the duration of their planned stay in the country.

Short-term stays. US citizens can stay in Greece for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa for reasons like tourism, business, or family visits.

The travellers’ passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from Greece. The visitors also provide proof of sufficient funds for the stay and a return ticket. Having travel insurance is highly recommended.

Long-term stays. Unless they also have a passport of an EU or EEA country, American citizens need a residence permit for stays over 90 days.

Before obtaining a residence permit, foreigners apply for a national D visa that would allow them to enter the country. In 30 days after arrival in Greece, they apply for a residence permit.

Residence permits can be issued for several purposes, including work, study, and family reunification. Special programs are available for retired people, digital nomads, and investors who can obtain a Greece Golden Visa.

Investment. Foreigners can obtain residency by investment in Greece by applying for a Golden Visa.

There are multiple options for applying for the Greece Golden Visa. The most popular one is real estate, with the minimum investment depending on the type and location of the property:

• €800,000 — for real estate located in Attica and Thessaloniki, on Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with 3,100+ residents;

• €400,000 — for real estate located in other areas;

• €250,000 — for real estate purchased for renovation or conversion into residential space.

The investor can buy residential or commercial real estate, one or multiple properties, as an individual or through a legal entity. The properties worth from €400,000 or €800,000 must be at least 120 square metres.

Besides real estate, investors have the option to invest in local companies' capital, purchase securities and government bonds, or open bank deposits. In these cases, the minimum investment amount is €500,000. Buying shares of mutual and alternative investment funds requires at least €350,000.

The residence permit is issued for five years and can be renewed an unlimited number of times if the applicant maintains the investment. There are no residency requirements for the investor.

Passive income. The retirement visa, or the Financially Independent Person Visa, can be issued to non-EU or EEA citizens of any age with a passive income of at least €3,500, or $3,600.

The source of income must be located outside Greece. Pensions, trusts, or other types of non-employment income qualify for the retirement visa.

The minimum income is increased by 20% for the spouse and by 15% for each child under 21 included in the application. Alternatively, foreigners can make a deposit in a Greek bank. The minimum amount is €48,000, or almost $50,000.

The visa is issued for an initial three-year period. It can be renewed every three years, provided the holder maintains the required income and other eligibility criteria.

Remote work. The Digital Nomad Visa is an option for foreigners who want to live in Greece while working for companies based in other countries.

To be eligible, the remote workers should earn at least €3,500, or over $3,600, per month after taxes from sources established outside of Greece. They must not work for or provide services to companies registered in Greece during their stay.

The income threshold rises to $4,300 per month if bringing a spouse, to $4,970 per month for a family of three, and by 15% for each extra family member in the application.

Employment. Foreigners with a job offer from a Greek employer can apply for a residence permit for work. The company hiring the applicant must prove that no qualified candidate from the EU or EEA is available for the position to obtain approval from the Decentralized Administration.

The foreigner submits the following documents to apply for a Greek residence permit for work:

• a completed application form;

• a valid passport with a national D visa;

• passport-size photos;

• proof of accommodation in Greece;

• medical insurance;

• a health certificate from a state hospital;

• an employment contract;

• a Tax Identification Number;

• a Social Security Number;

• proof of sufficient financial means;

• proof of payment of the €300 fee for the work permit.

The residence permit for work is issued for an initial two-year term. It can be renewed for three years if the employee continues to meet the requirements and submits the application at least 60 days before the permit expires.

Study. A student who enrols in a full-time course at a recognized Greek university, college, or other educational institution is eligible for a residence permit.

Apart from standard documents, such as passports, proof of accommodation and medical insurance, applicants for this type of residence permit provide evidence of sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The minimum amount for the latter is €400.

The residence permit for students is usually valid for one year and can be renewed annually if all the conditions are still met.

Family reunification. This permit allows family members of Greek citizens or legal residents to join them in Greece.

If the sponsor is a Greek resident, they must have lived in the country for two years before initiating the application process to reunite with the family.

Only the spouse over 18 and unmarried minor children of the Greek citizen or resident are eligible for such a residence permit. The applicants submit a family status certificate and proof that the sponsor can cover the expenses of the whole family.

The residence permit for residents’ family members is normally valid for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit, or for a maximum term of 2 years if the sponsor has a long-term resident status. Children born in Greece with foreign parents and spouses of Greek citizens are eligible for 5-year permits.

On average, the cost of living in Greece is 40% lower than in the United States. The average monthly expenses for one person are approximately $820 in Greece against more than $1,150 in the United States. A family of four living in Greece would spend about $2,800 in Greece in comparison with over $4,000 in the US.

Housing is considerably less expensive in Greece than in the United States, especially when it comes to rent prices. Other daily expenses, such as food, utilities, Internet, and transportation, are also more affordable in Greece.

Housing rent costs in Greece differ depending on the location. In Athens, it starts at $520 for a one-bedroom apartment and $920 for a three-bedroom one. In Thessaloniki, it is $410 and $660, respectively, and in Heraklion, $360 and $730.

Athens is the capital city of Greece popular among expats due to its rich history, cultural diversity, and job opportunities. The city has excellent healthcare facilities, international schools, and a wide range of cultural activities, as well as job opportunities in education, business, and technology.

The capital is also home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. However, those destinations attract crowds of tourists every year which could be a downside for those seeking a quieter life.

Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city situated in the northern part of the country. It is less crowded and expensive in comparison with Athens. However, it also offers a high quality of life, with good facilities, employment opportunities, and a growing high-tech industry.

This city is ideal for expats seeking a city vibe with a slower pace and a rich cultural life, as well as beautiful coastal views.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, the center of Europe’s first advanced civilization, and a major attraction for visitors from around the world with warm weather year-round.

