
Greece's Ionian waters, stunning beaches, and ancient ruins make it easy to understand why people are relocating there from all over the world. Despite the allure of living in this country in southeast Europe in terms of its beauty, culture, and way of life, it's more complicated than simply purchasing a one-way ticket.
We'll look at what it actually means to call Greece home throughout this book. You must comply with all visa rules, regardless of whether you are an American or one of the many British individuals relocating to Greece. This entails obtaining a residency permit, being familiar with Greek procedures, and maybe interacting with the Greek government to obtain permissions.
As a result, this article will examine the varying visa requirements for various nations. The legal criteria for residency, popular expat destinations, the benefits and drawbacks of living in Greece, and much more will be covered.
Greece has a variety of visa alternatives, such as the popular Greece Golden Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Employment Visa, and Retirement Visa, that are suited to various lifestyles and objectives. Getting a Greek residency permit is crucial for anyone intending to stay for an extended period of time, whether for employment, education, or a more laid-back lifestyle. Non-EU nationals must deal with extra visa requirements and bureaucratic processes, whereas EU citizens enjoy simpler residency procedures. Additionally, long-term residents must be enrolled in the public healthcare system or have private health insurance. Newcomers are required to register with the Social Insurance Institute (EFKA), open a Greek bank account, and get a tax identity number (AFM) as part of the legal procedure.
Holders of the Greece Golden Visa can invest in real estate, government bonds, fund shares, or lodging for tourists or hotels in order to become residents. While the investment levels for other alternatives range from €350,000 to €800,000, the minimum investment amount for real estate is €250,000.
Although there are many advantages to having the Greece Golden Visa, there are also terms and limits. The double taxation treaty, visa-free travel across the Schengen Area, family reunification benefits, and more are available to you whether you're migrating from the US to Greece or from another nation. Family members may also be allowed to travel with this visa.
Those who work remotely and earn a living online, typically from sources outside of their nation, are the target audience for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa. More countries are granting the required visas as freelance work and digital nomad lifestyles gain popularity.
The Digital Nomad Visa permits non-EU workers to reside in Greece for a maximum of 12 months. Nevertheless, there are methods to extend this period by obtaining a resident permit before one's visa expires.
Athens is a unique wonder where fascinating history and contemporary conveniences coexist. Every day might seem like a dream thanks to famous sites like the Acropolis, mountain tops, ancient museums, cafes, and other locations. Athens, the nation's capital, is also the site of several events and a fantastic nightlife. You just can't go wrong in this amazing community overall. International schools and government offices that help with immigration are also located there.
Greece is a terrific spot to live a great life without going over budget because it's one of the most affordable countries in Europe. For comparison, living in Greece is roughly 54% less expensive than in the US. This could account for the increase in the number of Americans relocating to Greece. Your money goes farther and saving for the future is made simpler when living expenses are lower.