Is it worth moving to Greece: all the pros and cons

Spread the love

Foreigners move to Greece because of its warm climate, high-quality healthcare, and education. Entrepreneurs are attracted by the country’s membership in the European Union, which simplifies logistics and opens up a large market.

Investors can obtain a residence permit in Greece for investments of €250,000 or more. A residence card is issued within four months.

The first residence permit is valid for five years, after which the foreigner can apply for permanent residence. After seven years of living with a residence permit, the applicant can apply for citizenship.

Find out where the best gambling games are – explore Casino Click

7 advantages of living in Greece

1. Business opportunities. Greece is part of the European Union, a market that covers more than 450 million people. If you register a company in the country, you can export goods duty-free, attract investment, and hire employees from other EU countries.

Greece supports startups through various funding programs and incentives. For example, companies can receive a 100% tax deduction for investments in environmentally friendly or digital technologies.

2. High-quality healthcare. Greek clinics and hospitals are equipped with modern equipment, including the da Vinci robotic surgical system. It allows complex operations to be performed with minimal blood loss and a low risk of complications.

Many medical institutions in Greece are accredited by international organizations. For example, Hygeia Hospital has received a prestigious certificate from the Joint Commission International. This means that the level of medical care there meets high international standards.

3. European education. Citizens and residents of Greece are entitled to free education at state universities. If an applicant does not know Greek, they can take language courses. These cost between €500 and €700 per year.

Diplomas from Greek universities are recognized in all European Union countries. Starting in their third year of a bachelor’s program, students undergo practical training in European companies, which is required by many educational programs.

Disadvantages of living in Greece

1. Unemployment. It is difficult to find work in Greece, not only for foreigners but also for locals. Most jobs are in tourism, hospitality, and catering. In 2025, the unemployment rate began to decline and reached 8.6%, the lowest level in 16 years.

One of the reasons for unemployment in Greece is the regular payment of benefits to unemployed citizens. This reduces their motivation to look for work or learn new professions, which means that businesses lack qualified personnel.

It is easier for freelancers to find work: in 2024, more than 30% of Greeks were self-employed, the highest rate in the European Union. There are many vacancies in IT, design, marketing, and language teaching. People use LinkedIn and special websites such as Freelancer or AggeliesErgasias to find work.

2. Bureaucracy. Starting a business or obtaining a building permit in Greece used to be extremely difficult: government agencies worked slowly, and people had to collect numerous documents from different places. But in recent years, it has become easier — the authorities are simplifying processes and introducing online services.