Sunshine, sea views and a slower pace of life: retiring to Greece offers all this and more. From golden visas to great-value homes, this guide brings together everything you need to plan your Mediterranean retirement.
If you’re picturing a retirement of long lunches under olive trees, gentle coastal walks and a cost of living that doesn’t break the bank, buying a home in Greece could be the start of the new life you’ve been looking for. But what about visas, healthcare and where to live? Here’s everything you need to know before you make your move.
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Why retire to Greece
Year-round sunshine
With more than 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, Greece is twice as sunny as northern Europe. Sunshine is not just good for Vitamin D – mild winters can ease joint conditions and encourage a more active, outdoor lifestyle all year round.
Affordable properties
In rural Greece and on smaller islands, it’s possible to find homes in need of renovation for under €50,000. Even a ready-to-move-into property close to shops, cafes and the sea can cost a fraction of similar options in Spain, France or Italy.
Lower cost of living
Your retirement budget may stretch further in Greece than in the UK, particularly if you settle outside the main tourist destinations. Eating out, local services and housing can be relatively affordable, although imported goods, fuel and energy costs can add up. Living costs also vary considerably between Athens, popular islands and smaller mainland towns.
A healthy lifestyle
The Mediterranean diet is rich in heart-friendly oils, fresh veg, lean proteins and pulses. Many expats quickly adopt a healthier routine in Greece, with regular walks, fresh local produce and less stress. And while healthcare isn’t entirely free, it’s well regarded and accessible.
Plenty to keep you busy
Retirement doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Greece offers everything from scuba diving and sailing to ancient history and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Fancy writing that novel or learning Greek dance? Now’s your chance.
Retirement visas in Greece
If you’re an EU citizen, moving to Greece is relatively simple. You don’t need a visa, but if you’re staying for more than three months, you’ll generally need to register your residence with the Greek police authorities. Retirees who aren’t working must usually show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and comprehensive healthcare cover. For Brits, Americans and Australians, the process involves applying for an appropriate visa or residence permit.
Can I retire in Greece part-time?
Yes. Non-EU nationals can stay in Greece (and anywhere in the Schengen Area) for 90 days out of every 180 without a visa. So, if you’re only planning to semi-retire, this could work. Just keep in mind the 90-day limit is across all Schengen countries combined, not just Greece.
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Main retirement visa options
| Visa type | Key requirements | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Digital nomad visa | €3,500+/month remote income; not employed in Greece | Semi-retired consultants and freelancers |
| Financially Independent Visa (FIP) | €3,500+/month passive income, no work, private healthcare | Full retirees not planning to work |
| Golden visa | Property purchase from €250,000 to €800,000+ | Investors and those wanting Schengen access |
FIP visa in detail
The Financially Independent Person (FIP) residence permit is a popular option for retirees with a reliable income from pensions, investments or other sources outside Greece. The permit is generally issued for three years and can be renewed, provided you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of qualifying legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for long-term residency, subject to additional conditions.
You’ll need to check the residence and absence rules that apply to your permit, particularly if you plan to divide your retirement between Greece and another country. Spending more than 183 days in Greece during a calendar year can also make you a Greek tax resident, although other factors can affect your tax position.
You’ll need:
- Evidence of sufficient financial resources, generally equivalent to at least €3,500 per month (€42,000 annually), with an additional 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child. This can include pension income, investments or sufficient savings, although the evidence required will depend on your circumstances.
- Proof you’re not working, such as a pension statement or letter from a former employer.
- Clean criminal record (translated and certified).
- Evidence of housing (rental contract or ownership).
- Comprehensive private healthcare cover.
The process typically starts with a Type D visa application through the Greek consulate in your home country, followed by a residence permit application once you arrive in Greece. Timelines vary, but the initial visa is often processed within a few months.
Golden visa updates
The golden visa allows non-EU nationals to gain residency through property investment. It also permits visa-free short visits to other Schengen countries, subject to the usual 90/180-day rules. The rules changed in 2024, and now vary based on location:
- In Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with populations above 3,100, including Crete, Corfu and Rhodes: minimum property investment of €800,000.
- In other areas: minimum investment of €400,000.
