Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expats in today’s 21^st century. This country is extremely vibrant and has fame throughout the world for its good year-round climate, beautiful architecture, unique culture, detailed history, and many others. But, why do you think of Greece now?

Having been accepted into the European Union in 1981, the country has grown from strength to strength. Aside from that, Greece is very safe, and there’s a little crime rate in the country. Also, they have one of the lowest costs of living in the European Union, although cities such as Athens are generally more expensive than the rest of the country.

Moreover, the locals are exceptionally welcoming and friendly. And this contributes to one major reason for expat relocating to the country. Since its inception, the Greek Orthodox Church has been an integral part of Greece, and 99 percent of the population follow this religion. In fact, the standard of living is high here!

What more to talk about Greece, if not the positive side? Of course, there are a few cons to living in Greece as an expat. And this is undoubtedly what you’ll see in other countries as no one is perfect. Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Greece? Worry less, as we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we will walk you through the concept or guide to living in Greece as an expat. Not only is that, but we have compiled this article to explain the pros and cons, interesting facts about living in Greece, the cost of living as of 2021, and many others, to mention a few. Would you love to know? Read further!

10 Interesting Facts about Living in Greece

For this day, Greece is not as popular amongst the expat destination. Of course, this is largely due to the fact that there are not as many international companies located in the country. Thus, the chance of furthering your career as an expat is perhaps not as easy as you think here compared to other destinations across Europe.

That being said, the country does welcome foreign workers. Moreover, the heavy promotion of tourism in this country means that there are usually opportunities in this industry, such as becoming a tour guide, managing hotels, opening a business, and many others, to mention a few.

In this section, we are ready to unleash some of the facts about this country. Ever wanted a vacation to Greece but didn’t know what it covers or where to go? Well, before booking your next gateway, it would be better to read this content carefully. Without further ado, below are the facts about living in Greece.

1.    Home to World’s First Democracy

When you think of Greece, the first thing that should come to your mind is the ancient world. From research and methodology, the Athenian democracy was a system dating back to the fifth century B.C., a system of democracy where citizens with voting power directly vote on legislation and executive bills. During this period, you had to be an adult and male citizen to vote. In that case, women, foreigners, and slaves had no votes.

2.    Beachy Country in Europe

It’s no doubt that Greece remains one of the countries with plenty of beaches. In fact, it’s good to say that Greece is nation number one in Europe for coastline and beaches. Besides, the Greek shoreline equals 16,000 km (9941 mi), and no point in the country is more than 137 km (85 mi) away from water.

This way, it’s hardly surprising because Greece consists of nearly 6,000 islands and islets (227 inhabited) scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas. In that case, if you’ve ever wondered Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal is the ultimate beach European destination, wonder no more.

3.    Ancient Greeks Invented Pizza

Have you ever heard of the invention of pizza? We’re sure that took you by surprise, right! Yes, that’s one of the least known Greek facts but also one of the most interesting ones. Since we all know that pizza is an Italian dish, it’s always been the symbol for Italian food worldwide as of today.

Just like other things you could think of, Italians took the idea for pizza from the ancient Greeks. Many hundreds of years ago, the witty Greeks liked to bake large flat unleavened bread and top it with olive oil, spices, herbs, and dates. Yes, there was no tomato sauce or mozzarella, which is a weird version of pizza.

4.    Home to Multi-coloured Beaches

Whenever you’ve thought of seeing the best beaches in the world, just try Greece. This is because; it’s one of the few countries on the globe that can brag about having multi-colored beaches. Not only is that, but when we’re talking about multi-colored, you should understand that we don’t mean white and gold. In addition to this regular white and golden seashore in Greece, you also have red and pink.

5.    Home to Archaeological Wonders

You might have been suggesting one already but let us tell you that Greece is the most archaeologically rich country in the world. Aside from this fact, Greece has countless archaeological landmarks scattered all around its island.

Also, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites equals 18, and most of them are archaeological sites, with 14 more having pending approval. Meanwhile, they also have the highest amount of archaeological museums on the planet. Surprising to no one, Greece is undoubtedly an archaeological wonder of a country.

