What is the first thing I should do after arriving in Greece?

Get your AFM (tax number) from the local AADE tax office. You need it for almost everything else — opening a bank account, signing a lease, obtaining AMKA, and applying for residency permits. Bring your passport and a proof of Greek address (even a temporary accommodation address works for the initial AFM application).

How long does it take to complete all the administrative steps in Greece?

Expect 4–8 weeks to complete the core administrative setup: AFM (same day if you have everything), AMKA (1–5 days), bank account (1–2 weeks depending on the bank), and residency registration (2–8 weeks depending on your category and the local office's backlog). Non-EU nationals applying for residence permits should budget 3–6 months for the full permit to be issued.

Can I import my car to Greece without paying customs?

EU-registered vehicles can be used freely in Greece by EU residents with no import duties. For permanent residents, a vehicle registered in another EU country must technically be re-registered in Greece within 6 months of establishing residency. Non-EU vehicles face import duties and VAT on importation; the relief for personal effects does not typically extend to vehicles.

Are there English-speaking lawyers and accountants in Athens?

Yes, there is a substantial professional services sector in Athens catering to the expat and international investor community. English-speaking lawyers specialising in immigration, property, and company law are readily available. The Athens Bar Association directory and recommendations from expat Facebook groups are the best ways to find reputable professionals.

What is the best time of year to move to Greece?

Spring (March–May) or autumn (September–October) are ideal. You avoid the intense summer heat of July–August and have time to settle before winter. Many landlords renew or change tenancies at the start of the academic year (September), making late summer a good time to find apartments. Moving in July–August is difficult due to heat, reduced business hours, and the fact that many Greeks are on holiday.

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🇬🇷 Greece

Moving Guide

Moving to Greece requires planning your visa pathway first, then tackling the administrative steps — tax number, social security, residency registration — in the right order. The Greek bureaucracy has a reputation for slowness, but with the right preparation and (ideally) a local English-speaking lawyer or relocation agent, the process is manageable.

Step 1

AFM (Tax Number)

Required for almost every administrative task

Step 2

AMKA (Social Security)

Required for healthcare and employment

Step 3

Residency Registration

Municipality (KEP) or Aliens Bureau

Step 4

Bank Account

Requires AFM, AMKA, and proof of address

1–2 weeks

Shipping Time (UK)

Road freight to Athens

4–8 weeks

Shipping Time (US/Canada)

Sea freight to Piraeus

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏛️Athens 🏰Thessaloniki 🏖️Crete

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Determine your visa pathway: EU citizen (no visa needed), Digital Nomad Visa, long-stay D-Visa, or Golden Visa — apply from your home country before moving
Step 1 — AFM (Tax Number): visit the local AADE (tax authority) office with passport and proof of Greek address; required for virtually every subsequent step; usually issued same day
EU to Greece: no customs duties, no import restrictions on personal goods; standard VAT applies on commercial goods
International schools in Athens: Athens College (one of the most prestigious), Campion School (British curriculum), Pinewood International School (American curriculum), ACS Athens (American curriculum)
Relocation agents: several English-speaking relocation agencies operate in Athens and Thessaloniki; they handle apartment searching, school applications, utility setup, and administrative appointments

Before You Move — Planning Checklist

Preparation before arrival dramatically reduces the stress of the Greek administrative process. The key is having your documentation ready and understanding the order of operations.

Determine your visa pathway: EU citizen (no visa needed), Digital Nomad Visa, long-stay D-Visa, or Golden Visa — apply from your home country before moving
Gather apostilled/certified documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal background check, professional qualifications — many administrative processes require apostilled originals
Set up an international bank account (Wise, Revolut) before moving — useful in the gap before your Greek bank account opens
Research and shortlist neighbourhoods and temporary accommodation for your first 4–8 weeks while you search for a long-term rental
Get international health insurance that covers you from day one — do not arrive without health coverage
Research Greek tax advisors (forologikos symvoulos) and lawyers in Athens or Thessaloniki in advance — book appointments before arrival if possible
If driving, check that your driving licence is valid in Greece (EU licences valid directly; some non-EU licences require a Greek licence after 6 months)
Register your intention to relocate with your home country's relevant government departments if you need to manage tax residency changes

First Weeks in Greece — Admin Priority Order

The first weeks involve a series of administrative tasks that must be done in roughly the right order. AFM first, then AMKA, then bank account. Everything else flows from these three foundations.

