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Grenada Citizenship by Investment
Greece draws more American expats every year—and for good reason. The Mediterranean lifestyle, affordable cost of living (40-50% below US cities), and favorable tax regimes for foreign residents make it one of Europe's most attractive relocation destinations. Whether you're planning to work remotely from Athens, retire to a Greek island, or invest through the Golden Visa program, this guide covers everything Americans need to know about making the move.
From navigating the visa process and understanding your US tax obligations abroad to opening a Greek bank account (yes, it's complicated for Americans) and finding your community, we break down the practical realities of relocating from the United States to Greece.
Do Americans Need a Visa to Visit Greece?
No—at least not for short stays. As a US citizen, you can enter Greece and travel throughout the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must have at least six months validity beyond your planned departure date.
This 90-day window is enough for an extended visit, scouting trip, or test-run of Greek life. Many Americans use this period to explore neighborhoods, check out the lifestyle, and gather documentation before applying for a long-term visa.
Important limitations:- The 90/180 rule applies to the entire Schengen Area (29 Schengen countries), not just Greece
- Overstaying—even by one day—can result in fines, deportation, and future visa bans across all Schengen countries
- You cannot work legally during tourist stays
- You cannot access the Greek healthcare system as a tourist
If you're planning to stay longer than 90 days, work in Greece, or establish residency, you need a different visa category. For complete details on all visa pathways, see our comprehensive Greece visa guide.
Visa Options for Americans Moving to Greece
Americans have several pathways to Greek residency depending on their situation. Here are the main options:
Digital Nomad Visa
Greece's Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2021, targets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who work for employers or clients outside Greece. This is the most popular option for American professionals who want to relocate while maintaining their US-based income.
Requirements:- Work remotely for an employer or clients based outside Greece
- Minimum gross income of €3,500/month (approximately $3,800 USD)
- Income threshold increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% per dependent child
- Comprehensive health insurance valid in Greece
- Clean criminal record
- Initial visa: €75
- Residence permit: €1,000
- Annual renewal: €1,000
Golden Visa (Investment-Based Residence)
Greece's Golden Visa program offers residency in exchange for real estate investment. While thresholds increased significantly in 2024-2025, it remains one of Europe's more accessible investor programs.
2025/2026 Investment Thresholds:- €800,000: Athens, Thessaloniki, islands with 3,100+ residents (including Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Corfu), and designated tourist areas
- €400,000: Mainland Greece outside major cities, less-developed islands, rural areas
- €250,000: Commercial-to-residential conversions of historic buildings (limited availability)
- Single property requirement: You must invest the full threshold in one property
- Minimum size: Properties must be at least 120 square meters
- No short-term rentals: Golden Visa properties cannot be listed on Airbnb or similar platforms
- Violations face fines up to €50,000 and potential permit revocation
- Residency for investor plus spouse and dependent children
- No minimum stay requirement
- Schengen Area travel access
- Pathway to permanent residence after 5 years
- Pathway to citizenship after 7 years
Financially Independent Person (FIP) / Retirement Visa
This pathway is ideal for American retirees and those with passive income who don't plan to work in Greece.
Requirements:- Proof of regular passive income (no fixed minimum, but €2,000-2,500/month commonly accepted)
- Acceptable sources: Social Security, pensions, investment dividends, rental income, annuities
- Private health insurance with comprehensive Greek coverage
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Greece
- Visa: €180
- Residence permit: €150
- Processing time: 60-90 days
- No requirement to work
- Can bring spouse and dependent children
- Access to Greek healthcare system (with contributions)
- Pathway to citizenship after 7 years
Which Visa Is Right for You?
- Remote worker earning $4,000+/month: Digital Nomad Visa
- Retiree with pension income: FIP / Retirement Visa
- High-net-worth individual: Golden Visa
- Entrepreneur starting Greek business: National (Type D) Work Visa
- Spouse of Greek citizen: Family Reunification Visa
Tax Implications for Americans in Greece
Moving to Greece doesn't free you from US tax obligations. As an American citizen, you must continue filing US taxes regardless of where you live—and you may also owe taxes to Greece.
