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Move-to checklist · Southern Europe

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Moving to Greece from the USA

Checklist for Americans relocating to Greece — FIP (Financially Independent Persons) visa, Golden Visa, digital nomad visa, AFM tax number, AMKA, and your first 30 days in Athens or the islands.

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01

Visa & legal right to stay

  • Pick a route: FIP (€3,500/mo passive income), Digital Nomad (~€3,500/mo remote income), Golden Visa (€250k–€800k property), or work visa

    Must

  • Apply for the national visa (Type D) at your Greek consulate in the US

    Must

  • Plan to convert it to a residence permit at the local Aliens Office within 90 days of arrival

    Must
02

Paperwork to gather before you fly

  • Apostilled FBI background check + birth and marriage certificates

    Must

  • Certified Greek translations of all apostilled docs (by an official translator)

    Must

  • Bank statements proving the income threshold for your route

  • Private health insurance valid in Greece for the first year

    Must

  • Pet docs (EU health certificate, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination)

03

Money & banking

  • Get an AFM (Greek tax number) — required for everything (lease, bank, utilities)

    Must

  • Open a Greek bank account (Piraeus, Alpha, Eurobank, or revolut.gr)

  • Apply for the 7% flat foreign-pensioner tax regime if eligible

    15-year regime, capped at one election.

  • Hire a Greek accountant — bureaucracy + filings reward local help

04

Housing

  • Use Spitogatos or XE.gr for long-term rentals

  • Athens neighborhoods: Koukaki, Pangrati, and Kolonaki for expats

  • Budget 1–2 months deposit + first month + agency fee

  • Verify the landlord will declare the lease to AADE (tax authority)

    Must
05

Healthcare

  • Keep your visa-application private policy for the first months

    Must

  • Get an AMKA (social security number) once employed or via voluntary enrollment

    Must

  • Consider adding private cover (MetLife, Interamerican) for faster specialist access

06

First 30 days on the ground

  • Convert your visa to a residence permit at the Aliens Office within 90 days

    Must

  • Register your address with the local KEP

    Must

  • Get a Greek SIM (Cosmote, Vodafone, or Nova)

  • Buy an Ath.ena Card for Athens transit

  • Exchange your US license for a Greek one within 6 months of residency

FAQ

Does the 7% pensioner tax really cover all foreign income?

Yes — for 15 years, qualifying retirees pay a flat 7% on all foreign-source income (pensions, dividends, rentals) instead of progressive Greek rates.

Is Greek required day-to-day?

Not in Athens or tourist islands, where English is widely spoken. In smaller towns and for bureaucracy, basic Greek smooths everything.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.