Change of https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-greece

Change description : 2026-01-09 18:15:00: Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section). Moved social care content to a separate guide. [Foreign, Commonwealth & Development OfficeGuidance and regulation]

Showing diff : 2025-08-07 16:21:43.699544696 +00:00..2026-01-09 18:15:25.372586991 +00:00

Guidance

Living in Greece

Information aboutfor movingBritish to,citizens livingmoving to or retiringliving in GreeceGreece, including visas,guidance working,on residency, passports, healthcare and driving.

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This helpguide withsets livingout in Greece 

Helpessential frominformation the Greek government 

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ManyThis governmentinformation servicesis areprovided availableas through GOV.GR and Citizensa Serviceguide Centresonly. (KEP)You (inshould Greek).  

Theget UKdefinitive government,information from the BritishGreek Consulateauthorities. andThe theForeign, BritishCommonwealth Embassy& inDevelopment AthensOffice cannot(FCDO) giveis personalisednot adviceliable onfor movingany to, living orinaccuracies retiringin in Greece.  this information.

Professional help in Greece  

YouRead cangeneral also getguidance helpon frommoving English-speakingor professionalsretiring abroad in Greece,.

To including:  stay up to date:

Help

If fromyou thewere UKliving government  

Readin the travelGreece advicebefore for1 Greece toJanuary understand2021

Some theparts risksof youthis mayguide faceonly apply if you livehave been living in orGreece visitsince Greece.before This1 includesJanuary the2021. latestYou informationshould on:  

  • visasread andthese entryin requirements  

  • lawsaddition andto culturalthe differences 

  • safetyrest andof security the guidance in each section.

ReadYou ourshould guidancealso on moving,read livingour orLiving retiringin abroadEurope page.  

Get helpfor fromdetailed theguidance UKabout governmentcitizens’ abroad,rights includingunder inthe anWithdrawal emergency. Agreement.

Visas, residency andVisas citizenship  and residency

MakeYou suremust youtell meetthe UK government the entryoffices requirementsthat for Greece beforedeal with your benefits, pension and tax if you travel.are moving or retiring abroad.

Visas and

Check residencethe permits 

entry requirements for Greece.

IfYou youshould wantalso to live in Greece you should: read:

Youinvestors can- getgolden a visa to:  

For

Visas moreand information,residency readif guidanceyou on:  

were living in Greece before 1 January 2021

Registeringdocument as(Engrafo aDiamonis resident 

You18 cannot(4) applyΣΑ forΈγγραφο residencyΔιαμονής). untilIt shows that you arehave inrights Greece.  

Withinunder 90the daysWithdrawal ofAgreement. your arrival,The you must registerGreek your address ingovernment person with yourhas regionalnot branchyet ofset a deadline for getting the Hellenicdocument, policebut (inconfirmed Greek) and applythat for a temporaryit residencewill permit

Ifbe youindicative. haveThis anymeans problemsthat oryour questionsrights aboutunder registeringthe your addressWithdrawal orAgreement applying forwill residency,not contact:  

Extendingthe ordeadline. replacingHowever, yourwe visastrongly orrecommend residencythat permit  

Readyou guidancerequest fromthe the MinistryEngrafo ofDiamonis Migration18 and(4). Asylum forIt informationalso onshows howyour right to renewenter orGreece replaceand your residencyexempts permityou (infrom Greek).the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and visa requirements.

PermanentEU residency  Entry/Exit System

You mayThe beEU ableplans to applyto forintroduce permanenta residencynew in Greece if youdigital haveborder lived- therecalled forthe 5Entry/Exit years withSystem a(EES). temporaryThe residenceexact permit.   

Youdate needthat EES will tobe renewintroduced ahas permanentnot residence permit everybeen 10confirmed. years. 

ForOnce moreintroduced, informationthis onwill eligibilityrequire andnon-EU hownationals, including UK nationals, visiting the EU to apply,create contact the regionala Directoratedigital ofrecord Aliensand provide their biometric data (fingerprints and Migration of the regionalfacial governmentimage) whereat youthe live.border Regionalwhen governmentsthey areenter alsothe knownEU’s as the ‘decentralizedSchengen administrations’ (αποκεντρωμένες διοικήσεις, apokentroménes dioikíseis). Zone. 

Citizenship  

Greece recognises dualUK citizenshipnationals withresident in the UK.EU Thiswill meansbe that you don’t haveexempt tofrom giveregistration upif (renounce)they yourhold Britishthe citizenshipcorrect to become a Greek citizen.  documentation.

