Moving to Greece – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Planning to move to Greece? This complete guide walks you through the real process: AFM tax number, housing, banking, healthcare, moving costs, shipping belongings, residency, local setup, taxes and what to do before and after you arrive.
Moving to Greece in 2026 – what this guide covers
Greece is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for retirees, remote workers, families and people looking for a warmer climate, Mediterranean lifestyle and lower-cost living than many Northern European countries. But moving to Greece is not only about choosing a beautiful island or sunny town. You also need to plan paperwork, healthcare, housing, banking, tax residency, belongings, local services and year-round logistics.
This step-by-step guide is written for people who want a practical overview before relocating to Greece. It focuses on what to prepare before moving, what to handle after arrival and which common mistakes to avoid.
Page index
Use this index to jump through the main parts of the Greece relocation process.
- Overview – how moving to Greece actually works
- Why people move to Greece
- Temporary stay vs permanent move
- What does it cost to move to Greece?
- Step 1: Get your AFM tax number
- Step 2: Research where to live
- Step 3: Rent or buy a home
- Step 4: Open a Greek bank account
- Step 5: Residency and registration
- Step 6: Healthcare setup
- Step 7: Money, pension and transfers
- Moving furniture and belongings to Greece
- Important documents to prepare
- Moving timeline checklist
- Common mistakes when moving to Greece
- FAQ – moving to Greece
Overview – how moving to Greece actually works
Moving to Greece can be affordable and rewarding, but the practical experience depends heavily on where you settle. Athens, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and popular islands can feel very different from smaller mainland towns. Services, transport, healthcare access, winter life and housing availability can change significantly by region.
The first administrative step for many foreigners is getting a Greek tax identification number, called an AFM. You may need it for banking, property, utilities, contracts and tax administration. But an AFM is not the same as residence permission, so you should also understand your residency or visa route before making a permanent move.
Why many people choose to move to Greece
Greece attracts retirees, remote workers and international households because it combines climate, coastline, islands, history, food culture, slower living and lower costs in many areas. For people from Northern Europe, Greece can offer more outdoor life, milder winters and a very different lifestyle.
☀️ Climate and outdoor life
Greece offers long summers, mild winters in many coastal areas and a lifestyle built around outdoor living, cafés, markets and the sea.
💶 Cost of living
Greece can be affordable in mainland towns and less tourist-focused areas, but popular islands and premium coastal zones can be much more expensive.
🏝️ Island lifestyle
Islands can offer beautiful surroundings and strong local communities, but transport, healthcare access and winter services need careful planning.
🌍 International communities
Athens, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and some coastal areas have international communities, although daily life can still require flexibility and local adaptation.
Temporary stay vs permanent move to Greece
Before relocating, decide whether you are testing Greece for a season or moving permanently. A temporary stay is useful if you want to test island life, healthcare access, climate, transport and off-season services before committing.
Temporary stay
A temporary stay lets you test a region, especially outside the tourist season. It is a good way to compare daily life, costs and services before shipping belongings or buying property.
Permanent move
A permanent move normally requires a full setup: AFM, housing, banking, residency route, healthcare, tax review, insurance and long-term transport planning.
Long-term stays and registration
EU citizens generally have a simpler route than non-EU citizens, but long-term stays still require handling residence formalities. Non-EU citizens usually need the correct visa or residence permit route before settling long-term.
Tax residency in Greece
Tax residency can depend on how much time you spend in Greece, where your home is, where your economic interests are located and your personal circumstances. If you plan to live in Greece permanently, review your tax position before moving.
What does it cost to move to Greece?
The cost of moving to Greece depends on where you move from, how much you bring, whether you need packing help, whether you choose shared or direct transport, whether storage is needed and whether your destination is on the mainland or an island.
A small move with boxes and selected personal items is very different from moving a full household. Island deliveries can add complexity because ferries, seasonal routes, access and timing may affect the final cost.
Small move
A smaller move with boxes and selected furniture may be suitable for shared transport if your dates are flexible.
Full household move
A full household move requires volume planning, packing, inventory lists, insurance, delivery access checks and sometimes storage.
Mainland delivery
Delivery to Athens or mainland towns may be more straightforward than island delivery, depending on road access and location.
Island delivery
Islands can involve ferries, seasonal schedules, extra handling, limited access and more planning around delivery dates.
Costs that affect the final price
- Volume of belongings, often measured in cubic metres.
- Pickup country and destination in Greece.
- Packing help, fragile items and special handling.
- Access at pickup and delivery, including stairs, lifts, narrow streets and parking.
- Storage, insurance, fixed delivery dates or direct transport.
- Ferry logistics and island access if moving to Crete, Corfu, Rhodes or smaller islands.
What’s different about moving to Greece?
Greece can offer excellent lifestyle value, but it is not always as structured or predictable as Northern Europe. Planning extra time for paperwork, healthcare and island logistics is important.
📄 AFM is essential
The AFM is your Greek tax identification number. You need it for banking, property, utilities, taxes and many administrative steps.
