Among Mediterranean nations, Greece is one of the most popular for retiring—the low costs and beautiful climate lead to an unbelievable way to spend your golden years. But then, retiring in this country brings with it a lot more than cultural opportunities and stunning beaches.

It also brings a lot of questions.

What visa do you need? How much will all this cost? And where should you stay?

We made this article to answer all of these questions.

Visa Options for Retirees in Greece

Moving to Greece is a non-issue if you currently live in an EU country. But if you’re a retiree from outside the EU, you’ll need a visa to retire in Greece. The country offers two primary visas for this: the Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa and the Golden Visa.

Financially Independent Person (FIP)

The Financially Independent Person (Retirement) Visa is a great way to go for those with a steady source of passive income, such as pensions, dividends, or rental income. To qualify, you’ll need to be able to prove you get a monthly income of at least €3,500, plus an additional 20% (€700) for a spouse and 15% (€525) per child.

There’s also the option of proving you have substantial savings to support yourself.

Basically, the Greek government wants to know that you won’t be taking money out of the local economy.

The process starts with getting a Type D national visa at a Greek consulate in your home country. Required documents include proof of income, a clean criminal record, medical certification, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Greece. Upon arrival, this visa is converted into a renewable three-year residence permit, as long as you continue meeting the financial criteria and spend at least 183 days a year in Greece. Keep in mind, this visa prohibits employment within Greece. (But isn’t that the point of retirement anyway?)

The Golden Visa

The Golden Visa, on the other hand, is there for anybody (retired or not) looking to invest in Greece, primarily through real estate. Historically, a property investment of €250,000 granted residency, but recent updates now require €500,000 in popular areas like Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, and Santorini, and up to €800,000 in premium locations. However, the lower threshold remains in effect elsewhere. This visa has no minimum stay requirement and permits employment. Immediate family members (spouse, children up to 21, dependent parents) can also be included in the application.

Learn more about the Greek Golden Visa program with our full guide.

Greek Cost of Living for Retirees

One of Greece’s biggest draws is its affordability compared to Northern Europe or North America. Retirees find they can enjoy a high quality of life on a moderate budget. This affordability is especially true for those not relying on Greek wages (which can be quite low).

Healthcare is, obviously, a crucial consideration. While Greece has an accessible public healthcare system, non-EU retirees initially require private health insurance.

Monthly premiums typically range from €50 to €200 (much less expensive than in some other countries), with comprehensive plans averaging around €120/month for those under 75. Out-of-pocket medical expenses are also modest; private doctor visits cost €40–€100. Although public hospitals provide reliable care, many expats opt for private clinics in search of quicker service and English-speaking medical staff.

Everyday expenses are manageable as well. Monthly groceries for one individual typically run between €200–€300. Dining out is affordable, with local tavernas (a great place to eat and make friends) have meals around €10–€15.

Housing costs vary by location, with smaller towns offering rents between €300–€600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while urban centers like Athens or popular islands might see costs between €500–€800+. Many retirees prefer to buy property, given Greece’s reasonable real estate prices, which continue to lag behind most of Europe despite years of increase.

Greek Expat Retiree Community

Another advantage of retiring in Greece is the thriving community of expat retirees, especially in regions like Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, Kefalonia, and the Peloponnese peninsula. These areas offer an active social scene, English-speaking services, and supportive networks that make integration seamless.

Some favorites include:

  • Crete is a particular hotspot, especially the cities of Chania and Rethymno. You’ll be able to find regular social meet-ups, hiking groups, and a vibrant café culture.
  • Corfu is a favorite for British retirees, and it’s easy to see why—the land is gorgeous and the weather is mild.
  • Rhodes attracts retirees because it has a lively atmosphere, historic Old Town, and beaches.
  • The Peloponnese peninsula, especially the Mani region and towns like Nafplio and Kalamata, is growing in popularity thanks to its affordability, stunning scenery, and proximity to Athens. But as more and more people discover it, the less affordable this will be.

 

For many of our clients who make the move to Greece, integrating into the local culture is the greatest reward of the entire adventure. Greeks are famously hospitable and community-oriented, and they emphasize a slow, laid-back pace.

While you can manage daily life comfortably using English, learning some Greek can smooth out a lot of interactions.

Greek Climate Considerations

Greece’s delightful Mediterranean climate is one of its strongest appeals. However, retirees should consider regional variations.

The islands and coastal areas, including Crete, Rhodes, and the Cyclades, enjoy hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching 30–35°C (86–95°F) and mild winters rarely dipping below freezing. Summers can be intense.

Northern Greece and inland regions experience distinct seasons, with colder winters, occasional snowfall, and cooler, more comfortable summers. Cities like Thessaloniki and mountainous areas provide a contrast, definitely appealing if you prefer cooler climates and distinct seasonal changes.

Choosing a location, ultimately, depends on personal preferences. For an endless summer, southern islands and coastal areas are perfect. But for those who enjoy cooler weather and don’t mind chilly winters, northern inland regions and mountainous locales are a better bet.

Welcome to Greece!

Of all the places in the world to retire, few offer as many benefits as Greece.

And when you have the practical questions all sorted? Then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey to this Mediterranean paradise.

But maybe you still need more answers? Schedule a free consultation call with our team today.