18 good reasons to move to Greece

Greece is an ideal destination for vacations, but not only that. This country is also ideal for long-term living, especially if you love the sun. Indeed, the country has no shortage of assets to attract expats looking for warmth, but not only that. Gastronomy, taxes, cost of living, real estate, and more, there are plenty of reasons to take the plunge and settle in Greece. In recent years, Greece has attracted more and more foreigners, and everyone will find their own reasons to settle there. To better prepare your expatriation project and see if the Hellenic Republic can meet your expectations, I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'm revealing the 10 best reasons to live in Greece.

Cost of living

This is one of the most important factors to consider when relocating to Greece, and one of the most attractive for those considering a move there. Indeed, whatever goods you purchase, they will certainly be cheaper than in other countries. Greece is among the countries with a low cost of living and a satisfactory level of development.

Gastronomy and Food

Greece is internationally renowned for its cuisine, which goes far beyond a simple feta, tomato, and olive salad. Far from clichés, its cuisine is rich in vegetables, fish, and seafood. The Greeks also use little-known herb blends used in other countries.

One of the secrets of its gastronomy and the longevity of its inhabitants is the quality of its produce. Fresh produce has much more flavor than imported products. You'll be surprised to rediscover the taste of some very simple products like tomatoes or zucchini.

Weather

Moving to Greece will give you much more time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Greece may not be the ideal place for the job market, but it offers an exceptional living environment. The climate is very pleasant, with mild winters and early summers. If you're looking for a good time, you don't have to worry about work and can fully enjoy the country.

Greece is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, and it's the only country in Europe where chameleons can be found in the wild. If you want to live in the sun while avoiding the rainy seasons of tropical regions, Greece is a great compromise.

Greek isn't the only language Greek!

One of the main obstacles to moving to Greece is the language. Not everyone has had the opportunity to learn Greek at school, and the alphabet is too different from ours for beginners to understand. This is especially true for a move as an adult, when having to learn a completely new language and a new way of writing isn't necessarily motivating.

Fortunately, though, and although Greek is relatively difficult to learn, Greeks generally speak English well. In fact, Greece seems to be one of the most English-speaking countries in Europe. This will be very useful in your daily life and administrative procedures. So, even if you don't intend to learn Greek (and I understand why you don't), a little effort to learn English, if you don't already speak it, should greatly facilitate your integration. Moreover, Greek people are quite friendly and welcoming and will easily help you if you have any problems or just need directions.

Real Estate Market

The economic crisis in Greece is still ongoing, but it offers opportunities in the real estate market. Indeed, properties in Greece are particularly inexpensive, and it's even one of the countries with the lowest real estate prices per square meter in Europe. It's therefore possible to find village houses at modest prices, but there are also great deals in major Greek cities.

For the same price as in Western Europe, you can get much larger and more luxurious properties. The formalities for becoming a homeowner in Greece are not the easiest, especially if you don't speak the language. Lisbob therefore strongly recommends that you seek professional assistance and have a lawyer throughout this process to avoid any form of fraud.

Magnificent Landscapes

Greece is known for its islands, but it's actually a very mountainous country. You'll often find yourself surrounded by mountains when you're at the beach. Whether on the islands or the mainland, you'll find breathtaking landscapes, and living in Greece allows you to discover all these places straight out of Homeric tales.

Although the climate is dry, it's not a desert, which means the vegetation remains rich. The simultaneous presence of the sea, mountains, and ancient ruins creates a special atmosphere rarely found elsewhere. By traveling to the less touristy islands, you'll discover unique places where nature is unspoiled.

A tranquil lifestyle

Greece is a country that lends itself particularly well to relaxation. There's a kind of tranquility, especially on the islands where everything seems to move in slow motion. This can be annoying for some administrative tasks or when you're ordering work, but it's nice to live in an environment where people aren't in a hurry.

There's a real culture of tranquility, of outdoor cafes, to the point that a national siesta has been established, where most shops are closed between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (during the warmer months). It's true that summers are particularly hot, and this reduces mobility; the siesta is not a superficial luxury but a necessity in this country.

Taxation

Since 2020, Greece has offered a particularly attractive new tax regime. This new tax regime offers an even lower rate than the NHR tax status in Portugal (10% tax exemption for 10 years). Greece has decided to compete to attract foreigners and has therefore introduced a flat tax rate of 7% on foreign income for a period of 15 years.