7% flat-tax for retirees, EU healthcare, island life
Greece offers a 7% flat-tax regime for foreign retirees moving to Greece — covering all foreign-source pension and investment income for 15 years. Combine that with EU residency, gorgeous islands, and a cost of living lower than most of Western Europe, and Greece is one of the best-value Mediterranean retirement destinations. Athens, Thessaloniki, and islands like Crete and Corfu have established expat communities.
Requires ~€3,500/month in stable income (about €42,000/year) for a single applicant. Two-year residence permit, renewable for 3-year blocks. Path to permanent residency at 5 years.
Standard residents pay 9–44% on worldwide income. The 7% flat-tax regime applies to retirees moving from a country with a Greek tax treaty (yes for US), covering foreign pensions, dividends, capital gains, and rental income for up to 15 years. Greek-source income still taxed at standard rates. No wealth tax. Property tax (ENFIA) is modest.
EOPYY public system available to legal residents. Quality is good in Athens and Thessaloniki, more uneven on smaller islands. Private insurance is affordable (€60–150/month) and widely used. English-speaking doctors common in tourist areas.
Mediterranean. Hot dry summers, mild winters on the islands and coast. Athens has hotter summers (90°F+) and cool winters. Northern Greece can get cold.
Ranked by overall rating. Click any city for the full guide.
$2,600/mo couple · Safety 4/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,500/mo couple · Safety 5/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,400/mo couple · Safety 5/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,300/mo couple · Safety 5/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,300/mo couple · Safety 4/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,200/mo couple · Safety 5/5 · Healthcare 4/5
$2,500/mo couple · Safety 4/5 · Healthcare 4/5
Compare your US tax burden vs Greece's in 30 seconds.
Open tax estimator →Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa. Requires ~€3,500/month in stable income (about €42,000/year) for a single applicant. Two-year residence permit, renewable for 3-year blocks. Path to permanent residency at 5 years.
Standard residents pay 9–44% on worldwide income. The 7% flat-tax regime applies to retirees moving from a country with a Greek tax treaty (yes for US), covering foreign pensions, dividends, capital gains, and rental income for up to 15 years. Greek-source income still taxed at standard rates. No wealth tax. Property tax (ENFIA) is modest.
EOPYY public system available to legal residents. Quality is good in Athens and Thessaloniki, more uneven on smaller islands. Private insurance is affordable (€60–150/month) and widely used. English-speaking doctors common in tourist areas.
A couple lives comfortably on $2,000–$2,800/month outside Athens; Athens runs $2,500–$3,500/month; popular islands $3,000+ in season.
Information on this page is for general planning and educational purposes only — not legal, immigration, or tax advice.