Moving to Greece Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Greece is the new value leader in Europe for 2026 with 300+ days of sun and Mediterranean lifestyle. Golden Visa requires €400,000-€800,000 real estate investment for family residency. Financially Independent Person visa requires €2,000/month non-employment income. Cost of living is 40-50% lower than Chicago or Philadelphia. Healthcare system is ranked high quality; expats typically use affordable private insurance to bypass public wait times.

What Makes Greece Special for American Relocators?

Greece has surged to the top of the relocation charts in 2026, officially named the "new value leader" of Europe. After several years of Spain and Portugal dominating the market, Greece's combination of 300+ days of sun, a world-class Mediterranean diet, and lower entry costs has captured the American imagination. Whether it's the historic streets of Athens or the tranquil islands of the Cyclades, Greece offers a lifestyle focused on community and longevity.

While the bureaucracy can be complex, the reward is a life where the cost of living is significantly decoupled from the high-stress demands of American urban centers.

What Are the Main Visa Options for Americans Moving to Greece?

The Greek government has incentivized foreign residency to bolster the economy, though some investment thresholds have recently increased.

Golden Visa (Residency by Investment): This is the most popular route for high-net-worth Americans. By purchasing real estate (thresholds vary by region, often €400,000 to €800,000 in 2026), you gain residency for yourself and your family without needing to live in the country year-round.
Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa: For those who don't want to buy property, the FIP visa is ideal. You must show a minimum of €2,000 per month in non-employment income to qualify for this residency permit.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Retirement
Study
Other (Golden Visa)

Can You Retire in Greece?

Greece is currently ranked #1 on global retirement indices; retirees generally need to show a stable pension or savings of €24,000 per year, and there is no strict minimum age as long as the financial requirements are met.

How Does Greece's Cost of Living Compare to the USA?

The cost of living in Greece is approximately 40–50% lower than in major U.S. cities like Chicago or Philadelphia. You can enjoy a full three-course meal with wine for what you would pay for a standard burger and fries in a U.S. metropolitan area.

What Is the Healthcare System Like in Greece?

Greece's healthcare system is ranked surprisingly high for quality, often outperforming several English-speaking nations. Most American expats utilize affordable private health insurance to bypass the wait times of the public system, gaining access to modern facilities at a fraction of U.S. prices.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.