Greece
Greece has become highly attractive for expats, particularly retirees thanks to the 7% flat tax on foreign income. The Golden Visa from €250,000 in real estate, the digital nomad visa and a reasonable cost of living complete the offer. Athens, Crete and the Cyclades offer an exceptional Mediterranean lifestyle with over 300 days of sunshine per year.
Taxation
Income tax brackets
| Bracket | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 € → 10 000 € | 9 % |
| 10 000 € → 20 000 € | 20 % |
| 20 000 € → 30 000 € | 26 % |
| 30 000 € → 40 000 € | 34 % |
| 40 000 € → 60 000 € | 39 % |
| 60 000 € → unlimited | 44 % |
Corporate tax
29 %
Capital gains
0 %
VAT
24 %
Special regime : Flat tax 7 % pour retraités étrangers
Les retraités qui transferent leur résidence fiscale en Grece peuvent bénéficier d'un taux forfaitaire de 7 % sur tous leurs revenus de source étrangere (pensions, revenus fonciers, dividendes, intérets). Ce régime est tres attractif pour les retraités français.
15 ans
Ne pas avoir été résident fiscal en Grece au cours des 5 des 6 dernieres années. Transferer sa résidence fiscale depuis un pays ayant une convention fiscale ou un accord d'échange d'informations avec la Grece.
- Taux forfaitaire de 7 % sur tous les revenus de source étrangere
- Applicable aux pensions, dividendes, loyers et intérets étrangers
- Pas d'obligation de déclarer les actifs étrangers en détail
- Cumulable avec la convention fiscale franco-grecque
Visa options
Visa Digital Nomad
digital-nomadDuration: 1 an renouvelable
Cost: 75 EUR
Requirements: Revenu mensuel minimum de 3 500 EUR (travail à distance pour une entreprise hors Grece). Assurance santé couvrant la Grece.
Visa revenu indépendant (D7 grec)
passive-incomeDuration: 2 ans renouvelable
Cost: 150 EUR
Requirements: Justifier de revenus passifs ou d'une retraite suffisante (environ 2 000 EUR/mois). Assurance santé. Logement en Grece.
Golden Visa
investisseurDuration: 5 ans renouvelable
Cost: 2 000 EUR (frais administratifs)
Requirements: Investissement immobilier d'au moins 250 000 EUR (500 000 EUR à Athenes, Thessalonique et les iles populaires depuis 2024).
Living in Grece
Popular locations among expatriates
Cost of living
Comparison with the French average (vertical line)
Single person
Couple
City center rent
Outside city center rent
The cost of living in Greece is roughly 30-40% lower than in the UK or Germany. A single person can live on €900/month excluding rent in Athens. Rents have remained accessible despite recent rises. Tourist islands are pricier in high season. Local food is excellent and affordable.
Settling in Grece
Practical indicators to prepare your relocation
Safety & stability
Procedures
Start a business
Greece is an EU member, simplifying installation for Europeans. The Golden Visa (real estate purchase from €250,000) provides a fast residence permit. Greek bureaucracy remains slow and sometimes chaotic, especially for the AFM (tax number). English is well spoken in tourist zones and Athens. The international community is modest but present.
The Greek public health system (ESY) was weakened by the economic crisis but is gradually recovering. Public hospitals in Athens and Thessaloniki are decent for emergencies. The private sector offers better services at higher costs. Private health insurance costs €60-100/month. On the islands, specialist care may require transfer to the mainland.
Quality of life
Greece offers an exceptional Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The islands and coastline are among Europe's most beautiful. Healthcare has improved since the crisis. Internet is decent in cities but uneven on the islands. The international community is modest but present in Athens.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- 7% flat tax for retirees on foreign income (15 years)
- Cost of living 30-40% lower than the UK or Germany
- Exceptional Mediterranean climate (300+ sunny days)
- Golden Visa accessible from €250,000 in real estate
Disadvantages
- High top marginal rate of 44% outside the special regime
- VAT at 24%, one of Europe's highest
- Slow and complex administrative bureaucracy
- Uneven internet, especially on the islands
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Verified on January 15, 2025All data on this page comes from public and institutional sources.
FAQ
What is the tax rate in Greece?
The top marginal income tax rate in Greece is 44%. The corporate tax rate is 29%. A special regime exists: Flat tax 7 % pour retraités étrangers.
What is the cost of living in Greece?
The monthly cost of living for a single person in Greece is approximately 900 EUR (excluding rent). City center rent costs around 600 EUR per month.
Is there a tax treaty between the United Kingdom and Greece?
Check HMRC for the current status of the tax treaty between the United Kingdom and Greece.
These results are estimates.
The data presented are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. Consult a professional for your personal situation.