Guidance

Living in Greece

Information about moving to, living or retiring in Greece – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

• From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Published: 27 May 2013
• Last updated: 9 January 2026 — See all updates

Getting help with living in Greece 

Help from the Greek government 

For any questions about moving to or living in Greece, you may be able to get help from the: 

• Greek Embassy in London 

• Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum 

Many government services are available through GOV.GR and Citizens Service Centres (KEP) (in Greek).  

The UK government, the British Consulate and the British Embassy in Athens cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Greece.  

Professional help in Greece  

You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Greece, including:  

• lawyers 

• translators 

• notaries  

• funeral directors  

Help from the UK government  

Read the travel advice for Greece to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Greece. This includes the latest information on:  

• visas and entry requirements  

• laws and cultural differences 

• safety and security 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.  

Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency. 

Visas, residency and citizenship  

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Greece before you travel.

Visas and residence permits 

If you want to live in Greece you should: 

• apply for a visa, typically a Type D Visa, also known as a National Visa, before arrival 

• apply for a temporary residence permit after arrival 

You can get a visa to:  

• work 

• work as a digital nomad  

• study 

• live with family in Greece 

• retire 

For more information, read guidance on:  

• entry and work visas, from the Greek Consulate in London 

• different types of visas, from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

• residence permit categories and visa types, in the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum’s advice on immigration to Greece 

Registering as a resident 

You cannot apply for residency until you are in Greece.  

Within 90 days of your arrival, you must register your address in person with your regional branch of the Hellenic police (in Greek) and apply for a temporary residence permit. 

If you have any problems or questions about registering your address or applying for residency, contact:  

• a Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP) 

• the Ministry of Migration and Asylum 

• an English-speaking lawyer in Greece 

Extending or replacing your visa or residency permit  

Read guidance from the Ministry of Migration and Asylum for information on how to renew or replace your residency permit (in Greek).

Permanent residency  

You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Greece if you have lived there for 5 years with a temporary residence permit.   

You need to renew a permanent residence permit every 10 years. 

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, contact the regional Directorate of Aliens and Migration of the regional government where you live. Regional governments are also known as the ‘decentralized administrations’ (αποκεντρωμένες διοικήσεις, apokentroménes dioikíseis). 

Citizenship  

Greece recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you don’t have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Greek citizen.  

To find out if you’re eligible for Greek citizenship:  

• read guidance from the Ministry of the Interior on how you can become a Greek citizen (PDF, 527KB). 

• contact the Ministry of the Interior or one of its regional offices 

• contact the Greek Embassy in London or the Consulate in Manchester  

Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications 

The British Embassy in Athens cannot help with Greek visa, residency or citizenship applications.  

For any questions or issues, contact:  

• a Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP)   

• the Greek Embassy in London or the Consulate in Manchester  

• an English-speaking lawyer in Greece 

Residence permits if you moved to Greece before 1 January 2021 

If you moved to Greece before 1 January 2021, make sure you have a biometric residence document (Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) (in Greek), ΣΑ Έγγραφο Διαμονής). This shows that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

Under the new digital Entry/Exit system (EES), you’ll need the Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) when entering or leaving Greece. If you have one, you will not have to register with the EES when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Without it, you may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen Area and denied entry to Greece or other Schengen countries.  

Read guidance from the Greek Department of Labour and Social Security on the rights of British nationals who were resident in Greece before 1 January 2021 (in Greek).   

If you do not have a residency document 

If you were living in Greece before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence permit, you must apply for one in person at one of the regional branches of the Hellenic Police (in Greek). You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.  

Read the Hellenic Police guidance on how to apply, including advice on what to do if mobility issues mean you are unable to apply in person. 

If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric residence card called an Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4). 

If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Greece. The refusal letter will explain how to appeal but you must do so within 20 days of the refusal decision. When you appeal you will: 

• have to wait up to 30 days for a decision from the Aliens Division of the local Hellenic Police 

• be given a Certificate of Legal Residence (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής), showing you still have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement until your appeal is complete 

• have a chance to make an appeal to the administrative courts if the Aliens Division refuse your appeal 

• be able to stay in Greece until your final appeal decision 

 For more information on how to apply or appeal, read the: 

• guidance from the Hellenic Police 

• information sheets provided by the EuroBrits Greece project  

Renewing or replacing your residency document if you moved to Greece before 1 January 2021  

You’ll need to renew your residency document every 5 or 10 years, depending on whether you registered for a 5-year or 10-year permit.   

