Greece is inside the Schengen area, so a British national moving there faces rules that a move to Cyprus or Ireland does not. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) publishes a “Living in Greece” guide on GOV.UK, last updated on 17 March 2026, along with travel advice on entry requirements. This article summarises both for a household move from the UK. It is general information, not immigration, tax or legal advice, and it deals with Greece only. The FCDO says the UK government, the British Consulate and the British Embassy in Athens cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Greece, and that the Greek authorities set and enforce the rules.
The visa comes first
The guide says that anyone wanting to live in Greece should apply for a visa before arrival, typically a Type D Visa, also known as a National Visa, and then apply for a temporary residence permit after arrival. Visas are listed for work, work as a digital nomad, study, living with family and retirement. The travel advice adds the short-stay position: British citizens can travel to the Schengen area, including Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, and a longer stay requires a national visa from the Greek authorities. Time spent in Greece on a residence permit or long-stay visa does not count towards that 90-day limit. The travel advice warns that overstaying the visa-free limit may lead to a ban from Schengen countries for up to three years.
For entry, the travel advice says a passport must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and must expire at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen area.
Registering after arrival
The FCDO says residency cannot be applied for until the person is in Greece. Within 90 days of arrival they must register their address in person with the regional branch of the Hellenic police and apply for a temporary residence permit. A Citizens’ Service Centre (KEP), the Ministry of Migration and Asylum or an English-speaking lawyer can help with problems. Permanent residency may be available after five years with a temporary permit, with a permanent permit renewed every 10 years. Greece recognises dual citizenship with the UK, so British citizenship does not have to be renounced to become Greek.
People who moved before 1 January 2021
The guide says these residents should hold a biometric residence document, the Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4), which shows Withdrawal Agreement rights. Anyone living in Greece before that date without a permit must apply in person at a regional Hellenic Police branch, with evidence. If the application is refused, the refusal letter explains how to appeal and the appeal must be made within 20 days. Documents need renewing every 5 or 10 years, depending on the permit. The document matters for travel as well: the guide says British nationals legally resident in Greece do not need to register with the EU Entry/Exit System if they hold the Engrafo Diamonis 18 (4) or one of two specified certificates, and that without one they may be wrongly identified as overstaying.
Healthcare, work and study
Public healthcare is run by EOPYY, and the guide says a Greek residence permit is needed to access EOPYY services while living in Greece. Working may require a work permit or visa, and job applicants may need a UK police certificate and a copy of a Greek criminal record. Someone studying for longer than 90 days will probably need a Type D Visa. Those living in Greece legally since before 1 January 2021 need neither a work permit nor a student visa.
Driving in Greece
The FCDO says a licence issued in the UK or Gibraltar can be used in Greece for up to six months, and Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man licence holders should contact the regional Directorate of Transport and Communications to learn what they must do. These licences cannot be replaced or renewed while living in Greece. The guide says that a resident of six months or more should exchange a licence issued in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man or Gibraltar for a Greek one. A Greek licence can be applied for after at least six months’ residence, and that route involves a theory test and a practical driving test. A UK Blue Badge holder living in Greece must return the badge to the UK issuing authority, though a Greek disability card or an EU parking card may be available. The site’s article on telling DVLA or the DVA about your new address covers the UK side.
Tax, pensions and benefits
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Greece so that the same income is not taxed in both countries. The guide says residents must register for a Tax Identification Number (AFM), and once they have one must submit a yearly tax return and an annual declaration of assets, including assets held outside Greece, with severe penalties for failure. Claiming Greek benefits usually needs an AFM and a social security number (AMKA). The guide directs pension questions to the Greek Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the Unified Social Security Fund (EFKA).
Property and voting
Foreign nationals can own land and property in Greece, but the guide says an AFM will usually be needed, and it advises contacting an English-speaking lawyer before buying. Greek elections are open only to Greek citizens, and European elections only to citizens of an EU country.
Travelling with children
Children aged 17 and under must carry a letter of authority if they are travelling out of Greece without a parent or legal guardian.
The bottom line
The FCDO’s Living in Greece guide sets a clear sequence: a Type D visa before arrival, address registration and a residence permit application within 90 days, an AFM for tax and property, and a Greek driving licence once six months’ residence is reached. It is best read alongside the entry-requirements page, and detailed questions belong with the Greek authorities.