Top 5 Reasons Retirees Are Moving to Greece
May 6, 2025
Retire to Greece with Mitos Relocation—affordable living, sunny weather, tax benefits, and quality healthcare await.
Thinking of retiring somewhere peaceful, sunny, and surprisingly affordable? You can move to Greece after retirement, which is equal to embracing the possibility of a more fulfilling lifestyle in one of the world’s most scenic and culturally rich destinations. In Greece, it’s easy to unwind, enjoy life at your own pace, and stop stressing over time or money. This is why more and more retirees are choosing Greece as their new home.
As per the 2024 Annual Global Retirement Index, Greece ranks as the 8th best retirement destination globally. This ranking is based on feedback from actual retirees living around the world, providing valuable, experience-based insight into what retirement in each location truly feels like.
For anyone who has visited Greece, its presence on this list comes as no surprise. With its captivating landscapes, rich culture, and laid-back lifestyle, it’s a place that inspires even younger travelers to imagine settling down and embracing the calm, rewarding rhythm of life it offers. But what makes Greece such a haven for retirees? Let’s dive in.
Top 5 Reasons To Move To Greece After Retirement
For a person closer to his/her retirement age, they must look for a tranquil, isolated place that calms them like never before. For this very reason, Greece stands out for offering the peace and comfort retirees often seek. In addition, here are the top reasons why moving to Greece is becoming a popular decision for retirees.
Year-Round Sunshine and Outdoor Living
One of the biggest draws for those looking to retire in Greece is the steady sunshine. Greece gets about 300 sunny days a year. That means more time enjoying a morning coffee on a seaside patio or taking afternoon strolls through ancient villages.
In cities like Athens, winters are short and mild, while summers are warm and dry. For many who’ve dealt with long, cold winters, this change can be life-changing. The Mediterranean weather makes it easy to stay active, whether you prefer swimming, hiking, or simply relaxing outdoors.
The climate is gentle on the joints, ideal for older adults who want to stay mobile and independent.
Retire Comfortably with Lower Living Costs
Compared to major cities in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K., daily life in Greece is much easier on the wallet. Housing, groceries, and healthcare are significantly less expensive. For retirees living on a fixed income, that’s a big win.
On average, many expats say they’re able to live comfortably depending on the location and lifestyle. Small towns and islands tend to be even more affordable than cities.
The ability to enjoy numerous expat retirement benefits in Greece without burning through savings is one of the biggest reasons retirees relocate to Greece for retirement. Even dining out or hiring help around the house is more affordable than back home, which allows for a more relaxed, enjoyable way of life.
Attractive Tax Benefits for Foreign Pensioners
Greece has introduced favorable tax rules that directly benefit foreign retirees. Thanks to legislation passed in July 2020, foreign pensioners who relocate to Greece after retirement and meet a few basic criteria may be eligible for a flat 7% tax rate on their foreign income for up to 15 years.
This includes income from pensions, rental properties, dividends, and more. There’s also no tax on capital gains and a low 5% rate on dividends for eligible retirees.
To qualify, you must not have been a Greek tax resident in five of the last six years and must transfer your tax residency from a country that has a tax agreement with Greece, such as the U.S., U.K., or Canada.
For retirees with international income streams, this tax structure is both simple and appealing.
Peaceful Lifestyle and Natural Beauty
Whether you’re drawn to sleepy island villages or the charm of mainland towns, Greece offers a quiet, low-stress lifestyle that appeals to retirees looking for calm and simplicity. Life moves at a slower pace here, and locals take pride in relationships and time spent with family and friends.
Add to that the views, white-washed buildings on hillsides, olive groves, and sparkling blue waters, and you’ve got the backdrop for an easygoing life. Many retirees also love the local markets, outdoor cafés, and a warm sense of community.
These kinds of relocation services for retirees in Greece are hard to beat. It brings both relaxation and purpose, whether you're trying new recipes with fresh produce or chatting with neighbors at the local bakery.
Quality Healthcare That’s Accessible
Healthcare in Greece is available through both public and private systems. Many expats choose private healthcare because of shorter wait times and access to English-speaking staff. Even then, prices are still much lower than in North America or the U.K.
Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have modern hospitals, skilled doctors, and specialists in almost every field. Pharmacies are widely available and affordable, with trained staff who can often help with minor issues on the spot.
If you’re worried about ongoing medical needs or emergency care, you’ll find peace of mind knowing Greece provides dependable, affordable treatment. And with more retirees moving here, medical facilities are becoming rapidly aware of the needs of older expats.
What Do You Need For Stress-Free Relocation?
We have discussed the reasons for relocating to Greece. So, what’s next? Now, you need reliable relocation services to make moving to Greece Stress-Free. You must stay vigilant while making this decision. Whether you're sorting out residency paperwork, finding the right neighborhood, or setting up utilities, a trusted name helps you every step of the way.
You must choose a company that provides:
Reliable, transparent, cost-effective solutions
End-to-end support with legal paperwork, property searches, and utility setup
Specialization in retiree relocation with personalized help tailored to your needs
If you’ve been dreaming of a more relaxed, sunlit life, select relocation support that can make your plan to move to Greece after retirement simple and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to move to Greece after retirement gives you more than just a new address. It offers a better way to live slower, sunnier, and far more affordably. From the Mediterranean lifestyle to tax advantages and affordable healthcare, it's easy to see why so many retirees are making the move. Whether you’re ready to settle into a quiet island home or a lively seaside town, Greece gives you the chance to enjoy your retirement with ease and comfort.
Ready to make Greece your new home? Let Mitos Relocation handle the details, so you can focus on living your best retired life. Reach out now and learn more about our relocation solution for retirees and how we can help you relocate to Greece without any hassle.