Post-Brexit Greek Residency: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Citizens

Reading time: 12 minutes

Introduction: The New Landscape

Brexit fundamentally altered the relationship between UK citizens and EU countries, including Greece. That carefree ability to relocate without paperwork? Gone. The automatic right to live, work, and travel freely across the EU? Replaced with a complex web of permits, visas, and bureaucratic procedures.

Yet despite these changes, Greece remains an extraordinarily attractive destination for UK citizens seeking Mediterranean sunshine, rich culture, and a more relaxed pace of life. The question isn’t whether moving to Greece is possible—it absolutely is—but rather how to navigate this new post-Brexit landscape efficiently.

This guide cuts through the confusion with clear, actionable information about your residency options. We’ll explore everything from temporary stays to permanent settlement, covering the practical steps, financial requirements, and real-world challenges you’ll face along the way.

Residency Options for UK Citizens

The days of simply arriving in Greece and settling in are over for UK citizens. Now, you’ll need to select a specific pathway to residency based on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and long-term plans.

Temporary Residency Permits

For those not ready to make a permanent commitment, temporary residency permits offer flexibility while providing legal status. These permits generally fall into several categories:

• Family Reunification Permit: If you have family members who are EU citizens residing in Greece, this pathway allows you to join them with simplified requirements.
• Employment-Based Permit: Secured with a job offer from a Greek employer. The employer must demonstrate they couldn’t fill the position with a Greek or EU national.
• Student Visa: Available for those enrolled in recognized Greek educational institutions.
• Financially Independent Person (FIP) Permit: Requires proving sufficient stable income from sources outside Greece.

The FIP permit deserves special attention as it’s particularly popular among retirees and remote workers. You’ll need to demonstrate monthly income of at least €2,000 from sources like pensions, investments, or remote work contracts with non-Greek companies. This income must be stable and regularly transferred to a Greek bank account.

Golden Visa Program

Greece’s Golden Visa program offers residency in exchange for significant investment in the country. It’s designed for those with substantial financial resources who want a straightforward path to residency with minimal time requirements in-country.

The most common route involves purchasing property worth at least €250,000. This investment threshold is significantly lower than comparable programs in Portugal (€500,000) or Spain (€500,000), making Greece one of Europe’s most accessible Golden Visa options.

Key benefits include:

• Five-year renewable residency permit
• Minimal in-country time requirements (just once per permit period)
• Family inclusion (spouse, children under 21, and dependent parents)
• Path to citizenship after 7 years of residency
• Freedom to rent out your investment property

The program isn’t simply about buying property. Alternative investment options include:

• €400,000 in Greek government bonds
• €400,000 in Greek company shares
• €400,000 in Greek bank deposits
• €800,000 in Greek investment funds

Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2021, the Digital Nomad Visa caters specifically to remote workers and freelancers. This increasingly popular option reflects Greece’s commitment to attracting digital professionals who can work from anywhere.

To qualify, you must:

• Have employment contracts or client relationships with companies outside Greece
• Demonstrate monthly income of at least €3,500
• Have health insurance coverage valid in Greece
• Show proof of remote work capability

This visa initially grants a 12-month stay, extendable for an additional year. After this period, you can transition to other residency permits if you wish to stay longer.

The Application Process

Feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of Greek bureaucracy? Let’s break down the actual application process into manageable steps.

Required Documents

Regardless of which residency path you choose, certain core documents are universal requirements:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned arrival
• Biometric photos meeting specific dimension requirements
• Proof of health insurance with coverage in Greece
• Criminal record certificate from UK authorities, apostilled and translated
• Proof of financial means appropriate to your visa category
• Completed application forms from the Greek Ministry of Migration

Additional documents vary by permit type:

• Golden Visa: Property purchase contracts, proof of bank transfer, property valuation
• Employment Permit: Job contract, employer verification letter, work eligibility assessment
• Digital Nomad: Work contracts with non-Greek entities, proof of remote work capability
• FIP Permit: Pension statements, investment income documentation, bank statements

Pro tip: All official UK documents will need apostille certification and official Greek translation. Budget accordingly, as professional translation services typically charge €30-50 per page.

