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.

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.

These delicious crops form the very foundation of the Greek cuisine. In particular, the rich aromatic olive oil and the zesty lemons are two of the most vital ingredients commonly used in Greek culinary. The Greek cuisine is renowned for its mouthwatering dishes; hearty moussaka, irresistible dolmades, flavorsome spanakopita , feta cheese pies and its array of tasty syrup-based desserts.

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.

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

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.
The Greek lifestyle is both rich and diverse comprising of entertainment, outdoor activities, sports, excursions, sea and sand with all its amenities, socializing, but primarily enjoying the Mediterranean cuisine!

Without having to get on a ferry or a boat, at a blink of an eye your adventure in mainland Greece begins! A hidden oasis with all its beauty and glory waits for you to discover and explore offering you a variety of options to select and experience providing relaxing, fun and entertaining pastimes that cater for everyone’s needs and desires both day and night, for singles and families alike.

There you will find an assortment of shops and shopping malls, children’s amusement parks, endless choices of cafes and restaurants catering for international as well as local cuisines, distinctive theatres and music halls, art galleries and in addition offering a dynamic nightlife with countless bars presenting live entertainment for those of a more energetic nature!

Those looking for adventure activities won’t be disappointed! Discover rock climbing, cave diving, rafting, watersports and so much more.

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 person must have relocated from a country which has a valid double tax treaty with Greece as well as,
• The person must have not been a tax resident of Greece for at least five out of the six financial years prior to relocation.

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:

1. The candidate is currently not, nor has been a Greek tax residence for the 7 out of 8 years preceding the transfer of his tax resident Greece.
   
   
2. An investment of at least €500.000 must be made in real estate or securities or shares of legal entities based in Greece.
   
   
3. The investment must be completed within a period of 3 years from the date of submission of the application of transfer.

Benefits:

• 57 international tax treaties to avoid double taxation.
  
  
• Exempt of declaration and payment of taxes in Greece for income earned abroad. Instead, the applicant will only have to pay a fixed amount of tax per year on income earned from abroad, regardless of the amount.
  
  
• Earnings in Greece are subject to Greek income tax according to local regulations.