- Certain qualifying properties, including eligible listed buildings being restored and buildings converted from commercial to residential use, may qualify for the lower €250,000 threshold.
- For standard property investments, the purchase must generally involve a single property of at least 120m². The 120m² minimum does not apply to qualifying €250,000 exceptions.
Properties purchased through the golden visa scheme cannot be used for short-term holiday rentals, such as Airbnb. The scheme also doesn’t automatically give investors the right to work in Greece.
Only one spouse needs to be the main applicant, but both can be covered. You’ll also need healthcare cover and a clean police record.
Will you pay tax on your pension in Greece?
If you move permanently to Greece, you may become a Greek tax resident, meaning some or all of your worldwide income could be subject to Greek taxation.
Greece offers a preferential tax regime for certain qualifying foreign pensioners, with a flat 7% tax on qualifying foreign-source income for up to 15 years. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, including your previous tax residence.
UK retirees should also check how their pension income is treated under the UK–Greece double taxation agreement. It’s worth seeking professional tax advice before moving, particularly if you receive income from several sources.
Applications for the 7% tax regime are subject to strict deadlines, which can depend on when you transfer your tax residence to Greece. If you’re considering applying, check the latest requirements with the Greek tax authority (AADE) and seek advice before moving, as the timing could affect which tax year you qualify for.
Healthcare in retirement
Before moving to Greece, you’ll need to make sure you have suitable healthcare cover. Private health insurance is often required for residency applications, but your options once you’re living in Greece will depend on your circumstances.
If you’re receiving a UK State Pension, you may be eligible for an S1 form, which allows you to access Greek state healthcare with the costs covered by the UK. You’ll need to register your S1 with the Greek authorities and obtain an AMKA social security number.
If you’re not eligible for an S1 or another route into the public healthcare system, you’ll generally need private health insurance. Simply becoming a Greek resident or obtaining an AMKA number doesn’t automatically entitle you to publicly funded healthcare.
Healthcare in Greece isn’t entirely free, and patients may need to contribute towards prescriptions and certain treatments. Some retirees also choose private healthcare for shorter waiting times or easier access to English-speaking specialists.
If you take regular medication, bring your prescription details and check whether your medicines are available locally. It’s also worth researching nearby hospitals and specialist services before deciding where to settle, particularly if you have an ongoing medical condition.
Top places to retire in Greece
Crete
Crete is the largest island and one of the best-connected, with three airports and excellent ferry links. Long summers (over 20°C from April to October), friendly expat communities and affordable inland homes make it a favourite. You’ll enjoy a mix of lively cities like Heraklion and Chania, rural villages and quiet beaches.
Corfu
Lush and green, Corfu has a different feel to Greece’s southern islands. It’s ideal if you prefer cooler summers and don’t mind wetter winters. There’s great access to golf, sailing and hiking, plus a thriving international community and architecture that’s more Venetian than Aegean.
The Peloponnese
This southern peninsula offers mountain villages, seaside towns and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the convenience of being connected to the Greek mainland by road. Kalamata, Nafplio and Gythio are worth considering if you’re looking for coastal living, local history and access to everyday amenities. Having a car is useful in many parts of the region, particularly if you’re settling outside the larger towns.
Frequently asked questions about retiring to Greece
Yes. UK citizens can retire to Greece, but since Brexit you’ll need a visa or residency permit if you plan to stay for more than 90 days in any 180-day period. Many retirees apply for the Financially Independent Visa, which requires proof of passive income and private healthcare cover.
The main routes are the Financially Independent Visa (FIP), which suits full retirees with regular passive income, the digital nomad visa for those still working remotely and the golden visa if you meet the qualifying investment requirements. Each has different requirements for income, property value or investment.
It depends on your lifestyle. Crete offers year-round warmth and strong expat communities, Corfu appeals with its greenery and cultural mix and the Peloponnese balances coastal living with easy mainland access. All three are popular with overseas retirees looking for affordability, good healthcare access and vibrant local life.
Yes. If you receive a UK State Pension, you may be eligible for an S1 form, allowing you to access Greece’s public healthcare system with costs covered by the UK. You’ll need to register the form with the Greek authorities. If you’re not eligible, you may need private health insurance.
