Living in Greece can offer a very different lifestyle from Northern and Central Europe. Greece combines Mediterranean weather, a long coastline, islands, historic cities, outdoor activities, a strong tourism sector and a distinctive food and social culture.
For expats, however, moving to Greece involves much more than choosing a beautiful destination. Housing, employment, healthcare, taxes, residency, education, transportation and the Greek language can all affect your experience.
This guide explains what life in Greece is like for foreigners, including the best cities to consider, everyday expenses, healthcare, schools, jobs, housing, residency and practical tips for settling into Greek life.
The cost of living is one of the biggest considerations for anyone planning to move to Greece.
Greece is not equally expensive everywhere. Athens and popular tourist destinations can have considerably different housing costs from smaller regional cities and inland areas.
Your monthly budget normally needs to cover:
Housing is often the most important variable. Someone renting a small apartment in central Athens can have a very different budget from someone living in a smaller Greek city or rural area.
Finding accommodation is one of the first challenges for many new arrivals. The Greek rental market includes apartments in major cities, suburban homes, island properties and smaller-town housing.
Before signing a rental agreement, check more than the advertised monthly rent. You should also investigate utilities, heating or cooling costs, building charges, internet, transportation and the distance to work or school.
Foreigners should also make sure that rental documentation and tax registration requirements are properly handled.
There is no single best city for every expat. Your ideal location depends on whether you prioritize jobs, beaches, universities, nightlife, family life, lower housing costs, international communities or access to airports.
Athens is the largest city in Greece and the country's main metropolitan centre. It offers the widest range of employment, business, education, healthcare, cultural and transportation opportunities.
Athens can be particularly suitable for expats looking for corporate jobs, technology, tourism, international businesses, universities and a large urban environment.
Thessaloniki is Greece's second major city and an important centre for education, commerce, technology, logistics, tourism and culture.
It can appeal to students, young professionals, families and people who prefer a large city with a different atmosphere from Athens.
Crete is Greece's largest island and has sizeable urban centres including Heraklion and Chania.
The island combines tourism, agriculture, services, universities, healthcare and a large seasonal economy.
Patras is an important university and regional centre in western Greece. Its student population and location can make it attractive to people looking for a more affordable urban environment than central Athens.
Volos offers access to the sea and mountains while remaining considerably smaller than Athens or Thessaloniki. It can appeal to people seeking a smaller-city lifestyle.
Smaller Greek cities and inland areas can provide a quieter lifestyle and, in some locations, lower housing costs. Employment opportunities can, however, be more limited than in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Employment is one of the most important factors when deciding whether life in Greece is financially sustainable.
Greece has significant employment in services, trade, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, construction, healthcare, education and other sectors.
Tourism is particularly important, while Athens and Thessaloniki offer broader opportunities in professional services, technology, finance, education, logistics and international businesses.
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Salaries in Greece vary significantly according to profession, experience, education, location and industry.
Professional positions in technology, finance, healthcare, management, engineering, shipping and other specialized industries can pay substantially more than entry-level service positions.
Tourism and hospitality employment can also vary greatly according to the role, location and season.
When comparing a Greek salary with one from another European country, do not look at gross salary alone. Consider rent, taxes, social contributions, transportation, food and other living expenses.
You can live in parts of Greece using English, particularly in Athens, tourist areas, universities and international workplaces.
However, learning Greek is one of the best long-term investments an expat can make.
Greek can make everyday tasks easier, including dealing with landlords, government offices, healthcare providers, local businesses and neighbours. It can also increase the number of jobs available to you.
English remains especially useful in tourism, hospitality and international business environments.
Greece has a national healthcare system known as the ESY, alongside healthcare services provided through EOPYY and private healthcare providers.
The Greek healthcare system includes public hospitals and health centres, while EOPYY works as the national organisation responsible for healthcare provision and contracts with healthcare providers.
The exact way you access healthcare depends on your insurance and residency status.
EU citizens visiting or living in Greece may have healthcare rights under the applicable European social-security coordination rules. The European Health Insurance Card can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare during temporary stays under the applicable conditions.