6.    Home to Europe’s Oldest Capital

Another thing to know about this wonderful place is the oldest capital. And the country’s capital is one of the oldest cities globally, dating back as far as 3,400 years ago, and it’s also the oldest capital of the continent. This city is home to an amazing Acropolis and plenty of other ancient sites you should definitely check out.

Moreover, the fun fact here is that Athens couldn’t be named Poseidon. That’s according to its origin legend, nonetheless since inception. Besides, the story goes that the Olympian Gods Athens and Poseidon argued about who should be the city’s patron. Afterward, Poseidon gave the people the gift of water, while Athens gifted them the olive tree. The ancient future-Athenians deemed the tree to be more valuable and named their city after the goddess.

7.    Home to the Most Theatrical City

Another thing to put into consideration is that Greece is where you can see the most theatrical city in the world. Also, the capital of Greece is the most theatrical city on the planet. Since the ancient Greeks were the ones who invented the art of theatre and most of its genres, this fact seems entirely reasonable.

8.    Home to Bastion of Sports

Have you ever wondered about the origin of Bastion of sports? Well, look no further as this is the right place. Originated in ancient Greece as many as 3,000 years ago, the Olympics were held every four years in Olympia, located in the western Peloponnese peninsula, in honor of the King of Gods – Zeus.

Thereafter, the Olympics soon became the most popular sporting festival in ancient Greece and kept that title until the Roman emperor Theodosius I banned them in 393 AD. Fast-forwarded to fifteen centuries later, the games were revived to become the global event they are today.

9.    Romans Copied the Greeks in Some Ways

If you’ve ever been to Roman, you’ll notice that the structures and their system look alike. Well, the Classical Antiquity period was dominated by two civilizations, Greeks and Romans. On the other hand, while ancient Greeks seemed to invent pretty much everything, the Roman Republic just took their discoveries and renamed them. And for this, the Greek pantheon of Gods and Goddesses is a great example.

10. Obvious Sunny Greece

Our facts wouldn’t be complete if we refused to mention obvious sunny Greece. With an average of over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, as research disclosed, Greece and specifically the island of Rhodes is among the sunniest places on the continent. We can even tell you that the country is so sunny that on July 10, 1977, the temperature of Athens reached 48 °C (118.4  °F), setting a record for the hottest place in Europe ever.

Pros and Cons of Living in Greece (2021 Update)

Whether you’re a short-term visitor or aspiring expat moving to this country for the first time, it’s quite essential to understand the pros and cons of living in Greece. Everyone corner of this country oozes chilled-out liveability, and the list of must-see places goes on and on. Without further ado, check it out!

Pros

Cost Of Living

The cost of living still remains one of the benefits of relocating to Greece. This is because; it’s super-affordable, especially when compared to North America and much of Europe. Not only that, but prices for daily essentials such as food and transport are at least 20 percent cheaper than in the United States of America. Also, costs to rent an apartment in Greece can be as much as 70 percent less.

More so, throughout Greece, you’ll save money by using public transport, avoiding touristy areas, shopping at local markets, and eating out where the Greeks do. Meanwhile, a budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for more than $2,000 a month.

Healthcare System

As of the time of writing this article, the quality of medical care in Greece is generally excellent, especially in major centers like Athens and Thessaloniki. More so, in more remote parts of the country, you may find the level of English spoken by your doctor and the standard of care a bit more hit-or-miss.

Aside from this fact mentioned, emergency healthcare in Greece is free regardless of nationality. However, for non-emergency, most expats opt for some form of private health insurance that provides better quality care and shorter waiting times than what the Greek public system provides. But pharmacies are abundant throughout the country – Greece has more pharmacists per capita than any other nation in Europe.

Safety and Security Measures

When it comes to safety and security measures, the benefit of living in Greece cannot be overemphasized. Moreover, we can tell you that Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe and has an easy-going, relaxed feel.

