The Epitome of Culture
Passionate and sophisticated, Greece bestows the epitome of both culture and heritage. It proudly possesses a legacy of an enviable history renowned worldwide for its philosophy, music, art, literature, ethos and principles rooted from our ancestral civilization. Its cities are dotted with an abundance of ancient ruins and monuments that one can visit such as, the famed pillars of democracy at the ancient site of Acropolis.
For centuries Greece has preserved its identity, duly honoured, respected and admired for all it represents – for the initiation of Politics, Philosophy, and the wonderful onset of the adored Olympic Games.
The Greek islands are distinctive of Greece’s morphology compromising of 6,000 islands and islets dispersed around the Aegean and Ionian Seas, 200 of which are currently populated.
The Gateway to Europe, Asia, Africa.
Greeks pride themselves on their generous and welcoming hospitality as well as honouring the importance of family values which they preserve through large family social gatherings: a culture that transcends generations.
Greece is an excellent base for travel to and around Europe, whether for business or leisure. It provides a vast selection of flight connections within the EU as well as to other global destinations making travel quick, easy and hassle-free.
Having one of the best climates in the world, Greece enjoys sunshine approximately 90% of the year. This is one of the main contributing factors to the cultivation of the healthiest variety of foods such as vegetables, fruits, oils and nuts, most of which are products of organic harvest.
It comprises of hundreds of exquisite, serene islands and thousands of miles of coastline with dramatic cliffs and superb sandy beaches, many of which have been awarded the blue flag (The Blue Flag is an ecolabel awarded to beaches and marinas) for recreational swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, water skiing and windsurfing.
Athens, the capital of Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world. It homes the renowned ancient theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Poseidon, and the infamous Acropolis.
Nestled in the historic heart of Greece, Athens stands as a vibrant capital blending ancient heritage with modern energy.
The Acropolis comprises of the legendary Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike which is the highest point of the city. Athens is also the home to Port Piraeus, the largest passenger port in Europe, and the third largest in the world. From Piraeus Port, one can easily journey to the surrounding Greek islands via the transportation of ferry boats.
Athens, the capital of Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world. It homes the renowned ancient theatre of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Poseidon, and the infamous Acropolis.
Athens is a hub of culture and creativity, home to world-class museums, theaters, and art galleries. Its legacy of philosophers and artists lives on in its dynamic cultural scene, complemented by a warm, welcoming atmosphere and thriving culinary experiences. From the scenic Athens Riviera to lively neighborhoods like Plaka, Kolonaki, and the bustling port of Piraeus, every corner of the city invites exploration in a blend of history, culture, and contemporary charm.
Like Athens itself, Syntagma Square has changed through the centuries. The luxury hotels on the northern side preserve the glamour of the post-Othon era (late 19th century) and some of the spirited cafe life of the 1970s. Today, it’s less a destination and more a meeting place. Even Athenians arrange to rendezvous at Syntagma, usually referred to simply as ‘the centre’, as this is where the city’s main streets and public transport routes converge. When tasked with designing the capital of newly independent Greece in the 1830s, city’s planners Eduard Schaubert and Stamatis Kleanthes intended for the Royal Palace (the building that now houses the Greek Parliament) to be built at Omonia Square, their city centre of choice, while Syntagma Square would be the eastern end of the city. Their plan was not approved, so it was Bavarian architect Michael Koch who transformed the square which was divided into two sections; the upper square, today known as “Parliament Square” or “Unknown Soldier”, and the lower square, today’s Syntagma Square. Due to their height difference, the two sections were joined by a marble staircase.
Athens Riviera is located a mere 15km from the Acropolis, down the southern coastline of Athens (from Piraeus to Sounio Cape). The complete route covers an approximate 45km, to the left, a rural resort-like setting and to the right, the captivating deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea; known unofficially as the Athens Riviera.
This beautiful coastline is spread with five-star resorts, spas and marinas as well as the superb Glyfada Golf Course, which has gained increasing popularity over the last decade from both visitors and residence alike. Athens Riviera boasts an array of striking coastal towns; Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Saronida, Anavyssos – all exhibiting their own unique Greek charm.
