What gives you a “golden visa” for Greece and how you can get it

The question of whether it is worth moving to Greece is heard more and more often not only among those who dream of the sea, but also among pragmatists looking for a balance between comfort, stability and the cost of living. The country is no longer just a resort: it has become a stage where the scenario of a new life is increasingly being played out – with a European background, oriental rhythm and southern flavour. Analyse below, using concrete figures and realities.

Geography of comfort: climate and ecological environment

The answer to the question of whether it’s worth moving to Greece starts with the climate. 300+ days of sunshine a year, mild winters, dry summers, with average temperatures of around +10°C in January and up to +34°C in August. Humidity rarely exceeds 70%, making even the hot months bearable.

Attica, Crete and Rhodes offer not only a comfortable climate, but also low levels of air pollution by European standards. In the Peloponnese, the level of suspended particulate matter in the air does not exceed 25 µg/m3 (according to Eurostat), which is below WHO standards.

Economic background: work and costs

To soberly answer whether it is worth moving to Greece, it is necessary to take into account the local labour market. The average salary is around €1100 per month (2024), with the minimum wage set at €910. The unemployment rate has fallen to 10.4 per cent, but regional disparities remain: Athens and Thessaloniki offer more opportunities, while islands and provinces suffer from seasonality.

Prices for basic products and services are lower than in most Western European countries. Example: a basket of 12 categories of goods in Athens (milk, bread, vegetables, meat, household chemicals, etc.) is about €170. The cost of renting a flat in the centre is from €500, on the outskirts – from 300.

Utility costs (electricity, water, internet) average €120-160.

Welfare, infrastructure and medicine

Understanding whether it is worth moving to Greece is impossible without analysing the healthcare sector. Public clinics operate according to European standards, but are often overloaded. Private medical centres offer quality services for reasonable money: an appointment with a specialist – €30-60, insurance policy – from €50 per month.

The transport network is unevenly developed. In Athens – metro, trams, buses. In other regions – emphasis on personal transport. Petrol costs about €1.90/litre.

Communication is stable: mobile internet – €10-15 for 10-20 GB, home internet – from €25 per month.

Cultural characteristics

When deciding whether to move to Greece, mentality is important. The high level of trust in society is combined with the slowness of administrative processes. Greeks value personal space, but do not avoid contacts. The style of communication is direct, emotional, but without aggression.

Integration is easier through language. Greek is not the most difficult for Slavs in terms of grammar. Mastery of English is enough at the start, especially in tourist and educational spheres.

Real estate: buying, renting and investing

Interest in buying property in Greece continues to grow. The average cost of a square metre in Athens is about €2200, in Thessaloniki – €1500, on the islands – from €2800.

The purchase of real estate gives the right to residence permit under the programme “golden visa” with investments from € 250 000. The programme is valid in Athens and Crete, while in Santorini and Mykonos the threshold is €500,000.

Investments in real estate provide yields of 4-7% per annum, especially in the short-term rental segment.

Legal aspects and long-term perspectives

Immigration to Greece requires a clear understanding of the conditions. For third country nationals, options are available on the basis of investment, freelancing, student visas or family reunification. Permanent residence is possible after 5 years of continuous residence.

Bureaucratic processes take time: registration of residence permit – 2-4 months, obtaining citizenship – from 7 years. But the level of control is lower than in France or Germany.

Pros and cons from the eyes of those who have moved away

According to the feedback from those who have moved to live in Greece, the way of life is pleasing in its simplicity. The slow pace of life reduces stress, and the sea and mountains are available at any time. The reviews also point out difficulties: high VAT (24%), seasonal water cuts on the islands, poor digitalisation of public services.

Pros of moving to Greece:

1. Loyal requirements for obtaining a residence permit.
2. Moderate food and housing prices.
3. A simple, comfortable rhythm of life.
4. Diversity of climatic zones.
5. Potential for property investment.

The cons of moving to Greece:

1. Difficulty finding a high-paying job.
2. Bureaucratic inertia.
3. Slow development of digital services.
4. Seasonal overloading of infrastructure on the islands.
5. Relatively high property taxes.

The balance between attractive living conditions and internal constraints forms an ambiguous image of the country. Despite the pros, each step requires an accurate assessment of personal priorities and a willingness to adapt to the local rhythm. The ability to balance expectations with reality is key.

Country in figures

The country has an area of 131,957 km². The population is about 10.3 million. As of 2024, the inflation rate is stabilised at 3.1% and GDP per capita is about €21,000.