Expats usually choose one of two cities on the island to settle in. Heraklion is Crete’s largest city and home to the second-busiest airport in the country. Chania stands out for its stunning beaches, a Venetian-style harbor and a growing American expat community.

The Peloponnese is a peninsula to the south-west of Athens. For the most part, this is a countryside area with a mix of beaches, olive groves, mountains and coastal villages. As a result, this region is perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.

Another advantage of the Peloponnese is a lower cost of living. Housing prices and day-to-day expenses are more affordable than in Athens or tourist-heavy islands like Mykonos or Santorini.

The Cyclades is a group of islands including some of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, such as Mykonos and Santorini. The vibrant tourism industry provides opportunities for expats to start or manage businesses in hospitality or real estate.

Expats from around the world also arrive on these islands, making it easier for Americans to connect with a like-minded community.

Personal income tax. Greece uses a progressive tax rate system for individuals, with rates ranging from 9 to 44%.

American citizens living in Greece for at least 183 days a year are considered tax residents of the country and are obliged to pay taxes. However, thanks to a double taxation treaty between Greece and the US, they don’t need to pay taxes on the same income in both countries thanks to a foreign tax credit mechanism in the US.

Personal income tax rates in Greece:

• annual income of €0—10,000 — tax rate is 9%;

• €10,001—20,000 — 22%;

• €20,001—30,000 — 28%;

• €30,001—40,000 — 36%;

• €40,001+ — 44%.

Non-domicile tax regime. Foreigners who want to move their tax residency to Greece can be eligible to pay a lump-sum tax of €100,000 per tax year, irrespective of the amount of income earned abroad, for a maximum of 15 years.

This option is available to foreigners who invest at least €500,000 in real estate, businesses, or transferable securities or shares in legal entities based in Greece. They must not have been Greek tax residents for 7 of the 8 years before moving their tax residence to Greece.

Retiree tax regime. For a maximum of 15 years, foreign retirees moving to Greece are subject to a flat tax rate of 7% on their foreign pension income. It is payable annually, in a single lump, by the end of July each year.

This flat tax rate applies to pension income as well as other foreign income, such as dividends, interest, and rental income.

A retiree is eligible for this regime if they have not been Greek tax residents for at least 5 of the previous 6 years.

1. Cost of living. Greece generally has a lower cost of living compared to the United States, especially in terms of housing, groceries, dining out, and transportation.

For example, to maintain a similar standard of living, one would spend around $3,900 in Athens against around $11,900 in New York City, over $7,000 in Tampa, Florida, or $6,700 in Austin, Texas.

2. Climate. Greece enjoys long, sunny summers and mild winters, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities. Summer can bring heat waves, but the hot and dry days are often cooled by seasonal winds, known as the etesians, or the meltemi.

3. Quality of life. The relaxed pace of life in Greece emphasizes socializing, family, and enjoying meals, contributing to a high quality of life.

Additionally, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fresh seafood, is both delicious and beneficial for health.

4. Ease of travel. Greece can serve as a gateway to other European and Mediterranean destinations, with short flights to major cities and cultural hubs. For example, it will take a 90-minute flight to travel from Athens to Istanbul, or just over 2 hours from the Greek capital to Rome.

After obtaining a Greek residency, an American citizen would be able to spend 90 out of 180 days in another EU or EEA country without a visa.

5. Work-life balance. Greek culture values work-life balance, with ample vacation time and a focus on personal well-being.

Greeks are known for their hospitality and community-oriented culture. The country is an attractive destination for those who seek a peaceful and scenic place to live at a slow pace.

6. EU citizenship in 7 years. Foreigners can obtain Greek citizenship if they have spent at least 183 days per year in the country for 7 years. Applicants demonstrate they have no criminal record or deportations and pass a written exam on the Greek language, culture, history, geography, and governance.

Greece allows its citizens to hold multiple passports, so Americans will not be forced to renounce their first nationality.

7. Cultural richness. Greece is home to one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, with its history dating back to the 8th century BC. As a result, the country has plenty of iconic sites, including the Acropolis, Delphi, and Olympia.

The Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman rule also left a significant mark on the country’s modern culture in terms of art, architecture, culinary traditions and music.

Complex bureaucracy. Greek bureaucracy can be slow and cumbersome, especially when dealing with visas, residency permits, and setting up utilities or bank accounts. Public offices may have irregular hours, lack clear guidance, or require multiple visits to resolve issues.

Healthcare system. While affordable, the public healthcare system in Greece can be overstretched, with longer wait times and limited resources in rural areas. Accessing high-quality private healthcare may require additional insurance or out-of-pocket expenses.

Language barrier. Even though approximately half of the population of Greece speaks English, proficiency in Greek is often essential for navigating daily life, especially in smaller towns or when dealing with government institutions. Greek has a unique alphabet and complex grammar, which can be challenging to learn.

Crowded tourist seasons. Popular areas, especially Athens and the islands like Mykonos and Santorini, can become overcrowded during the tourist season, leading to increased prices and congestion.

Infrastructure concerns. Public transportation outside major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki can be limited, especially on smaller islands. Rural areas may also have slower internet speeds or even occasional issues with basic utilities like electricity and water supply.

1. US citizens can enter Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

2. For stays over 90 days, US citizens need to obtain a national D visa and apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

3. Residence permits are available for purposes like work, study, family reunification, retirement, or investment.

4. The Greece Golden Visa allows US citizens to obtain a residence permit by investing in real estate or other eligible assets. Minimum investment amounts range from €250,000 to 800,000, depending on the location and type of property.

5. Foreigners can apply for Greek citizenship after living in the country for at least 183 days annually over seven years. Citizenship applications require a clean criminal record and passing an exam on Greek language and culture.