The sunny climate, scenic landscapes, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle make it easy to see why many British people consider moving to Greece for work, retirement, or to study. In this complete guide, you’ll learn about moving costs, visa requirements, and expat life in Greece.
To move to Greece from the UK, expect to pay:
Volume | Average cost |
One-bedroom | £2,500 – £4,000 |
Three-bedroom house | £5,500 – £8,000 |
Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.
Professional removal companies to Greece ensure that your international move is handled securely. Almost all moving companies from the UK to Greece will include customs clearing and door-to-door transportation. Here are the top 3 moving companies from the UK to Greece:
Relocating to Greece is an exciting opportunity, but before you can move, there are a few things to arrange. In this section, you’ll learn about the visa requirements and work permits needed as a British citizen looking to move to Greece.
To enter Greece, your passport has to be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date and issued within the last 10 years. If your passport is due for renewal, apply well in advance as the processing times can last up to a few weeks.
Post-Brexit, UK nationals can only stay in Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within 180 days. Track your days within the Schengen Area to avoid overstaying. If you plan to exceed 90 days or want to live in Greece permanently, you need a visa.
There are a few different visas that allow you to live and work in Greece.
Greek work visa applications can be submitted at the Greek Embassy or a designated visa application centre in the UK. Apply well in advance, as the processing time can take several weeks. The process includes a fee, completed forms, and various signed documents.
With its warm climate and affordable cost of living, Greece makes for a popular retirement destination for UK citizens. As a British retiree, you can live in Greece with a Financially Independent Person (FIP) Residence Permit. This visa requires a minimum income of around £1,760 per month, plus health insurance that covers your stay in Greece. It’s typically for two years and can be renewed.
It’s estimated that around 45,00 British expats live in Greece! Whether you’re relocating to Greece alone or you’re a British family moving to Greece, expect to be welcomed with open arms. With its ancient culture and modern amenities, stunning landscapes, and pleasant temperatures, many UK citizens choose to work or retire in Greece.
Greece follows the EU pet travel regulations and if you prepare in advance, relocating to Greece with your dog will be easy. These are the requirements:
Life in Greece as an expat is often described as relaxed and rich in culture. The Mediterranean lifestyle, with its fresh food and outdoor living, is a major draw. British expats love the slower pace of life and welcoming locals. Plus, it’s a lot more affordable than living in the UK!
Curious about the cost of living in Athens, Greece? See the living costs in Greece versus the UK below.
Item | Athens, Greece | London, UK |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | £12.48 | £20.00 |
Regular Cappuccino | £3.03 | £3.74 |
Eggs (Dozen) | £3.54 | £3.44 |
Single Transport Ticket | £1.00 | £2.95 |
Monthly Rent (1-bed, City Centre) | £498.83 | £2,170.59 |
Average Monthly Net Salary | £848.46 | £3,478.12 |
Source: Numbeo
When you’ve decided to move to Greece, the adventure can feel both exciting and scary. While most British expats love their slower-paced life, there are also cons to living in Greece. Let’s look at the pros and cons.
To prepare you for moving to Greece from the UK, we’ve compiled a list of steps to follow.