If you are just starting to research Greece, this piece covers all the basics.
- The official language is Greek, while English is widely spoken in tourism and larger cities.
- As an EU and eurozone member, Greece accesses the European single market.
- Labour costs are more competitive than in Western Europe, appealing to some investors.
Greece counts more than 6,000 islands and islets, of which roughly 200 are inhabited.
It has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Three things to know first
A European Union member since 1981 and part of the eurozone, Greece uses the euro (EUR).
- Greece belongs to the Schengen Area, allowing free movement across much of Europe.
- Its coastline stretches about 13,600 km, among the longest in the world.
- Greece lies in Southeastern Europe at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula on the Mediterranean.
- The capital, Athens, is the political and economic hub and the birthplace of Western democracy.
- Greece has a population of about 10.4 million, most following Greek Orthodox Christianity.
Expected starting costs
The Vietnamese community is small but present in Athens.
Opening a bank account requires a passport, tax number and residence documents.
Summers can be very hot, so choose a home with air-conditioning and near the sea if possible.
Common pathways
When buying, budget for transfer tax, notary and legal fees on top of the purchase price.
Greece runs a Golden Visa programme granting residence to real-estate investors.
Since August 2024 the minimum investment rose to around EUR 800,000 in prime areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini.
Common mistakes
Rents outside central Athens are often softer than in many Western European cities.
The public health system (ESY) serves residents, though many add private insurance.
Residence holders must register a tax number (AFM) and a social-security number.
Your next step
Public transport in Athens includes a convenient metro, buses and trams.
Fresh food, sunny weather and a relaxed pace are big pluses.
The cost of living in Greece is among the most comfortable in the EU.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
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Frequently asked questions
Where should a beginner start when learning about Greece?
Start with the essentials: Greece's location, EU and Schengen membership, the euro, the Greek language and alphabet, the Mediterranean climate and its main regions. Then decide whether your interest is travel, study, investment or relocation, and explore that topic through official sources.
How widely is English spoken?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, cities and among younger people, but government services, public schools and many jobs operate in Greek. Learning basic greetings and phrases is appreciated and makes everyday interactions smoother.
What should newcomers know about money?
Greece uses the euro. Cards are widely accepted in cities, while small shops and rural areas sometimes prefer cash. Prices on popular islands rise sharply in summer. Value added tax applies to most goods and services, and receipts are commonly given.
Which customs are useful to know?
Hospitality, family and the Orthodox Church are central to Greek life. Easter is the most important holiday. Modest dress is expected in churches and monasteries. Meals are social and unhurried, and the open-palm hand gesture towards someone is considered rude.
Which sources give reliable information about Greece?
Official Greek government and ministry websites, the Hellenic Statistical Authority, the national tourism organisation, Greek embassies and consulates, and EU institutions are reliable. Information on commercial immigration websites should be checked against these official sources.
Information is for reference and may change under the latest official policy. Please contact us for current regulations.
