In short
US citizens can stay in Greece visa-free for 90 days in any 180. Retirees and people with passive income use the financially independent person (FIP) permit — €3,500 a month, no work in Greece — and remote workers the digital nomad permit at the same income; both start with a D visa from a Greek consulate. Investors use the golden visa from €400,000 (€800,000 in Athens). Get your tax number (AFM) online before you move. Public healthcare comes through social-security contributions, so most retirees use private insurance. Pensioners who move can choose a 7% flat tax on all foreign income. A single person spends about €1,400–1,500 a month in Athens including rent.
Living in Greece: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Visa-free stay | 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen); the Entry/Exit System registers your entries since April 2026# Source: European Commission: Entry/Exit System |
|---|---|
| Financially independent person (FIP) | €3,500 a month (€42,000 a year), +20% for a spouse and +15% per child; no work in Greece# Source: TaxLaw Greece: residence permit for financially independent persons (Feb 2026) |
| FIP: permit | National D visa from a Greek consulate first; permit for 3 years, renewable for 3 years# Source: TaxLaw Greece: residence permit for financially independent persons (Feb 2026) |
| Digital nomad permit | €3,500 net a month from employers or clients outside Greece; 12-month D visa, then a 2-year permit, renewable# Source: Legal 500: digital nomads in Greece — legal framework |
| Digital nomads: where to apply | At a Greek consulate before travel — applying inside Greece was abolished by Law 5275/2026# Source: Law 5275/2026 (Government Gazette A 17/06.02.2026) · PwC Greece: new immigration law 5275/2026 |
| Golden visa (real estate) | €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands over 3,100 residents; €400,000 elsewhere; one property of at least 120 m²# Source: Law 5038/2023 art. 100 (Migration Code): golden visa real-estate thresholds |
| Tax number (AFM) | Free; non-residents can apply online with a myAADE video call — before you move# Source: AADE: tax number (AFM) for non-residents · AADE: tax guide for non-residents (Jul 2025) |
| Healthcare | Public cover (EOPYY) comes through Greek social-security (EFKA) contributions; FIP and golden visa holders need private insurance# Source: Argophilia: optional health insurance for third-country pensioners · TaxLaw Greece: residence permit for financially independent persons (Feb 2026) |
| Tax residence | More than 183 days in Greece in any 12-month period# Source: Income Tax Code art. 4: tax residence |
| 7% regime for pensioners | If you receive a foreign pension, all your foreign income can be taxed at a flat 7% for up to 15 years; not tax resident in Greece in 5 of the previous 6 years; apply by 31 March# Source: Income Tax Code art. 5B: 7% regime for foreign pensioners · PwC Tax Summaries: Greece — individual tax incentives |
| 50% income tax relief | Half of income from a job with a Greek employer or a business in Greece is exempt for 7 years — not for remote work for a US company# Source: Income Tax Code art. 5C: 50% relief for people moving to Greece |
| Long-term residence | After 5 years; absences of at most 6 months in a row and 10 months in total; Greek language and civics, income and insurance needed# Source: AIDA (ECRE): long-term residence in Greece |
| Citizenship | 7 years of legal, continuous residence (usually after long-term residence; 12 years on other permits); PEGP exam (B1 Greek + civics, €150); fee €550; dual citizenship allowed# Source: Mitos (gov.gr): naturalisation of foreign nationals · gov.gr: PEGP naturalisation knowledge exam · US Department of State: dual nationality |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
Greek residence rules are the same for all non-EU citizens, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits follow the same routes as Americans. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income; most other nationals who move are taxed only where they live. |
|---|---|
| Tax treaty with Greece | The US–Greece treaty dates from 1950 and is limited; check how your own country's treaty treats your income. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
Overview
Greece — Mediterranean Living for Americans
Greece combines a slower pace of life, a warm climate and relatively low rents with full EU and Schengen membership. From cosmopolitan Athens to Crete, Rhodes or Corfu, there is a lifestyle for every type of expat.
We help you choose the right permit, prepare your documents and settle into Greek life.
Greece gives Americans several routes without a Greek employer — the FIP permit, the digital nomad permit and the golden visa. The key is choosing the right one and applying in the right order.
Our Services
Your Gateway to Greece
Residence route analysis
FIP, digital nomad permit, golden visa, work permit or company — which fits you.
Application support
Income proof, health insurance, registered lease, apostilled documents and the consulate appointment.
Golden visa
Thresholds by zone, property checks and the permit application.
Settling in
Tax number (AFM), bank account, social security number (AMKA) and healthcare.
Tax planning
The 7% and €100,000 regimes, Greek tax residence and your US filing duties.
Visas & Residency
Navigating Greek Visas & Residency
US citizens can stay visa-free for 90 days in any 180. To live in Greece you need a residence permit. FIP and digital nomad applicants first get a national (D) visa at the Greek consulate covering their US state; golden visa investors can apply after entering visa-free. Permit decisions are due within 90 days of a complete application (+30 days) under the 2026 law.
