Greece offers something that few European destinations can match: a Mediterranean climate that genuinely delivers (over 300 days of sunshine per year in most regions), one of the world’s great culinary traditions, extraordinary archaeological heritage, affordable property and living costs well below most of Western Europe, and a quality of life that has attracted UK nationals for generations. Greece has also undergone a significant economic recovery over the past decade, with a growing tech sector in Athens and a digital nomad visa introduced in 2021 that has made Greece accessible to remote workers in a new way. Whether you are heading to Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Corfu or the Peloponnese, this guide covers everything you need to plan your move.
Why Londoners Move to Greece
- Climate — Southern Greece and the islands average over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year. Winters are mild in Athens and very mild in Crete and the Cyclades
- Cost of living — Greece remains one of Western Europe’s most affordable countries. Outside central Athens, housing costs are dramatically lower than London; food, dining and everyday services are a fraction of UK prices
- Culture and history — Greece contains more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than almost any other country. The Acropolis, Delphi, Olympia, Mycenae, Minoan Crete — daily life in proximity to this heritage is extraordinary
- Islands and nature — 6,000 islands (227 inhabited), the Aegean and Ionian seas, mountains, gorges. Greece’s natural diversity within a compact geography is unique in Europe
- Property value — Greek property prices, particularly outside Athens and outside premium island locations, remain dramatically below comparable UK properties
- Digital nomad visa — Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa (2021) allows qualifying remote workers to live in Greece while employed by companies based outside Greece
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
UK nationals can visit Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period visa-free. For longer stays, a Greek long-stay visa (Type D) is required.
Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers employed by companies based outside Greece. Requirements: proof of employment or freelance income of at least €3,500/month (gross) from non-Greek sources; private health insurance covering Greece. Valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 further years. No minimum investment required.
Financially Independent Person Visa (Type D) — for those with passive income (pension, investments, rental income) sufficient to support themselves. Minimum income approximately €2,000/month.
Work visa — requires a Greek employer to sponsor. Apply at the Greek consulate in London. Processing: 8–12 weeks.
After arrival:
- Register at the local KEP (Citizen Service Centre) or the municipal alien registration office
- Obtain your AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) — Greece’s tax identification number, needed for banking, property, rental contracts and most official transactions
- Apply for your Greek residence permit (άδεια διαμονής — adeia diamonis)
Where to Live in Greece
Athens — Greece’s capital and the largest city. Cosmopolitan, dynamic, increasingly gentrified. The Kolonaki, Pangrati, Exarcheia and Koukaki neighbourhoods are particularly popular with expats. Strong international business community and growing tech scene.
Thessaloniki — Greece’s second city. Northern Greece, more European feel, excellent food (widely regarded as the best in Greece), strong university presence. Significantly more affordable than Athens.
Crete — Greece’s largest island. Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are the main cities. Warm year-round climate, outstanding food and wine, strong expat community. Popular for retirement and remote working.
Corfu — Ionian island with the longest British connection (British Protectorate 1815–1864). Strong English-speaking community, beautiful countryside and architecture, year-round population.
The Cyclades (Paros, Naxos, Syros) — popular among those seeking island life without the extreme seasonality of Santorini and Mykonos. More affordable, genuine year-round communities.
Peloponnese — mainland peninsula south of Athens. Extraordinary history (Mycenae, Sparta, Nafplio), excellent climate, dramatically affordable property. Growing popularity with UK retirees.
Cost of Moving from London to Greece
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £600 – £1,200 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,400 – £3,000 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £250 – £700 | Full household packing by our team |
Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete (Heraklion/Chania), Corfu and all mainland Greek cities covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Greece.
London to Greece: Transit Times
| Destination | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|
| Athens | 5–7 working days |
| Thessaloniki | 5–6 working days |
| Crete (port) | 6–9 working days (ferry connection) |
| Corfu | 6–8 working days |
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Greece
What visa do I need to move from London to Greece?
For stays over 90 days, you need a Greek Type D long-stay visa. The most popular options for UK nationals are the Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning €3,500+/month from non-Greek sources) and the Financially Independent Person Visa (for those with passive income of approximately €2,000/month). Apply at the Greek consulate in London.
What is the AFM number and do I need it?
The AFM (Arithmos Forologikou Mitroou) is Greece’s tax identification number. You need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, buy property and pay taxes. Apply at the local tax office (Εφορία — Eforia) or KEP after arrival, or through the Greek consulate before you move.
How much does it cost to live in Greece compared to London?
Significantly less. Central Athens rental costs are 50–70% lower than equivalent London properties. Food, dining and services are a fraction of London prices. Even factoring in private health insurance (required for the digital nomad visa), the overall cost of living for most lifestyles is dramatically lower.
How long does a removal from London to Greece take?
Transit to Athens typically takes 5–7 working days. Crete and island destinations require additional ferry connections and may take 6–9 working days.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Greece?
Yes. Greece is an EU member state and Transfer of Residence relief applies. Easy Move includes all customs documentation as part of our standard removals to Greece service.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.