Yassou, it is never too late to make your dreams come true. Greece can be very captivating, especially if you visit there in the summertime. Also, enjoying the most favorable weather on one of the Greek islands may seem like a scene from Mamma Mia. Let’s be honest. Sometimes, all we dream about is spending all day at the beach, sipping prosecco, and soaking up the sunshine. But reality can be different, so let’s take a look at the pros and cons of moving to Greece from the USA and what it is like to live in Greece as an American.
- Moving to Greece as an American is realistic but requires preparation.
- Greece offers diverse living options, from crowded Athens to peaceful islands.
- While the cost of living is generally lower than in the US, understanding visa, residency, and financial requirements is essential.
Reasons to Move to Greece
Many Americans, both the younger and older generations, are considering moving from the USA to Greece and Eastern Europe for different reasons. While older people usually dream of retiring by the sea, the younger ones consider working remotely while finding new adventures in this beautiful country. Whatever your goals are, here are some common compelling reasons:
1. Quality of Life
As discussed in our previous article (here is the link to my first article), Greece offers a relaxed lifestyle, a strong sense of community, and access to stunning natural beauty. Usually when visiting Greece for the first time as a tourist people fall in love with this country. They usually adore the culture and friendliness they experience during a short period of their stay. However, as a person who decided to move to Greece for a longer period, the quality of life lies in other aspects. For a longer stay, it is the work-life balance, the peaceful pace of life, and the culture that is less focused on career building compared to the US. This lifestyle aligns with the values of many people and can be very compelling.
2. Cost of Living
Compared to the US, expenses like housing and dining out are significantly lower, especially outside tourist hotspots. When choosing a new country to call home, the cost of living is a big factor to consider. Luckily, Greece stands out as one of the more affordable EU countries. From housing and healthcare to rent and transportation, the overall cost of living in Greece is noticeably lower than in the U.S. While your actual expenses will depend on your lifestyle and spending habits, even a modest income can provide a comfortable life here.
For more details about numbers comparing the lifestyle in Greece and the US, you can check our article on Living in Greece: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats and Investors.
3. History and Culture
Living in Greece also means surrounding yourself in a country with ancient history and lively. traditions. Greece possesses a history as rich and diverse as its stunning landscapes. Known as the bastion of Western civilization, Ancient Greece gave rise to some of the most influential philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The concept of democracy originated in Athens around the 6th century BC, with the Greek word demokratia (δημοκρατία) translating to “the power of the people.” The ruins of iconic landmarks, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the ancient city of Delphi, offer a window into Greece’s impressive past. Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games, is another historical treasure. So, for history lovers, Greece is a heaven on earth.
4. Safety
Many expats find Greece to be a safe place to live, with low crime rates in most areas. Also, according to the US Travel Advisory, Greece is Level 1 which is the best level and means that people should exercise normal precautions.
Greece is considered a safe country, having one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Violent crime is very uncommon, with thefts being the most frequently reported incidents, primarily in large cities and tourist hotspots. Most expats report feeling secure, even when walking alone or at night. The safest place to live in Greece can vary depending on factors such as crime rates, natural disasters, and individual preferences. Nonetheless, certain areas are commonly regarded as safer than others: Such areas include: Nafplio, Chania Kefalonia, Corfu, Thessaloniki and Tinos.
Pre-Move Preparation
Moving to Greece from the US involves more than just packing up and hopping on a flight. Here’s how to prepare:
- Research the Best Places to Live in Greece for Expats: Consider Athens for urban life, Thessaloniki for a youthful vibe, or Crete for a relaxed island experience.
- Learn Basic Greek: While many Greeks speak English, knowing a few phrases will help you integrate better. In the future, consider learning Greek more in-depth.
- Organize Finances: Open a Greek bank account, research the cost of moving to Greece, and create a realistic budget.
Visa and Residency Requirements
Can Americans move to Greece? Yes, but you’ll need the right paperwork. According to the official website of the United States government, Americans can stay in Greece visa-free for up to 90 days but longer stays require a visa. Options include:
- National Visa (Type D): Ideal for work, study, or family reunification.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers who meet financial thresholds. Once in Greece, apply for a residence permit to extend your stay legally.
- The Greece Golden Visa: For people who want and are capable of investing in the economy of Greece, the Greece Golden Visa is a good option.
Greece Golden Visa Opportunities for US Citizens
The Greece Golden Visa program is an attractive option for Americans with financial means. By investing €250,000 or more in Greek property, you can gain residency for yourself and your family. This visa comes with perks like visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone and no requirement to live full-time in Greece, though many find the lifestyle too appealing to leave. For more detailed information on how to move forward with this option, you can check the service our team offers for those interested in obtaining a Greece Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa - Residency by Investment Program.
Schedule your free consultation today and secure your future!
Life in Greece: Pros and Cons
As mentioned earlier, living in Greece is a mix of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. However, like any country, there are both pros and cons. Here's an overview:
Pros:
- Beautiful Landscapes and Weather: Greece has amazing scenery, from gorgeous beaches to mountains. The Mediterranean climate means hot summers and mild winters, especially near the coast.