Basic precautions with regard to personal belongings will prevent rare cases of petty theft in the country. Also, in entertainment districts late at night, inebriated foreign tourists are likely to pose more danger than anything else.

Visa Residency Program

Dated back in 2010, the country introduced a Golden Visa program designed to lure foreign investors and move forward from the country’s financial crisis. This residency program encourages non-EU expats to take advantage of fast-tracked residency in exchange for financial investment.

But those who qualify are granted a renewable, five-year residency permit. On the flip side, there are no in-country living requirements, but obtaining legal residency status in Greece can take as little as three months, from start to finish.

Lovely Weather and Relaxed Pace of Life

Foreigners in Greece will definitely enjoy living in this country. Although the year-round sunshine is punctuated by rain on occasion, but the number of wet days is few. Meanwhile, winters are mild and bright, and a cool ocean breeze accompanies the hot summer weather in this country.

Furthermore, Greek society is laid back, and the pace of life is slow and relaxed. Besides, locals tend not to rush through their daily routine, and this is what every expats would love to know. Although they do work hard, but they enjoy the simple pleasures in life. But this may take some time to adjust for locals used to a fast-paced environment, especially in the workplace.

Cost of Food in Greece

Even though Greece is generally one of the safest countries or affordable European countries to live in, the cost of food isn’t as cheap as you might think. And that’s probably because the tax rate is set at a massive 24 percent, but there are some more budget-friendly options.

But, the good thing is that the prices are pretty consistent. This way, you can plan ahead easily as a typical meal in the Greek islands will set you back around 6-9 Euros for an appetizer or salad, and about 7-12 Euros for a main.

Con

Tourist Areas Are Expensive in Greece

Although the cost of living in Greece is relatively low, but prices are hiked up in the main tourist areas to take advantage of the seasonal visitors. In this case, choosing a lesser-known island or city to live in will certainly yield cheaper prices for almost everything, from accommodation to food. That’s why we have compiled this article to explain some of the best places to live for expats. Read further to know more.

Getting Job is Quite Difficult

Expats without a job in hand may find it hard to live in this country. While Greece’s employment rate is declining, it is still rather high to some extent. Therefore, when looking to hire an expat, companies generally also prefer to hire an EU expats as the paperwork involved in hiring non-EU expats is immerse. Besides, while speaking Greek can assist expats in looking for a job, it will not guarantee employment.

Accommodation Varies in Quality (Greece)

As an expat moving to the country for the first time, you should visit the property and consider the condition and age of the structure before committing to it. This should be taken into consideration, especially when buying, unexpected renovation and restoration costs could ensure if expats unknowingly buy a run-down property.

Best Places to Live in Greece for Expats

Moving overseas can be a complicated process, especially if you’re moving to a country outside your continent. If you’ve been thinking of moving to Greece, we’ve got you covered with the best places to reside. Before you purchase another tourist guidebook or read another expat blog post, check what we have for you.

●        Athens

Athens is no doubt one of the best places to reside in Greece. It has over 10 million people, making it the most densely populated city in the country. This place is home to some of the most modern shopping centers and restaurants, celebrating its ancient roots and history.

For many expats, this city is their dream destination. It’s full of opportunities, amenities, and luxuries. On the other hand, high-paying work can be difficult to come by for many expats living in Athens.

Additionally, housing and food costs are higher here than in surrounding areas. As such, the bulk of expats that end up settling in Athens are those that are either retiring or working competitive remote positions.

●        Rhodes

Greece comprises several islands as well as different mainland portions. Athens sits at the southern end of the mainland and leads towards the islands of Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes. And these islands are some of the most popular destinations for expats in the country.

In recent times, Rhodes still functions as a crucial part of the trading system. However, it’s not nearly as wealthy and opulent as it once was. That said, Rhodes is a relatively peaceful island that’s far away from the hustle and bustle of Athens.

●        Santorini

Santorini is another place to consider if you’d love to live in Greece as an expat. When the average person imagines Greece, they likely imagine a place that looks a lot like Santorini. Also, snow-white walls, blue dome roofs, and sloping staircases carved into the craggy hillside are all the things you’ll see in Santorini. Besides Athens, this tiny town might just be the most expensive Greek destination.

