What is the healthcare system like in Greece?

Greece has a healthcare quality index of 77/100. A doctor visit is listed as Covered by public healthcare, and private health insurance is listed as Public healthcare coverage. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Greece?

Greece has an average temperature of 15. The comparable climate indicator records 21 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Greece

Greece offers Mediterranean and island climates, extensive cultural heritage, and a residence permit for financially independent people who meet the income and insurance requirements. Costs and healthcare access vary between the mainland and islands.

At a glance Costs and planning

75.4Overall research score

98.3Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living38.5/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety98.3/100Safety index

Healthcare77/100Quality index

Average temperature15°CYearly average

Why Greece

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Greece may suit retirees who want a Mediterranean lifestyle and can document the financially independent person threshold. Compare island availability, healthcare access, and seasonal housing costs before choosing a location.

What stands out

Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
Low COL.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: 700-1200 EUR
One bedroom, suburbs: 500-800 EUR
Three bedrooms, city center: 1200-2000 EUR

Monthly essentials

Groceries: 300-450 EUR
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: 150-250 EUR
Health insurance: Public healthcare coverage

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Financially Independent Person residence permit
Minimum annual income: EUR 24,000
Processing time: Varies by consulate and Decentralized Administration
Income tax: 44% Max. CGT: 15%. Inherit: Low/None for direct family.

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 98.3/100
Intentional homicide: 0.008 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 21 days per year
Doctor visit: Covered by public healthcare
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Greece

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Athens

Acropolis, Ancient Agora

Rent: 700-1200 EUR/month
Safety: 65

Read city guide

Chania (Crete)

Historic Venetian harbor city on Crete with strong charm, Mild Mediterranean climate and access to beaches and mountains

Rent: €600-1,100/month
Safety: 82

Read city guide

Heraklion

Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Rent: 400-700 EUR/month
Safety: 80

Read city guide

Thessaloniki

White Tower, Aristotelous Square

Rent: 500-900 EUR/month
Safety: 75

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Greece

What is the cost of living in Greece?

The relative PPP price-level score for Greece is 38.5/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 700-1200 EUR, while health insurance is Public healthcare coverage.

Is Greece safe for expats and retirees?

Greece has a safety index of 98.3/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.008 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Greece?

The healthcare system in Greece has a quality index of 77/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by public healthcare, and health insurance typically costs Public healthcare coverage per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Greece?

Greece lists the route “Financially Independent Person residence permit”. The published minimum-income field is EUR 24,000 per year and processing is Varies by consulate and Decentralized Administration. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Greece?

Retirees in Greece face income tax rates of 44% Max. CGT: 15%. Inherit: Low/None for direct family.. Property tax is ENFIA depends on location, value and property characteristics and inheritance tax is Relationship- and asset-dependent; close-family exemptions can be substantial. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Greece?

Greece has approximately 1,423,964 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion.