Consider...
Greece
“The light of Greece opened my eyes, penetrated my pores, expanded my whole being.”
Henry Miller
Greece
Ancient history meets stunning Mediterranean beauty, making Greece a captivating destination for travelers, expats and history enthusiasts. The country’s rich cultural heritage is complemented by its breathtaking islands, azure waters and vibrant cities like Athens.
Under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Greece continues to focus on economic recovery and modernization. The government has implemented reforms to attract foreign investment and enhance digital infrastructure, contributing to economic growth. However, challenges such as a high cost of living and public discontent persist, leading to nationwide strikes and political scrutiny.
With a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European nations, improving internet connectivity, and renowned hospitality (philoxenia), Greece is increasingly appealing to digital nomads, retirees, and investors seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle. Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki offer reliable high-speed internet and a growing number of coworking spaces, while some islands may have slower connections.
English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities. Greece offers various visa options, including a Digital Nomad Visa and Golden Visa program, facilitating extended stays and making it an attractive base for exploring Europe while working remotely or considering long-term relocation and investment. Notably, since January 1, 2024, applications for the Digital Nomad Visa must be submitted through Greek consular posts in the applicant’s country of residence, as in-country applications are no longer accepted.
| 🌎 CONTINENT | EUROPE |
|---|---|
| 📌COUNTRY | GREECE |
| 👫🏻POPULATION | 10,250,000 |
| 🙏RELIGION | GREEK ORTHODOX |
| 💵CURRENCY | EURO (EUR) |
| 💉C19 VAX REQUIRED | NO |
| 🔌POWER | 230V - 50Hz |
| 💰GDP PER CAPITA | $24,000 PER YEAR |
| ✈️AIRPORT | ATHENS - ATH |
|---|---|
| 🪪 VISA FREE | 90 DAYS (SCHENGEN) |
| 🏝️LAND OWNERSHIP | ALLOWED (SOME RESTRICTIONS) |
| 🛜AVG INTERNET | ~50 MBPS |
| 💧TAP WATER | GENERALLY SAFE (VARIES BY ISLAND) |
| 🏧ATM LIMIT | ~€600 DAILY (VARIES) |
| 💳CASHLESS | WIDELY ACCEPTED (CASH USEFUL) |
| 💸TIPPING | APPRECIATED (ROUND UP/5-10%) |
TAX FRIENDLINESS
Digital Nomad Tax Friendliness: 80/100
- Greece offers a Digital Nomad Visa with significant tax benefits.
- Holders can benefit from a 50% income tax reduction for up to 7 years, provided they haven’t been Greek tax residents previously.
- Only income derived from activities outside Greece is typically considered, making it attractive for remote workers serving foreign clients/employers.
Expat Tax Friendliness: 65/100
- Expats becoming Greek tax residents (spending >183 days/year) are taxed on their worldwide income.
- Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 9% to 44%.
- A solidarity contribution also applies, ranging from 2.2% to 10% on higher incomes.
- Non-residents are taxed only on Greek-sourced income.
Investor Tax Friendliness: 75/100
- Capital gains tax on securities (shares, bonds) is generally 15%.
- Real estate capital gains tax is currently suspended until end of 2024 (subject to change). Property transfer tax is 3.09%.
- Corporate tax rate is 22%.
- Dividend and interest income are typically taxed at 5% and 15% respectively.
Crypto Tax Friendliness: 60/100
- Cryptocurrency is not legal tender but is recognized as an asset.
- Gains from cryptocurrency trading are generally treated as investment income and taxed at a flat rate of 15%.
- If crypto trading is considered a business activity, gains could be subject to progressive income tax rates (up to 44%).
- Regulations are still evolving, aligning with EU directives (MiCA).
GREECE PRICE REFERENCE
GREECE HOLIDAY LETS – HOTELS – REAL ESTATE
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Greece Tourist Visa (Schengen Area) for UK Citizens
Overview: Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which allows visa-free entry for UK citizens for short stays.
Citizens of other countries can find visa requirements on the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website Here.
Key Points:
- Visa-Free Entry (Schengen Rules): UK citizens can visit Greece and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or cultural/sports events.
- Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen area and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Ensure you have blank pages for entry/exit stamps.
- Calculating Stay Duration: The 90/180-day rule applies across the entire Schengen Area. Time spent in any Schengen country counts towards the limit. Use the Schengen short-stay calculator to check your allowance.
- Purpose of Stay: This visa-free access is for short-term, non-work purposes. Engaging in paid employment requires a specific work visa/permit.