●        Corfu

The island of Corfu is part of northern Greece that’s remarkably close to Italy. In fact, we can tell you that you could take a ferry between the Italian town of Bari and Corfu if you’re keen to visit mainland Europe. Moreover, the island is fantastically situated and jaw-droopingly beautiful with its mountainous terrain.

●        Patras

Patras is the last on our list today. It’s a unique place for expats wanting to live a comfortable lifestyle. On the one hand, it feels and looks like an ancient Greek paradise with its crumbling brick-and-marble amphitheaters. But on the other hand, Patras is so far removed from other modern cities in Greece.

In summary, this place has a castle, a hillside garden, private bathhouses, and a lighthouse. While this city lacks international or English-speaking schools, it’s one of the most cost-effective Greek destinations for retirees. Consequently, Patras might not be the best choice for growing families, but it could be ideal for older adults, childless couples, single adults, and many others, to mention a few.

Frequently Asked Question about Living in Greece

Is Greece a Poor Country?

From our research, we found that poverty in Greece in the last decades has grown rampant. Incomes have crumbled over 30 percent, and more than one-fifth of the Greek population cannot pay rent, bank loans, and electricity. Due to the country’s financial downfall, over a third of Greece’s 10-million population is in poverty.

Is English spoken in Greece?

The official language of this country is Greek, but English is also widely spoken. This way, you shouldn’t experience any problems when visiting the city. Meanwhile, English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the tourists’ parts of the city.

How much do I need to live in Greece?

Well, the basic requirements for a residence permit application in Greece are a passport, proof of current and continuous medical insurance, and proof of either a regular income of at least 2,000 Euros per month or at least 24,000 Euros in your bank account. So, with this amount mentioned, you can live in Greece.

Is Greece a third-world country?

Greece has already left the European Union in a manner of speaking, but it’s now part of the third world country. However, the experience of other third-world countries, which have gone through their own debt crisis, offers some lessons in that regard, as research disclosed.

Conclusion

When considering moving to a new country, there’s nothing more useful than hearing real-life stories. Nonetheless, it’s essential to know the bad sides to check whether it’s the right place for you. But worry no more, and refer to this expat guide about Greece for more information you need to know.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Today, where to retire is often an important and difficult decision to make. Some may choose to retire in their home country, while others look to retire abroad. When you’re deciding where to retire, there are often many variables to consider, like the weather, outdoor activities, healthcare facilities, and more.

Greece is a country located in the southeast of Europe, right on the Mediterranean. This country has long been known as a hotspot for travelers and retirees. And again, it stands out due to its waterfront real estate on year-round sunny beaches, happy locals, breezy lifestyle, high standard of living, fantastic historical treasures, incredible tax benefits, and many others.

In fact, we can tell you that Greece is the beating heart of the world, and it’s the birthplace of modern philosophy. Of course, Greece also mixes history, modern living, and culture in a way that almost nowhere else does. So, why do you think Greece is the best place to retire in today’s digital world?

Well, there are countless numbers of reasons why Greece remains the best destination. Later in this article, we will break down some costs of living, retirement packages, what you’ll enjoy, and many others. All of the above sounds too good to be true, right? Well, you need to read this article to the end.

In addition, we will walk you through the benefits of retiring in Greece. Not only that, but we have compiled this article to explain the tips to make your retirement savings last. Again, you’ll understand the pros and cons of living in this country. Would you love to know what we’ve unleashed for you? Read further!

Benefits of Living in Greece as an Expat

Moving overseas can be a complicated process, especially if you’re relocating with your family. As an expat, if you’ve been thinking of Greece, you’ll want to compare your options and choose the ones that have excellent facilities. Without further Ado, let’s quickly walk you through the benefits of living in Greece.