Immigration to Greece has increased since the pandemic. In 2023, the country issued more than 13,000 new residence permits, of which 40 per cent were for real estate.

Whether it is worth moving to Greece: conclusions

The answer to the question whether to move to Greece depends on expectations and goals. For investors – a window with reasonable rates and simplified access to residence permits. For remote professionals – a chance to live by the sea with low costs. For families – a chance to raise children in an environment with a mild climate and a moderate pace. The country offers a balanced format confirmed by statistics, examples and testimonials.

Both countries are under the sun, people in them speak Greek, and the states offer residence permits. But once you delve deeper, the differences will begin to show. The decision to choose Cyprus or Greece for life does not depend on the taste for feta or beaches. It requires calculating costs, statuses, taxes, infrastructure accounting, and adaptation in 2025.

Is Cyprus or Greece better suited to life when analyzing housing and infrastructure?

In Cyprus, the average rent of a two-room apartment in Limassol will cost 1,500-1,800 euros. In Nicosia— it is cheaper: €900-1, 100. In Greece, on the continent, similar accommodation in Thessaloniki costs €600-850, in Athens — up to € 1,200.

When buying:

1. Cyprus offers properties from €2,000/m2 in Paphos to €4,500/m2 in Limassol.

2. Greece holds villas from €1,200/m2 in the provinces to €3,800/m2 in Athens.

The difference is in the quality of the finish, legal purity, and transparency of transactions. Cyprus accelerates the processing, completes transactions in 3-4 weeks. Greece requires a notary, long-term approval, waiting up to 3 months.

Daily living budget in Cyprus and Greece

A family of two spends per month:

• in Cyprus — from €2,300 (without rent);

• in Greece — from €1,800 (without rent).

Grocery basket:

1. Cyprus: a liter of milk — €1.4, chicken — €6.5/kg, gasoline — €1.55/l.

2. Greece: milk — €1.1, meat — €5.8/kg, petrol — €1.8/l.

Cyprus or Greece is better for life — the real budget decides. The first option is more convenient, cleaner, and faster. The second one is cheaper, but slower.

Legal status: Residence permit, permanent residence and access to citizenship

Permanent residence in Cyprus is issued under the investment program: €300,000 — real estate, income from €30,000 per year, additional payments for family members. The terms are up to 6 months, and the status is indefinite. Permanent residence in Greece requires investments of €250,000 in real estate, but the card will have to be renewed every 5 years, confirming the existence of an asset.

A residence permit in both countries requires:

• address availability;

• medical insurance;

• no criminal record;

• minimum income.

Cyprus or Greece is better for life — it shows the speed and reliability of the status. The first country gives you a perpetual card faster. The second one is cheaper, but requires regular updates.

Is Cyprus or Greece better for living in terms of taxes?

Taxes in Cyprus for foreigners:

1. Income tax — 0% up to €19,500, from €19,501 — 20-35%.

2. No inheritance tax and no dividends (with non-dom status).

3. Corporate tax — 12.5%.

Taxes in Greece for foreigners:

1. Income tax — from 22% to 45%.

2. Annual property tax.

3. The bonus program for “new tax residents” is a 50% discount on personal income tax for 7 years.

Culture, climate, and adaptation: how the environment shapes the way of life

Each country dictates its own rhythm, its own habits and its own style of survival. To understand whether Cyprus or Greece is better for life, it is important to understand not only the prices, but also what is happening between the lines: the atmosphere, people’s behavior, language, seasonality.

Language and level of integration

Cyprus creates a low barrier to adaptation. The official language is Greek, but the English—speaking infrastructure works almost everywhere: from lease agreements to hospital referrals. In Cyprus, more than 75% of the population uses English fluently in everyday life, especially in large cities and on the coast. Banks, pharmacies, clinics, lawyers — all processes are run in English without being forced to integrate.

In Greece, the situation is diametrically different. Even in Athens, basic English is used only in tourist spots. Government agencies, courts, medical institutions, and even the rental sector require basic knowledge of Greek. Signatures, notices, and legal documents are all drawn up in Greek, which automatically requires either knowledge of the language or the cost of an interpreter and lawyer. Cyprus wins unconditionally for a quick and comfortable adaptation.

Climate and impact on life

In Cyprus, summer lasts from May to October, with temperatures reaching +34°C, but humidity remains moderate. It rains for 20-30 days a year, mostly in winter. The average temperature in January is +15°C, heating is used selectively. The architecture is designed to keep cool, air conditioners work almost everywhere.

