How to Move to Greece as an American
Want to get the funk out of the fascist regime that is currently life in the USA? You’re not the only one who may be realizing that the United States of America is not the best country in the world as we were conditioned to believe since childhood classrooms, reciting our undying oath to the American flag and God… which I never did by the way, even as a kid it felt like I was being indoctrinated and I would just stand there and mumble some shit. Just like those disgusting force fed daily fluoride pills “to strengthen your teeth” that made my stomach hurt and I would stash them in my desk until it was knocked over one day, pills flying free for all to see. In fact, we’re positively archaic compared to how smoothly other countries operate and treat their citizens. Maybe now is the time to live out your moving abroad fantasy so you can see what it’s really like living in Europe?! I mean YOLO (you only live once), right? And health care is hella expensive so planning retirement and/or how to afford it is another headache. Enter stage right; Hellas aka Greece as one option with inclusive health care.
If you’ve never been to Greece, we highly recommend taking a cruise and dipping your toes into its many ports of history, wonder and amazement to see where you might feel most at home. That’s what cruises are for after all, like the appetizers of travel before you fully commit to a main course. With the famed climate, lifestyle, authentic experiences, and Mediterranean diet tempting people towards Greece, an initiative by Marketing Greece called Work From Greece highlights the country’s unique qualities as an ideal destination for remote workers, as well as offering practical information on how to make the move, including securing a Digital Nomad Visa.
Through workfromgreece.gr, the international community of digital nomads is an open invitation to move their workspace to Greece by providing useful information that answers questions about living in Greece, encouraging them to imagine their professional daily life in Greece through inspirational travel content, inviting them to connect with the communities of remote workers that already exist in various destinations in Greece, providing them with testimonials from digital nomads already living and working in Greece and strengthening the concept of community through the power of social media and the creation of dedicated digital channels. The workfromgreece.gr platform acts as a hub, not just for the digital nomad community contemplating or expats already living in the country, but also for the growing ecosystem of companies providing services to remote workers in Greece (including co-living and co-working spaces). It’s a win-win for all in my book!
Hellas or officially Ellás or the Hellenic Republic is the native name of Greece. The term comes from Greek mythology when Hellen was the mythical patriarch of the Greek people, and his descendants founded the ancient tribes. The English word “Greece” is simply an old Roman exonym. Fun fact: my name Cassie is a shortened form of Cassandra who was a Trojan princess cursed with the gift of true prophecy but doomed never to be believed thus the Trojan horse theory. Whatever the history entails, you may be drawn to Greece and all its beauty, delicious and healthy cuisine and slower pace of life. Exploring the world, traveling and working in other countries can be an exciting but daunting experience, particularly if it’s in places you aren’t too familiar with. That’s why it’s helpful to read up on what to expect when living there.
Celebrities like Tom Hanks and Nicole Kidman own homes in Greece. Hanks, whose wife has Greek roots, spends summers in Antiparos, while Kidman’s home is on Spetses. If you love pop culture and have the funds to frolic, you might want to follow their lead. With thousands of American expats moving to Hellas, it’s likely that many more will follow because it seems we’re never popping the champagne chilling in sane people’s fridges. If you’re considering the move, you’ve probably researched basics like Visa applications, but our real estate friends at Elxis also share lesser-known tips to help make your transition from the U.S. to Greece seamless. Let’s start with the basics, a roof over your head and place to sleep.
Renting? Prepare Yourself for a Three-Year Lease
If you are considering renting when you emigrate to Greece, keep in mind that rental agreements in the country are very different from the U.S. Three-year leases are now mandatory by law, specifically for primary residences. While verbal agreements are legal, it is best to have a written contract for your tenancy for obvious reasons. Additionally, landlords may request up to two months rent as a deposit. As the terms of a three-year lease are mandatory in Greece, any agreement under this timeframe will mean it is invalid. However, if you do enter the agreement and wish to leave the property before the lease is up, there is usually an option to terminate the agreement. The only time the three-year rule does not apply is if the property is your second home or if you are renting as part of a vacation rental agreement. The holiday home agreement is at the discretion of the involved parties rather than law.