Cost of Living

Greece is super-affordable, especially when it comes to comparing it with North America and much of the rest of Europe. The prices for daily essentials (food, transport, and many others) are at least 20 percent cheaper than in the United States. And the costs to rent an apartment can be as much as 70 percent less. Also, throughout Greece, you’ll save money by using public transport and shopping at locals.

Lifestyle in Greece

When it comes to the lifestyle in Greece, the benefits of retiring in this beautiful land cannot be overemphasized. It is a proud nation that emphasizes family, love of outdoor activities, and tradition. And because tourism plays such an important part in its economy, English is widely spoken by locals in many areas, and the country’s infrastructure caters well for expatriates.

Healthcare Facilities

The quality of medical care in Greece should be one of the things that’d make you relocate. This is because; their healthcare facilities are generally excellent, especially in major centers like Athens and Thessaloniki. However, you may find the level of English spoken by doctors in more remote areas.

With that being said, emergency health care in the country is free regardless of nationality. For non-emergencies, most expats opt for some form of private health insurance, which provides better quality care and shorter waiting times than the Greek public system provides.

Safety and Security Measures

When it comes to safety, research made it known that Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe that has an easy-going and relaxed feel atmosphere. They have basic precautions with regard to personal belongings, and this could prevent rare cases of pretty theft in the country. Not only that, but in entertainment districts late at night, inebriated foreign tourists are likely to pose more of a danger than in other places.

Residency Visa

As research disclosed after 2010, Greece introduced a golden visa program designed to lure foreign investors and move forward from the country’s financial crisis. This program encourages non-EU expats to take advantage of fast-tracked residency in exchange for financial investment. And those who qualify are granted a renewable, five-year residency permit. In the long run, we’ll talk more about the visas.

Weather and Climate

Weather and climate seem to be another reason why you need to retire in this country. There are plenty of sun hours combined with pleasant weather and temperatures that rarely go below 10 degrees. Although Greece is not exactly a destination that many choose during winter, but the climate is good and favorable in most places in the country.

Nature and Beaches

If you’ve been craving beaches and nature, Greece is home to thousands of different beaches. Whether you long for sandy and pebble beaches or everything in between, this is the right place. The variety is vast, and the water is often crystal clear. Aside from that, nature also offers variety with everything from dramatic mountains to lush valleys.

Super-Friendly Locals

Whenever you feel welcomed in a country, it would be much easier to live there as an expat. Greeks often tend to be friendly and welcoming. Not only that, but it’s almost like you are a guest at someone’s home when you go to the restaurant. In fact, Greece are talkative and warm in general. So, be expecting a friendly hosting or welcoming during your first visit to the country.

Value for Money

Did you know that there are lots of bargains to find in the housing market in Greece? Well, for the same price, you get a small one studio in Stockholm, New York, and even Paris; you can get a large house on one of the larger islands in Greece. Not only that, but food, activities, and more are also cheaper that what you would have imagined.

Harmonious and Peaceful Lifestyle

Since inception, Greece are known for their harmonious and peaceful lifestyle. Not only that but also known to have a low retirement age and a stress-free approach to life. Of course, the country has it drawbacks, but it’s also very nice to avoid the stress back home in your country. This is because; the country and its citizens are very unique, and there are many things you will learn to love when living in Greece.

Retirement Cost of Living in Greece

If you dream of retiring on a sunny island with delicious food and a thriving local culture, you need to know the cost of living. Greece offers hot summers and mild winters, and you can live in a metropolis, like Athens, or a picturesque town on Santorini. So, is Greece the right retirement destination for you?

Well, it’s good to get an expert opinion, like a financial advisor. However, as our teams of experts have revealed, this guide will help you answer some basic questions about whether you could afford to live in Greece and whether or not it would be a feasible option for you. Now, let’s get you started with the cost.

Best Places to Retire in Greece

As we’ve always said, moving overseas can be a complicated process, especially if you’re moving with your family. In other news, if you’ve been thinking about moving to Greece, you’ll want to compare your options and choose a city that caters to your needs. Without further ado, below are the best places to retire.

