Greece boasts world-class beaches, cuisine, history, and landscapes, making it an attractive destination for people all over the world. The birthplace of democracy, Greece is home to 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also has a large global diaspora, with significant populations of Greek heritage in Australia, Canada, the United States, and many other countries around the world.

Full Name: Hellenic Republic - Ελληνική Δημοκρατία
Official Language: Greek
Population: ~ 10,500,000
Capital: Athens
Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET) UTC +2

GDP: 

• Total: ~$267 billion

• Per capita: ~$25,700

Country calling code: +30

For many Americans seeking a slower pace of life, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, Greece offers a compelling blend of lifestyle, value, and opportunity. Beyond its postcard-worthy islands and ancient ruins, Greece has been quietly transforming into a destination for digital nomads, retirees, and investors. It also has a large global diaspora, with significant populations of Greek heritage in Australia, Canada, the United States, and many other countries around the world.

Living in Greece comes with cultural joys—and a few surprises for Americans:

• Cash Culture: While cards are accepted widely, cash is still preferred in rural areas and among older generations. Many areas of Greece, especially the islands, are primarily reliant on tourism for their local economies and are powered by small businesses that prefer cash transactions. Over the past decade, Greece has been pivoting hard towards incentivizing card, contactless and digital transactions. See the table below for a quick comparison:

• Healthcare: Public healthcare is universal, but expats often use private clinics for faster service. Private healthcare in Greece is still quite affordable relative to American standards. Greece’s public healthcare system, ESY, is funded by taxes and social insurance contributions. Citizens and legal residents, including those present in Greece under its Golden Visa program, may receive public healthcare as long as they are tax residents, contribute to Greece’s social insurance system, and have a AMKA (Social Security Number). Notably, the Greek healthcare system delivers comparable or better outcomes in areas like life expectancy and infant mortality relative to the United States despite lower spending, according to the most recent data.

• Bureaucracy: Any American expat in Greece will tell you that the one thing you’ll need plenty of when transitioning to life in Greece is patience. Bureaucratic processes, like getting a bank account or utility connection, can be time-consuming and less efficient compared to similar processes in the United States.

• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes is much more common in Europe, especially in Greece, compared to the United States, where smoking has been stigmatized over recent decades. Smoking is even common in indoor locations, such as cafes and restaurants. If you’re sensitive to smoke, you may want to sit outside at your local taverna!

• Slow Pace of Life: Time is fluid—don’t expect rigid punctuality outside of formal business settings. Greeks love to be present in the moment, so much so that “Greek time” is a known phrase. Greeks may appear to not be in a rush to get anywhere, directly in contrast to what you’d expect in the United States. Plus, in Greece, spontaneity is a feature. “Go with the flow” is the law of the land, and the flow is a slower paced, more present style of living.

• Bureaucratic Challenges and System Differences: Perhaps one of the most significant unexpected challenges for American expats is navigating Greek bureaucracy. Unlike streamlined American processes, Greek bureaucracy can be difficult, with some expats reporting a lack of helpfulness from government departments. This can complicate the transition for those unfamiliar with the system.

• Taxation: Like the U.S., Greece has progressive tax rates. The key difference between Greece and the U.S. in terms of taxation is that Americans are taxed by the U.S. no matter where in the world they live. In Greece, you will only be taxed if you are a tax resident there, typically meaning you spend 183+ days per year in Greece. Greece also offers special low tax incentives for foreign retirees and remote workers - a flat 7% tax rate in most cases. Consult the table below for a general comparison of taxation for Greeks and Americans. You may also consult the taxation section for more in-depth data. Note: This data is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. For comprehensive, specialized tax advice, consult a financial professional.

• Education: While both countries offer comprehensive education systems, the U.S. generally outperforms Greece in international assessments and has a slightly higher rate of university-level education attainment. Notably, Greek citizens are able to attend university throughout the European Union, not just in Greece. The table below highlights some of the differences between the education systems of Greece and the United States.

Most Americans find life in Greece to be relaxed, welcoming, and rich in quality.

Let’s explore what Greece is known for, its history, key details on its taxation system, and how it ranks globally in terms of development, safety, and freedom.

Greece’s global identity is inseparable from its enormous cultural and historical contributions—but its appeal goes well beyond ancient ruins:

• Ancient History: The birthplace of democracy, philosophy, theater, and the Olympic Games.

• Mediterranean Lifestyle: Long lunches, fresh seafood, and a deep connection to land and sea.

• Island Living: Over 6,000 islands and islets—many with their own dialects, cuisines, and customs.

• World-Class Beaches: From Mykonos to Crete, Greece’s coastline is one of the most diverse in Europe.

• Warm Hospitality: Known for philoxenia, or “friendliness to strangers,” a cultural tradition of welcoming guests.

• Greece has more archaeological museums per capita than any other country.

• The Greek alphabet has been used for over 2,500 years and is the basis for many mathematical and scientific symbols.

• It has more than 250 days of sunshine a year—among the sunniest places in Europe.

• Greeks consume more olive oil per person than anyone else in the world.

• Despite economic challenges, Greece has one of the lowest crime rates in the EU.

Greece’s story is one of immense legacy:

• Ancient Greece (8th–4th century BCE) laid the foundation for Western civilization in fields like philosophy (Socrates, Plato), mathematics, architecture, and democracy.

• Athens, the capital, is a living museum where the Parthenon towers above a bustling, cosmopolitan city.

• After centuries under Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, Greece gained independence in 1830.

• The islands each tell their own story: Crete was home to the ancient Minoans, Rhodes was a stronghold of the Knights of St. John, and Santorini may have inspired the myth of Atlantis.

In recent decades, Greece has recovered from economic crises and is now attracting increasing foreign investment, especially through its Golden Visa program.

Greece has a progressive tax system for residents but also offers favorable tax regimes for new residents, retirees, and foreign investors.

Individual Income Tax (2024):

• 9% on income up to €10,000

• Up to 44% on income over €40,000

Corporate Tax:

• Flat rate of 22% for most entities

• Dividends taxed at 5%

Value-Added Tax (VAT):

• Standard rate: 24%

• Reduced rates of 13% and 6% for food, tourism, and pharmaceuticals

Greece offers several tax incentives designed to attract foreign residents:

• Non-Dom Regime for Foreign Pensioners:

  • Flat 7% income tax for 15 years on global pension income

  • Must not have been a tax resident in Greece for 5 of the past 6 years

• Tax Residency Incentive for Foreign Professionals:

  • 50% tax exemption for 7 years on Greek-source income

  • Must relocate employment to Greece

• High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) Regime:

  • Flat €100,000 per year on worldwide income

  • Additional €20,000 for each dependent

These regimes pair well with the Greek Golden Visa, which grants residency for a minimum real estate investment of €250,000—still one of the lowest thresholds in Europe.

Greece performs competitively across global development, freedom, and quality-of-life indexes:

Whether you're an investor, retiree, remote worker, or someone exploring ancestral roots, Greece presents a compelling opportunity. Its blend of ancient culture, modern infrastructure, affordable living, and generous tax incentives makes it one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for long-term lifestyle migration.

Interested in moving to Greece through investment, ancestry, or passive income?

Immigration Diligence helps Americans navigate the citizenship or residency process and settle seamlessly into Mediterranean life.

Book a free consultation with one of our experts to explore your options in Greece.