Expats planning to live in Greece should understand how their health insurance works before moving permanently.
For healthcare emergencies in Greece, the national emergency medical service EKAB can be reached at 166.
Families moving to Greece need to decide whether their children will attend public Greek schools, private schools or international schools.
Greece's education system includes primary education, secondary education, vocational education and higher education.
Public schools are generally organised according to the child's place of residence and the applicable enrolment rules.
For children who do not speak Greek, families should investigate the available support and schooling options before moving.
International schools may be particularly relevant to families who expect to stay in Greece temporarily or want education primarily in English or another international language.
Explore: Universities in Greece .
Greece has universities and higher-education institutions in Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Patras, Ioannina, Thessaly and other regions.
University cities can provide a more international environment and a large student population.
For students, the cost of accommodation can be one of the biggest factors when choosing where to study.
International students should investigate tuition, admission requirements, housing, residence requirements and the language of instruction for their specific programme.
The immigration rules that apply to an expat depend heavily on nationality and the reason for moving to Greece.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have rights based on European free movement rules, while third-country nationals generally need to comply with Greek immigration and residence-permit requirements.
Greece's Ministry of Migration and Asylum lists residence-permit categories for third-country nationals, including permits connected with employment and other purposes.
Do not assume that a tourist stay automatically gives you the right to work or reside permanently in Greece.
The correct visa or residence permit depends on your individual situation, including employment, family, study, investment or other grounds.
Always check current requirements with the Greek authorities before making a permanent move.
Moving to Greece involves learning how the local administrative system works. Two important identifiers that many residents encounter are the AFM, the Greek tax identification number, and AMKA, the social-security number.
EURES notes that residents receive an AFM for tax services and an AMKA for social-security services.
Your exact administrative requirements depend on your personal circumstances, so you should check the current procedures with the relevant Greek authorities.
A Greek bank account can make everyday life easier if you live and work in the country.
Banking can be useful for:
Banks can request identification, tax information and proof of address or other documentation depending on the customer and account type.
Transportation varies considerably between Greek cities and islands.
Athens has an extensive public transportation network including metro, buses, trolleybuses, trams and suburban rail services.
Thessaloniki also has an expanding urban transport system and a metro network.
Outside the major cities, buses, cars, ferries and regional transport play a larger role.
If you live on an island or in a rural area, having access to a car can be more important than it is in central Athens.
Driving can be useful if you live outside a major city, especially in rural areas or on larger islands.
Before driving in Greece, check whether your existing driving licence is valid and whether you need an exchange or additional documentation based on your nationality.
Expats should also understand Greek road signs, parking rules, insurance requirements and local driving conditions.
Climate is one of the major attractions for many people considering life in Greece.
Many parts of Greece experience hot, dry summers and comparatively mild winters, although conditions vary substantially by region and altitude.
Northern Greece generally experiences colder winters than many southern coastal locations.
Mountainous regions can experience substantial winter snowfall, while island and southern coastal areas are strongly associated with Mediterranean weather.
Summer heat can be intense, particularly during heatwaves, making air-conditioning and adequate ventilation important considerations when renting a home.
Food is an important part of Greek culture and everyday social life. Traditional Greek cuisine includes vegetables, legumes, olive oil, seafood, meat, dairy products, bread and a wide variety of regional dishes.
Eating out can range from inexpensive casual food to high-end restaurants. Local tavernas, cafés and bakeries are common parts of everyday life.
Expats often find that social life revolves around cafés, restaurants, family gatherings, outdoor spaces and local neighbourhoods.
Greece offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities.
The combination of cities, mountains, beaches and islands makes Greece attractive to people who want an outdoor lifestyle.
Greece can be attractive for families because of its climate, outdoor environment, food culture and strong family-oriented social traditions.
However, families should carefully compare schools, healthcare, housing and transportation before selecting a city.
Athens and Thessaloniki offer the widest selection of services, while smaller communities may provide a quieter lifestyle.