To move to Greece from the USA, you must secure a long-stay visa (like the Digital Nomad or Financially Independent Person visa) from a Greek consulate in the US before your 90-day tourist limit expires. Once in Greece, you must apply for a Greek Residence Permit at a local Aliens and Immigration Department within 30 days. Digital Nomad Visa is ideal if you are employed or contracted outside Greece. It requires a minimum remote monthly income of €3,500. A Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa is for retirees or those living off investments. It requires a passive income of at least €3,500 per month and €72,000 in savings. And a Golden Visa grants residency through real estate investments. Depending on the location (such as Athens, Thessaloniki, or the islands), the minimum investment ranges from €250,000 to €800,000.
Remote Workers, Prepare for Slow Wifi
Be warned, the internet speed can be significantly slower because the whole country moves slower. Isn’t that what interested you in the first place though? Regardless, you should be careful if you plan to work remotely while in Greece. For comparison, the U.S. sits within the top 10 countries for internet speed according to Ookla, ranking ninth, while Greece is much further down the list at 93.
Well-populated areas and tourist hotspots, such as Athens, have easily accessible internet and Wi-Fi with good speed, while more remote areas don’t have the best signal. If you plan on moving to the country, you should consider getting a local SIM card, which can give you better access to the country’s network and a local phone number. Other options include different broadband providers’ data packages which may be able to offer faster internet access and Wi-Fi speed. You could also purchase a portable Wi-Fi device, which may help you navigate areas of the country which don’t have the best internet networks while you’re on the move.
Plan on Driving? Take a Driving Test in Greek
Hoping to drive during your stay? You may need to retake your driving test depending on the length of time you are living there. If you have obtained a driver’s license in the U.S. and it’s valid, you can use it in Greece for up to six months. However, you will be required to retake a written and practical exam to gain a Greek driving license after this period. You might want to brush up on your Greek though, as the exam will be in Greek rather than English. The cost of getting a driving license in the country is €200 ($210.84).
Pay up to €250 for Late Taxes
The amount and type of tax you pay when in Greece depend greatly on how long you stay. If you’re in the country for more than 183 days, you’ll be classed as a tax resident. This means you will be taxed on your income no matter where it comes from, even if it’s a business in another country. But, if your stay is under 183 days, you’ll only be taxed on the income you receive from work completed for Greek businesses. Similar to the U.S., the tax year in Greece runs from January 1 to December 31. The key date for American expats when it comes to taxes is April 15, though an automatic two-month extension is given until June 15. If you request an extension before the June deadline, you have until October 15 to pay. Those who request an overseas deadline extension have until December 15.
You should note that, unlike in the U.S., there is no option to file your taxes as a single person or as part of a married couple. All taxes are the responsibility of each individual in Greece. Tax rates in Greece are also progressive, with rates starting at 9% for lower income households and going up to 44% for those on a higher paycheck. Rates are not regional unlike in the U.S.; there is a flat rate throughout the country. However, should you miss these dates and not apply for an extension after the automatic two-month one, you could end up paying a hefty fine. This can be up to €100, or €250 if you own your own business or are self-employed, with extra charges on top, known as a surcharge.
Save Money with Greece’s Tax Benefits
Save more money during your stay with Greece’s tax benefits. Greece often offers tax deductions and credits to help ease the financial burden on low and middle-class income households. Medical bills, disability-related costs, and money spent on education may qualify for tax deductions too. Families can qualify for deductions too, depending on how many children there are in the home. Those moving to the country could benefit from a scheme called the Brain Regain Regime where taxpayers could get a 50% income tax break from any of their Greece-sourced income they might earn. But keep in mind as an American living abroad, the USA always wants a cut of their taxes too.
Waving Your Hand Can Be Offensive in Greece
Waving your hand to greet someone can be offensive in Greece. Moutza is a hand gesture in which the hand is open and fingers are spread, similar to how someone would position their hand to wave hello. The gesture has historical connotations, as convicts in the country used to have dirt, ashes, and even feces rubbed in their faces with the hand in the position, so be mindful of causing offense with this gesture. Before we sign off, enjoy the eye candy of a beautiful warm country ready to embrace all Americans!
