Blog • Published on:July 1, 2025 | Updated on:July 1, 2025 • 8 Min
When it comes to peaceful retirement, Greece ticks all the right boxes; easy living, mild weather, and property options that don’t break the bank. It’s also one of the few countries in Europe that offers clear residency routes for retirees, whether you’re investing in real estate or living off your pension.
In the last few years, more retirees from the EU, U.S., Canada, and the Middle East have made the move.
Living costs are lower than much of Western Europe, healthcare is affordable, and the residency process is doable if you know what to expect.
This guide walks you through it all, step by step.
Retirees are choosing Greece for reasons that go beyond scenery and sunshine. It's about lifestyle, slower days, real food, and fewer financial headaches.
Living Costs Make Sense
You can live comfortably on less than €2,000 a month in many parts of Greece. Rent, groceries, transport, it all adds up to more room in your budget compared to cities in Western Europe or North America.
Climate That Actually Improves Your Routine
Over 250 days of sun a year. Winters that feel like early spring. For people with arthritis or respiratory issues, this kind of weather isn’t just pleasant, it can actually help with health and mobility.
Residency Is Possible Without Stressful Loopholes
Greece offers clear, legal pathways for retirees to stay long-term, including the Golden Visa and FIP visa. These are designed with non-EU retirees in mind and come with transparent requirements.
Healthcare That’s Affordable
Greece has public and private healthcare systems, and even the private side is reasonably priced. A specialist appointment can cost €30–50, and many doctors speak English, especially in urban areas.
Cultural Familiarity, But with Space to Breathe
Whether you settle in Athens or a smaller island village, there’s a mix of modern conveniences and deep-rooted tradition. It's familiar enough to feel settled, but different enough to feel like an adventure.
Growing International Communities
From Crete to Kalamata, you'll find retired expats who’ve already made the move. That means English-speaking networks, support groups, and communities that make the transition easier.
Greece offers two main residency paths for retirees who aren’t EU citizens: one based on property investment, and one based on stable income. Both allow you to live in Greece long term, access healthcare, and enjoy the lifestyle, just through different routes.
The Golden Visa program is tied to buying property in Greece. It’s straightforward if you’re ready to invest.
Requirements:
What it includes:
This is ideal if you’re looking to put down roots and own a home, while also gaining flexibility to travel or split time between countries.
The FIP visa is built for retirees who want to settle in Greece full-time without investing in property.
Requirements:
What it includes:
This route is best if you’re not planning to buy property but want to relocate and live off passive income or retirement funds.
After entering Greece with either the Golden Visa or FIP visa, you must apply for a residence permit.
Key points:
Once you’ve legally lived in Greece for a continuous 5-year period, you may be eligible for permanent residency.
After 5 years:
After 7 years of full-time residence (with integration and language requirements met), you can apply for Greek citizenship.
Greece has both public and private healthcare systems, and retirees can access either, depending on their visa type and insurance coverage.
Retirees often begin with private coverage and later apply for access to the public system if they become eligible under permanent residency.
Relocating to Greece involves several financial steps, especially for those applying under the FIP or Golden Visa programs.
To open one, you’ll need:
Accounts are necessary for receiving pensions, paying rent, and meeting visa conditions. Most banks require an in-person appointment, and using a local agent or lawyer can simplify the process.
Most retirees transfer funds from abroad monthly. Services like Wise, Revolut, or SEPA transfers are commonly used to avoid high fees. Funds must be traceable, especially for FIP visa renewals, which require updated financial documentation.
Suits retirees who want access to healthcare, services, and an international community.
Best for those who are looking for space, nature, and strong local communities.
The island is great for retirees who want a compact, walkable city with urban comforts.
Best for retirees prioritizing quiet, seasonal life and coastal living.
Retiring in Greece isn’t something you wing, it takes structure, a timeline, and the right local support. Start by giving yourself at least 6 to 12 months before your planned move to sort out your residency route, property search (if needed), and legal documents.
Factor in time for visa appointments, bank setup, translating key paperwork, and understanding how local services work. If you’re buying real estate, expect some back-and-forth during the title review and registration stages, especially in popular areas.
If you plan properly, Greece delivers exactly what many retirees are after: lower stress, better weather, good food, and the space to enjoy it all.
Written By
Andrew Wilder
Andrew Wilder is a multifaceted author on Business Migration programs all over the globe. Over the past 10 years, he has written extensively to help investors diversify their portfolios and gain citizenship or residency through innovative real estate and business investment opportunities.