🏝️ Islands can add complexity
Island life can be beautiful, but ferries, seasonal services, healthcare access and winter logistics can affect daily life and costs.
🏥 Healthcare varies by location
Athens and larger cities have stronger healthcare access. Smaller islands or rural areas may require travel for specialist care.
🐢 Paperwork can take time
Processes can be slower than expected. Bring translated documents where needed and plan with time buffers.
Step 1: Get your AFM tax number
The AFM is one of the first practical things most foreigners need in Greece.
- You need it for many tax and financial matters.
- You may need it for banking, property, utilities and contracts.
- It connects you to the Greek tax administration system.
- It may be requested by banks, lawyers, landlords, utility providers and public offices.
The AFM can often be requested before or after moving, depending on your situation. Greece supports digital procedures for requesting a tax identification number in some cases, with identity verification.
Documents often requested
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- Proof of address or residence details.
- Application or appointment details, if required.
- Tax representative details, if required for your situation.
Step 2: Research where to live
Greece varies a lot by region, season, services and transport access.
Athens
Best for services, hospitals, flights and year-round infrastructure, but busier and often more expensive than smaller mainland towns.
Crete
Popular for retirees, with larger towns, better services than many islands and a longer season than smaller tourist islands.
Corfu / Rhodes / popular islands
Attractive lifestyle and expat communities, but seasonal pricing, transport and winter logistics can matter.
Mainland towns
Often lower cost and more practical year-round, but fewer international communities in some areas.
Peloponnese
A strong option for people who want coastal or town life with mainland access and often lower costs than famous islands.
Smaller islands
Beautiful and peaceful, but healthcare, winter services, ferry access and social life should be checked carefully.
Step 3: Rent or buy a home
Housing can be affordable, but location, season and property condition matter a lot.
- Renting first helps you test the area and winter lifestyle.
- Buying property requires legal checks, notary steps and tax planning.
- Island properties may have extra logistics, maintenance and insurance considerations.
- ENFIA property tax should be included if you own property.
- Check heating, cooling, damp, water supply, internet and year-round access before signing.
Popular islands and coastal areas can be much more expensive than inland mainland Greece. If you plan to buy, consider using an independent lawyer and checking legal title, building status, access, utilities and property obligations.
Step 4: Open a Greek bank account
A local bank account can make everyday life much easier.
- Useful for rent, utilities, local payments and tax matters.
- Often required for property purchases or long-term contracts.
- Requirements can vary between banks and branches.
- Online banking, card fees and international transfers should be compared.
Banks may ask for ID, AFM, proof of address, proof of income and sometimes documents from your home country. Requirements can vary by branch, so prepare more documentation than you think you may need.
Step 5: Residency and registration
Your route depends on whether you are an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen.
- EU citizens have a simpler route but still need to handle residence formalities for long stays.
- Non-EU citizens usually need the correct visa or residence permit route before settling long-term.
- You may need proof of income, accommodation and health insurance.
- Processing times and local practices can vary.
- Documents may need translation, certification or official formatting.
Common relocation routes
EU citizens
EU citizens generally have an easier route, but long-term stays still require residence formalities and proof that requirements are met.
Non-EU retirees
Non-EU retirees usually need a visa or residence route based on income, savings, insurance and accommodation.
Remote workers
Remote workers should check the correct visa, tax and social security position before relocating.
Property owners
Buying property does not automatically solve residence rights, so check your residence route separately.
Step 6: Healthcare setup
Healthcare planning is especially important if you want to live outside Athens or larger cities.
- Greece has a public healthcare system and private healthcare options.
- Your access route depends on residence status, insurance and personal situation.
- Private insurance is common for faster access or during transition periods.
- Budget for medicine, dental care and travel to specialists if living rurally or on an island.
- Check nearby hospitals, clinics and specialist access before choosing a long-term home.
Athens and larger cities usually offer stronger healthcare access than smaller islands or rural areas. If healthcare access is important for you, choose location carefully before committing to housing or property.
Step 7: Move your money and pension payments
Currency exchange and international transfers can affect your retirement budget, especially if your pension or savings are not already in euros.
- Compare exchange rates before transferring large amounts.
- Plan how your pension will be paid.
- Keep emergency savings accessible.
- Allow for exchange-rate changes if your income is in another currency.
- Review investment accounts before becoming Greek tax resident.
Moving furniture and belongings to Greece
Many people moving permanently to Greece bring part or all of their household belongings. Others bring only personal items and buy furniture locally. The best choice depends on volume, value, sentimental importance, property size, destination, ferry logistics and total transport cost.
Bring your belongings
This can make sense for personal items, high-quality furniture, tools, bikes, art, family items and belongings that are expensive to replace.
Buy locally
This may be cheaper for bulky low-value furniture, especially if you rent first or are unsure how long you will stay.
How an international household move is usually planned
- Estimate the volume of belongings, usually in cubic metres.
- Decide what to sell, store, donate or ship.
- Prepare an inventory list.
- Plan packing, fragile items and insurance.
