Athens, Greece

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Citizens of the U.S. can visit Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa as part of the Schengen Area. If planning to stay longer, a visa or residence permit will be required.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
  Greece does not offer a visa on arrival. Visitors must obtain a visa or be from a visa-exempt country.
• Digital Nomad Visa
  Greece has introduced a Digital Nomad Visa which allows remote workers to live in the country for up to one year (with the option of renewal). Applicants must show a stable monthly income of at least $2,000.

For visa information, visit the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cost of Living

• Accommodation
  • Budget: A basic hostel or guesthouse will cost around $20-50 per night.
  • Mid-range: Private apartments or 3-star hotels range from $70-150 per night.
  • Luxury: High-end hotels and luxury properties can range from $180-400 per night.
• Food
  • Street Food: Enjoy a traditional gyros or souvlaki for about $5-8.
  • Mid-range Restaurants: A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $30-60.
  • Fine Dining: High-end restaurants in Athens charge approximately $80-120 per person.
• Transportation
  • Public Transport: A single ride on buses, trams, or the metro costs around $1.50.
  • Taxis: A standard taxi ride within the city is typically $5-15.
  • Car Rentals: Rental cars start from $30-60 per day.
• Healthcare
  Healthcare in Athens is of good quality, but private health insurance is recommended. A doctor’s consultation costs about $30-50, while a visit to the emergency room could range from $100-200.

Climate & Weather

• Summer (June-August): Temperatures are hot, ranging from 80°F-95°F (27°C-35°C), with occasional heatwaves.
• Fall (September-November): Fall offers mild temperatures between 60°F-75°F (15°C-24°C), perfect for outdoor activities.
• Winter (December-February): Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 40°F-55°F (4°C-13°C). Snow is rare but possible in higher altitudes.
• Spring (March-May): Spring brings pleasant temperatures of 55°F-70°F (13°C-21°C), ideal for sightseeing.

Landscape

Athens offers a diverse landscape, with its iconic Acropolis Hill, sprawling urban areas, and proximity to the coast. The Attica Peninsula offers scenic views, beaches, and hiking trails, while the Parnitha Mountain provides a serene escape from city life.

Things to Do

• Heritage Sites
  • Acropolis of Athens: The city’s most iconic site, home to the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.
  • Ancient Agora: Once the heart of Athenian democracy, featuring temples and ruins of ancient Greek life.
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest ancient temples, a must-see for history lovers.
• Adventure Activities
  • Hiking: Athens offers trails around Mount Parnitha and Mount Hymettus.
  • Beaches: Enjoy the sandy shores and clear waters at beaches like Vouliagmeni and Varkiza.
  • Cycling: Explore Athens by bike, especially in the National Garden and along the Athenian Riviera.
• Nightlife
  Athens is known for its lively nightlife, with rooftop bars offering stunning views of the Acropolis and Plaka area being home to tavernas and live music spots.
• Wellness Retreats
  Athens offers numerous wellness retreats with options for yoga, spas, and meditation near the beach or in the mountains.
• Shopping
  • Ermou Street: A pedestrian shopping street with international brands and boutiques.
  • Monastiraki Flea Market: A great place to pick up antiques, crafts, and souvenirs.

Lifestyle

Daily life in Athens is vibrant, with bustling cafes, outdoor markets, and rich cultural traditions. The Greeks take their time with meals, so long lunches and coffee breaks are a staple of life in Athens. Public transport is efficient, and the city has a laid-back Mediterranean rhythm.
Greeks are generally warm and welcoming, and expats can easily integrate into the social fabric. Many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, and the expat community in Athens is active, with various social events, meetups, and cultural activities.

Other Important Locations in Greece

• Santorini: Known for its breathtaking sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and blue domes.
• Mykonos: Famous for its vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches.
• Crete: Greece’s largest island, known for its unique culture, historical sites, and natural beauty.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Hostels and guesthouses cost $25-50 per night.
• Mid-range: Private apartments or 3-star hotels range from $80-150 per night.
• Luxury: Luxury hotels and serviced apartments range from $200-400 per night.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Athens has a number of co-working spaces such as The Cube Athens and Impact Hub Athens. Monthly membership costs typically range from $150-350 for a dedicated desk or private office.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Athens has excellent WiFi connectivity in most hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces. Free public WiFi is also available in central squares and some tourist areas.
• SIM: Vodafone, Cosmote, and Wind are the main providers, with prepaid SIM cards offering affordable data plans. SIM cards are easy to buy at kiosks or retail stores with ID verification.

Volunteering Opportunities

Athens has a variety of volunteering options, particularly in areas like social services, refugee support, and environmental conservation. Organizations like The Hellenic Red Cross and Mediation and Dialogue often welcome volunteers.

Local Employment Options

• Tourism-related roles in hotels, cruises, or tour companies.
• Teaching English or other languages.
• Jobs in multinational corporations or startups.

Real Estate Investment Options

Real estate in Athens has become a lucrative option for investors, especially with the Golden Visa program that grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest in property worth at least €250,000 (approx. $270,000). Areas like Kifisia and Kolonaki are prime for investment, while short-term rentals in central areas are also highly profitable.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Athens has seen a rise in start-ups, particularly in the tech and digital sectors. The city boasts several incubators and accelerators such as Athens Technology Center and The Egg, which support innovation and start-up growth in areas like fintech, healthtech, and digital marketing.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose Your Business Structure: Options include sole proprietorship, private limited company (IKE), or public limited company (AE).
2. Register Your Business: Register with the Greek General Commercial Registry (GEMI).
3. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): All businesses need a TIN from the Greek Tax Authorities.
4. Open a Business Bank Account: Necessary for financial transactions.
5. Register for VAT: If your business exceeds the VAT threshold, you must register for VAT.
6. Obtain Licenses: Depending on your business, licenses may be required from local authorities or specialized agencies.

Business Opportunities

• Tourism: With its rich heritage and tourist attractions, business opportunities exist in tourism management, tourist accommodations, and guided tours.
• Technology: The start-up scene is growing, especially in software development, AI, and fintech.
• Food and Beverage: Restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services targeting both locals and tourists are in demand.
  • Creative Industries: Film production, graphic design, and fashion are thriving sectors in Athens.
  • Real Estate: Real estate development, property management, and short-term rentals (Airbnb) are lucrative business avenues.