🇬🇷Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Athens, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Athens at a glance?
- Flag: 🇬🇷
- Population: ~640,000 (city) – ~3.15 million (metro area)
- Currency: Euro (EUR) — Note: Greece uses the Euro, but prices may also be compared in USD for reference
- Average salary: between EUR 16,000 and EUR 18,500 per year
- Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by Eurostat, June 2025; Hellenic Statistical Authority, last updated in July 2025; Bank of Greece Monetary and Financial Statistics Department, last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Athens?
The cost of moving to Athens depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 1,200–3,200 (≈ EUR 1,100–3,000) |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~2–6 weeks | USD 1,900–4,200 (≈ EUR 1,750–3,950) |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~3–5 days | USD 1,600+ (≈ EUR 1,500+) — air freight is fast but significantly more expensive |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Athens, as part of the EU: no customs duties for EU moves; 0–10% duty + 24% VAT may apply for non-EU shipments (varies by goods category) |
👉 Reviewed by Freight Market Analysis Team (iContainers, BR Logistics, Freightify, NEX), last updated in mid-2025
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes .
Real-life case: “I moved to Athens in May 2025 with about 30 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 20ft container from New York. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my apartment in central Athens—was around EUR 3,800. I worked with a relocation company in Greece that managed customs clearance at the Port of Piraeus, arranged last-mile delivery through busy city streets, and assisted with registering my imported goods with Greek Customs (Independent Authority for Public Revenue – AADE).” — Michael S., moved in May 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Greece choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities in the country, including Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, and Larissa. These cities offer a mix of historical heritage, modern infrastructure, cultural life, and strong expat communities—making them top choices for newcomers from across Europe and beyond.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Greece, you may qualify for duty-free and VAT-free import of used household goods under Greek Customs rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- You must have lived outside the EU for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months after your move.
At customs, present:
- Inventory list of goods.
- Proof of residency abroad.
- Passport or Greek residence permit.
⚠️ New items, vehicles, or high-value goods may be subject to 24% VAT + applicable duties.
👉 Reviewed by Greek Customs (Independent Authority for Public Revenue – AADE), last updated in mid-2025
What is the cost of living in Athens?
The average monthly cost of living in Athens for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €1,100–1,400 per month. These figures reflect capital city averages and are updated quarterly using data from industry sources.
| Expense | Athens (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre) | ~€700 / outside centre ~€500 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€250–300 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€30–35 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€150–200 |
👉 Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in July 2025
What do I need to know about Greece visas and residency?
A Greek visa or residence permit is required for most non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Options include the Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C), Long-Stay National Visa (Type D), Work Visa, Student Visa, Family Reunification Permit, and the EU Blue Card. Greece also offers residence permits for skilled workers, researchers, investors, and certain self-employed entrepreneurs.
Visa categories and eligibility check:
https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/
Visa application portal (for appointments and documents):
https://applications.mfa.gr/
👉 Reviewed by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Greece, you must declare your vehicle at customs and pay applicable import duties, 24% VAT, and a registration tax, unless you qualify for exemptions under the change of residence scheme. Imported vehicles must comply with EU safety and emissions standards and undergo a technical inspection (KTEO) before being registered.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Greece and can be used without exchange. For licences from non-EU/EEA countries, you may need to exchange your licence within 6 months of establishing residence in Greece. Some countries (e.g. the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea) have reciprocal agreements allowing licence exchange without testing. Others may require passing a theoretical and/or practical driving test.
👉 Reviewed by the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and Greek Customs (Independent Authority for Public Revenue – AADE), last updated in July 2025
How can I bring pets with me to Greece?
Pets entering Greece must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an EU health certificate or EU Pet Passport (for pets from EU/Schengen countries). For pets arriving from non-EU/EEA countries, a valid veterinary certificate issued within 10 days before travel is required.
Import requirements vary by species (e.g. dogs, cats, ferrets). Certain dog breeds are restricted in Greece under national regulations.
If arriving from outside the EU/EEA, pets must enter through designated entry points (such as Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport, or major ports like Piraeus) and may be subject to document checks by the Hellenic Veterinary Authorities.
Using a licensed pet relocation service and preparing all documents in advance ensures compliance with Greece’s pet travel regulations and helps reduce stress for both the owner and the animal.
👉 Reviewed by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece, last updated in June 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Greece’s social security number (AMKA)?
To open a Greek bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- Greek AMKA number (social security number) or sometimes residence permit
- Proof of address (rental contract/utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of work, study, or income
To get an AMKA number, register at the local Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP – Κέντρο Εξυπηρέτησης Πολιτών) with:
- Passport or ID
- Residence permit (if applicable)
- Proof of address
This number is required for work, healthcare, banking, and social benefits in Greece.
👉 Reviewed by the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Athens?
In Athens, renting usually requires a 1–2 month deposit plus one month’s prepaid rent. Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet) are often not included in the listed rent. To rent, you’ll typically need:
- Passport or national ID
- Greek AMKA number or residence permit (temporary residence also accepted)
- Proof of income or job/study contract
To buy property in Athens, budget an extra 2–3% notary fee plus taxes and legal costs (including the 3% property transfer tax). Mortgage buyers should also factor in bank and appraisal fees.Top areas in Athens for newcomers:
- Kallithea: Affordable, centrally located, excellent transport links.
- Kolonaki: Upscale, cultural hub, close to embassies and luxury shops.
- Marousi: Northern suburb, family-friendly, near international schools.
- Piraeus: Port city vibe, good for professionals linked to shipping & trade.
- Glyfada: Popular seaside suburb, lively expat community, modern apartments.
👉 Reviewed by Spitogatos Housing Market Data Team and the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Greece?
If you’re a tax resident in Greece (living more than 183 days per year or having significant ties like housing, work, or family), you’re taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA – Ενιαίος Φορέας Κοινωνικής Ασφάλισης) are mandatory, covering pensions, healthcare, unemployment, and other social benefits. Greece also has double tax treaties with more than 57 countries to prevent double taxation on foreign income.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | On global income | Progressive rates: 9%–44% depending on income bracket; flat 22% for corporate income |
| Social Contributions | Covers pension, healthcare, unemployment | EFKA contributions: ~13.87% pension, 6.95% healthcare, other minor contributions; employers also contribute (≈22.54% total employer share) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Agreements with 57+ countries, including the US, UK, Germany, and Canada |
📊 Reviewed by the Hellenic Ministry of Finance and the Single Social Security Entity (EFKA), last updated in April 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore relocation guides for Norway and Germany.
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