Advantages:

1. Weather conditions are stable all year round.

2. No sudden fluctuations.

3. A minimum of seasonal exacerbations in medicine (for example, acute respiratory viral infections).

4. The opportunity to lead an active lifestyle without seasonal restrictions.

In Greece, the climate is diverse and sometimes harsh. In the continental part (Athens, Thessaloniki) — winter temperatures drop to +5°C, snowfall is possible. In summer, the air warms up to +38°C with high humidity. On the islands (Crete, Rhodes), the heat is easier to bear, but storms and pressure drops are possible in the off—season. Houses often do not have insulation, heating is connected via diesel installations or electric radiators.

Features:

1. Weather instability in winter.

2. Heating costs in 4-5 months of the year.

3. Increased humidity in coastal regions.

4. The locals are used to the climatic changes, but the newcomers are having a hard time adapting.

Cyprus or Greece is better for living in terms of climate — shows the sustainability of Cyprus. Especially for families with children, the elderly and those who do not tolerate humidity or sudden temperature changes.

Mentality, daily rhythm and relationships

Cyprus: slowness and restraint. Life goes on without fuss. People are polite, but not intrusive. They rarely interfere in the affairs of others and respect personal boundaries. The crime rate is low, and the locals behave predictably. Office hours end early, and there is a two—hour lunch break. In government agencies, although not without queues, they serve calmly, without pressure.

Key features:

1. Moderate speed of life.

2. A minimum of stress and social outbursts.

3. High level of trust in business and everyday life.

4. An abundance of British habits in the organization of everyday life (including left-hand traffic and a 13-hour rhythm).

Greece: temperament and energy. Life is in full swing. People speak loudly, emotionally, react quickly, and sometimes aggressively. Respect for formalities is expressed through mimicry: locals know how to circumvent the rule, apply pressure through familiarity, and achieve what they need through volume rather than procedure. In small towns, a rural model of communication is evident: constant questioning, advice, and neighborhood pressure.

Features:

1. Strong rhetorical culture (everyone talks and argues).

2. High level of social interaction.

3. Difficulties with personal boundaries.

4. Problems with compliance with formal procedures (many processes require “urgent reminders”).

Conclusion: Cyprus or Greece is better for life in terms of mentality — it depends on preferences: Cyprus is for those who are looking for stability and distance, Greece is for those who are ready to participate in a public spectacle.

Adaptation: the time and price of entry

In Cyprus, the adaptation takes 1-2 months. Buying or renting real estate, connecting water and electricity, opening a bank account and taking out insurance is carried out without the involvement of a lawyer. The English-speaking staff explains everything step by step, and the service works flexibly. Social connections arise through business or children — Cypriots are not imposed, but they are ready to support.

In Greece, adaptation takes up to 6-9 months. Each procedure requires a translation, a notary, and approval from a government agency. Queues for submitting documents in some cases reach 30-40 days. Without an intermediary, it is almost impossible to understand registration, taxation, and rental rules. At the same time, local people are actively involved in communication, which helps to speed up socialization.

Conclusion: Cyprus or Greece is better for life, integration complexity shows. Cyprus requires less effort and expenses, Greece requires more effort, but it gives you a circle of friends faster.

Cyprus or Greece for life in terms of quality and cost of medicine

In Cyprus, an international school will cost €7,000-11,000 per year. In Greece — in Athens up to €8,000, in the provinces — less. Schools in both countries require language proficiency, but Cyprus offers more English-speaking options.

Medicine:

1. Cyprus — Gesy state system, minimum fees, fee base of €10-30 per visit.

2. Greece — insurance through EOPYY, tariff surcharges, complex destination system.

When to choose Cyprus and when to choose Greece

Cyprus is suitable if:

• An English-speaking environment is required;

• an investment is planned with a quick exit to permanent residence;

• a tax residence with benefits is important;

• The simplicity of the bureaucracy and access to government services are critical.;

• we need a climate without dampness and precipitation.

Greece wins if:

• The budget for moving is limited;

• interested in buying cheap real estate;

• willingness to integrate into local culture;

• I’m not afraid of a complicated administration;

• The priority is the mentality and proximity to the European mainland.

Conclusion: Making a choice requires being honest with yourself

Both countries grant residence permits, access to the EU, the sea and the climate. But the formula of life in each is completely different. Cyprus is more structured, more pragmatic, and more expensive. Greece is wider, more sincere, cheaper.

The decision requires calculation, understanding of the scenario for 3-5 years ahead and a choice between stability or romantic chaos. It is better to choose the country that will provide exactly the right platform, and not just a visa in your passport.