Living in Greece

Rent, health cover and ways to get residency for a foreign retiree in Greece, checked 2026-09-26.

Rent for a one-bedroom flat

City	Centre	Outside centre
Athens	€653	€576
Thessaloniki	€548	€429

Short-term letting has pushed up rents in central Athens and on the islands.

Visa applicants need private insurance. Public care (EOPYY) comes with paying social security, for example as an employee.

EU registration certificate (EU/EEA citizens): Register after three months with proof of work or enough resources.
Financially independent person (Non-EU, living off savings): €3,500 a month in passive income, or €126,000 in savings for the three-year permit. No work in Greece.
Digital nomad visa (Non-EU remote workers): €3,500 a month from foreign work. Apply at a consulate before travelling since February 2026.
Golden visa (Anyone): €250,000 for conversions or restorations, €400,000 in most regions, €800,000 in Athens, Thessaloniki and popular islands.

Rates for a single person without children; the employment credit is higher with children.
The 50% income-tax discount for people moving to Greece for a job is not modeled.