Essential Pre-move Checklist for Greece
Relocating to the Hellenic Republic involves navigating specific administrative procedures that differ significantly based on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. As of 2025 and 2026, Greece has digitized many services, but physical documentation remains a core requirement for initial entry and residency applications. Preparation should begin at least three to six months before your intended departure date.
Legal Residency and Visa Requirements
The first step is determining your legal right to reside in Greece. European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) citizens do not require a visa to enter or work, though they must register for a registration certificate (Registration Document) if staying longer than 90 days. For non-EU nationals (Third Country Nationals), a Long-stay Visa (Type D) is generally mandatory before arrival.
Common visa pathways for 2025/2026 include:
- Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): For remote workers employed by companies outside Greece. Applicants must prove a monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR ($3,780 USD, Jan 2026).
- Golden Visa: An investment-based residency. Following 2024 updates, the minimum investment in real estate in high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini) is 800,000 EUR ($864,000 USD, Jan 2026).
- Work Visa: Requires a pre-existing contract with a Greek employer and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
The administrative fee for most Type D visas is approximately 75 EUR ($81 USD, Jan 2026), plus a service fee if using a global processing partner like VFS Global.
Essential Documentation and Legalization
Greece is a member of the Hague Convention, meaning most foreign public documents must bear an Apostille stamp to be recognized by Greek authorities. If your country is not a member of the Hague Convention, documents must be legalized by the Greek Consulate in your home country.
Key documents to prepare and legalize include:
- Valid Passport (must have at least two blank pages and be valid for at least six months beyond your stay).
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates (if moving with family).
- Criminal record clearance from your country of origin and current residence.
- Medical certificates (required for certain visa types) stating you do not suffer from diseases listed by the World Health Organization.
All documents must be translated into Greek. Official translations can be obtained through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Certified Translators Register or certified lawyers in Greece.
Financial and Administrative Setup
Before leaving your home country, you should organize your financial affairs to meet Greek compliance standards. One of the most critical identifiers you will need upon arrival—or sometimes via proxy before arrival—is the AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitrou), the Greek tax identification number.
To facilitate a smooth transition, consider the following:
- Proof of Funds: Greek authorities require evidence of sufficient means of subsistence. For a standard residence permit, this often involves showing bank statements from the last six months.
- Banking: While you can often use international "neobanks" (like Revolut or Wise) for daily expenses, a local Greek bank account is typically required for paying utilities or receiving a local salary. Opening an account often requires a physical presence and a Greek mobile number.
- Tax Residency: Consult a tax professional regarding the "Non-Dom" or "Alternative Taxation" schemes if you are a high-net-worth individual or a retiree moving to Greece.
Health Insurance and Social Security
Health insurance is a mandatory prerequisite for all residence permit applications in Greece. For the initial visa phase, you must provide proof of private travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses and repatriation with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR ($32,400 USD, Jan 2026).
Once resident, there are two primary paths:
- Public Insurance (EFKA/AMKA): Available to those employed locally or paying social security contributions. This provides access to the National Health System (ESY).
- Private Health Insurance: Many expats opt for private insurance to bypass wait times in the public sector. For residence permit purposes, a basic private policy for a healthy individual can cost between 150 EUR and 300 EUR ($162 - $324 USD, Jan 2026) per year, depending on age and coverage.
For more details on the Greek social security system, visit the official e-EFKA website.
Practical Logistics and Housing
Securing long-term accommodation from abroad is challenging due to the high demand in urban centers. It is recommended to book short-term stays for the first 30 days while searching for a permanent lease. Most Greek landlords require a written lease agreement (Misthotirio) which must be uploaded to the TaxisNet (the Greek digital tax portal) to be legally valid.
Before departure, ensure you have:
- Canceled or redirected local subscriptions and mail in your home country.
- Obtained an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your current license is not issued by an EU/EEA country.
- Checked pet relocation requirements (EU Pet Passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination), which must be completed at least 21 days before travel.
Specific requirements regarding customs duties for "removal of household goods" depend on your individual situation and whether you are moving from within or outside the EU. Non-EU citizens may be eligible for a "Certificate of Flit" to avoid import taxes on personal belongings.