How to Move from the USA to Greece | The Ultimate Guide for Expats

Dreaming of leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the U.S. for sun-soaked Greek islands, fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and a lower cost of living? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Americans consider relocating to Greece—whether it's moving for retirement, remote work, investment opportunities, or simply to make a big lifestyle shift.

But moving abroad isn’t just about buying a plane ticket or packing your bags. A successful relocation requires careful planning, investigation, and speaking to the right people.

From visas to housing, healthcare, insurance and shipping, there are many steps to consider. You may be overwhelmed with all of the things you must do before making the big move.

We've put together this guide to help you organize your move from the U.S. to Greece, covering the costs, immigration process, insurance and what you can expect once you arrive.

Getting Started – Visas and Residency Requirements

Can an American Citizen Move to Greece?

Yes, U.S. citizens can absolutely move to Greece. However, unlike European Union citizens, Americans need a residence permit to live in Greece beyond the standard 90-day Schengen tourist allowance. This means you’ll need to apply for a visa before relocating, based on your income, employment, or investment situation.

Visa Options for U.S. Citizens

If you’re relocating to Greece from the U.S., here are the most common visa pathways:

• Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa: Often called the “retiree visa,” this option is perfect for retirees, pensioners, or investors with stable, passive income. The Greek government requires proof of at least €3,500/month in passive income (or around €126,000 in savings) per main applicant. If you're relocating with a child, there is an additional increment of 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child. Therefore, for a family of three, the total passive income increases to €4,725 (or around €170,100 in savings.) Note: this Visa usually requires the "Type D" Visa. See more in our guide on the Financial Independent Person's Visa in Greece (2025 Guide).
• Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for remote workers, or those earning an income from abroad. This visa pathway grants the right to live and work remotely within Greece while maintaining employment or client relationships abroad. Read our guide on How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Greece.
• Golden Visa Greece: This is a residency-by-investment program. By purchasing a minimum of €250,000 – €800,000 in Greek property, you and your family can obtain a five-year renewable residence permit, which provides you visa-free access to the Schengen zone. (Note: You can only renew your permit as long as you keep a qualifying investment. Check out our in-depth guide to the Greece Golden Visa with €250k.)
• Work Visa or Full-Market Access Permit: If you’ve been offered a job in Greece, your employer can sponsor you. These visas are less common for Americans, but still possible.
• Student or Family Reunification Visas: These are for those enrolling in Greek universities or joining family members who are already residents or citizens.

👉 Pro Tip: Each visa has different requirements. Start your application early by booking a discovery call, as Greek bureaucracy can often be slow-moving.

The USA to Greece Step-by-Step Immigration Process

Moving to Greece requires a clear and concise process:

1. Choose your visa type (FIP, Golden Visa, etc.) by referring to the visa pathways from above.
2. Prepare documents: Gather your passport, proof of income/assets, an FBI background check, a private health insurance policy, and a medical certificate.
3. Apply at a Greek Consulate or Embassy in the U.S.
4. Wait for approval (this can take several weeks to months).
5. Enter Greece and finalize your residence permit at the Immigration Office or local police station.

The Practicalities of Moving

The Cost of Moving to Greece from the U.S.

Your total expenses will depend on your visa choice, lifestyle, and whether you choose to ship belongings. Expect costs such as:

• Visa application fees are expected to be €1,016 for the main applicant and €166 for the spouse or dependent.
• Legal and immigration assistance (optional, but recommended, €1,500–€3,000 per application).
• One-way flight tickets (~$500–$1,200 depending on the season).
• First month’s rent + deposit (varies by city; €600–€1,200 in Athens, lower in smaller towns).
• Shipping costs if moving belongings (see section below).

💡 Compared to U.S. cities, Greece is far more affordable, but it’s wise to budget at least $5,000–$10,000 for initial relocation costs.

Shipping Household Goods to Greece from USA

If you’re bringing furniture or personal items, you’ll need to consider shipping.

• Air Freight: Faster but costly—best for essentials. ($2,000–$6,000 depending on weight).
• Sea Freight (Shipping Container): More affordable for large moves. A 20-foot container costs around $5,000–$8,000, while a 40-foot container may be $8,000–$12,000+. Transit typically takes 4–6 weeks.
• Customs Duties: If you’ve lived abroad for over 12 months, you may qualify for duty-free imports. Otherwise, expect taxes on certain goods.

👉 Recommendation: Many expats find it easier to sell most belongings in the U.S. and buy new furniture in Greece. IKEA and local shops are widely available, but most apartments and homes for long-term rent are fully furnished.

Top-Rated Shipping Companies from USA to Greece

1. ‍International Van Lines: A top-rated mover with robust experience in global relocations and comprehensive services, including customs help. ‍
2. Arpin International Movers: Known for professionalism and superior customer service in managing the complex logistics of shipping household items from the U.S. to Europe.

Finding a Place to Live in Greece

Housing in Greece is more affordable than in the U.S., but costs vary greatly by region.

Renting in Greece as an American

Average Monthly Rental Price by Attica Region

For the region of Attica, Assuming a home is a standard 861 square foot, here are the current rental rates (according to Ekathimerini):

• Attica (Overall Average): The average monthly rent is approximately $776, based on the regional average rate of $0.90/sq. ft.
• Municipality of Athens (Center): The average monthly rent is approximately $811, based on the municipal average rate of $0.94/sq. ft.
• Southern Suburbs: The average monthly rent is approximately $933, based on the regional average rate of $1.08/sq. ft.
• Northern Suburbs: The average monthly rent is approximately $872, based on the regional average rate of $1.01/sq. ft.

