Living in Greece

Coronavirus

You should follow the advice of the Greek Government and your local authority. You can also read our Greece travel advice for our latest guidance.

For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Greece see our coronavirus travel advice.

Stay up to date

You should:

• sign up for email alerts to this guidance
• follow the British Embassy in Greece on Facebook and Twitter

Attend a citizen outreach meeting

The British Embassy regularly holds events across Greece for UK nationals. Attend one of our citizen outreach meetings to keep up to date on working and living in Greece.

You can also:

• visit the Greek government’s website for UK nationals living in Greece

The Withdrawal Agreement

TheIf Withdrawalyou Agreementwere setslegally outresident thein termsGreece ofbefore the1 UK’sJanuary withdrawal2021, fromyour rights will be protected by the EUWithdrawal andAgreement.

You providesshould forcheck athat dealyou onare citizens’correctly rights.registered Itand setsshould outget a transitionnew periodresidence whichdocument lastsby until30 31June December2021 2020.to Duringevidence thisyour timerights.

You youshould canalso continueread toour live,guidance workon living in Europe.

Visas and studyresidency

All UK nationals resident in Greece before 1 January 2021 should get the EUnew broadlybiometric asresidence youdocument. didThe beforedeadline 31for Januarygetting 2020.the new document is 30 June 2021.

IfThis youdeadline areis residentindicative inwhich Greecemeans atthat your rights under the endWithdrawal ofAgreement will not be affected if you do not meet the transitiondeadline. period,However, we recommend that you willget beit coveredas bysoon as possible.

Read the WithdrawalGreek Agreement,Ministerial Decision on residence documents (in Greek) and yourthe rightsrelated willannouncement befrom protectedthe forHellenic asPolice long(including asa series of Q&As).

If you remainhave been legally resident in Greece.Greece for:

Any

• over rights5 thatyears: areyou notwill coveredbe byeligible thefor Withdrawalpermanent Agreementresidency willand bea the10-year subjectrenewable ofresidency futuredocument
• less negotiations.than Read5 thisyears: guidanceyou pagewill be eligible for morea information.
  document with 5 years validity

InTo request the meantime,document:

• if makeyou surelive in Attica and Thessaloniki regions, visit your nearest Hellenic Police station that has an Aliens Department
• if you arelive registeredelsewhere, asvisit ayour residentnearest inGeneral Greece.Regional WePolice willDirectorate updatethat thishas guidancean asAliens soonDepartment
• non-EU asfamily moremembers informationshould becomesvisit available.
  their nearest Directorate for Aliens and Migration of the Decentralized Administrations

You should also read ourthe guidanceGreek ongovernment’s website for UK nationals living in Europe.Greece

Visas and residency

Checksubmit theany entryquestions requirementsin forthe Greececontact form. provided.

Residency

Additional support

IfUK younationals who are resident in GreeceGreece, beforeand theneed transitionhelp periodto endscomplete ontheir 31residence Decemberapplication 2020or youregistration, willcan beget ablesupport tofrom stay.organisations funded by the UK Nationals Support Fund.

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• support if you areexperience alreadylanguage registeredbarriers asor adifficulty residentaccessing inonline Greece,information and services

If you, or someone you registerknow, beforeare 31having Decemberdifficulty 2020,completing your residence documentspaperwork willor behave consideredany asquestions, temporarycontact nationalthe residenceAire permits.Centre

Read

The theAIRE GreekCentre

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• hotline: for0030 UK698 nationals85 living91 in229, Greeceavailable available during the following hours: Mon and submitWed any4pm questionsto in7pm theand contactTues form10am to 1pm
• email: eurobrits@airecentre.org provided.(please contact The AIRE Centre by email if the hotline is busy)

Moving to Greece

Check the entry requirements for Greece.

IfYou thereshould arealso changesread:

• the toGreek residencyEmbassy registrationin processes,London’s weguidance willon updatenational thisvisas
• the Greek government’s guidance ason soonresidence aspermits informationfor isreal available.
  estate owners in Greece

Passports and travel

TheYou rulesshould oncarry travelyour willresidence staydocument the(registration samecertificate untilor thepermanent transitionresidence periodcertificate), endsas onwell 31as Decemberyour 2020.valid Duringpassport thiswhen timeyou travel.

If you canhave continuenot toyet travelapplied tofor countriesa inresidence thedocument, Schengenyou areashould orcarry elsewhereevidence that you are resident in theGreece. EUThis withcould include a tenancy agreement or a utility bill in your UKname, passport.dating from 2020.

CheckIf youryou passportcannot isshow validthat foryou travelare beforeresident in Greece, you bookmay yourbe trip.asked Youradditional passportquestions shouldat bethe validborder forto enter the proposedSchengen durationarea, ofand your stay.

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Passportsnot fromaffect 1your Januaryrights 2021in Greece.

Passports

Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip.

From 1You Januarycan 2021,apply youfor or renew your British passport from Greece.

You must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland). This requirement does not apply if you are entering or transiting to Greece, and you are in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.