ToFor findUK outnationals if you’re eligiblewho for Greek citizenship:  

Helpthis withdocument, visa, residency andyou citizenship applications 

Thewill Britishnot Embassy inneed Athens cannot helpto with Greek visa, residency orregister citizenship applications.  in the EES when travelling.  

For anyfurther questionsdetails oron issues,how contact:  

Residence

We permits ifstrongly youurge movedall to Greece beforeUK nationals, lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021 

2021, to apply for the new biometric residence document (Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) ΣΑ Έγγραφο Διαμονής) to avoid difficulties at the border.  

IfWe youalso movedstrongly to Greece beforeurge all UK nationals, lawfully resident in the EU before 1 January 2021, to make sure youtheir havebiometric a biometric residence document (Engrafo(Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) (inΣΑ Greek), ΣΑ Έγγραφο Διαμονής).Έγγραφο ThisΔιαμονής) showsremains thatvalid, youto have rightsreplace underit theif Withdrawallost Agreement.  or stolen and to keep it with them when travelling.  

Under theThere neware digital Entry/Exitcertain systemadditional (temporary documents issued under the WA which will also allow exemption from registration in the EES), you’ll need the Engrafo Diamonis 18.  For (4) whenGreece, enteringthese ordocuments leaving Greece.are the special certificate of legal residence stating that the holder has the rights of Part Two of the WA (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής της υπ’αριθ. 4000/1/113-α’ Κ.Υ.Α. (ΥΠΟΔΕΙΓΜΑ ΚΑ-158) and the certificate of submission of the supporting documents (Βεβαίωση (κατάθεσης δικαιολογητικών). If you havehold one,these documents when travelling, you will notalso havebe exempt from registration in the EES.

Free movement residence documents, previously issued to registerUK withnationals and their family members, do not allow exemption from the EES when entering, leavingAs such, in Greece, registration certificate ‘Veveosi Engrafis - Βεβαίωση Εγγραφής’ or travellingpermanent withinresidence thecertificate Schengen‘Engrafo area.Monimis WithoutDiamonis it,- Έγγραφο Μόνιμης Διαμονής’ if you mayregistered bebefore wrongly1 identifiedJanuary as2021, overstayingdo not allow exemption from registration in EES

For UK nationals who are otherwise resident in Greece, the Schengendocumentation Areathat andallows deniedexemption entryfrom to Greece orEES includes other residence permits issued to third country nationals as long as it is listed in Annex 22 of the Schengen countries.  Practical Handbook for Border Guards.

Read guidance from the Greek DepartmentMinisterial ofDecision Labouron andresidence Socialdocuments Security on (in Greek) and the rightsrelated of Britishannouncement nationalsfrom whothe wereHellenic residentPolice in(including Greecea beforeseries 1of JanuaryQ&As).

To 2021request (inthe Greek).   document:

If
  • if you dolive notin haveAttica aand residencyThessaloniki document 

regions, visit your nearest Hellenic Police station that has an Aliens Department
  • if you live elsewhere, visit your nearest General Regional Police Directorate that has an Aliens Department
  • non-EU family members should visit their nearest Directorate for Aliens and Migration of the Decentralized Administrations
  • If you werehave livingbeen in Greece beforelegally 1resident Januaryin 2021,Greece butfor:

    • over do5 notyears: haveyou will be eligible for permanent residency and a 10-year residence permit,document which you must applyshould forrenew one inwhen personit atexpires
    • less one ofthan the regional branches5 ofyears: the Hellenicyou Policewill (inbe Greek). You’ll needeligible to submit evidencefor toa provedocument thatvalid for 5 years. After 5 years, when you metrenew theit, residencyyou criteriawill atget thea time.  

      10-year residence document

    Read the Hellenic Police police’s guidance on how to apply,renew includingyour adviceresidence ondocument.

    The whatGreek toauthorities dowill ifonly mobilityaccept issuesyour meanapplication if you areinclude unableall tothe applydocuments inthat person. 

    Ifthey request. When your application is successful, you’ll getaccepted, you will be given a temporary certificate. You can use this until you receive your biometric residence carddocument.

    You calledshould an Engrafo Diamonis 18also (4). read the Greek government’s website for UK nationals living in Greece and submit any questions using the contact form.