Step 1 — AFM (Tax Number): visit the local AADE (tax authority) office with passport and proof of Greek address; required for virtually every subsequent step; usually issued same day
Step 2 — AMKA (Social Security Number): visit KEP (Citizen Service Centre) or IKA with passport, proof of Greek address, and AFM; required for healthcare and employment
Step 3 — Residency Registration: EU citizens register at KEP for EU registration certificate; non-EU citizens apply for residence permit at the regional Aliens Bureau (Tmima Allodapon)
Step 4 — Bank Account: visit a major Greek bank (Piraeus, Alpha, National, Eurobank) with passport, AFM, AMKA, and proof of address; opening takes 30–60 minutes
Step 5 — Health Registration: enrol with a public GP (if using ESY) or set up private health insurance; ensure your AMKA is active
Step 6 — Municipality Registration: register at the local town hall (dimarcheio) if you have children needing school enrolment or require certain local services
Step 7 — Vehicle / Driving: if importing a vehicle, contact Greek customs (AADE) for import duties; if obtaining a Greek driving licence, visit the local transport department

Shipping Belongings to Greece

Greece is within the EU, so moving goods from other EU countries involves no customs duties. Imports from outside the EU are subject to Greek customs procedures, with exemptions available for personal effects being imported as part of a permanent relocation.

EU to Greece: no customs duties, no import restrictions on personal goods; standard VAT applies on commercial goods
Non-EU to Greece: personal effects being imported as part of a first-time move to Greece can qualify for duty exemption (Customs Exemption for Household Goods) — requires proof that you are establishing permanent residence
Required for household goods exemption: valid residency permit (or visa showing intent to reside), an inventory of goods, and proof of ownership (receipts or declarations)
Shipping times: UK to Athens by road freight 7–14 days; US to Piraeus by sea freight 4–8 weeks
Major international movers serving Greece: Crown Relocations, Santa Fe Relocation, Europarc — all have Athens offices
Piraeus port (Athens) is one of Europe's busiest container ports — professional customs agents (teleioneis) based there assist with clearance
Pets: EU pet passport required for EU-origin pets; USDA APHIS health certificate + microchip + rabies vaccination for US-origin pets; quarantine is not required for properly documented pets

Moving with Family — Schools & Children

Greece has good options for expat families, with international schools in Athens and growing English-language schooling options. Public schools teach in Greek, making them best suited to children who will learn the language quickly.

International schools in Athens: Athens College (one of the most prestigious), Campion School (British curriculum), Pinewood International School (American curriculum), ACS Athens (American curriculum)
International school fees: €10,000–€25,000 per year depending on school and grade level
Public schools: free, teach in Greek — Greek children typically achieve good educational outcomes; expat children can integrate within 1–2 years with language support
Frontistiria (private tuition centres): ubiquitous in Greece — supplementary tutoring in maths, languages, and sciences; cost €100–€300/month
Childcare: private nurseries and kindergartens widely available; cost €400–€800/month; public kindergartens from age 4 are free or heavily subsidised
Thessaloniki: Anatolia College and Pinewood Thessaloniki offer English-medium schooling
Crete: fewer formal international school options; some expat families use online schooling or home education programmes alongside local school attendance

Relocation Resources & Professional Help

Greece's bureaucracy can overwhelm even experienced expat movers. Using professional help — relocation agents, Greek lawyers, and accountants — pays for itself in time saved and mistakes avoided.

Relocation agents: several English-speaking relocation agencies operate in Athens and Thessaloniki; they handle apartment searching, school applications, utility setup, and administrative appointments
Greek lawyers (dikigoros): essential for property purchases, business setup, Golden Visa applications, and navigating residency permit processes; choose one specialising in expat or immigration matters
Greek accountants (logistis): necessary for AFM registration, self-employment setup, and tax filing; budget €50–€200/month for ongoing services
Enterprise Greece: the official investment promotion body provides free advisory services for business relocations
Greek consulates abroad: can advise on visa requirements and pre-departure document preparation for your specific nationality
Expat Facebook groups: 'Expats in Athens', 'Moving to Greece', 'Athens Housing' — invaluable for practical recommendations on lawyers, accountants, and landlords
AADE (Greek Tax Authority) website: has English-language sections; the myAADE digital portal allows online submission of many tax forms

FAQs