US Tax Obligations Continue Abroad
The United States is one of only two countries (along with Eritrea) that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. As an American in Greece, you must:
File annual US tax returns: Report all worldwide income to the IRS, even income earned entirely in Greece. Report foreign bank accounts (FBAR): If your combined foreign financial accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) electronically by April 15 (with automatic extension to October 15). FATCA compliance: The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act requires you to report specified foreign financial assets on Form 8938 if they exceed certain thresholds:- Single filers living abroad: $200,000 at year-end or $300,000 at any time during the year
- Married filing jointly abroad: $400,000 at year-end or $600,000 at any time
The US-Greece Tax Treaty
The United States and Greece have a tax treaty designed to prevent double taxation. Key provisions include:
Pensions: Generally taxable only in the country of residence (Greece) with some exceptions for government pensions Social Security: US Social Security payments are typically taxable only in the US Employment income: Taxable primarily where services are performed Investment income: Reduced withholding rates on dividends, interest, and royaltiesAvoiding Double Taxation
To prevent paying taxes twice on the same income, you have two main tools:
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): For 2025, you can exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from US taxes if you meet either the bona fide residence test or physical presence test (330 days outside the US in a 12-month period). This applies to earned income only—not pensions, investment income, or Social Security. Foreign Tax Credit: For income taxed by both countries, you can claim a credit on your US return for taxes paid to Greece, up to the US tax that would be owed on that income.Greek Tax Residency
You become a Greek tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in Greece during a calendar year, or if your "center of vital interests" (family, home, economic ties) is in Greece.
Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 9% to 44%. However, Greece offers special tax regimes that can dramatically reduce your burden:
50% Tax Exemption (Article 5C): Professionals and employees relocating to Greece qualify for a 50% exemption on employment and business income for 7 years. You must not have been a Greek tax resident for 5 of the previous 6 years. 7% Flat Tax for Retirees: Foreign pension income can be taxed at a flat 7% rate for up to 15 years—a massive savings compared to standard rates.For complete details on Greek tax rates and special regimes, see our Greece tax guide.
Exit Tax Considerations
Before leaving the US, understand that the US imposes an "exit tax" on certain individuals who renounce citizenship or terminate long-term residency. This applies if you're a "covered expatriate" based on net worth ($2+ million), average annual net income tax ($201,000+ for 2024), or failure to certify tax compliance.
Simply moving to Greece while remaining a US citizen does not trigger exit tax. It only applies if you later renounce US citizenship.
Healthcare for Americans in Greece
Understanding your healthcare options is essential before relocating.
Travel Insurance vs. Greek System
During visa application and initial period: You'll need private health insurance to satisfy visa requirements. Travel medical insurance works for short stays but isn't adequate for long-term residency. International health insurance: For Digital Nomad Visa holders and those planning extended stays, international health insurance (€150-400/month) provides comprehensive coverage including:- Emergency medical treatment
- Routine check-ups and preventive care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services
- Emergency evacuation
Popular options for American expats include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and SafetyWing.
Greek Public Healthcare (ESY)
Once you're legally resident and contributing to the Greek social security system (EFKA), you gain access to the public healthcare system (ESY). Coverage includes:
- Hospital care
- Primary care doctors
- Specialist consultations
- Prescription medications (with co-pays)
Prescription Medications
Greece has well-stocked pharmacies, and many medications available only by prescription in the US are sold over-the-counter in Greece. If you take regular medications, bring a sufficient supply for your initial months along with prescriptions from your US doctor translated into Greek.
Banking: The FATCA Challenge for Americans
Opening a Greek bank account as an American is more complicated than for other nationalities due to FATCA compliance requirements.
Why Banks Hesitate
FATCA requires foreign financial institutions to report accounts held by US citizens to the IRS. The compliance burden has led some banks worldwide to simply refuse American customers rather than deal with the paperwork.
Greek Banks That Accept Americans
The good news: Several Greek banks do accept American customers, though the process requires patience and documentation.