- Entry Points: Entry is possible through international airports (e.g., Athens International Airport – ATH), ports, and land borders with other Schengen countries.
Important Links:
- Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visas – for official information on visa requirements.
- UK Government Travel Advice for Greece
- US State Department Travel Advice for Greece
Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Greece introduced a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in 2021 to attract remote workers from non-EU/EEA countries. This visa allows eligible individuals to live and work remotely in Greece for up to one year, with the possibility of applying for a two-year residence permit afterwards.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Applicants must be non-EU/EEA citizens, work remotely for a company or clients located outside Greece (either as an employee or freelancer), and meet a minimum income threshold.
- Minimum Income Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a stable net monthly income of at least €3,500 after tax. This amount increases by 20% for a spouse/partner and 15% for each child. Proof can include employment contracts, bank statements, or client agreements.
- Dependents: The visa allows the primary applicant to bring their spouse/partner and dependent children under 18.
- Application Process: Apply at the Greek consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Required documents typically include proof of remote work, income verification, proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
- Visa Duration & Renewal: The initial visa is valid for up to 12 months. Before it expires, holders can apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit, valid for two years and renewable.
- Tax Benefits: A significant incentive is the potential 50% income tax reduction for up to seven years for digital nomads who transfer their tax residency to Greece (conditions apply, primarily not being a Greek tax resident in the previous 5 out of 6 years).
Greece Retirement Visa Options
Overview: While Greece doesn’t have a visa specifically named “Retirement Visa,” non-EU/EEA citizens can retire there using options like the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa or the Golden Visa program.
Key Points:
- Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa: This is the most common route for retirees. It’s a long-stay visa (Type D) for those who can prove sufficient, stable income from sources outside Greece (e.g., pensions, investments, savings) to support themselves without working in Greece.
- Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income of around €2,000 (increasing for dependents). Proof of substantial savings can also be considered.
- Residency: Grants residency initially for 2 years, renewable. Requires spending significant time in Greece (>183 days/year) to maintain residency.
- Golden Visa Program: This offers residency through investment, primarily in real estate. It’s an option for retirees with significant capital.
- Investment Requirement: Minimum real estate investment typically starts at €250,000, but higher thresholds (€400k-€800k) apply in popular areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini (check current thresholds).
- Residency: Grants a 5-year residence permit, renewable as long as the investment is maintained. No minimum stay requirement in Greece. Allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area.
- General Requirements (Both Options): Applicants typically need proof of accommodation in Greece, comprehensive health insurance valid in Greece, and a clean criminal record.
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum – Golden Visa – Official Golden Visa information.
OTHER NOTES
ARE ID CARDS REQUIRED
Are ID Cards Required in Greece for Everyday Interactions and Transactions?
Overview: Identification is frequently required in Greece for various official and everyday transactions.
Key Points:
- For Locals: Greek citizens aged 12 and over are required to have a national identity card (Δελτίο Ταυτότητας). This card is used for almost all official purposes, banking, travel within Schengen, voting, etc. New biometric ID cards are being rolled out.
- For Foreigners (EU/EEA): Citizens from other EU/EEA countries can typically use their national ID card or passport for identification purposes, including travel to/from Greece and for many transactions. If residing long-term (>3 months), they should register and obtain a Registration Certificate (or biometric residence document).
- For Foreigners (Non-EU/EEA): Non-EU/EEA nationals must carry their passport. If residing in Greece with a visa or residence permit, they should carry their permit card (Άδεια Διαμονής). While carrying the original passport daily might pose risks, a photocopy along with the residence permit (if applicable) is often carried, but authorities can demand the original.
- Daily Use: ID is commonly requested when checking into hotels, renting vehicles, making large purchases (especially with cards), entering certain buildings, dealing with banks, and interacting with police or authorities.
- Legal Requirement: While not strictly enforced for simply walking around, police have the right to ask for identification and can detain individuals until identity is verified if they cannot produce valid ID upon request.
ARE GM FOODS ALLOWED
Are GM Foods Allowed in Greece?
Overview: As a member of the European Union, Greece follows EU regulations regarding genetically modified (GM) foods and organisms (GMOs).
Key Points:
- Regulation: The EU has a comprehensive legal framework for GMOs, focusing on safety assessment, authorization, labeling, and traceability. GM foods can only be placed on the EU market after rigorous safety assessment and authorization.
