Greece

Situated in southeastern Europe, Greece is a beautiful country with thousands of islands scattered throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas. Greece is a highly popular tourist destination thanks to its picturesque beaches, historic sites, amazing culinary scene, and vibrant cultural life. Keep reading to learn more about how to relocate to Greece!

 

Fast facts

  • While Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, only about 200 are inhabited.
  • Greece is home to no less than 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Although most people immediately associate Greece with its famous beaches, around 80% of the country is made up of mountains.

 

Why do people relocate to Greece?

Important to know about Greece is that this country is currently experiencing the worst financial crisis in 21st-century Europe. For this reason, the government is welcoming expats who want to buy property in Greece and invest in the local economy. At the moment, there are several wonderful opportunities for people who want to relocate to Greece to do so by investing in affordable property. Non-EU citizens who purchase property in Greece valued at €250,000 or more will be granted a five-year residency permit, allowing them to relocate to Greece along with their families. The country also offers attractive opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs to live and work in Greece, particularly in the tourism industry.

The most popular islands for visitors are Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Zante, Spetses and Mykonos. Athens and Thessaloniki are two more popular choices for people seeking to relocate to Greece. With its bustling port and population of around four million people, Athens is responsible for nearly half of the jobs in Greece. Thessaloniki, the second-largest city in Greece with a population of around 800,000 people, is renowned for its festivals and cultural life.

 

What do I need to know before moving to Greece?

Travelling around Greece is fairly easy using the extensive public transport system. With 15 international airports located in major cities along with local connections in every part of the country, travelling by air is quick and convenient. Long-distance buses along with the train and sea network offer more options for commuting in between cities. For getting around town, some people prefer driving cars while others choose to walk or cycle.

EU citizens as well as citizens from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland can enter Greece visa-free. Travellers from other origin countries must apply for a three-month entry visa before moving to Greece for employment or long-term residency purposes. This one-entry visa is called the D-visa, which is issued for dependent employment or freelance work. EU citizens relocating to Greece for work purposes can apply for a residency permit upon arrival, while the process for non-EU citizens is slightly more extensive. While it will take a bit longer to obtain a residency permit, it isn’t difficult. The application process will vary depending on your employment classification and whether or not you are relocating as an investor or entrepreneur.

Ready to relocate to Greece?

Working with a professional relocation agent will simplify the process of applying for the necessary residency permit so you can focus on the excitement of the move instead of having sleepless nights about paperwork. Book your free consultation with one of Claymore Thistle’s relocation experts, and you’ll be packing your bags for Greece in no time!

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