Thinking of moving to Greece from the UK to enjoy island life, retire in the sun, or work remotely? This guide explains how British citizens can relocate to Greece post-Brexit — legally, safely, and confidently — with or without EU ties.
🧳 Why Move to Greece from the UK?
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☀️ Warmer climate and slower pace of life
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🏝️ Hundreds of islands and beaches
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💶 Lower cost of living than the UK
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🏛️ Rich history, culture, and food
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👨👩👧👦 Large expat communities in Crete, Corfu, Athens, and Rhodes
🛂 Post-Brexit: What UK Citizens Need to Know
Since the UK is no longer in the EU:
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You can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
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To stay longer, you must apply for a Greek residence permit
🏡 Visa & Residency Options for UK Nationals
Here are your top options depending on your goals — whether you want to work, retire, invest, or reunite with family.
1. 💻 Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)
Perfect for remote workers or freelancers with clients outside Greece.
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Income requirement: €3,500/month (plus 20% for spouse, 15% for child)
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Initial 1-year visa, renewable for 1 year
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Apply from the UK or within Greece
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Family members can join you
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Cannot work for Greek companies
2. 👴 FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person)
Ideal for retirees or those living off savings, pensions, or investments.
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Minimum income: €2,000/month (proven via pensions or assets)
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Health insurance required
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Work not allowed in Greece
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Renewable every 2 years
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Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Real Estate Investment)
If you’re investing in Greek property:
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Investment threshold: €250,000–€500,000 depending on location
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Includes spouse, children, and parents
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5-year renewable residence permit
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No requirement to live in Greece
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Eligible for citizenship after 7 years if you reside in Greece
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Visa
For those with spouses or relatives already residing in Greece.
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Sponsor must be a legal resident or Greek citizen
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Must prove accommodation and financial stability
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Allows family members to live, study, and eventually work in Greece
5. 🇬🇷 Greek Citizenship by Descent
Have Greek ancestry? British citizens with a Greek parent or grandparent may apply for citizenship by descent.
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No residency requirement
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No Greek language test required
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Apply at the Greek Embassy in London or Edinburgh
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Get a Greek passport and full EU rights
📑 Documents Required
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Valid UK passport
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Proof of income or assets
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UK police certificate (ACRO)
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Greek tax number (AFM)
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Private health insurance
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Lease or ownership of a Greek residence
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Marriage/birth certificates (if applying with family)
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Documents must be apostilled and translated into Greek
📍 Where to Apply from the UK
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Greek Embassy in London
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Greek Consulate in Edinburgh
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OR enter Greece visa-free and apply at the local Aliens Bureau (Μεταναστευτική Υπηρεσία)
⚖️ Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Our Greek immigration lawyers support British citizens with:
✅ Visa application and legal strategy
✅ Assistance with property purchase for the Golden Visa
✅ Citizenship by descent research and documentation
✅ Tax and bank setup in Greece
✅ Translations and certified copies of UK documents
🌍 We work with clients across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Scotland, providing online consultations and full legal representation in Greece.
🗂️ Visa Comparison Table
Visa Type | Income Needed | Can Work? | Includes Family | Citizenship Path |
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Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month | ✅ (remote only) | ✅ | ✅ (after 7 yrs) |
FIP Visa | €2,000/month | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Golden Visa | €250K–€500K | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Family Visa | Sponsor dependent | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Citizenship by Descent | N/A | ✅ | N/A | ✅ (full citizen) |
🧠 Tips for UK Expats Moving to Greece
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Apply for a Greek tax ID (AFM) before submitting your visa
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Set up private Greek health insurance to avoid delays
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Consider long-term rental or real estate if applying for residency
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For citizenship by descent, gather full birth/marriage records early
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Use an immigration lawyer to streamline translations and legal filings
📞 Get Professional Legal Help
Whether you’re moving for retirement, investment, or family, we’ll make your relocation to Greece stress-free.