Banks reported to accept US citizens:- National Bank of Greece: Largest Greek bank, generally accommodating
- Eurobank: Has accepted American customers with proper documentation
- Alpha Bank: Another major option, though policies may vary by branch
- Piraeus Bank: Reports of successful account openings by Americans
- Valid passport
- Greek residence permit (or visa showing intent to reside)
- Greek tax identification number (AFM)
- Proof of address in Greece
- Proof of income or employment
- W-9 form (US tax identification)
- Completed FATCA self-certification
Alternatives for Banking
Wise (formerly TransferWise): Provides multi-currency accounts with Greek IBAN capability. Not a full bank replacement but excellent for international transfers and maintaining USD alongside EUR. US banks with international presence: Some US banks (like Citibank, which has presence in Greece) may facilitate cross-border banking. Charles Schwab's checking account offers no foreign transaction fees and ATM fee reimbursements worldwide. Maintain US accounts: Keep your US bank accounts active. Many Americans in Greece maintain US accounts for Social Security deposits, investment management, and as backup for international transfers.Shipping Your Belongings to Greece
What to Bring vs. What to Buy
Generally bring:- Personal clothing and items
- Electronics and laptops
- Important documents
- Sentimental items
- Specialized equipment for hobbies/work
- Furniture (expensive to ship, readily available locally)
- Appliances (voltage differences, warranty issues)
- Bedding and linens
- Kitchen items
- Basic household goods
Shipping Options and Costs
Container shipping: For full household moves, expect $3,000-8,000 for a 20-foot container from the US East Coast to Piraeus (main Greek port), or $5,000-12,000 from the West Coast. Transit time: 4-8 weeks. Consolidated shipping (Less than Container Load): For smaller shipments, costs range $2,000-5,000 depending on volume. Transit time: 6-10 weeks. Air freight: Fastest option (5-10 days) but expensive. Reserve for essential items, typically $10-20 per pound.Import Duties and Taxes
EU residents relocating to Greece can import personal effects duty-free under the "Transfer of Residence" provision if:
- Items have been owned and used for at least 6 months
- You've lived outside the EU for at least 12 months
- You're establishing primary residence in Greece
- Items are for personal use, not resale
You must apply for duty-free import within 12 months of establishing Greek residency. Required documents include your residence permit, inventory list, and proof of previous residence.
For non-EU goods (bought new or owned less than 6 months): Standard Greek import duties (0-20%) and VAT (24%) may apply.Cost of Living: US vs. Greece Comparison
One of the biggest draws for Americans is Greece's significantly lower cost of living. Here's how expenses typically compare:
Monthly Budget Comparison (Single Person)
- Rent (1BR apartment): $2,500-3,500 | €450-650 | €350-500 | €400-800
- Groceries: $600-800 | €250-350 | €200-300 | €300-400
- Utilities: $200-300 | €120-150 | €100-130 | €130-180
- Health insurance: $400-800 | €100-200 | €100-200 | €100-200
- Dining out: $500-800 | €200-300 | €150-250 | €200-350
- Transportation: $200-400 | €35-50 | €30-45 | €50-100
- Total: $4,400-6,600 | €1,155-1,700 | €930-1,425 | €1,180-2,030
What's Cheaper in Greece
- Housing: The biggest savings. A comfortable 1-bedroom apartment in central Athens costs what you'd pay for a studio in many US cities.
- Dining out: A filling taverna meal with wine runs €12-20 per person
- Healthcare: Private insurance and out-of-pocket costs are fraction of US prices
- Fresh produce: Excellent quality at laiki agora (farmers' markets) for 30-40% below supermarket prices
- Public transportation: Athens monthly pass is €30
- Coffee culture: €1.50-3.50 for an espresso, often enjoyed for hours
What's More Expensive
- Imported goods: American brands, electronics, and specialty foods carry premiums
- Gasoline: Approximately €1.80/liter ($7.50/gallon), though most Greeks use public transport or scooters
- Certain utilities: Electricity prices have risen post-2022 energy crisis
- Tourist areas: Mykonos and Santorini cost 60-70% more than Athens
For detailed breakdowns including rental prices by neighborhood, see our Greece cost of living guide.
Cultural Adjustment Tips for Americans
Greek culture differs from American culture in ways both delightful and occasionally frustrating.
