A Complete Guide to Planning Retirement in Greece

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.

Why Are More People Choosing Greece to Retire?

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.

Greek Residency Options for Retirees

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.

Golden Visa Program

The Golden Visa program is tied to buying property in Greece. It’s straightforward if you’re ready to invest.

Requirements:

• Buy property in Greece valued at:
  • €250,000 for restoration
  • €400,000 to €800,000 in other areas

• Property must be paid in full and registered in your name

• No income proof is needed

• Maintain valid private health insurance in Greece

What it includes:

• 5-year renewable residence permit

• Visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone

• Residency for your spouse, children (under 21), and dependent parents

• No obligation to live in Greece full time

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.

National Visa (Type D) – Financially Independent Person (FIP)

The FIP visa is built for retirees who want to settle in Greece full-time without investing in property.

Requirements:

• Show minimum monthly income of:
  • €2,000 for a single applicant
  • Add €400–€500 per dependent (spouse or children)

• Income must come from outside Greece (e.g. pension, rental income, investments)

• Valid private health insurance that covers you in Greece

• Rental agreement or home ownership (no property minimum required)

• Clean criminal record from your home country

What it includes:

• Long-stay National Visa to enter Greece

• 2-year residence permit (renewable)

• Legal access to public services, utilities, and travel within Greece

• Must live in Greece full time to maintain eligibility

This route is best if you’re not planning to buy property but want to relocate and live off passive income or retirement funds.

Temporary Residence Permit

After entering Greece with either the Golden Visa or FIP visa, you must apply for a residence permit.

Key points:

• Apply within 30–60 days of arrival

• Valid for 2 or 5 years, depending on visa type

• Requires updated proof of income or property, insurance, and accommodation

• Allows access to local services, registration, and legal stay

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

Once you’ve legally lived in Greece for a continuous 5-year period, you may be eligible for permanent residency.

After 5 years:

• Apply for a long-term residence permit

• No need for frequent renewals

• Must show consistent compliance with financial and insurance requirements

After 7 years of full-time residence (with integration and language requirements met), you can apply for Greek citizenship.

Healthcare System for Retirees in Greece

Greece has both public and private healthcare systems, and retirees can access either, depending on their visa type and insurance coverage.

Public Healthcare (EFKA)

• Accessible if you're a legal resident and registered in the national system

• Services include hospitals, clinics, and general practitioners

• Costs are low, but wait times can be long, especially outside major cities

• Language barrier may exist in rural areas

Private Healthcare

• Widely used by non-EU retirees and Golden Visa holders

• Faster appointments, more modern facilities

• Many private doctors and clinics speak English

• Insurance is required during your visa application and ongoing stay

Average Costs

• Specialist visit (private): €40–€60

• Basic private insurance plans: Start from €50–€80/month

• Hospitalization (private): Varies, but significantly lower than in the U.S. or UK

Retirees often begin with private coverage and later apply for access to the public system if they become eligible under permanent residency.

Financial Considerations

Relocating to Greece involves several financial steps, especially for those applying under the FIP or Golden Visa programs.

Greek Bank Account

To open one, you’ll need:

• Passport

• Greek Tax Number (AFM)

• Proof of residence (rental contract or title deed)

• Income verification documents

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.

Receiving Pension Income

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.

Tax Obligations

• You become a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days/year in Greece

• Greece has double taxation treaties with many countries (U.S., UK, Canada, etc.)

• You’ll need to declare global income, including pensions and rental income

• Hiring a local accountant is strongly advised for yearly declarations

Best Places to Retire in Greece

Athens

Suits retirees who want access to healthcare, services, and an international community.

• Healthcare access: Athens has the country’s largest concentration of public and private hospitals. English-speaking doctors are common.

• Public transport: The metro, buses, and trams make it easy to get around without a car.

• International community: Large expat population, particularly in neighbourhoods like Glyfada, Kifisia, and Kolonaki.

• Lifestyle: Cafés, galleries, and parks and plus access to cultural life without giving up modern infrastructure.

• Cost of living: Higher than other parts of Greece, but still more affordable than most major European capitals.

Crete

Best for those who are looking for space, nature, and strong local communities.

• Healthcare access: Public hospitals in Heraklion and Chania. Private clinics are also expanding.

• Daily life: Slower pace, with a mix of rural and coastal living. Great for those wanting a more traditional lifestyle without total isolation.

• Cost of living: Lower than Athens. Rents in smaller towns can be half the price of city apartments.

• Climate: Milder winters compared to northern Greece. Summers are dry and breezy on the coast.

• Community: Growing number of retirees from the UK, Germany, France, and the U.S., especially in western Crete.

Thessaloniki

The island is great for retirees who want a compact, walkable city with urban comforts.

• Healthcare access: Strong hospital network with university medical centers. Good private healthcare options.

• Size: Smaller than Athens but has everything (markets, theaters, medical centers) within a short distance.

• Cost of living: 10–15% cheaper than Athens for both rent and daily expenses.

• Atmosphere: Lively but manageable. Neighborhoods like Kalamaria are calm and well-suited to retirees.

• Airport access: International airport with regular connections to European cities.

The Greek Islands (Naxos, Tinos, Syros, Aegina)

Best for retirees prioritizing quiet, seasonal life and coastal living.

• Access to care: Syros and Aegina have small public hospitals; for more advanced care, a trip to Athens or nearby mainland may be needed.

• Living rhythm: Quiet off-season, busier in summer. Ideal for those who don’t mind some seasonality.

• Cost of living: Varies by island. Naxos and Syros are more affordable; Mykonos and Santorini are significantly more expensive and less practical for retirees.

• Transport: Ferries to Athens and other islands. Some have small domestic airports (Syros, Naxos).

• Community: Small but tight-knit expat groups often centered around local cafés or civic groups.

Planning Your Retirement in Greece

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.