Application Timeline and Procedures

The application process typically follows this sequence:

1. Initial consultation: Contact the Greek consulate in the UK (London, Edinburgh, or Birmingham) to confirm requirements for your specific situation.
2. Document collection: Gather all required documents, arrange for translations and apostilles.
3. Type D visa application: Submit your application at the Greek consulate for initial entry permission.
4. Greek arrival: Enter Greece with your Type D visa.
5. Biometrics appointment: Within 90 days of arrival, attend an appointment at the local Aliens Bureau (Διεύθυνση Αλλοδαπών) for biometric data collection.
6. Residency permit issuance: Receive your residency card, typically within 1-3 months of the biometrics appointment.

Timeline expectations vary dramatically by permit type and location:

Financial Considerations

Beyond meeting minimum income requirements, you’ll need to budget for various costs throughout the application process and subsequent life in Greece.

Initial application costs include:

• Type D visa application fee: €180
• Residency permit application fee: €150-500 (varies by permit type)
• Document translation: Approximately €200-400 total
• Apostille certification: £30-50 per document in the UK
• Legal assistance (optional but recommended): €500-2,000

For Golden Visa applicants, additional costs include:

• Property transfer tax: 3.09% of property value
• Notary fees: 0.8-1% of property value
• Legal fees: 0.5-1% of property value
• Property registration: €300-500

Healthcare Access and Insurance Requirements

Post-Brexit, UK citizens no longer benefit from the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system for long-term stays. Comprehensive private health insurance is now mandatory for all residency applications.

Your insurance policy must meet these requirements:

• Coverage for the entire duration of your intended stay
• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical expenses
• Inclusion of emergency repatriation
• Zero or reasonable deductibles

For stays exceeding one year, you’ll typically need to register with the Greek national healthcare system (EFKA) after obtaining residency. This involves:

• Registering with your local EFKA office
• Obtaining your AMKA (social security) number
• Choosing a primary care doctor from the approved list
• Making monthly contributions based on declared income

Case study: Michael and Linda, retired teachers from Bristol, opted for the FIP permit route. They initially secured international health insurance through a UK provider at €3,200 annually for both. After establishing residency, they registered with EFKA, paying monthly contributions of approximately €150 combined. While they maintain their private insurance for more comprehensive coverage, they’ve found the Greek public system provides excellent care for routine matters, particularly after developing relationships with local doctors.

Tax Implications

Tax considerations often determine which residency path makes most sense for your situation. Greek tax residency typically applies after spending 183 days in Greece within any calendar year.

As a Greek tax resident, you’ll be subject to:

• Income tax on worldwide income (progressive rates from 9% to 44%)
• Property tax (ENFIA) on Greek property holdings
• Special solidarity contribution (temporarily suspended until 2025)

However, Greece offers several tax advantages worth considering:

• Pension taxation: Foreign pensions are taxed at a flat 7% rate for new tax residents (for the first 15 years)
• Non-dom program: Wealthy individuals can opt for a €100,000 annual flat tax on foreign income
• Digital nomad incentive: 50% tax exemption on Greek-source income for the first 7 years

Important: While the UK and Greece have a double taxation treaty, you’ll still need to carefully manage your tax affairs in both countries. Professional tax advice from specialists familiar with both systems is essential.

Real-World Examples

The Digital Professional: Emma’s Story

Emma, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Manchester, wanted Mediterranean living without sacrificing her established UK client base. She opted for the Digital Nomad visa, demonstrating her yearly contract with a London agency worth €55,000.

Initial challenges included proving stable income (resolved by showing her three-year contract) and understanding local tax obligations. She ultimately settled in Heraklion, Crete, where she found a vibrant digital nomad community.

“The application process took about six weeks,” Emma explains. “The trickiest part was timing the appointment at the Greek consulate in London—they’re perpetually booked months in advance. I’d recommend securing that appointment before finalizing anything else.”

After her initial two-year digital nomad period, Emma transitioned to the FIP permit as her savings had grown substantially, allowing her to meet the financial requirements without relying solely on contract work.

The Investment Approach: The Wilson Family

Robert and Sarah Wilson, along with their two teenage children, pursued the Golden Visa route, purchasing a €270,000 villa near Kalamata in the Peloponnese region.

“We initially considered Portugal’s Golden Visa,” Robert shares, “but Greece’s lower investment threshold and property prices made it financially compelling. We ultimately got more for our money—a beachfront property that would have cost double elsewhere.”