Greece can also appeal to remote workers and location-independent professionals.
Before moving, remote workers should investigate their tax position, immigration status, healthcare coverage and employment structure.
A person working remotely for a foreign employer can have different tax and legal obligations from someone employed by a Greek company.
Do not assume that working online from Greece automatically means that no Greek tax or immigration rules apply.
Taxation is an important part of planning a move to Greece.
Your tax position can depend on factors including:
Expats with international income should obtain professional tax advice when necessary, especially when moving from another country.
Greece has opportunities in tourism, technology, renewable energy, logistics, food and agriculture, life sciences, global business services and other sectors.
Foreign entrepreneurs should investigate company formation, taxation, social-security obligations, licensing and residence requirements before starting a business.
Explore our: Business Opportunities in Greece guide.
Large cities have supermarkets, shopping centres, local markets, pharmacies, bakeries, cafés and a wide range of other everyday services.
Smaller towns can have fewer international chains but often have strong local businesses and traditional markets.
Learning some Greek can make everyday shopping significantly easier outside major tourist areas.
Building a social network can make the transition to Greece much easier.
Expats can meet people through:
A useful long-term strategy is to combine international friendships with relationships in the local Greek community.
Greece can offer an enjoyable lifestyle, but it is important to understand the disadvantages as well as the advantages.
| Area | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Visa | Determine whether you need a visa or residence permit. |
| Work | Confirm that your immigration status allows employment. |
| Housing | Research rent, deposits, utilities and neighbourhoods. |
| Healthcare | Arrange appropriate public or private healthcare coverage. |
| Taxes | Understand your tax-residence and income-tax position. |
| Banking | Investigate local banking and payment requirements. |
| Transport | Check public transport or car requirements. |
| Education | Research schools before moving with children. |
| Language | Start learning basic Greek. |
| Employment | Research the local labour market before moving. |
Greece can be a good choice for people who value climate, outdoor life, coastal living, culture and a slower Mediterranean lifestyle.
It may be particularly attractive to retirees, families, students, entrepreneurs, remote workers and professionals who have secured suitable employment.
However, your financial situation is extremely important. Someone arriving with a high foreign income may experience Greece very differently from someone relying on a local entry-level salary.
Before moving, calculate your expected income and expenses and research the specific city or island where you intend to live.
Greece can be an attractive destination for expats because of its climate, coastline, culture, food, outdoor lifestyle and European location. However, suitability depends on employment, income, housing and immigration circumstances.
Greece can be less expensive than some high-cost Western European locations, but costs vary considerably. Housing in Athens and popular tourist destinations can be significantly higher than in smaller cities and some inland areas.
Athens and Thessaloniki are major choices because of employment, education, services and international connections. Other expats choose Crete, coastal cities, islands and smaller towns depending on their lifestyle.
Yes, particularly in international workplaces and tourist areas. However, learning Greek is strongly recommended for long-term residents and can make administrative and everyday life much easier.
Greece has a national healthcare system with public healthcare providers and EOPYY healthcare coverage. Private healthcare is also available. Your exact access depends on your insurance and residency status.
Yes, but the requirements depend on nationality and immigration status. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have different rights from third-country nationals. Third-country nationals may require a residence permit or other authorization allowing employment.
Families can move to Greece under several legal pathways depending on their nationality and circumstances. Families should investigate residence, schooling, healthcare and housing requirements before moving.
Athens generally offers the largest employment market and widest range of services. Thessaloniki can offer a smaller metropolitan environment with a large student population and important business, cultural and logistics sectors.
Greece can be attractive to remote workers, but immigration, taxation and healthcare issues should be checked before moving. Remote work for a foreign employer does not automatically remove Greek tax or legal obligations.
The best way to prepare for a move to Greece is to research the specific city, calculate your realistic monthly budget, understand your immigration status, investigate healthcare and housing, and research employment before you arrive.
Greece offers many different lifestyles: a major European capital, a university city, a Mediterranean island, a coastal town or a quiet rural community. Choosing the right location can make a major difference to your experience.