Everything international individuals and families need to know about establishing a life in Greece. Schools, healthcare, residency, tax, banking, cost of living, island comparisons and much more — answered honestly, in depth.
Pelagos Private Office · Updated 2026
Pelagos Private Office is an independent advisory firm helping international individuals and families relocate to, invest in and establish long-term lives in Greece through trusted local expertise and a carefully curated professional network. This knowledge centre exists to answer every question that arises before, during and after the move — so that our clients, and those considering becoming our clients, have the most authoritative information available.
Schools & Education
International schools in Athens, Corfu and across Greece. British, American and IB curricula. Private tutoring networks and university pathways. What families relocating with children need to know about the Greek education system.
Read More →Healthcare
Private hospitals, international clinics and medical infrastructure across Greece. Athens offers excellent private healthcare. Island coverage varies significantly — what to know before choosing your base. Private health insurance for residents.
Read More →Residency & Visas
The Greek Golden Visa — €250k, €400k and €800k thresholds explained. Digital Nomad Visa, EU citizen rights, non-EU residency applications. The realistic timeline and what holders actually experience.
Golden Visa Guide →Tax in Greece
Income tax rates, ENFIA property tax, capital gains on property, the flat tax regime for non-doms (€100,000 per year on foreign income), inheritance under Greek law and double taxation treaties with the UK, US and EU.
Read More →Buying Property
The full legal process for purchasing property in Greece as a foreign national. AFM registration, notary, legal fees, transfer tax, survey and the timeline from offer to completion. Off-market vs listed property.
Property Search →Cost of Living
Greece remains significantly more affordable than France, Italy or Spain for day-to-day living. Groceries, restaurants, utilities, household staff and running costs for a luxury villa — realistic 2026 figures for international residents.
Read More →Banking
Opening a Greek bank account as a foreign national, required documentation, the Greek banking system overview, international transfers and the role of currency specialists for significant transactions. Recommended approach for new residents.
Currency Guide →Island Comparisons
Corfu vs Mykonos vs Santorini vs Paxos vs Paros — a frank comparison across property prices, lifestyle, infrastructure, year-round liveability, schools, healthcare access and international connectivity.
Compare Markets →Bringing Pets to Greece
EU pet passport requirements, microchipping, vaccinations, rabies titre testing for non-EU arrivals and quarantine rules. Flying pets vs travelling by ferry. Vets and pet care across the main Greek island destinations.
Read More →Driving in Greece
UK and international licence validity in Greece, exchanging for a Greek licence, road rules, insurance requirements and the reality of driving on Greek islands. Seasonal rental cars vs owning a vehicle as a resident.
Read More →Internet & Connectivity
Broadband coverage in Athens, Corfu, Paros and across the Greek islands. Mobile networks, 5G rollout, working from Greece remotely, VPNs and the practical reality of connectivity for international professionals and families.
Read More →Retiring to Greece
Healthcare planning, pension taxation, estate planning under Greek law, community and social life, year-round vs seasonal living — an honest guide to what retirement in Greece actually looks like for UK and international nationals.
Retirement Guide →Insurance in Greece
Property insurance for high-value villas, contents cover, liability, fine art and personal liability. Private health insurance for non-EU residents. Life insurance and the Greek insurance market — what international residents need.
Read More →Work & Business in Greece
Setting up a business in Greece, company structures, professional licences, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers, employing local staff and the practical realities of running a business from a Greek base.
Read More →Renting in Greece
Short-term holiday lets vs long-term residential tenancy. Rental yields for luxury villas in Corfu, Mykonos and the Athens Riviera. Tenant rights, lease structures and the management options for owners who rent seasonally.
Read More →Pelagos Private Office is an independent advisory firm helping international individuals and families relocate to, invest in and establish long-term lives in Greece through trusted local expertise and a carefully curated professional network. Every client is managed personally by Marcus or Aristi — never by a team, a system or a process.