Read guidance from the Hellenic Police and the Ministry of Citizen Protection on: 

• how to renew your residence permit 

• how to replace your residence permit   

Bringing family members to Greece if you moved there before 1 January 2021 

The European Commission, the UK and Greek governments provide information on:  

• which family members can join you in Greece  

• how and when they should apply for their residence document  

Read the guidance on: 

• who is protected by the Withdrawal Agreement from the European Commission 

• who are the beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement residence permit from the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police 

• living in Europe if you moved before 1 January 2021 on GOV.UK 

Passports and travel  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to: 

• apply for a British passport from abroad 

• travel urgently without your British passport 

If you have a Greek residence permit or long stay visa, the time you spend in Greece does not count towards the 90-day visa-free period you can spend in the Schengen area.  

Always carry your passport and residency document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.  

If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Greece using your EU or EFTA passport. 

Dual citizens travelling to the UK 

When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship. 

Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian 

Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of authority if they’re travelling out of Greece without their parent or legal guardian. See the Greek government’s advice on travel documents for minors for more information. 

Contact the Greek Embassy in London or the Consulate in Manchester or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information. 

European Entry/Exit System (EES) 

Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.  

British nationals legally resident in Greece do not need to register with the EES if they have any of the following: 

• an Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) (a biometric residence permit) 

• a special certificate of legal residence stating that the holder has the rights of Part Two of the WA (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής της υπ’αριθ. 4000/1/113-α’ Κ.Υ.Α. (ΥΠΟΔΕΙΓΜΑ ΚΑ-158) 

• a certificate of submission of the supporting documents (Βεβαίωση κατάθεσης δικαιολογητικών) 

If you are legally resident in Greece but do not have an Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4), contact the Aliens division (γραφείο αλλοδαπών) at your regional branch of the Hellenic police (in Greek). 

For more information about the EES, read:  

• EU guidance on the EES 

• guidance on the Entry/Exit System (EES) for UK nationals

Healthcare in Greece 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to: 

• plan your healthcare 

• take medicine abroad  

Public healthcare in Greece is run by the Greek National Organisation for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY). To access EOPYY services if you are living in Greece you will need a Greek residence permit. 

To find out more:  

• read UK government guidance on healthcare for UK nationals living in Greece 

• read about EOPYY health services (in Greek) 

• find medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in Greece 

• contact your insurance provider 

Read our step by step guide to accessing the Greek government’s online platform for ordering prescriptions within Greece (PDF, 925 KB) (some information in Greek).

Working in Greece 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government. 

To work in Greece, you may need a work permit or work visa. For guidance on the different work permits and visas available to you, read:   

• the Greek Embassy in London’s advice on entry and work visas 

• GOV.UK guidance on travelling to Greece for work 

To apply for a job, you may need to provide a:  

• UK police certificate 

• copy of a Greek criminal record (in Greek) 

You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Greece legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.   

If you live in Greece and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers. 

Recognition of qualifications 

The British Embassy and consulates are not able to confirm the validity of qualifications awarded in the UK. 

If you want to work in Greece, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. To find out more read guidance from the: 

• UK Department of Business and Trade 

• Greek branch of the National Academic Recognition Information Centres (NARIC) network 

Contact the Interdisciplinary Organization for the Recognition of Academic Qualifications and Information (DOATAP) (in Greek) for more information. 

Watersports diplomas and certificates for operators of pleasure craft 

Download a letter to confirm to Greek authorities: 

• the British embassy does not issue certificates to validate watersports diplomas (PDF, 175 KB, 1 page) 

• the British organisations authorised to issue International Certificates for Operators of Pleasure Craft (ICC) (PDF, 215 KB, 2 pages) 

If you want a stamped and signed version of these letters ask the British embassy or one of the consulates for one. There is a charge of £50. 

Driving in Greece 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to: 

• drive abroad legally 

• take your UK vehicle abroad 

• get driving licence letters 

The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport provides information on driving in Greece, including how to:  

• apply for a temporary Greek driving licence (in Greek) 

• get a new Greek driving license (in Greek) 

Find other Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport online services on the Greek Government’s digital services portal.  

For more information read guidance on:  

• driving in the EU 

• road travel in Greece, in safety and security in the travel advice for Greece 

Driving in Greece using a foreign driving licence  

You can drive in Greece for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:  

• the UK 

• Gibraltar 

If you hold a Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence, contact your regional branch of the Directorate of Transport & Communications (in Greek) to find out what you must do to drive legally in Greece. 

You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Greece.   