    If your applicationmobility is unsuccessful,impaired, for example you mayare bebedridden, ablehospitalised, in a nursing home or care facility, you do not need to appeal. Considerrequest gettingthe legalbiometric adviceresidence fromdocument an English-speakingin person. You can authorise a family member or lawyer in Greece. The refusalto letterapply on your behalf. You can also ask a police officer to collect your application and supporting documents, and take your biometric data (fingerprints). You will explainneed howa to appeal but you must domedical so withincertificate 20to daysconfirm ofthat the refusalyour decision. Whenmobility you appeal youis will: impaired. If you lack mental capacity, your representative will need to provide a medical certificate confirming your condition.

    • haveIf to waityou uphave toproblems 30with daysyour request for a decisionbiometric fromresidence the Aliensdocument, contact the Department of Citizenship, Homogeneous and European Union Citizens of Aliens Division of the local Hellenic Police Police Headquarters.

    • If you need further information on how to secure your residency, you may find useful the EuroBrits Greece guidance on residency.

      Appeals process

      If your biometric residence document application is refused, the refusal letter will explain how you can appeal. You must appeal within 20 days of the refusal decision. You will be given a Certificate of Legal Residence (Ειδική Βεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής),(Ειδική showingΒεβαίωση Νόμιμης Διαμονής). This shows that you stillcontinue to have rightsfull underWithdrawal the WithdrawalAgreement Agreement untilrights youruntil appealthere is complete a final decision on your appeal.

    • haveThe aDirector chance toof the relevant Aliens Division will make ana decision within 30 days. If your appeal tois therefused, administrativeyou courtscan ifmake a further appeal to the AliensAdministrative Division refusecourts. yourYou appeal 

    • becan ablecontinue to stay in Greece until youryou finalget appeala decision decision on this appeal.

     ForIf moreyour informationappeals onare howrefused, you may be able to apply orfor appeal,the read the: 

    Renewing ornationals. replacing yourA residencythird documentcountry ifnational youis movedsomeone to Greece beforewho 1does Januarynot 2021  have EU, EEA or Swiss nationality.

    Family members

    You’ll needYour toclose renewfamily yourmembers residencycontinue document every 5 or 10 years,to dependingbe on whetherable to join you registeredand forsettle ain 5-yearGreece orat 10-yearany permit.   time in the future. Read more information on who this applies to in the Living in Europe guidance.

    Read guidanceNationals fromof the Helleniccertain Policenon-EU andcountries the Ministrymay ofneed Citizena Protection on: visa before travel. The Greek authorities should issue family reunion visas free of charge.

    Bringing

    Always familycarry membersyour to Greece ifpassport when travelling within the Schengen area. If you movedhave therecitizenship beforeof 1an JanuaryEU 2021 

    The Europeanor Commission,European the UKFree and Greek governmentsTrade provideAssociation information(EFTA) on:  

    • whichcountry, familyin membersaddition canto joinyour British citizenship, you in Greece  

    • howshould enter and whenleave theyGreece shouldusing applyyour forEU theiror residenceEFTA document  country passport.

    ReadIf you stay in Greece with a Greek residence document or long stay visa, this time does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit for the guidanceSchengen on: area.

    Passports

    If andyou travel  

    were living in Greece before 1 January 2021

    ReadWhen ouryou guidancetravel, on moving,in livingaddition orto retiringyour abroad.valid Thispassport, coverscarry howyour to: residence document:

    • applyregistration forcertificate a‘Veveosi BritishEngrafis passport- fromΒεβαίωση abroad 

      Εγγραφής’ or
    • travelpermanent urgentlyresidence withoutcertificate your‘Engrafo BritishMonimis passport 

    IfDiamonis you- haveΈγγραφο a Greek residenceΜόνιμης permitΔιαμονής’ or longif stay visa,you theregistered timebefore you1 spendJanuary in Greece does2021 notor

  • residence countdocument towards‘Engrafo theDiamonis 90-day18 visa-free(4) periodWA you- canΈγγραφο spendδιαμονής in18 (4) ΣΑ’, issued under the SchengenWithdrawal area.  

    Agreement
  • AlwaysYou carrymust proactively show your passportresidence anddocument, residencyor documentother when entering,evidence leavingof or travellingresidence withinstatus, the Schengenif area. If you’re askedyou are asked to show your passport at border control,control. makeOther sureevidence youmay alsobe show your residencetenancy documentagreement or othera evidenceutility ofbill residencein status. Youryour passportname, maydating befrom stamped2020. ifIf you dohave not.  applied for, but not yet received, your residence document, show your certificate of registration.