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece, and it has a population of over 10 million people, making it the most densely populated city in the country. This place is home to some of the most modern shopping centers and restaurants. Not only that, but it also celebrates its ancient roots and history, just like Egypt.

For many expats, this city is the dream destination of many expat. Nonetheless, it’s full of opportunities, luxuries, and amenities. On the flip side, high-paying work can be challenging to come by for many expats in the country. Additionally, housing and food costs are higher here than in surrounding areas.

Rhodes

Rhodes seems to be another place to take into consideration if you’re planning to retire in Greece. Since it comprises several islands and mainland portion, Athens sits at the southern end of the mainland and leads toward the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Corfu, and Rhodes. Besides, these islands are common destinations among expats. More so, they still function as a crucial part of the trading system.

Similarly, housing on this island is surprisingly affordable, though a few luxurious homes are selling for more than a million dollars. Still, Rhodes has a medieval charm that makes it a unique place compared to other European nations. Meanwhile, it’s best suited to smaller families or older couples.

Santorini

Santorini is another place to consider when it comes to expatriate retirements. In fact, when an average person imagines Greece, the first thing that comes to their mind is the blue dome roofs, white snow walls, and sloping staircases carved into the craggy hillside. Besides Athens, this tiny town might just be the most expensive Greek destination. So, if you’re an expat who can speak multiple languages, this is the right place to visit.

Corfu

The island of Corfu is part of northern Greece and is remarkably close to Italy. Not only that, but you could take a ferry between the Italian town of Bari and Corfu if you’re keen to visit mainland Europe. Again, Corfu does have a reputation for being a party destination. As such, families with young children may not feel entirely comfortable moving to this wonderful land. Additionally, it has its own international airport, attracts thousands of travelers each year, and contains one of the largest and strongest expat communities in the country.

Patras

Patras is a unique place, and it feels and looks like an ancient Greek paradise with its crumbling brick-and-marble amphitheaters. Like many of the best Greek cities for expats, Patras is a coastal city and its home to several archaeological wonders that harkens back to ancient Roman and Greek times. After all, this city has a light out, private bathhouses, a hillside garden, and many others, to mention a few.

Mykonos

Mykonos is undoubtedly a relatively small Greek island with a reputation for parties, music festivals, and exuberant nightlife. On the flip side, this city could be the ideal destination for expats looking to start a foreigner-friendly business or take advantage of the party scene.

When moving to this city, you’ll need to embrace your sea legs. With that being said, we can tell you that this island is undoubtedly one of the gorgeous Greek destinations. More so, if you’re hoping to purchase a home on the island and become one of those permanent residents, you’ll need to be ready to invest. However, an average home here costs at least a million dollars, depending on what you want.

Thessaloniki

This place is considered to be a coastal city that sits along the northern part of the Greek mainland. As such, it’s quite close to the borders of Albania and Bulgaria. Aside from this fact, this city is a gateway to the Greek Islands. Though there’s a wealth of historical buildings and ruins to see here and there are also towering apartment buildings and commercial offices.

Greece Visa Application and Its Requirement

Depending on the purpose of your travel to the country, there are many kinds of visa applications that will apply to this occasion. Whether you’re planning to retire, go on a visit, study, work, or reside in Greece permanently, you’ll have to apply for a different Greece Schengen visa, accordingly. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the types of visa application in Greece and their requirements.

General Required Documents for Greece Visa

• Download the application form, fill it completely and print a hard copy
• Attach two passport photographs, a recent-whole face captured with a light background
• Enroll in a travel medical insurance confirmation of minimum €30,000 coverage within Greece and the entire Schengen area
• You must present a cover letter indicating the purpose of your visit to Greece and an itinerary
• You must also present proof of civil status, including marriage certificate, ratio card, death certificate, or birth certificate of children
• A proof of flight itinerary with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from the country
• You must show proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Greece

Uniform Schengen Visas (USV) Types

The uniform Schengen visa is a permit of one of the Schengen Area Member Countries to transit or resides in the country for a certain period of time, up to the maximum of 90 days every six months. According to the purpose of travel, this type of visa is of two types; type and type C. type A is Airport Transit which allows its holder to travel in the international zone of the Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area. On the flip side, the type C visa stands for a short-term visa.