Exchanging a UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar driving licence  

If you have been resident in Greece for 6 months or more you should exchange your driving licence for a Greek one if it was issued in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man or Gibraltar.  

Applying for a Greek driving licence 

You can apply for a Greek driving licence (in Greek) if you have been resident in Greece for at least 6 months.  

You will need to pass a theory test and a practical driving test.  

Disabled drivers 

You may be able to apply for: 

• an EU parking card for people with disabilities 

• a Greek disability card  

Contact your regional branch of the Directorate of Transport & Communications (in Greek) for information about the Greek disabled parking card. 

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Greece, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. 

Tax  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.  

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Greece so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. 

You must register for a Tax Identification Number (AFM). Once you have an AFM, you must: 

• submit a yearly tax return 

• submit an annual declaration of assets, including any assets held outside Greece (there are severe penalties if you fail to do this) 

See the tax guidance from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  

Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Greece from an English-speaking lawyer.

National insurance  

Check if you need to pay National Insurance if you’re going to work in the EU, Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. 

Pensions 

Claiming your UK pension 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers: 

• how to claim your UK State Pension 

• where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension 

Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.  

Claiming a Greek pension 

Read guidance on Greek pensions from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.  

Contact the local branch of the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA) (in Greek) to find out whether you can claim a Greek pension. 

Submit an application for a Greek pension (in Greek) to the EFKA if you have paid national insurance in Greece. 

Benefits  

Claiming UK benefits  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.   

You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. 

Claiming Greek benefits  

You may be entitled to some Greek benefits but you will usually need a Greek tax number (AFM) and a social security number (AMKA). 

Learn about Greek benefits from OPEKA, the Organisation of Welfare Benefits and Social Solidarity (in Greek), part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. 

Apply for benefits using the Greek Government’s digital services portal. 

Buying and renting property in Greece 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property.  

Foreign nationals can own land and property in Greece but you will usually need a Greek tax number (AFM).  

Contact an English-speaking lawyer if you’re considering buying property or land in Greece. 

Voting in Greece 

UK elections 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to: 

• vote in UK elections from abroad 

• register as an overseas voter  

Greek elections  

You cannot vote in Greek elections unless you hold Greek citizenship. 

You cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country. 

Studying in Greece 

If you plan to study in Greece, you must get the right entry visa before you travel. If your period of study is longer than 90 days you will probably need a Type D Visa, also known as a National Visa. 

You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Greece legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.  

For more information, read guidance on:  

• studying in Greece 

• studying in the EU 

• travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England) 

You can also contact:  

• your higher education provider in the UK or Greece 

• the Greek government-sponsored Study in Greece program  

• the Greek Embassy in London or the Consulate in Manchester 

Children 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:  

• getting permission to take your child abroad  

• claiming UK Child Benefit abroad 

• child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad   

Schools and education 

The European Commission provides information about the school system in Greece.  

All children aged 6 to 15 must attend school in Greece.  

For more information, read the Greek government’s guidance on how to enrol children in schools. 

Childcare  

The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family Affairs and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs are among the government departments responsible for childcare services in Greece.  

For more information, read the Greek government’s guidance on how to enrol children in play schools and nursery schools. 

Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships 

Births  

If your child is born in Greece, register the birth with the Greek authorities. 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:  

• register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate  

• apply for your child’s first British passport  

Proving parental responsibility 

The Greek authorities may ask you to prove that either you, your partner or both you and your partner have legal parental responsibility for a child if: 

• you or your partner are not one of the biological parents 

• you and your partner are the biological parents but were not married or in a civil partnership at the time of the birth 

In the UK, mothers and most fathers have legal rights and responsibilities as a parent – known as ‘parental responsibility’. A person who is not the mother can apply for parental responsibility, for example as a step-parent. This is also known as ‘recognising a child’. 

Download this letter explaining UK law on parental responsibility and the recognition of a child (PDF, 398 KB, 2 pages) if you, your partner or both you and your partner have been asked to prove that: 

• you took legal responsibility for a child in the UK but are not one or either of the biological parents 

• you are the biological parents of a child and have parental responsibility for the child but were not married or in a civil partnership at the time of the birth 

Deaths  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers: 

• what to do after someone dies abroad 

• how to register the death with the UK authorities 

If someone dies in Greece, read guidance on: 

• what to do after a British person dies in Greece 

• English-speaking funeral directors in Greece 

• services offered by the Greek Government when someone dies 

Marriages and civil partnerships  

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.  

The Greek government provides information on how to:  

• get a marriage license as a foreign resident in Greece 

• register a marriage in Greece 

Divorce and separation 

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.  

