Moving to Greece from UK: Visas, the Golden Visa & What to Expect in 2026

Heading to Greece permanently in 2026?

Greece continues to be one of the most popular relocation destinations for British nationals, drawn by its year-round sunshine, slower pace of life and rich culture, from whitewashed island villages to lively city neighbourhoods that offer a lifestyle few can find closer to home.

Moving to Greece from the UK is no longer as simple as booking a flight and unpacking a suitcase, since Brexit changed the rules for anyone planning to stay for more than 90 days, bringing visas, income thresholds and residency permits into the picture for the first time.

Whether you are eyeing a retirement retreat on Crete, considering the Golden Visa as a property investor, or simply want clarity on the paperwork, this guide walks through the visa routes open to UK citizens in 2026.

We explain how the Golden Visa has changed and set realistic expectations for settling into life on the other side of the Mediterranean.

A Short Overview of This Blog

Planning a move to Greece from the UK means choosing the right visa route, understanding the newly tiered Golden Visa thresholds, and preparing for life as a non-EU resident. Here is a quick summary before we go into more detail below.

• Visa basics, UK nationals now need a Type D national visa for any stay beyond 90 days, since freedom of movement ended after Brexit.
• The Golden Visa, real estate investment thresholds now sit in three regional tiers, ranging from €250,000 to €800,000, under rules updated by Law 5275/2026.
• The Financially Independent Person visa, a popular route for retirees who can show a stable pension or other passive income.
• The Digital Nomad Visa, a two-year route for remote workers earning their income from outside Greece.
• Tax and healthcare: what changes once you become a Greek tax resident, and how the UK-Greece tax treaty helps avoid paying twice.
• Practical expectations, realistic timelines, paperwork and the day-to-day realities of settling into Greek life.

Each route suits a different type of mover, so identifying which one applies to you early on will save both time and stress. Read on for the full details behind each option.

Why Brits Are Still Choosing Greece in 2026

Embracing a fantastic Mediterranean lifestyle. Enjoy a warm climate, affordable property, and a deeply relaxed pace of life in beautiful locations like Crete and Corfu.

Thousands of British nationals already call Greece home, settling in well-loved spots such as Crete, Corfu, Rhodes, the Peloponnese and the southern suburbs of Athens.

The appeal is easy to understand: a lower cost of living than much of Western Europe, a genuinely warm climate, excellent food and a relaxed rhythm of life that many find hard to leave once they have tried it.

Property remains relatively affordable outside the busiest islands and cities, English is widely spoken in tourist- and expat-heavy areas, and the direct flight links from UK airports make visiting family straightforward.

None of this changes the fact that moving to Greece from the UK is now a genuine immigration process rather than a simple relocation within the EU, so it pays to understand the paperwork before you commit to a moving date.

Do You Need a Visa to Move to Greece from the UK

Yes. Since the end of the Brexit transition period, Greece treats British citizens as third-country nationals, the same way it treats visitors from the United States or Canada.

You can still travel to Greece without a visa for tourism or short stays, but this is capped at 90 days within any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not just Greece.

If you intend to stay longer, whether to work, retire, invest or join family, you must apply for a national long-stay visa, known as a Type D visa, through the Greek Embassy in London before you travel. Once in Greece, this is converted into a residence permit tied to your specific circumstances.

The EU’s new Entry Exit System is also being rolled out across Schengen borders, which means biometric checks such as fingerprints and photographs on your first crossing, so it is worth building extra time into any airport transfer.

For the latest official position on entry requirements, always check the GOV.UK travel advice for Greece, and the broader GOV.UK guidance for UK nationals living in Greece, both of which are updated regularly.

The Golden Visa in 2026, What Has Changed

Understanding the new tiered investment rules. Learn about the €800,000 and €400,000 real estate thresholds and strict new bans on short-term holiday rentals.

The Greece Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most accessible residency-by-investment programmes, but it looks very different from the scheme that first launched in 2013.

Reforms introduced in 2024 and refined further under Law 5275/2026 replaced the old flat €250,000 threshold with a tiered, location-based system.

Properties in high-demand regions, including Attica and Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and any island with a population over 3,100, now require a minimum investment of €800,000. Elsewhere in Greece, the threshold sits at €400,000.

In both of these tiers, the investment must be a single property of at least 120 square metres.

A lower €250,000 threshold still exists, but it is now reserved specifically for the restoration of listed buildings or the conversion of commercial premises into residential use, and the work must be completed before the application is submitted.

Once granted, the Golden Visa provides a renewable five-year residence permit with no minimum stay requirement to keep it valid, and it covers a spouse, dependent children under 21, and both sets of parents.

Golden Visa properties can no longer be used for short-term holiday lets such as Airbnb, a restriction that is actively enforced in 2026.

Holders can also work towards Greek citizenship after seven years of legal residency.

Because the rules continue to evolve, it is worth speaking to a specialist immigration lawyer before committing funds to a specific property or region.

The Financially Independent Person Visa for Retirees

For UK retirees who don’t want to invest in property, the Financially Independent Person visa, sometimes shortened to FIP, is usually the most straightforward option.