    If you havecannot dualprove citizenshipthat withyou an EU or Europeanare Freeresident Tradein AssociationGreece, (EFTA) country, you shouldmay be asked additional questions at the border to enter the EU. Your passport may be stamped on entry and leave Greece usingexit. your EU orThis EFTAwill passport. 

    Dualnot citizensaffect travellingyour torights in the UK 

    Whencountry travellingor tocountries thewhere UK,you Britishlive citizensor mustwork. carryIf a valid British passport or certificate is stamped, the stamp is considered null and void when you can show evidence of entitlement.lawful residence. Read EU guidance on dualfor citizenshipUK nationals on entering and leaving the Schengen area.

    Resident

    If childrenyou travellinghave withoutrights aunder parentthe orWithdrawal legalAgreement, guardian 

    Childrenyou agedcan 17enter and underexit mustGreece carrywith a letteryour ofvalid authority if they’re travellingUK outpassport. of Greece withoutYou theirdo parentnot orneed legalany guardian. Seeadditional validity on the Greekpassport government’sbeyond advicethe on traveldates documentson forwhich minors foryou moreare information. travelling.

    Healthcare

    Contact the GreekRead Embassyour guidance on healthcare in LondonGreece orand themake Consulatesure inyou Manchester orare the Ministry ofcorrectly Foreignregistered Affairs forfor moreyour information. circumstances.

    European Entry/Exit System (EES

    UnderCheck the newthe digital Entry/ExitGreek Systemgovernment (EES)website for cross-border healthcare there.

    Travel areinsurance newis rulesnot for entering,intended leavingto orcover travellinghealthcare withincosts the Schengenif areayou live overseas.

    If Non-EUyou nationals willdo neednot to have theirany photohealthcare andinsurance, fingerprintsyou takencan get medical treatments or verifieddiagnostic attests from public hospitals and primary healthcare centres. Read the border.Greek ThisMinisterial dataDecision willon beuninsured storedcitizens’ inaccess ato digitalmedical recordtreatments and useddiagnostic to monitor howtests long(in visitorsGreek). haveYou spentwill inalso theonly Schengenbe area.  

    British nationalsable legallyto residentget in Greece doprescription notmedicine needfrom tohospital registerpharmacies or pharmacies registered with the EESEOPYY if theyhealthcare havefund any(in ofGreek). 

    Read the following: guidance on:

    Social ofcare

    What thedo supportingwe documentsmean (Βεβαίωσηby κατάθεσης δικαιολογητικών) 

    social care?

    IfSocial youcare aremeans legallythe residenttype in Greece butof docare notor havesupport an Engrafo Diamonis 18needed (4),to contact thehelp Alienswith division (γραφείο αλλοδαπών) at yourday-to-day regionalliving branchbecause of theillness, Hellenic policedisability (inor Greek)reduced ability due to older age. 

    Accessing social care if you live in Greece

    ForTo moreaccess informationsocial aboutcare theand EES,other read:  services in Greece, you must have: 

    Healthcare in Greece 

    ReadIf ouryour guidancemobility on moving,is livingimpaired orand retiringyou abroad.need Thisto coversapply howfor to: 

    PublicPlease healthcarenote inthat Greeceif isyou runare byresident thein GreekGreece Nationalon Organisationa Permanent Residence Permit for HealthcareInvestors/Golden Servicesvisa, Provisionthis (EOPYY). Tovisa accessdoes EOPYYnot services ifentitle you areto livingany inhealth Greece youor willsocial needcare aprovided by the Greek residencestate. permit. You must provide evidence of private healthcare insurance when applying for, or renewing, this visa. 

    Challenges in accessing social care

    ToYou may find out more:  it difficult to get social care for the following reasons: 

    Where to access social care

    ReadIn our stepGreece social care is provided by stepyour guidelocal municipality (in Greek, your local δήμος (dimos). This is the equivalent to accessinga UK local council.  

    The social care available to you will depend on what the Greekmunicipality government’swhere onlineyou platformlive foroffers. orderingWhat prescriptionsis withinavailable Greececan (PDF,vary 925greatly KB) (somebetween informationdifferent parts of Greece, particularly with fewer resources in Greek).rural areas and on small islands. As part of preparing for later life or for ill health you should familiarise yourself with what your local municipality offers.   

    Working in

    See Greece 

    a list of all Greek municipalities in English

    ReadPlease ourbe guidanceaware on moving,that livingstaff orat retiringany abroad.of Thisthe covers workingcentres abroad,or includingorganisations documentslisted youbelow may neednot fromspeak themuch, UKor government. any, English. 