- Rich History and Culture: Greece has a lot of history, with ancient ruins, museums, and a pretty lively culture. You’ll find a bunch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the Acropolis and Delphi ruins.
- Great Food: Greek food is well-known for being fresh and healthy, with lots of olive oil, seafood, and veggies. Meals are often shared, which makes eating more of a social event.
- Relaxed Lifestyle: Life in Greece tends to move slower, with a focus on family, hanging out with friends, and enjoying the moment. People generally have a better work-life balance than in many other countries.
- Affordable Cost of Living (Outside Major Cities): While Athens and Thessaloniki can be pricey, living in smaller towns and rural areas is usually cheaper when it comes to things like rent, food, and services.
- EU Perks: Since Greece is part of the EU, you get benefits like access to EU healthcare and travel. It's also pretty easy to live, work, or study in other European countries.
Cons of Living in Greece:
- Economic Challenges: Greece went through a tough time after the 2008 financial crisis. While things are getting better, unemployment, especially among young people, can still be high.
- Bureaucracy: Sorting through government paperwork can be slow and frustrating. If you don’t speak Greek, it might be harder to navigate the system.
- Limited Job Opportunities (Outside Tourism): If you’re not in the tourism industry, finding a job can be tricky, especially in rural areas. A lot of people rely on seasonal tourism jobs, which can be unstable.
- Language Barrier: While a lot of Greeks speak English, especially in touristy spots, Greek is the official language. If you plan to settle in and really fit in, learning Greek will be important. So, don’t underestimate the language barrier.
- Healthcare Wait Times: Greece’s healthcare system is accessible, but if you need to use public health services, you might face long wait times, especially outside the big cities.
- Dependence on Tourism: Greece’s economy relies heavily on tourism, so it’s vulnerable to changes in global travel trends or big events like the pandemic.
Overall, living in Greece is a great experience, especially if you enjoy a slower pace of life and rich culture. However, be prepared for some challenges, like navigating the job market and bureaucracy, and understanding the economy’s dependence on tourism.
For more detailed information about the pros and cons of living in Greece, you can check our article on Жизнь в Греции: подробное руководство для экспатов и инвесторов.
Финансовые и налоговые аспекты в Греции
Прежде чем переехать в Грецию, ознакомьтесь с финансовыми последствиями:
- Стоимость жизни: Арендная плата в Греции может варьироваться от 300 евро за небольшую квартиру в сельской местности до более 1200 евро в центре Афин.
- Налоги: Вам нужно будет ознакомиться с налоговыми обязательствами Греции и США. Рекомендуется проконсультироваться с налоговым консультантом, знакомым с обеими системами.
Договор об избежании двойного налогообложения: Греция и США заключили соглашение об избежании двойного налогообложения, что упрощает процедуру для американцев, проживающих в Греции.
Итак, Греция — хорошее место для жизни? Для многих американцев ответ однозначен: да. Переезд в Грецию из США дает возможность изменить образ жизни, снизить стоимость жизни и исследовать страну с богатой историей и красотой. При тщательном планировании и непредвзятости жизнь американца в Греции может стать уникальным опытом. И, как говорят, Восточная Европа больше похожа на атмосферу Греции. Итак, начните свое путешествие сегодня и откройте для себя радости Средиземноморья и пообщайтесь с греками.
FAQ
На основе данных из надежных источников, таких как Цифра а также Еще один заграничный братик, стоимость жизни в Греции обычно на 20-50% ниже, чем в США, в зависимости от места проживания и образа жизни.
Согласно статье 20 Кодекса иммиграции и социальной интеграции Греции (Закон 4251/2014), граждане стран, не входящих в ЕС, и их семьи могут подать заявление на пятилетний вид на жительство в Греции, если они владеют недвижимостью стоимостью не менее 250 000 евро.
Да, существует три типа долгосрочных виз.
- Национальная виза (тип D)
- Цифровая виза кочевника:
- Золотая виза в Грецию
Плата за подачу заявки составляет 150 евро, а время обработки — 6 месяцев. Статус постоянного жителя бессрочный, но вид на жительство необходимо продлевать каждые 5 лет. Всем постоянным жителям разрешено работать и вести бизнес в Греции.
Да, Греция предлагает программу «Золотая виза».
Вложив 250 000 евро в недвижимость, например виллу или квартиру, вы можете подать заявление на получение пятилетней визы на постоянное жительство, которую можно продлевать до тех пор, пока вы сохраните инвестиции в недвижимость.
Примерно 3-4 месяца с момента подачи заявки до получения одобрения.
Да, вы можете включить членов своей семьи в заявку на получение золотой визы в Грецию. Это распространяется на вашего супруга, детей младше 21 года и любых родственников, находящихся на иждивении. Все они могут претендовать на получение вида на жительство благодаря вашим инвестициям.
Он составляет 5 лет и может продлеваться каждые 5 лет.
Это можно сделать через 7 лет, но есть дополнительные требования, которые необходимо выполнить.
