Moving to Greece

Greece offers something rare in Europe: a warm climate, a deep history and a coastline of thousands of islands, all at a cost of living that sits below most of Western Europe. For retirees, remote workers and people drawn to the Mediterranean pace, it has become one of the continent's most popular landing spots.

It suits those with income from outside Greece, because local salaries are low and unemployment has historically been high. It suits retirees on a pension, remote workers earning abroad, and anyone happy to trade speed of administration for sunshine and a slower rhythm. It suits you less well if you need a strong local job market or fast, predictable bureaucracy, because the Greek public sector can be slow and paperwork heavy, though digital services have improved markedly in recent years.

Decide between the islands and the mainland honestly. Athens and Thessaloniki give you city infrastructure and year round services, while the islands are idyllic but can empty out and grow expensive in summer, with thinner healthcare and transport off season.

Greece applies the EU transfer of residence relief. Used household goods moving from outside the EU can enter free of import duty and VAT if you have owned and used them for at least six months, you lived outside the EU for at least twelve months, and you import within twelve months of establishing residence. Goods from another EU country move freely with no formality.

You declare to the Greek customs authority, the Teloneio. You will typically need a dated and valued inventory, your AFM tax number, proof of your Greek address, evidence of your prior residence abroad and the transport documents. A certificate of transfer of residence from the Greek consulate at origin is commonly requested, so arrange it before shipping.

The overwhelming majority of sea freight arrives through Piraeus, the main port serving Athens, with Thessaloniki handling the north. Onward delivery to the islands adds time and cost. Alcohol, tobacco, weapons and certain foods are restricted. Cars can be imported but registration taxes and the technical inspection make it complex. Pets travel under EU rules with a microchip, rabies vaccination and pet passport or health certificate.

We never name or rank movers, so judge them yourself. Start with FIDI or IAM membership, which means audited standards. Then look for real experience moving into Greece, including clearance through Piraeus and, if relevant, onward delivery to the islands, which is a specialist task an experienced firm handles smoothly.

Always get a binding pre move survey so the volume and price are accurate and comparable. Read the insurance terms: valuation basis, exclusions and claims handling. Lean on independent reviews about the claims experience. When you request quotes through this page, ask each mover the same questions to compare like for like.