Their challenges centered around property verification and navigating the Greek property registry. They invested in comprehensive legal support (€3,500) that proved invaluable for verifying clean title and handling tax registrations.

The Wilsons split their time between Greece and the UK, spending spring and summer months in their Greek home while maintaining their primary residence in Oxford. Their residency permits allow this flexibility while providing security for potential future retirement in Greece.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Bureaucratic Navigation

Greek bureaucracy is notoriously complex. Common frustrations include:

• Inconsistent information between different offices
• Unexpected additional document requirements
• Language barriers during crucial appointments
• Extended waiting periods without status updates

Solution: Consider hiring a specialized relocation consultant or immigration lawyer. While this adds €500-1,500 to your budget, it often saves months of frustration and prevents costly mistakes. Many successful applicants say this was their best investment in the entire process.

Banking Obstacles

Opening and maintaining Greek bank accounts has become more challenging for UK citizens post-Brexit. Issues include:

• Documentation requirements varying between banks
• Difficulty transferring funds without excessive fees
• Maintaining minimum balances during application processing

Solution: Start with international banks that have both UK and Greek branches (like HSBC). Alternatively, Eurobank and Alpha Bank have streamlined processes specifically for residency applicants. Establish your Greek bank account early in the process, ideally during a preliminary visit before formal application.

Your Greek Journey: Practical Next Steps

The path to Greek residency doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here’s your strategic roadmap for moving forward with confidence:

1. Determine your optimal residency route based on your financial situation, timeline, and lifestyle goals. Each pathway suits different profiles—be honest about which aligns with your circumstances.
2. Plan a preliminary visit to your target region. Beyond tourism, use this trip strategically: open a bank account, meet with real estate agents if applicable, and identify local professionals who can assist with your application.
3. Build your support network both before and after arrival. Connect with UK expat groups online, attend virtual events for prospective residents, and identify several key local contacts (lawyer, accountant, property manager) before committing.
4. Create a realistic timeline with appropriate buffers. Most successful applicants report the process took 50-100% longer than officially stated timeframes.
5. Develop a dual-track approach for critical elements like banking and healthcare, maintaining UK arrangements until Greek systems are firmly established.

The post-Brexit landscape has certainly created new hurdles, but thousands of UK citizens have successfully navigated them to establish new lives in Greece. With proper planning, realistic expectations, and strategic resource allocation, you can join them.

Remember that flexibility remains your greatest asset throughout this process. Those who approach Greek residency with patience and adaptability consistently report smoother experiences than those rigidly attached to specific outcomes and timelines.

What part of Greek life are you most looking forward to embracing once your residency is secured? The cultural immersion, Mediterranean lifestyle, and rich history await—making the administrative journey worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my UK driving license in Greece after Brexit?

No, not long-term. As a non-EU resident, you can use your UK license for the first six months after establishing residency in Greece. After that, you must either exchange it for a Greek license (if you have a photocard license issued after 1998) or take the Greek driving test (theory and practical) if you have an older license. Start this process early as appointments can take months to secure. The license exchange requires a medical examination, application submission at the local transport department, and a fee of approximately €85.

How does Greece’s residency timeline compare to citizenship eligibility?

Residency and citizenship follow different timelines. You can maintain permanent residency indefinitely by renewing your permits (typically every 2-5 years depending on permit type). Citizenship eligibility requires continuous legal residency for 7 years, passing a Greek language proficiency test (B1 level minimum), demonstrating integration into Greek society, and passing a citizenship exam covering Greek history, culture, and politics. The citizenship application review typically takes 2-3 additional years. Many UK citizens opt to maintain permanent residency status indefinitely rather than pursuing citizenship, especially since dual citizenship is permitted.

What happens to my residency status if property values change under the Golden Visa program?

Once granted, your Golden Visa residency rights are not affected by subsequent changes in property values. If you purchased a property at or above the €250,000 threshold and obtained your residency permit, you maintain those rights even if property values decline. The evaluation occurs only at the time of purchase. However, if you sell the property, you lose the residency rights unless you immediately reinvest in another qualifying property. For renewals (every five years), you simply need to prove you still own the original investment property or have made an equivalent qualifying investment elsewhere in Greece.

Article reviewed by Isabella Fontaine, Alpine Luxury Properties | Discreet High-Altitude Investments, on May 15, 2025