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Moving to Greece from the UK

8th November 2024

Are you looking to begin your Greecian adventure?  In 2023 around 40,000 people moved from around the world to Greece, with 17,0000 Brits currently living there. 

Our guide will take you through some of the great reasons and benefits of moving to Greece, how Brexit has affected visas, how you can acquire the right documentation to move to Greece, the logistics of getting yourself there, including shipping your belongings and pets, and a range of destinations in Greece depending on what you like!

If you’re looking to relocate to Greece, find out how we can help you.

Reasons to move abroad to Greece

Moving to Greece comes with plenty of benefits, including its rich culture, delicious food, and fantastic weather. However, it is important to bear in mind other elements of moving to Greece and how that can affect your daily life. 

Weather and Climate

Greece experiences warm and mild temperatures for the majority of the year, with hot and sunny weather taking over during the summer. Some areas of Greece bring cooler weather in the winter, but still much warmer than what you will be used to in England. Apart from the threat of wildfires, Greece faces very few natural weather disasters, making it a relatively stable environment.

 

Food

What makes Greek food so great is its diversity and wide range of options. Meals often include fresh salads, seasoned meats, seasonal vegetables, rice, fish, grains, citrus fruits, high-quality oils, aromatic herbs, and a variety of cheeses. Overall, Greek food is not only healthy and tasty but also emphasises fresh, local produce.

 

Crime Rates

Crime rates in Greece are generally low, with Athens being recognised as one of the safest cities in Europe; violent crimes are almost non-existent. The main thing to look out for is petty crime, such as pickpocketing, but this does not significantly impact the overall safety of the area.

 

Incentives

Government incentives in Greece include a 50% tax reduction on income and all business activities for expats who transfer their tax residency to Greece after January 2021. This initiative aims to attract foreign skilled workers and investment, making Greece an appealing destination for those looking to relocate and engage in business opportunities.

 

Lifestyle and Culture

Greek culture heavily emphasises family and community, making friendliness and hospitality key aspects of their everyday life. Spending with loved ones over good food and drinks is common, and while Greeks enjoy socialising, they are also very hard-working. Religious holidays, especially Easter, are significant and often involve weeks of celebrations. On top of that, living in Greece is quite affordable compared to other European countries. Housing and everyday costs are generally lower, making it a great option for locals and expats alike. Though touristy areas can be pricier, most places provide a good quality of life.

 

Logistics of Moving to Greece from the UK

Visa

Since Brexit, 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, 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
7. Special Cases

 

For shipping general belongings abroad to Greece, there are several rules and regulations that you must follow. For example, you are not allowed to ship any meat, milk, or items such as coats or shoes made from protected species such as reptile skin, coral, tortoiseshell, or ivory.

 

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 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. 

 

Locations

 

Whether you fancy settling down on a quiet island, a bustling city, or even somewhere with the best of both worlds, Greece has it all. 

 

Islands

 

Crete

Though it is fairly quiet, Crete boasts fast internet and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for living and working, which also serves as a great base for exploring nearby destinations. Some areas can be very quiet, which might make it a bit harder to meet new people, but with breathtaking beaches, gorgeous scenery, and fantastic weather, Crete definitely has a lot to offer.

 

Rhodes

Rhodes is a fantastic place to meet new people and have a great social life, thanks to its warm and friendly vibe. You can soak up plenty of sunshine and enjoy endless sunny days while still having access to important amenities for work. On the flip side, some areas can feel a bit touristy, especially in the summer when temperatures soar. Plus, healthcare options may not be as extensive as in other regions, so it’s worth considering private insurance before you make your move.

 

Mainland Greece

 

Athens

Athens is overflowing with things to do, both during the day and at night. With a solid public transport system and accessible amenities, getting around is easy. Just keep in mind, that it can be quite busy, and some people find the city a bit overwhelming due to its size.

 

Petras

Petras is lively and vibrant, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers, offering lots of activities and stunning scenery, all with a low cost of living.

 

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is affordable and has a laid-back feeling that’s not as touristy as other destinations. The food scene is fantastic, utilising the freshest local produce. On the downside, it can be a bit quiet, and winters can get chilly—though it’s probably not as cold as what you’re used to in the UK!

 

Have we convinced you to make your move to Greece? If so, contact a member of our friendly team on 01638 515335 or fill out one of our contact forms.