    To

    Community workcentres in Greece,/ you may needΚέντρα κοινότητας

    As a workfirst permitpoint orof workcontact, visa. For guidancevisit onyour thenearest differentcommunity workcentre permitsto andfind visasout what help may be available to you, read:   you.  

    Toin applyevery fortown aor job,area youwith maymore needthan to10,000 providepeople.  

    Community a:  centres give counselling support on:  

    YouSome, dobut not needall, amountainous, workrural permit or visaisland ifmunicipalities you have beenmobile livingunits that serve people in Greecethe legallymost sinceremote beforeareas. 1Other Januarysmall, 2021,remote asareas youmay have rightsnot underhave thecommunity Withdrawalcentres Agreement.   

    at all. If you live in Greece andin werea regularlyremote commutingarea, tocheck workwhat infacilities another EU or Europeanyour Freelocal Trademunicipality Associationprovides.  

    Other (EFTA) country beforeresources 1providing Januarysocial 2021,care

    Other read guidanceresources forwhich frontiermay workersbe available in your local area include: 

    Recognition

    1.Help ofat qualifications 

    Home programme

    The BritishHelp Embassyat andHome consulatesprogramme is for people who:  

    • are older and not able to confirmfully thecare validityfor ofthemselves 
    • have qualificationsmobility awardedimpairments  
    • have inhealth theproblems 

    The UK. programme prioritises people who:  

    • live alone 
    • do not have full family care 
    • are on low income   

    IfYour community centre, or the social services in your area, will decide whether you wantare eligible to workaccess in Greece,the youHelp at Home Programme. Be aware that the level of service varies greatly across Greece and even where they exist services cannot always provide enough help for people who need daily care. You may need to getconsider yourhow foreignto qualificationsresource recognised. To findadditional outcare more readprivately. 

    2.Open guidance fromelderly the: 

    protection centres / Κέντρα Ανοιχτής Προστασίας Ηλικιωμένων (ΚΑΠΗ)

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 May 2013
    Last updated 91 JanuaryAugust 20262025 + show all updates
    1. Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section). Moved social care content to a separate guide.

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    Update history

    2026-01-09 18:15
    Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK (‘Passports and travel’ section). Moved social care content to a separate guide.

    2025-08-01 12:16
    The guidance has been reviewed and updated where necessary. Link added to Greek government’s guidance on becoming a digital nomad in Greece.

    2025-03-12 13:47
    Section on social care added.

    2024-12-05 10:46
    Added information on how to prove you have parental responsibility for a child to Greek authorities.

    2024-10-18 14:47
    Added information and downloadable letters about watersport diplomas and pleasure craft operator certificates.Added information to get an HMRC letter for tax purposes.

    2024-06-18 08:22
    The Visas and residency section has been updated to include information on the EU Entry/Exit System that will be introduced in Autumn 2024.

    2022-03-11 08:00
    Important information in the Working in Greece, and National insurance sections if you work in Greece, even it if it is for an employer based in the UK.

    2022-02-17 11:29
    Guidance reviewed and updated with new information, including in the visas and residency, and healthcare sections.

    2021-12-22 19:21
    There are now no restrictions on driving in Greece for residents with valid UK or Gibraltar driving licences

    2021-09-24 17:40
    Visas and residency section updated: If you need support with your residency application, contact the relevant UK Nationals Support Fund organisation before 31 October 2021

    2021-02-19 11:18
    Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines.

    2020-09-17 14:41
    Visas and residency section updated to include information about how to access the UK Nationals Support Fund for those who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.

    2020-09-09 13:03
    Passports and travel section updated to include information on passport validity and entry requirements when travelling to other European countries from January 2021

    2020-05-06 15:03
    Healthcare section updated to include details on how to use the new online platform for ordering prescriptions.

    2020-01-23 15:33
    Brexit update: includes further details on passport validity, healthcare rights and State Pension uprating if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.

    2019-09-23 17:32
    Brexit update: healthcare section updated to reflect transitional arrangements announcement

    2019-09-03 17:44
    Brexit update: Pensions section updated to include further details on State Pension uprating.

    2019-04-15 13:06
    EU Exit update: updates on 'Passports and Travel', 'Pensions' and 'Returning to the UK' sections

    2019-04-09 16:17
    EU Exit update: updated information on EU Exit in healthcare, visas and residency, driving and working sections