Immigrate to Greece. Things you should know before moving to Greece
THE BASICS
What to know when moving Greece
Athens
UTC + 2
Euro
11 million
Greek
+30
112
On the right side
BEFORE MOVING
The cost of moving to Greece. International removals to Greece with Eurosender
Eurosender offers a wide range of affordable and fast shipping options for international removals to Greece.
Visa regulations for moving to Greece
Expats who immigrate to Greece from the EU countries, don’t need a visa when moving. However, the EU nationals need to register in the foreign bureau in case they would like to live and work in Greece for more than three months.
When immigrating to Greece from non-EU countries, you are supposed to get a visa and apply for a residence and work permit upon your arrival. While visa allows foreigners to enter the country, permits provide a legal right to live and work in the country.
- Tourist visa. Apply for a tourist visa in Greece if you want to travel and stay there for less than 3 months.
- Business visa. This type of visa is issued to those who have business-related activities in Greece.
- Work visa. Expats who immigrate to Greece for employment reasons from outside of the EU will have to sign a job contract first before applying for a work visa.
- Investment visa. Those who buy a dwelling in Greece, which costs more than €250,000 or those who invest at least €300,000 in the Greek economy are eligible for an investment visa.
Send my documents express
Properties in Greece. Cost of moving to Greece
The Greek government has launched various programs for foreigners and expats who want to buy real estate property in Greece. The average price per 1 square meter is about €1,300. Thus, a small house somewhere in a rural area might cost €100,000.
While some expats prefer buying a dwelling as the perspective of permanent residence seems appealing to them, others still prefer renting an apartment. If you are immigrating to Athens as a student or to work, the average rental cost will be about €280 per month and higher. If you are moving to Greece with family, the average cost of renting a 3-bedroom apartment is €500 per month.
Get a quote for relocation to Greece
LIVING IN GREECE
The cost of living in Greece
Do you need to send documents urgently to Greece to help secure a place to stay before moving?
Eurosender offers fast envelope delivery with our Express delivery service.
The job market in Greece
Many Greek people started to leave the country as the economic recession took place. The unemployment rates dramatically increased to 20% or even higher. The average salary rate in Greece dropped almost to half from €1200 to €650. There are not many job opportunities for foreigners in Greece. However, there is still a chance to find work in the country. Agriculture and service sectors bring most of the country’s GDP these days. Thus, expats moving to Greece can find a job as seasonal workers in farming and hospitality industries.
School and education in Greece
When immigrating to Greece with children, they should start attending school at the age of 6. Primary and secondary education is obligatory for children in Greece, while higher education is not compulsory. International schools are popular among foreigners who relocate to Greece. Some schools follow the American or British curriculums with English speaking programs while others are regulated under the French and German education systems.
Age: 3-6
Compulsory: no
Age: 6-14
Compulsory: yes
Age: 15-19
Compulsory: yes
Healthcare in Greece
The government-run healthcare system in Greece has seen better days before the crisis hit the country. Nowadays, Greek healthcare services are not of the highest quality in the European Union. Public hospitals are often characterised by unsanitary conditions, while medical equipment is not up-to-date.
Many expatriates moving to Greece for a long term prefer to get private healthcare insurance that covers those expenses that are not subsidised by the government-owned system. Moreover, it grants access to private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking medical practitioners.
Driving in Greece: Should I get a Greek driving licence?
You need to have a driving licence, proof of insurance, proof of ownership, and passport or ID with you when driving in Greece. Driving licences issued by EU states, or by Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, are valid in Greece. Foreigners from non-EU countries can drive for a year with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a valid state-issued driver’s licence.
There are several basic rules and recommendations to consider before driving in Greece:
- Drive on the right side of the road.
- It is compulsory to wear seatbelts for a driver and all passengers.
- Children under the age of 12 are supposed to travel in child restraint on the back seat of the car.
What to expect when living in Greece as an expat
- There are many opportunities for travelling and exploring. Greece has more than 2000 islands, and only about 200 of them are inhabited.
- You can buy healthy and fresh products from local farmers in small markets all over Greece.
- Strikes and protests happen every day, so you need to check the schedule of demonstrations to be on time.
RECOMMENDED
Relocate to Greece with Eurosender
MOVING DESTINATIONS
See the most popular countries where people move to Greece
Moving to Greece from Canada
Have you ever wanted to taste a real Greek salad, moussaka, or gyros? Start your move to Greece from Canada and explore the differences between the lifestyle of those countries. International removals to Greece with Eurosender is the cheapest way to move furniture and ship personal belongings overseas.
Moving to Greece from Australia
There are many similarities between Greece and Australia: both countries have a warm climate, friendly people, and unique natural beauties. If you are a digital nomad or a retiree, then moving to Greece from Australia would be one of the best things in your life. Eurosender will make sure that you will get the most affordable cost of moving house to Greece and all your personal belongings will be transported overseas safely.
Moving to Greece from the United Kingdom
With Eurosender, you can book door-to-door shipping services from the United Kingdom to Greece. As we want you to have the best experience while moving to Greece from the UK, you can always track your parcels online and contact our customer support team in case of any issues. Book services for international removals to Greece with Eurosender platform to send packages, suitcases or pallets and get the most affordable cost of moving house to Chile.