Single-Entry Visa Types

If you’re applying for a single-entry visa type, you can enter the Schengen Area only once, within a stipulated period of time mentioned in the visa application. However, once you exit the Schengen territory, you cannot go back, even if you have not spent the full number of days permitted by the embassy that issued the visa.

Double-Entry Visa Types

By and large, the double-entry visa works in the same way as the single-entry visa. The only difference between a single-entry and a double-entry visa is that the latter gives an expat the chance to go back once more to the Schengen territory once you have exited it. However, you cannot enter the Schengen Zone again after you have existed it a second time, even if you have not completed your full permitted duration of stay.

D Category Visa/National Visa

This type of visa is given to individuals that wish to study in the country, work, or have a permanent residency in one of the Schengen zone countries. This visa can be of a single-or multiple-entry given to people who are going to reside in the Schengen country for a fixed duration or specific purpose after which you can return to your country.

Visa Types as Per Purposes

Whenever you want to apply for a Greece Schengen visa, you’ll have to specify the purpose of your travel, according to which the appropriate visa will be issued. Meanwhile, your travel can be for any of the following.

• Airport transit visa that’s issued to people who have to travel through the international zone of a Schengen Zone Airport without entering the country
• Tourist visa is one of the most popular Greece Schengen visa types, as there are many tourists who arrive to see the historical sites in the country
• Medical purpose visa, as the name implies, is given to expats that wish to visit the country for medical purpose. This kind of visa is issued for a period of three months.

5 Travel Tips to Greece In 2021

Beyond the country’s beautiful beaches, Greece boasts mighty mountains and craves. Not only that, but its weather ranges from blazing summers to snowy winters. In fact, we can tell you that few countries have such varied landscapes and seasonal extremes. Now, let’s quickly talk about the travel tips to Greece.

Avoid Greece Peak Season

One such thing you should consider when moving to Greece is the peak season. At this time, the weather is scorching, prices soar, and you’ll struggle to escape the crowds, and also, this is when the Greeks take their holidays too. Therefore, we advise you to avoid the peak season while visiting Greece.

Learn a Little Lingo

If you’re traveling to Greece for the first time, it’s always good to learn a little lingo. This is because; it will make your trip all the more immersive. And since the Greeks don’t expect foreigners to know any Greek, they love it when you know few words. So, what’s not to like about impressing the locals?

Embrace Island-Hopping

This is another thing to consider before choosing to retire in Greece. These days, most people tend to stick to one island per trip. And in Greece, there’s no reason you can’t buck the trend and plan a multi-island adventure. Moreover, while island-hopping can make traveling in Greece more complex, it can be done.

Cash is King in Greece

Unlike other European countries, Greece is big on cash; that’s why you need to have enough cash while moving to Greece. If not, you can find ATMs, especially in the center of big cities, though this may be an issue on lesser-known islands where many bars, establishments, or restaurants do not accept credit cards.

However, do not despair as credit cards are accepted in the majority of big stores. But try to have enough cash with you, just in case and when in doubt; always ask before getting to the register for any transaction.

Always Plan Ahead

Planning ahead always contributes to making your journey awesome. Unfortunately, Greece is not well prepared and organized for people with disabilities. So, if you’re a person with special needs or traveling with someone that needs special medical attention, be sure to book a room or cabin for the disabled in hotels and ferries early.

Be Taxi-Smart in Greece

Taxi fares in Greece are relatively cheap, except for the airport rides. However, you can find taxis virtually everywhere in the city. More so, do not be surprised if the driver stops to take other people while you’re in it. And if the driver does, note that you will not share the fare with them.

Conclusion

Greece has been a popular vacation destination for years. Although the economy has been giving everyone a hard time, especially during the advent of Covid-19 but it doesn’t seem to affect the country that much. So, if you will spend your retirement lifestyle in this country, refer to this expat guide.