The Ministry of the Interior offers guidance on how to get a divorce in Greece.  

Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer.   

Documents for British people in Greece 

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:   

• legalising and certifying UK documents  

• marriage and civil partnership documents 

• affirmations and affidavits  

• witnessing signatures 

Pets 

 If you want to bring your pet with you to Greece, read guidance on:  

• travelling to Greece with your pet 

• taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad 

Lawyers, translators and notaries  

To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Greece, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.  

Returning to the UK  

Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services. 

If the NHS funds your healthcare in Greece through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.    

Disclaimer  

We provide this information as a guide only.  For definitive information, contact the Greek authorities.  

Read our consular information disclaimer.

Published 27 May 2013

Last updated 9 January 2026 + show all updates

1. 9 January 2026

   Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section). Moved social care content to a separate guide.

2. 1 August 2025

   The guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary. Link added to Greek government's guidance on becoming a digital nomad in Greece.

3. 12 March 2025

   Section on social care added.

4. 5 December 2024

   Added information on how to prove you have parental responsibility for a child to Greek authorities.

5. 18 October 2024

   Added information and downloadable letters about watersport diplomas and pleasure craft operator certificates. Added information to get an HMRC letter for tax purposes.

6. 18 June 2024

   The Visas and residency section has been updated to include information on the EU Entry/Exit System that will be introduced in Autumn 2024.

7. 11 March 2022

   Important information in the Working in Greece, and National insurance sections if you work in Greece, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.

8. 17 February 2022

   Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and healthcare sections.

9. 22 December 2021

   There are now no restrictions on driving in Greece for residents with valid UK or Gibraltar driving licences

10. 24 September 2021

    Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 31 October 2021

11. 24 August 2021

    Guidance reviewed for money, tax and banking, benefits, births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships, and useful information sections.

12. 9 August 2021

    Guidance reviewed for Passports and travel, Healthcare, Working in Greece, Studying in Greece, Emergencies, and Returning to the UK sections.

13. 2 August 2021

    Professional qualifications section updated for British citizens who are moving or moved to Greece after 1 January 2021 and those living there since before 1 January 2021.

14. 20 July 2021

    Working in Greece section updated: new guidance for frontier workers

15. 19 April 2021

    Additional support section updated with link to guidance on UK Nationals Support Fund, healthcare section updated including guidance on the S1 form and applying for EHIC and GHIC cards; working in Greece section updated with link to Department for International Trade (DIT) guidance on recognition of professional qualifications and link to DIT guidance on working or providing services.

16. 19 February 2021

    Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.

17. 31 December 2020

    Updated as the transition period ends with new information on residency, pet travel and moving to Greece

18. 17 December 2020

    Passports and travel section updated on carrying proof of residence when travelling.

19. 4 December 2020

    Visa and residency section updated on how to get the new residence document

20. 10 November 2020

    Healthcare section updated on how to apply for a new UK EHIC as a student or S1 holder. Working section updated with information on frontier workers.

21. 17 September 2020

    Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.

22. 9 September 2020

    Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

23. 6 May 2020

    Healthcare section updated to include details on how to use the new online platform for ordering prescriptions.

24. 23 January 2020

    Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

25. 23 September 2019

    Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

26. 3 September 2019

    Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating. 

27. 15 April 2019

    EU Exit update: updates on 'Passports and Travel', 'Pensions' and 'Returning to the UK' sections

28. 9 April 2019

    EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections

29. 13 March 2019

    EU Exit update: Details on Greek government's statement regarding the protection of citizens’ rights after EU Exit in the Visas and residency section

30. 13 March 2019

    We have updated the contact details you need to apply for an S1 form.

31. 22 February 2019

    Updated information on passports: you must use the checker tool to see if your passport is still valid for your trip

32. 29 January 2019

    EU Exit update: updated information on access to healthcare

33. 18 January 2019

    EU Exit update: updated information on pensions and driving.

34. 22 November 2018

    EU Exit update: New information in residency and visa section on draft withdrawal agreement in principle between the UK and EU. Plus information on travelling with pets in Europe in pet section.

35. 15 November 2018

    Brexit update: added in information about outreach events in Greece

36. 4 April 2018

    Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

37. 29 September 2014

    Update to healthcare for early retirees and pensions information.

38. 5 May 2014

    Information added on changes to EHIC rules and health cover for early retirees.

39. 29 October 2013

    a contact information has been added under 'Useful Contacts'

40. 19 July 2013

    Updated the information on life certificates for UK state pensions.

41. 27 May 2013

    First published.