It allows you to live in Greece without working locally, provided you can demonstrate a stable passive income, typically a UK pension, dividends or savings, of around €2,000 to €3,500 a month depending on the consulate and your individual circumstances, with additional amounts required for a spouse or dependants.

You will need private health insurance, a clean criminal record and a registered Greek address to apply, and the visa is generally renewed every one to three years for as long as you continue to meet the financial threshold.

As with all long-stay routes, the process begins with a Type D visa application at the Greek Embassy in London before you move.

The Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers

Working remotely under the Mediterranean sun. Apply at a Greek consulate before traveling to secure your two-year visa and maintain your UK-based income.

If you work remotely for a UK or other non-Greek employer, the Digital Nomad Visa is well worth investigating.

It permits non-EU nationals to live in Greece for up to two years initially, with the option to renew, provided your income is earned from outside the country and meets the required monthly minimum, currently around €3,500.

It has become a popular choice among younger professionals and freelancers who want the Greek lifestyle without giving up a UK-based income.

The great thing about this visa is that, in many cases, you can complete applications after arriving in Greece rather than only in advance from the UK.

Tax Residency and Money Matters

Holding a Greek residence permit does not automatically make you a Greek tax resident.

Broadly speaking, if you spend more than 183 days a year in Greece, you are likely to be treated as a tax resident there and required to declare your worldwide income.

The UK and Greece have a long-standing double taxation treaty, which helps prevent the same income being taxed twice, but the interaction with the UK’s own Statutory Residence Test can be complex, particularly for pensions, rental income and investments.

It is always worth speaking to a cross-border tax adviser before your move and reviewing UK guidance on tax if you live abroad so you understand your obligations on both sides before your first Greek tax year begins.

What to Expect When You Arrive

Once your visa is approved and your move is underway, expect some Greek bureaucracy, even for straightforward cases.

You will typically need a Greek tax number, known as an AFM, to open a bank account, register utilities or buy property, along with biometric registration for your residence permit card. Processing times vary by region, so it’s sensible to build in some flexibility around your moving date.

Healthcare is generally good, particularly in Athens, Thessaloniki and the larger islands, though UK nationals who move permanently should not expect automatic access to free NHS care back home.

GOV.UK’s healthcare guidance for Greece explains how state provision works and what private cover you may need in the meantime.

Day-to-day living costs remain lower than much of Western Europe, particularly outside Athens, though this varies significantly between the busiest islands and quieter mainland towns.

Many new arrivals find that a little Greek goes a long way, even in expat-friendly areas, and it is well worth starting lessons before you go.

How White & Company Can Help Get You There

Sorting out visas and paperwork is only half the job; now you need to decide what to take with you and how to get it there.

Once your route into Greece is confirmed, our removals to Greece service takes care of the practical side, from professional packing in the UK through to customs clearance and delivery to your new Greek home, whether that is a city apartment, an island villa or a quiet village house.

For more background on settling in, our complete guide to moving to Greece from the UK and our article on buying property in Greece as a British expat are both useful next steps.

With over 150 years of removals experience and full FIDI and OMNI accreditation, we have helped many British movers navigate the practical side of relocating to Greece.

Get a free, no-obligation home survey and quote so you can see for yourself how straightforward moving to Greece from the UK can be when the logistics are in the experienced hands of White & Company.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Abroad

These are some of the questions we most often hear from customers preparing to move overseas, whatever the destination.

How far in advance should I book an international removal company?

As a general guide, aim to book six to eight weeks before your moving date, and earlier still if you are moving during the busy summer months. This gives enough time for a survey, accurate quoting and a confirmed slot in the shipping schedule.

What should I do with belongings I do not want to take abroad?

Most people use a combination of selling, donating and UK storage. A pre-move sort through your home, room by room, well ahead of packing day makes the process far less overwhelming and can meaningfully reduce your shipping costs.

Do I need to tell HMRC that I am moving abroad?

In most cases, yes. You will usually need to complete a P85 form or inform HMRC through your tax return, so your UK tax position is updated correctly, particularly if you continue to receive UK income such as a pension or rental income.

Can I take my pet with me when I move abroad?

Generally, yes, though requirements vary by destination and typically include microchipping, up-to-date vaccinations and an animal health certificate. It is worth starting the paperwork several months ahead, since some countries have strict timing rules around rabies vaccinations.

What is the best way to transfer money internationally when relocating?

A specialist currency transfer service (FX) will usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees than a high street bank, particularly for larger sums such as a property purchase. It is worth comparing a few providers and locking in a rate ahead of any major payment.

Should I ship my car when I move abroad?

It depends on the destination, the age and value of the vehicle, and local import duties, which can be significant. For many moves, it is more cost-effective to sell in the UK and buy locally, though a specialist vehicle shipping service can arrange transport where it makes sense to keep your car.

How do I choose between a full load and a part load removal service?

A full load gives you exclusive use of a vehicle and generally the fastest transit time, which suits larger household moves. A part load shares space with other shipments heading the same way, which can be a more affordable option for smaller moves or single items.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.