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Moving to Greece from the UK

Costs, Lifestyle and Visa Requierements

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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.

Costs of Relocating to Greece

The average cost of moving furniture to Greece from the UK ranges between £2,500 and £8,000, based on the distance, volume, container type, and additional services.

To move to Greece from the UK, expect to pay:

VolumeAverage cost
One-bedroom£2,500 – £4,000
Three-bedroom house£5,500 – £8,000

Disclaimer: The prices above are estimates.

Companies Moving Furniture From the UK to Greece

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:

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Greece Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

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.

UK Passport Validity for 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.

Do You Need a Visa for Greece from the UK?

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.

Greek Work Permit Visa Requirements

There are a few different visas that allow you to live and work in Greece.

  • Work Visa: For expats with a job offer from a Greek employer, sponsored by the employer. You’ll apply for a work visa in the UK and a residence permit in Greece.
  • Golden Visa: For investors in Greek real estate with a minimum investment of around £209K. You get permanent residency and can move around freely in the Schengen Zone.
  • Digital Nomad Visa: For self-employed remote workers. This one-year visa requires proof of employment or business ownership, private health insurance, and an income of at least £2,920 monthly.
  • Family Reunification Visa: To join EU/EEA citizens in Greece who are family members.
  • Retirement Visa (FIP): For retirees with a stable income from pensions or investments.
  • Student Visa: For students enrolled in higher education at a Greek institution.

Applying for a Greece Visa in the UK

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.

Retiring to Greece from the UK

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.

British Living in Greece

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.

Moving to Greece With a Dog

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:

  • Your dog has to be microchipped with an ISO-compliant chip before any vaccinations.
  • A rabies vaccination is mandatory, and you can travel 21 days after administration.
  • For the flight, you’ll need an airline-approved pet carrier.
  • Get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) no more than 10 days before departure.
  • A written declaration is required to travel with your pet under non-commercial rules.

Living in Greece

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!

Cost of Living in Greece vs the UK

A single person living in Athens, Greece would need around £3,166 per month to have the same standard of living as with £6,800 in London, rent included. On average, the cost of living in Athens is around 38% lower than in London.

Curious about the cost of living in Athens, Greece? See the living costs in Greece versus the UK below.

ItemAthens, GreeceLondon, 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

Pros and Cons of Living in Greece

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.

Pros

 Affordable living costs
 Scenic natural landscapes
 Delicious Mediterranean cuisine
 Sunny and mild climate
Welcoming locals
 Relaxed way of living

Cons

 High unemployment rates
 Limited job opportunities
 Slow and complex bureaucracy
 Language barrier
 Outdated infrastructure in certain areas
 Bad public transport in towns

Checklist: How to Move to Greece From the UK

To prepare you for moving to Greece from the UK, we’ve compiled a list of steps to follow.

  1. Collect all important documents and ensure their validity
  2. Start the visa application if you stay over 90 days
  3. Find a temporary or long-term home in Greece
  4. Hire a company to move your furniture to Greece
  5. Pack up your belongings
  6. Register with the local authorities
  7. Research and get health insurance
  8. Set up a local bank account

Frequently asked questions

Do You Need a Visa to Live In Greece?

Do You Have to Speak Greek to Live In Greece?

Can I Retire to Greece From the UK?

What is the Time Difference Between UK and Greece?

How Much Money Do I Need to Move to Greece?