This tour guarantees an expedition filled with island-like experiences and glamour that many come to Greece for. From shopping and nightlife in glitzy Vouliagmeni to the unspoiled beach of ‘Althea’ in Agia Marina. Blue Flag beaches with bar service and access to secluded swimming coves engulfed with clear turquoise waters, contribute further to the appeal of the uniqueness of Athens.
Greece has a modern infrastructure consisting of 80 airports, railways, paved roads and highways. The country’s extensive telephone network reaches all regions of the world meeting all land lines and mobile cable requirements. Between 2014 and 2019, 40 infrastructure projects were completed totaling a massive €8bn. This included projects in the railway sector, tourist product upgrading; the construction of a new terminal at Ioannina airport, as well as the waste management in the energy sector
The education system in Greece both private and public sectors are consolidated at all levels and administered by Greece’s Ministry of Education.
Public schools do not charge fees; in addition, they provide students with textbooks. Private schools are also governed by the Ministry of Education. Greece has one of the highest private attendance figures in Europe but both public and private schools deliver exceptionally high-quality education to their students.
Within the higher level of education, there are 22 Universities, including Polytechnic Schools, the School of Fine Arts and the Hellenic Open University as well as 14 Technological Educational Institutes and the School of Pedagogic and Technological Education.
The healthcare system in Greece is divided into two sectors. A public (National Health System – ESY) and a private sector, both of which provide excellent health care services for its citizens and residents. You can also find exceptional hospitals which adhere to considerably high standards across both sectors.
Citizens and residents of Greece have access to the National Health System (ESY) which is generally free, although private health care is also an option. The National Health Care System provides services such as, but not limited to; laboratory services, maternity care, general care, specialist care, hospitalisation as well as emergency transportation.
Greece’s health care was ranked 14th in overall performance of 191 countries surveyed and 11th in quality of service in a 2000 report by the WHO.
• (indicative for a two-bedroom property)
• Annual property tax (approximately) €500
• Communal expenses (approximately) €500
• Heating, electricity, and water according to consumption
• From 6% for medicines, 13% for food, up to 24% for other items such as clothing and real estate
• No VAT on real estate until end of 2022
• Income tax in Greece ranges from 9%-45%.
• To become tax resident, you need to live in Greece for over 183 days per year.
• Property tax may vary but it is approximately €500 per year
• There is no capital gains tax
Introducing new legislations
An optimal tax scheme for retirees or those receiving income from aboard.
With the new tax legislation, Greece invites foreign pensioners to relocate to the country and take advantage of its reduced taxation rates.
Retirees or those whom receive an income from aboard can apply for ‘tax residency’ in Greece. The status will enable them to enjoy the flat tax rate of 7% on the sum of their pension. The tax is payable annually by the last working day of July.
To qualify:
The application for tax residency relocation, must be submitted to the Tax Office by 31 March of each financial year.
Pensioners whom have already relocated to Greece during the previous financial year, can also apply for by 31 March.
The Tax Office typically reviews applications and issues approvals within 60 days.
Once the application has been approved, the taxation rate is applicable from the following financial year and is valid for a 15-year period.
Foreign investors can benefit from the Non-Dom tax regime program, meaning transfer their tax residence in Greece and benefit from an optimal tax regime for 15 years paying a flat tax of €100.000 euros per year, regardless of the amount of income received outside Greece.
Applicant requirements:
Benefits:
Capital city: Athens
Official language: Greek
Currency: EUR (€)
Time zone: GTM +2
Calling code: +30
Climate: Mediterranean
Population: 10,815,197 (2011 estimate)
Central Airport: Athens International Airport
Main cities: Thessaloniki, Patra, Larissa, Herakleion, Volos
Georgraphical Location
Located in southeastern Europe, Greece borders Bulgaria and North Macedonia to the north, Albania to the northwest and Turkey to the northeast. The western borders are formed by the Ionian Sea, the southern by the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern borders by the Aegean Sea.
Greece consists of:
A peninsular mainland (extending from the southern region of Central Greece to the northern region of Thrace)
The Peloponnesian peninsula that is separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal
An archipelagos of approximately 6,000 islands and islets, scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Sea, of which 227 are inhabited. Most of them are located in the Aegean Sea and divided into seven clusters: Northern Aegean islands, Sporades, Evia, Argosaronic islands, Cyclades, Dodecanese and Crete. The Ionian islands cluster is located in the Ionian Sea.
