Thinking of making the leap from the Southern Hemisphere to the sun-soaked Mediterranean? Whether you want to retire, work remotely, invest, or reconnect with your heritage, this guide explains how to move to Greece from Australia — legally, smoothly, and confidently.
☀️ Why Australians Are Moving to Greece
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🇪🇺 Access to the EU and Schengen Zone
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🏖️ Mediterranean climate and relaxed lifestyle
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👪 Strong Greek-Australian community, especially in Athens and Thessaloniki
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🧘♀️ Affordable living and slower pace of life
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🏛️ Deep cultural and historical connections
🛂 Visa Options for Australians Moving to Greece
Although Australians can enter Greece visa-free for 90 days, you’ll need a residence permit to stay longer. Below are the top residency paths available.
1. 👨💼 Digital Nomad Visa (Popular for Remote Workers)
Great for Aussies working online or freelancing.
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Income requirement: €3,500/month (plus 20% for spouse, 15% per child)
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Work must be with non-Greek companies
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Valid for 1 year, renewable for another year
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Apply from Australia or within Greece
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Spouses and children can join you
2. 👴 FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person Visa)
Perfect for retirees or Australians with passive income.
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Minimum monthly income: €2,000
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No work allowed in Greece
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Private health insurance required
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2-year renewable residency permit
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Leads to permanent residency after 5 years
3. 🏠 Golden Visa (Property Investment)
Ideal if you’re buying real estate in Greece.
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Investment: €250,000–€500,000 in property
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5-year renewable residence permit
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No minimum stay required
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Eligible for Greek citizenship after 7 years
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Includes family members
4. 👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification
If you have Greek family or a spouse in Greece.
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Sponsor must legally reside in Greece
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Proof of relationship required
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Medical insurance and accommodation also needed
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Available for spouses, children, and parents
5. 🇬🇷 Citizenship by Descent
Have Greek grandparents or parents? You may qualify for Greek citizenship by ancestry.
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No Greek language test required
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Obtain a Greek passport and full EU rights
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Application through Greek consulate in Australia
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May take 12–24 months depending on documents
📑 Documents You’ll Need
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Valid Australian passport
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Proof of income or investment
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Clean police certificate (AFP check)
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Greek health insurance policy
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Greek tax number (AFM)
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Lease or proof of Greek accommodation
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Marriage/birth certificates (for family applications)
📌 All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Greek.
🏛️ Where to Apply
You can apply either:
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At the Greek Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne, or Canberra
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Or enter Greece visa-free and apply at the local Aliens Bureau (Μεταναστευτική Υπηρεσία)
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help Australians
Our experienced Greek immigration lawyers help Australians with:
✅ Visa and residency strategy
✅ Citizenship by descent applications
✅ Property investment due diligence for Golden Visa
✅ Greek tax and social security registration
✅ Translations and Greek document preparation
🌐 We offer online consultations and full legal representation from Australia or Greece.
🧳 Visa Comparison Table
Visa Type | Best For | Income Requirement | Work Allowed | Family Included | Path to Citizenship |
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Digital Nomad | Remote workers | €3,500/month | ✅ (remote only) | ✅ | ✅ (7 years) |
FIP Visa | Retirees/passive income | €2,000/month | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Golden Visa | Investors | €250K+ real estate | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Family Visa | Relatives of residents | Based on sponsor income | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Citizenship by Descent | Greek ancestry | N/A | ✅ | N/A | ✅ (full citizen) |
🧭 Moving Tips for Australians
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Apply for your AFM (Greek tax ID) early
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Open a Greek bank account to simplify transactions
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Get a SIM card and register at your municipality (Δήμος)
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Check private health insurance options before applying
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Consider applying for Greek citizenship before you move if you qualify by descent
📞 Book a Free Legal Consultation
Considering the move? Let us help you take the right steps from day one.