FIP Permit
€3,500 a month (+20% for a spouse, +15% per child) from pensions, investments or savings; no work in Greece. 3 years, renewable. Retire in Greece guide.
Digital Nomad Permit
€3,500 net a month from employers or clients outside Greece. A 12-month D visa, then a 2-year permit. Apply at a consulate — the in-country route was abolished in February 2026.
Golden Visa
€400,000 property (€800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and larger islands). 5 years, renewable, no minimum stay. Golden visa guide.
Work Permit
Through a Greek employer within a regional quota; 3 years, renewable for 5 under Law 5275/2026. The EU Blue Card is the route for highly qualified staff.
Long-Term Residence & Citizenship
Long-term residence after 5 years with Greek language and civics; citizenship after 7 years of continuous residence with the PEGP exam (B1 Greek). Dual citizenship allowed.
Cost of Living
Greece Cost of Living for Americans
Rents are where Greece saves you money: a central 1-bedroom costs about €665 in Athens and €550 in Thessaloniki. Everyday costs are similar to other southern European capitals.
Housing and everyday costs
A single person spends about €835 a month without rent in Athens, so about €1,400–1,500 in total. Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Chania come to about €1,400 (Numbeo, 2026 estimates). Island rents jump in summer, and year-round leases can be hard to find.
Healthcare
Public healthcare (EOPYY) is linked to Greek social-security (EFKA) contributions, so employees and the self-employed are covered through their contributions. Retirees and investors need private insurance for their permit and usually keep it. Premiums depend heavily on age.
Tax
Spending more than 183 days in Greece in any 12-month period makes you a Greek tax resident. Income tax runs from 9% to 44%. Pensioners can choose a flat 7% on all foreign income for up to 15 years; wealthy newcomers can pay €100,000 a year on foreign income instead. The 50% relief for people moving to Greece only covers income from a Greek job or business.
Where to Live
Top Locations for American Expats in Greece
Athens
The capital and economic centre — the largest international community, museums and the main airport. Koukaki, Kolonaki and Glyfada are popular with foreigners. Living in Athens.
Thessaloniki
A youthful northern city with a big university, a famous food scene and lower rents.
Crete
The largest island, with year-round life in Heraklion and Chania — popular with retirees and remote workers.
Corfu & the Ionian Islands
Green landscapes, Venetian architecture and a slower island pace.
Peloponnese
Coastal towns, villages and historic sites at lower housing costs.
Expat Tips
Essential Tips for Americans Moving to Greece
Get your AFM before you move
The tax number is free, and non-residents can get it online with a myAADE video call. You need it for a lease, a bank account and any purchase.
Order documents early
The FBI record check takes about 48 hours online, but the State Department apostille and a certified Greek translation take weeks.
Register your lease
Permits need a lease registered with the tax authority or a property deed — short-term bookings are not accepted.
Plan your taxes before you arrive
The 7% regime must be requested by 31 March of the tax year. US citizens keep filing US returns, FBAR and FATCA forms.
Learn some Greek
English is widely spoken, but Greek helps with daily life and is required for long-term residence and citizenship.
Expect island life to change with the seasons
Ferries, shops and services slow down in winter on many islands — visit off-season before you commit.
Why Partner With Us
Expert Guidance for Your Greek Relocation
Greek permits are attractive, but the order of steps matters — D visa, AFM, registered lease, permit and tax elections. We help you get it right the first time. If you plan to run a business, see our Greece company formation guide.
We work with Americans relocating to Europe, so we understand FATCA, Social Security abroad and finding English-speaking professionals in Greece. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find lawyers and accountants.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans move to Greece without a job offer?
Yes. The FIP permit (passive income of €3,500 a month), the digital nomad permit (remote work for employers or clients outside Greece) and the golden visa (property investment) all work without a Greek employer.
Can I apply for the Greek digital nomad permit after arriving?
No. Since Law 5275/2026 (February 2026) you must get a national D visa at a Greek consulate before travel. In-country applications were abolished.
Do digital nomads get a 50% tax break in Greece?
Not for remote work for a US employer. The 50% relief (Article 5C) only covers income from a Greek employer or a business in Greece, for 7 years.
Is Greece a good place for Americans to retire?
For many, yes — mild climate, low rents and the 7% flat tax on foreign income for pensioners. You need €3,500 a month for the FIP permit and private health insurance. A single person spends about €1,400–1,500 a month in Athens including rent.
How long can Americans stay in Greece without a visa?
Up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. Since April 2026 the EU Entry/Exit System records your entries and exits.
Is English widely spoken in Greece?
Yes — Greece ranks 20th worldwide in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025. Greek is still needed for official matters and for long-term residence and citizenship.
Greece
Everything about moving to Greece
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