Key Price Ranges for Athens Neighborhoods (Based on an 861 sq. ft. Home)

• Most Expensive Area (Kolonaki): ≈$1,221 per month.
• Most Affordable Area (Kypseli): ≈$610 per month.

On islands like Crete or Rhodes, you can often find rentals as low as €400–€600 per month.

Buying Property in Greece as an American

Buying property in Greece offers diverse options, but the market is heavily skewed by location, with costs in and around Athens significantly higher than the national average.

The nationwide average asking price for residential properties is roughly $263 per square foot (€2,561/m2).

Average Greek Property Purchase Price per Square Foot in USD

• Overall Average for Athens (Attica Region): Approximately $309 per square foot.
• Highest Price in Athens (Southern Suburbs): Approximately $376 per square foot.
• Major City (Thessaloniki Municipality): Approximately $244 per square foot.
• Rest of Greece (Excluding Attica and other major cities): Approximately $184 per square foot.

Note: Conversions use an approximate exchange rate of 1 EUR≈1.09 USD.

Additional Buying Costs (On Top of Purchase Price)

Beyond the property price, buyers should budget an additional 5% to 11% of the purchase price to cover all transactional fees. These fixed costs are roughly:

• Property Transfer Tax: 3.09% of the property's value (applies to resales and new-builds with a VAT exemption). New-builds without the exemption may be subject to a 24% VAT.
• Notary Fees: Approximately 2% (+ VAT) of the purchase price or objective tax value.
• Lawyer's Fees: Typically 1% to 2% (+ VAT) for due diligence and closing assistance (highly recommended).
• Land Registry Fees: Approximately 0.5% of the property value.
• Real Estate Agent Fee: Typically 2% to 4% (+ VAT), usually split between buyer and seller.

Life in Greece as an Expat

Finding a Job in Greece as an American

The Greek job market is competitive, favoring primarily Greek-speakers. However, you still have options:

• Remote Work: Many Americans move to Greece under the Digital Nomad Visa while keeping their flexible U.S. jobs, or while running online businesses.
• English-Speaking Roles: Teaching English, hospitality, and relocating with international companies.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting your own business is possible if you secure a renewable 5-year work permit, though bureaucracy can be slow and requirements are strict.

Healthcare & Insurance in Greece

• Greece has both public and private healthcare systems. Expats often start with private health insurance, which is a requirement to secure non-EU visas. Note: Not everyone is eligible for Greece's public healthcare system, nor the AMKA (social security number), as it requires residents to secure local employment. To learn more, check out our guide: What is AMKA?
• With private healthcare, you can expect faster access to English-speaking doctors and specialists, modern facilities with better comfort and service.

Banking in Greece

• Banking: To open a Greek bank account, you’ll need your AFM (tax number), passport, and proof of residence. Note: Some banks accept foreign residence, depending on the branch. To discover what is needed to open a bank account, see our article How To Open A Bank Account In Greece in 2025 and our guide on How Do I Get a TIN (AFM) in Greece?‍
• Most expats also keep U.S. accounts for international transfers.

Culture & Community

Adjusting to Greek life comes with both joys and challenges:

• Bureaucracy: Expect patience—official processes can be slow.
• Expat Communities: Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete have large expat groups, often connecting via Facebook and Meetup.
• Cultural Integration: Learning basic Greek goes a long way in making friends and feeling at home in your new country.

If you want to get an idea of what it's really like living in Greece, watch our YouTube video on the Pros & Cons of Living In Greece.

FAQ: Moving from USA to Greece

How much does it cost to move from the USA to Greece?

Between $5,000–$10,000 for initial relocation, not including property purchases.

How long does it take to move to Greece from the U.S.?

The Visa type "D" processing can take 1-2 weeks, while the temporary residency permit takes within 40 days to issue following application submission. The official residency permit is issued between 6 to 8 months, depending on the workload of the Greek immigration authorities.

How easy is it to relocate to Greece from the U.S.?

With the right visa, the process is generally straightforward—though Greek bureaucracy can sometimes slow things down. That’s why it’s best to work with experienced professionals who can handle the paperwork and ensure your application is submitted correctly from the start, minimizing the risk of mistakes, delays, or rejections.

Can I move to Greece for free or get paid to move?

Some Greek villages offer incentives to attract new residents, but these are rare and often targeted at locals.

What are the bad things about living in Greece?

Slower bureaucracy, fewer job opportunities compared to the U.S., and sometimes limited services in rural areas.

Conclusion

Relocating from the USA to Greece is a life-changing adventure filled with worthwhile memories. While the process involves careful planning, such as securing the right visa, budgeting for costs, and adapting to a new culture, the rewards are well worth the effort.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, check out our in-depth guide to the Ultimate Guide to Residency Permits in Greece (Updated for 2025).

Why Choose My Greek Expat Journey?

At My Greek Expat Journey, we assist expats from around the world in obtaining their residency permits and handling other administrative tasks. With a trusted network of top-rated accountants and lawyers, we ensure a smooth process free from scams. Our transparent communication, up-front fees, and quick responses make relocating to Greece stress-free.

Need help? We assist in gathering the necessary documentation to help obtain a valid residency permit for Greece. To find out more, book a 15-minute discovery call to learn more about our services.