Are you looking to begin your Greek adventure? Around 17,0000 Brits are currently living in Greece, and we can understand why! With delicious food, incredible weather, friendly culture and breathtaking scenery, it’s no surprise that Brits are migrating to Greece.
Weather & Climate
Warm and mild temperatures year-around
Hot and sunny summer
Low risk of natural disasters Food
A diverse and wide range of options
Fresh salads, seasoned meats, vegetables, rice, grains, high-quality oils, aromatic herbs and cheeses
Healthy, tasty, fresh and local Lifestyle & Culture
Emphasis on family and community
Locals are friendly and hospitality is key
Greeks are also hard-working
Religious holidays are significant
Living in Greece is quite affordable Crime Rates
Crime rates is Greece are generally low
Athens is considered one of the safest cities in Europe Incentives
50% tax reductions on income and all business activities for expats who transfer their tax residency to Greece
Initiatives aimed at attracting foreigner skilled workers and investment
Logistics of Moving to Greece from the UK
Visas
Visas at a glance:
- You must gain a visa and reapply every 2 years
- You can apply for a residency once you are there
- Dual citizenship is an option
Moving to Greece has become slightly more complicated for UK nationals. Those who wish to stay in Greece longer than 3 months need to apply for a visa. One of them is the Type D long-stay visa. There are three different types of D visa: employment, student, or family reunification visas.
To work in Greece, you must apply for and obtain a work permit before your move. Applications need to be filled out in person at the Greek embassy in the UK. Once this is complete and you have moved to Greece, you can apply for residency at an official government office. Otherwise, you must renew your work visa every two years.
If you are off to study in Greece, you can only get your study visa once you have been accepted into a school or university. You can get your student visa from the embassy beforehand and then apply for residency with a permit for study purposes once you are there. Your visa used for studying must be renewed every year.
You can also apply for and get dual citizenship when living in Greece; this can provide you with easier access to other countries within the EU as well as the two countries, your taxes could be reduced, and working, buying property and accessing healthcare may also be much easier.
Healthcare
When it comes to your health, UK nationals have access to Greek healthcare if:
- You pay national insurance contributions as a registered individual to work in Greece
- You have an EHIC card
- You have registered for an S1 form
GHIC cards replace the old EHIC cards and can be used for temporary residency and travel, such as for anyone studying. AMKA is the work and insurance ID that everyone in Greece has, and it is the only way to get into the national healthcare system. To benefit from Greek healthcare, you must obtain an AMKA card, and then you can register for EOPYY. Another option is a UK S1 form, which shows that the UK pays for state healthcare in any EU country or Switzerland.
Shipping
To ship your car from the UK to Greece, you can opt for RoRo shipping or a whole container of shipping. There are several documents you need to gather and things to complete in order to ship a vehicle abroad from the UK to Greece:
1. Vehicle Documentation
2. Personal Documentation
3. Customs Clearance
4. Technical Inspection
5. Insurance
6. Age Restrictions
There are several rules and regulations for shipping general belongings abroad to Greece. When you choose an international removals company, such as Eurogroup, to transport your belongings, do your research and pick one that provides support, such as a Move Manager. At Eurogroup, your assigned Move Manager will guide you through the process and complete the paperwork, ensuring you follow all Greek import regulations.
If you are looking to ship your pet abroad, it is definitely worth doing some extra research. All pets travelling from the UK to Greece must be microchipped, have proof of anti-rabies vaccinations within the last 21 days, show antibodies for rabies in their bloodwork, and have a valid EU pet passport. In some cases, particular dog and cat breeds are not permitted in Greece, so make sure you check before starting the plan for your move abroad.
We can ship your belongings from the UK to Greece via plane, or ship and lorry! Get in touch with us today to arrange your move abroad.
Locations
Whether you appeal to city life, prefer the beach, or enjoy the countryside, Greece offers several locations where you can experience it all.
Crete
Lifestyle & Atmosphere – Quite, friendly, welcoming. Great for those seeking peace.
Practicalities – Fast internet makes it suitable for remote work.
Highlights – Breathtaking beaches, fantastic weather.
Considerations – Some find it too quiet to meet new people.
Rhodes (Island)
Lifestyle & Atmosphere – Lively, social, warm, and friendly vibe.
Practicalities – Healthcare options are more limited; some areas are touristy…
Highlights – Sunny, hot weather, great for networking.
Considerations – Tourist-heavy in parts, with limited medical care.
Athens (Mainland)
Lifestyle & Atmosphere – Busy, bustling, endless daytime & nightime activities.
Practicalities – Excellent public transport, wide access to amenities.
Highlights – Vibrant capital energy.
Considerations – It can feel overwhelming.
Petras (Mainland)
Lifestyle & Atmosphere – Lively, social, perfect for outdoor lovers.
Practicalities – Low cost of living.
Highlights – Low cost of living.
Considerations – Smaller-scale city.
Thessaloniki (Mainland)
Lifestyle & Atmosphere – Affordable, laid-back, authentic, non-touristy feel.
Practicalities – Winters can be chilly compared to the islands.
Highlights – Incredible food culture.
Considerations – Quieter pace of life.