You will need to renewRenew your passport before travellingbooking your travel if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

As a non-EEA national, different border checks will apply when travelling to other EU or Schengen area countries. You may need to show a return or onward ticket and that you have enough money for your stay. You may also have to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. YourYou passport may bealso stampedneed forto visitsshow toa thesereturn countries.or onward ticket.

Entry requirements

FromYou 1can January 2021, you will be able to travel to other Schengen area countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism.

To Thisstay islonger athan rolling90 180-daydays period.

Toin stayany for180-day longer,period, to work or study, or for business travel, you willmust need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country to which you are travelling.travelling to. This could mean applying for a visa or work permit. You may also need to get a visa if your visit would take you over the 90 days in 180 days limit.

Periods of staytime authorised underby a visa or permit will not count againsttowards theyour 90-day limit.visa-free Travel to the UK and Ireland will not change.limit.

Different rules will apply to EU countries that are not part of the Schengen Area. Check each country’s travel advice page for information on entry requirements.

Healthcare

IfTravel youto arethe livingUK inand GreeceIreland orhas movenot there permanently before 31 December 2020, you’ll have life-long healthcare rights in Greece as you do now, provided you remain resident.changed.

Healthcare

You must register for healthcare as a resident in Greece, as well as registering, where necessary, with a health insurer.

Read our guidance on who can access healthcare in Greece and make sure you are correctly registered.

If your UK employer has sent you to Greece temporarily, your access to healthcare is different. Find out how to register.access healthcare as a posted worker.

State healthcare: S1

If you livehave ina Greeceregistered S1 form and receivewere anliving exportablein UKGreece pension,before contribution-based1 EmploymentJanuary Support2021, Allowanceyour orrights anotherto exportableaccess benefit,healthcare youwill maystay currentlythe besame entitledif toyou stateare healthcareeither:

• receiving paida forUK byState thePension
• receiving UK.some Youother will‘exportable needbenefits’
• a tofrontier applyworker forwho alives certificatein ofGreece entitlementand knowncommutes asto anwork S1in certificate.
  the UK

Read our guidance on howusing to get an S1 form.form in Greece to ensure you are correctly registered for healthcare.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

If you are resident in Greece, you must not use ana UK-issued EHIC fromfor the UK to access healthcare in Greece.

WhenIf you travelwere fromliving Greece for a temporary stay in anotherGreece Europeanbefore Economic1 AreaJanuary (EEA)2021, countryyou ormay Switzerland,be youeligible canfor usea annew UK-issued EHIC toif accessyou’re:

• a state-providedUK healthcarestudent in thatGreece
• a country.UK DuringState thatPensioner shortwith stay:
  a registered S1
  • thea EHICfrontier coversworker treatmentwith thata isregistered medicallyS1

  Apply necessarynow untilfor youra plannednew returnUK home

• anEHIC.

  An EHIC is not a replacement for comprehensive travel insurance

• forinsurance.

  For more information read our travelguidance adviceon pageshealthcare when travelling in Europe and advice on foreign travel insurance

There will be no changes to your healthcare access before 31 December 2020. You can also continue to use your EHIC, as you did before, during this time..

You should also read guidance on:

• healthcare and studying abroad

• find an English-speaking doctor in Greece

Prescriptions

You must check your prescriptions are legal in Greece.

The Greek government has introduced a platform for ordering prescriptions online, read a step by step guide on how to access the service (some information in Greek). This platform is only accessible within Greece.

Working in Greece

If you were legally resident in Greece before 1 January 2021, you will have the right to work, as long as you remain legally resident.

See working in an EU country.

You may need to apply for:

• a UK criminal records check
• a Greek criminal records check, via the Penal Records Department of the Ministry of Justice or your local Citizens Service Centre (KEP) (in Greek)

Once you have a job, you can get a social insurance number (AMKA) through your local Citizens Service Centre (KEP) (in Greek).

If you are residentplanning into come to Greece to work, you may need a visa. Read the Greek Embassy in London’s guidance on visas.

Frontier workers

If you live in Greece and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or EFTA country, before 31January December2021 2020,you yourmay rightneed a permit to workshow willyou stayare a frontier worker. You should also get the same,new asbiometric longresidence aspermit.

We youwill remainupdate residentthis inguidance Greece.when more information is available.

Money and tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Greece to prevent income being taxed in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Greece have not changed following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

Read the guidance on:

• tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
• tax on your UK income if you live abroad
• paying income tax in Greece

You must register for a tax identification number (AFM – pronounced aa-fee-mee) – read further guidance in the Greek government ERMIS website (in Greek), with central information and e-services. Once you have an AFM number, it is compulsory to submit a yearly tax return.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Greece. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Greece.

National Insurance

Find out if you canneed to pay National Insurance whilein abroadthe UK or social security contributions in orderGreece.

Banking

Whether UK banks can provide services to protectcustomers yourliving Statein Pensionthe andEEA entitlementis toa othermatter benefitsof local law and allowances.