- Labeling: EU law mandates clear labeling for all food products containing or consisting of GMOs, or produced from GMOs (with thresholds for accidental presence, typically 0.9%). This allows consumers to make informed choices. The label must state “genetically modified” or “produced from genetically modified [ingredient name]”.
- Cultivation: While some GM crops are authorized for cultivation in the EU (mainly specific maize varieties), individual member states, including Greece, can restrict or prohibit GMO cultivation in their territory (“opt-out” clause). Greece has generally maintained a cautious stance and does not widely cultivate GM crops.
- Public Perception & Availability: Public opinion in Greece and much of Europe tends to be skeptical towards GM foods. While authorized GM ingredients (especially in animal feed or processed foods derived from GM soy or corn) might be present in the food chain, explicitly labeled GM food products for direct consumer purchase are not common in Greek supermarkets due to low consumer demand and retailer preferences.
Important Links:
- European Commission – GMOs – Overview of EU regulations.
TRESPASSING - RIGHT TO ROAM
Trespassing, Right to Roam and Wild Camping in Greece
Greece offers stunning natural landscapes, but access rights differ significantly from countries with a formal “Right to Roam.”
Key Points:
- Trespassing: Entering private property without permission is illegal in Greece. This includes fenced land, cultivated fields, olive groves, vineyards, and areas around private residences. Respect “No Entry” (Απαγορεύεται η Είσοδος) signs and private property boundaries.
- Right to Roam: Greece does not have a codified, universal “Right to Roam” granting public access to all uncultivated land. Access is generally permitted on public lands, designated hiking trails (like the E4 path), national parks (subject to park rules), and beaches (which are generally considered public). Access to mountainous or forested areas often depends on local custom and whether the land is public or private.
- Wild Camping: Free or wild camping (pitching a tent or parking a campervan outside designated campsites) is officially illegal in Greece, particularly in archaeological sites, on beaches, in public forests, and generally in public areas (Law N. 2160/1993).
- Enforcement: Enforcement varies. It’s strictly prohibited and often fined (potentially heavily, up to €3,000, though €300 is more common) in tourist hotspots, popular beaches, protected areas, and near archaeological sites, especially during peak season.
- Tolerance: In remote, non-touristy areas (especially mountains) and during the off-season, authorities and locals *might* tolerate discreet, responsible wild camping for a short duration (leave no trace). However, this is not a legal right and carries risk.
- Alternatives: Numerous organized campsites exist throughout Greece, offering facilities and legal places to stay.
- Safety & Responsibility: Wild camping carries risks (wildlife, weather, fire risk in summer). Always practice “Leave No Trace” principles: pack out all trash, avoid fires (often banned in summer), minimize impact, and be respectful of the environment and local communities.
Important Links:
- General information often found on hiking/outdoor forums specific to Greece. Official regulations are within Greek law (e.g., N. 2160/1993).
- UK Gov Travel Advice – Safety/Security (Mentions camping restrictions).
420 FRIENDLY?
420 Friendly? (Cannabis Laws in Greece)
Greece maintains strict laws against recreational cannabis use, although medical use has been legalized under specific conditions. It is generally not considered a 420-friendly country for recreational users.
Key Points:
- Legal Status (Recreational): Possession, use, cultivation, and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes are illegal in Greece.
- Penalties: While laws have become slightly more lenient regarding small amounts for personal use (potentially leading to reduced sentences or treatment programs rather than long imprisonment), penalties can still be severe, including prison time and fines. Possession of larger quantities can be treated as trafficking, carrying very harsh sentences. Public consumption is prohibited and likely to attract police attention.
- Medical Use: Greece legalized cannabis for medical purposes in 2017 and allowed domestic cultivation/production in 2018. As of early 2024, prescribed medical cannabis products (oils, flowers) became available in pharmacies for patients with specific qualifying conditions (e.g., chronic pain, epilepsy, MS spasticity, chemotherapy side effects) under strict medical supervision and with a valid prescription from an authorized Greek doctor. This is not accessible to tourists for recreational use.
- CBD: CBD products derived from hemp containing less than 0.2% THC are legal in Greece and widely available in specialized shops, pharmacies, and online.
- Public Attitude: While there’s growing discussion around cannabis, particularly for medical and economic reasons, the social and legal stance against recreational use remains strong. Tourists should exercise extreme caution and avoid any involvement with illegal cannabis.
Important Links:
- Official legal texts (Greek Law). Information often summarized on legal/travel advice sites.
- UK Gov Travel Advice – Local Laws (General warning about drug offenses).
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