For many people, living in Greece sounds like a dream. Enjoying the Mediterranean coastline, eating delicious food, and exploring ancient ruins. However, living in Greece has both advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about the pros and cons of living in Greece for expats

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Greece is a dream country for many expats. The Mediterranean coast, delicious cuisine and rich history attract about 50,000 new residents to the state every year. Most foreigners come from Albania, Germany, Georgia, Russia and Romania. However, moving to Greece, like any other country in the world, has both its advantages and disadvantages. Next, we talk about all the pros and cons of living in Greece.

Advantages of moving to Greece

Greece is not only one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, it is also a great country for migration, because the country has many advantages for expats:

● Low cost of living

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Greece is quite low. Expats note that they have enough money to rent housing, buy groceries and transport. Costs are higher only in popular tourist centers. Therefore, to save money, choose small towns or rural areas when moving to Greece.

● Good weather

Greece has good weather for most of the year. The country has an average of 250 sunny days per year. Of course, sometimes the winters are cold and snowy, but usually they are mild. Summer is hot and dry, but the cool breeze makes the temperature more comfortable.

● Friendly culture

The Greeks are quite warm and friendly people, thanks to which most expats feel at home here. The culture in the country is fun and exciting. There are many holidays in the country, and the population is characterized by a high level of hospitality and social support.

● Greece has a rich history

Living in Greece means passing by ancient ruins or cultural monuments every day. Thanks to its thousand-year history, every corner of the country keeps many secrets.

● Affordable healthcare system

In general, the health care system of Greece is developed at a high level. There are many public and private hospitals operating in the country. Thanks to the private insurance system, anyone in the state can access medical care in an emergency, so you don't have to worry about your own health here.

● A slower pace of life

Many expats note the rhythm of life in the country, it is slower and without unnecessary fuss. The Greeks value simple human joys, such as time spent with friends or recreation. Most expats achieve a healthy work-life balance in Greece.

● Delicious cuisine

Greek cuisine is considered one of the tastiest in the world. The Mediterranean diet is synonymous with health, as it includes the consumption of large amounts of healthy vegetables, meat and seafood. There are many national dishes in Greece that are distinguished by their special taste.

● Low crime rate

Greece is an extremely safe country with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Violent crimes are quite rare. Thefts are most often reported in large cities and tourist areas. Most expats say they feel safe, even when walking alone or at night.

Cons of living in Greece

Also, life in Greece has certain disadvantages:

● The level of healthcare may vary in quality

There are some differences between private and public hospitals. In some facilities, you may receive lower quality services and the waiting time may be longer. There may also be difficulties with access to medical services in rural areas. The problem of the language barrier is quite common.

● To get a visa, you need to find a sponsor

Wealthy expats have the right to receive a "Golden Visa" - a five-year residence permit in the country when purchasing real estate. However, you need to be officially sponsored by a Greek employer to apply for a visa. This involves a lengthy application process and can cause problems in finding stable work until you find a sponsor.

● Greek is difficult to learn

Learning the language of the country you've moved to is a good idea, but Greek is a complex language that bears little resemblance to most Germanic or Romance languages. It also requires learning a new writing system. There are significant differences between written and spoken Greek that add some difficulty to learning.

● Many tourists come to Greece

No matter where you settle, many tourists visit almost every corner of the country. For example, about 6 million tourists come to Athens a year, 3 and 2.5 million to Heraklion and Rhodes, respectively. Tourists are an additional number of people, more noise, which can sometimes annoy you.

● Complex system of bureaucracy

Many expats who settled in Greece called the complex system of bureaucracy the biggest disadvantage of living in the country. You can get bogged down in endless papers even if you solve simple questions. The consultation of a highly qualified lawyer will help to understand all the intricacies of Greek legislation.

● It is difficult to pay taxes

The tax payment system in Greece is complex and time-consuming. Even non-residents must pay taxes in the country and there are additional rules for them. Even if you speak Greek at a basic level, it can be quite difficult to understand the intricacies of the Greek tax authorities without the help of an expert.

● Lack of infrastructure in remote regions

In general, Greece has an excellent standard of living and infrastructure development. However, if you move to a rural area or to a remote island, there may be difficulties with medical and utility services and Wi-Fi.

● It can be difficult to find a job

Finding a job in Greece can be quite difficult, as the unemployment rate here is above average. Also, most Greek employers often employ EU citizens. Also, as already mentioned, in order to get a job, you need to find a sponsor and speak Greek.

Popular questions

● Is it difficult to move to Greece?

If you are a citizen of the European Union, moving to Greece is quite easy. Difficulties arise if you are a resident of a non-EU country. In this case, you will have to go through a longer and more complicated application process, especially if you want to work.

● How much money do you need to live comfortably in Greece?

The cost of living in Greece is generally quite low, so you don't need a lot of money to live comfortably. The average cost per person is approximately 600 euros per month, the average monthly salary in Greece is 1182 euros.

● Is it possible to live in Greece if you don't know the language?

Many English-speaking people live in tourist regions. On the other hand, if you decide to settle in a rural area, you may have a harder time finding English speakers.

Of course, if you plan to live in Greece for a long time, it will be easier for you to learn at least a little Greek.

Greece is a great country to move to, which has its pros and cons. It is important to learn all the nuances in order to be ready for life in a new country. Also, when planning to move abroad, make sure you have a health insurance policy to protect yourself from unforeseen expenses and situations during the trip. You can order insurance from a reliable insurance agent using the link.