Ifregulation. Your bank or finance provider should contact you areif employedthey orneed self-employedto inmake theany EUchanges to your product or EEAthe andway they provide it. If you have aany UK-issuedconcerns A1/E101about form,whether you willmight remainbe subjectaffected, tocontact UKyour legislationprovider untilor seek independent financial advice.

Read the endMoney dateand Pension Service guidance on thebanking, form.insurance and financial services changes for more information on cross-border banking.

Pensions

Read our guidance on entitlement to UK benefits and pensions while you are living in Greece.

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire to Greece, you can claim:

• your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension - contact the International Pension Centre to claim
• your pension from your local EOPYY (in Greek) office, if you have worked in Greece
• pensions from working abroad, if you have worked in other EU countries

Read the Money and Pension Service guidance on pension and retirement changes for more information on cross-border pensions.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you don’t.

Pensions after 31 December 2020

Benefits

ThereRead willour beguidance no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claimingentitlement the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.

If you are living in Greece by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Greece, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Greek pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Greece on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

You canwhile continue to receive your UK State Pension if you liveare living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you can still claim your UK State Pension.Greece.

Benefits

You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

YouCheck maywhich still be able to claim some UK benefits like child and disability benefits if you livecan inclaim Greece.

• readwhile our guidance on claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad
• use ourand toolhow to checkclaim which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad

them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

You may be eligible to claim some Greek social security benefits. Read guidance on Greek social security benefits.

You can request proof of the time you’ve worked in the UK from HMRC if you are asked for this.

Benefits after 31 December 2020

There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming UK benefits in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If you are living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020, you will continue to receive any UK benefits you already receive. This will continue for as long as you live there and meet all other eligibility requirements.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Greece, your UK social security contributions will be taken into account when applying for Greek contributions-based benefits. This will happen even if you claim contributions-based benefits after 31 December 2020.

If you are considering moving to Greece on or after 1 January 2021 and you are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, the rules depend on negotiations with the EU and may change. Check our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Read our guidance on benefits and pensions in the EU.

Driving in Greece

Driving licence rules will stay the same until 31 December 2020.

If you are a resident in Greece you should exchange your UK licence for a Greek driving licence.licence You(in can still use your Greek licence in the UK for short visits or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test if you return to live in the UK.Greek).

Read guidance on:

• driving licence renewal and exchange
• what you need to drive abroad
• driving rules in Greece

Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Greece

Read our guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Read the European Union’s guidance on car registration and taxes in Greece. You may be exempt from some of these taxes. If so you will need certificates of exemption.

If you’ve been resident in an EU country for at least 2 years before moving to Greece, you’re exempt from VAT and registration for:

• cars (owned and used privately)
• pleasure craft
• motorcycles
• mobile caravans

You must appear in person at the nearest Customs Authority to request exemption from paying registration and VAT within 1 month of arriving in Greece. You’ll then be given special Greek registration plates.

Your vehicle must also pass a test at any official KTEO facilitation station.

Voting

You cannot vote in local municipal elections in Greece or European Parliament elections.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections.

• check if you are able to vote
• register as an overseas voter if you would like to vote

Births, deaths and getting married

If your child is born in Greece, you will need to register the birth abroad.

If someone dies in Greece:

• read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad
• read bereavement information for Greece
• find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Greece

Find out how you can get married abroad.

Find out about notarial and documentary services for UK nationals in Greece.

Pets

CurrentIf you have a pet passport issued by Greece or another EU member state, you can use it to travel ruleswith willyour staypet theto sameGreat untilBritain 31and Decemberelsewhere 2020.in the EU.

IfA you’reGB-issued travellingEU withpet yourpassport petis not valid for travel to the firstEU timeor youNorthern mustIreland. visitYou should speak to your vet before you travel to get athe necessary pet passport.travel documents and ensure you’re compliant with the EU Pet Travel Regulations.

Read guidance on on:

• bringing your pet to GB
• travelling with your pet in the UKEU.
• travelling to Northern Ireland with your pet

Check the rules of the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel.

Emergencies

You can dial the European emergency number 112 or:

• 100 for police
• 199 for fire brigade
• 166 for emergency medical service
• 108 for coast guard
• 197 for emergency social assistance

Read further information on emergency numbers in Greece.

If you need urgent help (you are the victim of crime, have been arrested or are affected by a crisis abroad), contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.

Other useful information

• travel advice for Greece
• English-speaking lawyers in Greece
• English-speaking translators and interpreters in Greece
• notary services in Greece
• Citizens Service Centre (KEP) (in Greek)
• ERMIS website (a Greek government website with central information and e-services)

Returning to the UK

Tell the UK and Greek authorities that you are returning to the UK permanently.

Contact the International Pension Centre to move your pension to the UK.

If you get healthcare in Greece through the S1 form, you must contact the Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 (0)191 218 1999 to make sure your S1 is cancelled at the right time.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.

Disclaimer

Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Greek authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.