- Check access at both addresses, including stairs, lifts, narrow streets and parking.
- Check ferry logistics if moving to an island.
- Choose shared transport or direct transport.
Important documents to prepare before moving to Greece
Exact requirements depend on your nationality and situation, but most people should prepare a clear document folder before moving.
- Valid passport or national ID card.
- AFM documentation or application details.
- Birth or marriage certificates if relevant.
- Pension, income or savings documentation.
- Health insurance documents or healthcare entitlement documents.
- Rental contract, property deed or accommodation proof.
- Inventory list for belongings.
- Vehicle, pet or insurance documents if relevant.
- Translated or certified documents if required.
Moving to Greece timeline checklist
A clear timeline reduces stress and makes it easier to avoid expensive last-minute decisions.
3–6 months before moving
- Decide whether the move is temporary or permanent.
- Research regions, islands, climate, healthcare and housing costs.
- Estimate your monthly Greece budget including transport and seasonal costs.
- Check visa, residence permit and registration requirements.
- Decide what to bring, sell, store or donate.
- Compare transport options for belongings.
- Visit your chosen area outside the main tourist season if possible.
1–3 months before moving
- Apply for or plan your AFM process.
- Prepare documents for housing, banking, residency and healthcare.
- Book moving help if you are shipping belongings.
- Review insurance and healthcare cover.
- Inform relevant authorities, pension providers, banks and insurers.
- Start packing and create an inventory list.
1–2 weeks before moving
- Confirm pickup and delivery addresses.
- Confirm travel dates, accommodation and property access.
- Prepare essential documents in hand luggage.
- Check medication, prescriptions and travel insurance.
- Make sure you have emergency funds accessible.
- Check ferry or domestic travel plans if moving to an island.
After arrival in Greece
- Complete AFM and tax system setup if not already done.
- Open or activate your Greek bank account.
- Set up utilities, mobile, internet and insurance.
- Handle residency or registration steps for your situation.
- Confirm healthcare access or private insurance cover.
- Update your real monthly budget after your first months in Greece.
Before you move – quick checklist
- Research regions, islands and year-round services.
- Check whether you need a visa or residence permit.
- Prepare documents for AFM, banking and housing.
- Plan healthcare access and private insurance if needed.
- Estimate your budget including transport, ferries and emergency buffer.
- Visit your chosen area outside the main tourist season if possible.
- Decide what belongings to bring and prepare an inventory list.
Common mistakes when moving to Greece
Only visiting in summer
Island and coastal life can feel very different in winter. Services, transport and social life may change.
Underestimating bureaucracy
Paperwork can be slower than expected. Plan extra time and keep copies of key documents.
Ignoring healthcare access
Smaller islands and rural areas may require travel for specialist care or private treatment.
Forgetting transport costs
Ferries, flights, car ownership and seasonal travel can affect your real monthly budget.
Buying before testing winter life
A place that feels perfect in August may feel very different in January when tourism slows down.
Ignoring tax residency
A permanent move can affect where you are taxed. Review your position before becoming based in Greece.
Estimate your cost before moving
Before making the move, check if your income and savings match your planned lifestyle in Greece. Housing, region, healthcare, island logistics, transport and inflation can all change the long-term picture.
FAQ – moving to Greece
Do I need an AFM to move to Greece?
An AFM is not the same as residency, but it is one of the most important practical numbers in Greece. You may need it for banking, property, utilities, contracts and tax matters.
Can I get an AFM before moving to Greece?
In some cases, yes. The process depends on your nationality, documents, address situation and whether you need a representative or digital identification process.
Do I need a visa to move to Greece?
EU citizens generally have an easier route but still need to handle residence formalities for long-term stays. Non-EU citizens usually need the correct visa or residence permit route before moving long-term.
Is it better to rent or buy first in Greece?
Many people rent first to test the region before buying. This is especially important in Greece because island life, healthcare access, winter services and transport can vary a lot.
How much does it cost to move belongings to Greece?
The cost depends on volume, distance, access, packing help, insurance, season and whether you move to mainland Greece or an island. A small move is very different from a full household move.
Can I bring furniture and personal belongings to Greece?
Yes. Many people bring part or all of their belongings. Within the EU, personal belongings normally do not create the same customs issue as moves from outside the EU, but you should still prepare a clear inventory list and transport documentation.
Can retirees access healthcare in Greece?
It depends on nationality, residence status, insurance and personal situation. Some retirees may have public healthcare access routes, while others use private insurance, especially during the transition.
When do I become tax resident in Greece?
Tax residency can depend on time spent in Greece, housing, economic interests and personal circumstances. Always get professional tax advice before making a permanent move.
What is the biggest mistake when moving to Greece?
One of the biggest mistakes is choosing a location based only on summer visits. Greece can feel very different outside the tourist season, especially on islands and in smaller communities.
Important note
RetirePlan provides educational planning information only. This guide is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, visa advice, healthcare advice or investment advice. Rules and costs can change, and requirements may vary by nationality, region and personal situation.