Pace of Life
Greeks operate on a more relaxed schedule than Americans typically expect. Bureaucratic processes move slowly. Shops close for afternoon siesta (roughly 2-5 PM) in many areas. Dinner doesn't start until 9 PM or later. Embrace it—rushing signals discomfort, not efficiency.
Social Customs
Personal space: Greeks stand closer during conversations than Americans. Physical touch (a hand on the shoulder, kisses on both cheeks for greetings) is normal between acquaintances. Hospitality: Refusing offered food or drink can seem rude. Greeks are genuinely hospitable and generous with guests. Directness: Greeks communicate directly, which Americans may initially interpret as blunt. It's simply the local style, not rudeness. Name days: In Greece, name days (celebrating the saint you're named after) are often more important than birthdays.Language
English is widely spoken in Athens, tourist areas, and among younger Greeks. However, learning basic Greek dramatically improves daily life and signals respect for your new home. Key phrases, numbers, and being able to read the Greek alphabet will serve you well.
Many administrative processes, utility companies, and medical offices operate primarily in Greek. Having a Greek-speaking friend or professional helper is valuable, especially initially.
Bureaucracy
Greek bureaucracy is notoriously complex. Processes that seem straightforward on paper often require multiple visits, different documents, and considerable patience. Tips:
- Bring more documents than you think necessary
- Expect to make multiple trips
- Morning hours are typically better for government offices
- Consider hiring a Greek lawyer or fixer for visa and residency matters
American Expat Communities in Greece
Connecting with other Americans helps ease the transition and provides practical support.
Athens
The largest concentration of American expats lives in Athens, particularly in neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Kifisia, and the southern suburbs. Communities include:
- American Women's Organization of Greece (AWOG): Active community with social events, cultural activities, and charitable work
- Democrats Abroad Greece: Political organizing and social events
- Athens International Fellowship: Multi-denominational English-speaking church community
- Expat Facebook groups: "Americans in Athens," "Expats in Athens" provide daily support and information
Thessaloniki
A smaller but growing American community exists in Greece's second city, centered around:
- Aristotle University's international programs
- The American consulate community
- Various expat networking groups
Islands and Smaller Cities
American communities are smaller but present on Crete (particularly Chania and Heraklion), Corfu, Rhodes, and other popular islands. These tend to be more informal networks rather than organized groups.
Finding Your Community
- InterNations: Global expat network with active Athens chapter
- Meetup.com: English-speaking groups, sports leagues, hobby communities
- Coworking spaces: Impact Hub Athens, Stone Soup, and others offer community alongside workspace
- Greek-American organizations: The Hellenic American Union, American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce
Maintaining US Ties from Greece
Voting from Abroad
American citizens can vote in federal elections from anywhere in the world.
Register: Use the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP.gov) to register and request absentee ballots. Submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to your last US state of residence. Receive ballots: Most states allow email or online ballot delivery. Mail-in voting is also an option but requires planning for international mail times. Deadlines vary by state: Register early and track your state's specific requirements.Social Security Benefits in Greece
Receiving payments abroad: Social Security payments can be deposited directly to US bank accounts or, in some cases, to qualifying foreign banks. The Direct Express card provides another option for accessing benefits internationally. No benefit reduction: Moving to Greece doesn't reduce your Social Security benefits. The US-Greece totalization agreement allows you to combine work credits from both countries when calculating benefits. Medicare limitations: Medicare generally doesn't cover healthcare services outside the United States. This is a significant consideration for retirees—you'll need private health insurance in Greece. Taxation of benefits: Under the US-Greece tax treaty, Social Security is typically taxable only in the US.Maintaining US Driver's License
Many states require physical presence to renew licenses. Before moving:
- Renew your license for the maximum period available
- Consider maintaining a US address for license purposes
- Research your state's specific rules for overseas residents
In Greece, you can drive on your US license for up to 6 months. After that, you'll need a Greek license (which requires exchanging your US license, as Greece doesn't have reciprocity with most US states).
US Banking and Financial Accounts
Keep US bank accounts, credit cards, and investment accounts active. Useful for:
- Receiving Social Security and pension deposits
- Online purchases from US retailers
- Emergency access to funds
- Maintaining credit history
Use a US address (family member, mail forwarding service) for account correspondence since some institutions have policies against foreign addresses.
