Immigration to Greece

Around 9% to 11% of the registered workforce in Greece are foreigners. In addition, 25% of those who have an income and receive a salary are immigrants. According to statistics, most immigrants who have entered this country have done so by illegal routes, especially by sea. Most immigrants to this country do not intend to live there; their goal is to move on to other European countries. Greece's treatment of them has always been questioned by the international community.

The climate of Greece is warm Mediterranean. On hot, dry summer days the weather becomes a little better thanks to westerly winds. Winters in the south of the country are mild, but in the mountainous regions of the north it is very cold, so that snowfall and sub-zero temperatures are not at all unusual. The best seasons in Greece are spring and autumn. Most days in these seasons are sunny but not too hot. The scenery of the various regions is also very attractive. The “pleasant climate” category in this country has scored the full 100 points.

In Greece, the private healthcare system is better than the public one. Private centres offer people more suitable services. The doctors and nurses at these centres have a better command of English. Some of these private treatment centres are affiliated with international bodies and the European Union or are American. The costs of these services are set according to annual rates, and the economic conditions of the country are also taken into account. The organisation Idryma Koinonikon Asfaliseon (IKA)  is responsible for providing free medical and dental services and for health and treatment subsidies in Greece. The services of this organisation are available to all citizens, domestic and foreign nationals, other dependants, travellers, etc. When someone starts working in Greece, their employer pays a specified amount of their salary and wages into the government health fund. People covered by the public health system receive hospital and medical services free of charge, but to obtain their prescriptions they must pay 25% of the cost. For pensioners this percentage is 10%.

Greece's education system is classified into three levels: primary education, secondary education and higher education. Vocational training is also offered at secondary level. Greek public schools and universities do not charge pupils and students any tuition fees. Textbooks are also free. Basic education is compulsory and lasts 9 years: 6 years in primary school and three years in lower secondary school. University education is mostly offered in Greek. Only at some levels of higher education and in some fields is it possible to study in English. Some of Greece's universities include the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Crete and the University of the Aegean.

Types of Greek immigration visas

Read the complete list of visa types for immigrating to Greece. If you need consultation, you can fill in the free assessment form so that Iranoca's consultants can contact you at the earliest opportunity.

Learn more about Greece!

Greece, as an independent country, is located in south-eastern Europe and is considered a young country; it has existed since the nineteenth century. Nevertheless, its civilisation is one of the oldest and most influential in history, known for creating the concept of democracy as well as the ancient Olympic Games and for laying the Western foundations of science, art and philosophy. Greece occupies the southernmost part of Europe's Balkan Peninsula as well as a collection of islands in the Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. Its mountainous landscapes, hills and coastline and its rich cultural heritage have made it one of the most visited countries in the world.

Greece separated from the Ottoman Empire and declared independence in the early nineteenth century. A referendum in 1974 abolished the monarchy and established the parliamentary republic that exists today.

After the global financial crisis, Greece entered a recession in 2009. However, the International Monetary Fund and the governments of the European region helped the country through the crisis by providing aid packages.

Greek culture has created distinctive identities in science, art, the social sciences and cuisine. You should know that it was Greece that gave rise to drama and theatre, as well as disciplines such as political science.

Greek Orthodoxy is the dominant religion, but religious tolerance is enshrined in the country's constitution.

When Greek people meet each other for the first time, they shake hands, smile and make direct eye contact. If they are close friends with someone, they hug them. In terms of friendly behaviour, Greeks have managed to score 83.2 out of 100 points.

In terms of “historical heritage”, Greece has managed to rank third in the world, and the scores for its sub-categories, which include rich history, excellent food and geographical and cultural attractions, are all above 90 out of 100.

Greece has a free-market economy with some government intervention. The tourism industry forms the largest economic sector of the country and has contributed to Greece's gross domestic product as well as to the employment of its people. Shipping, industrial production and agriculture are other important sectors of the economy.

The tourism industry accounts for 15% of the country's gross domestic product. Directly and indirectly, 16.5% of Greece's workforce is employed in this industry. In 2020 Greece ranked fourth in terms of tourism.

Foreign immigrants make up nearly one fifth of the workforce and are employed in the agriculture and construction sectors.

Rent in Greece in 2022 is about 25.60% lower than in Iran. The cost of living is about 53.566% higher than in Iran. The cost of living for one person in this country, excluding rent, is about 722.38$, and for a family of four about 2.495.87$. The price per square metre of a home in the city centre is about 1.627.77 euros, and outside the city centre about 1.384.11 euros.

Monthly utilities, including basic services (electricity, heating, cooling, water, rubbish) for an 85-square-metre home, are about 154.18 euros.

Why is Greece one of the immigration destinations?

Foreign immigrants make up nearly one fifth of the workforce...

Climate

For immigrants looking to live in a country with a wonderful climate that is at the same time not expensive, Greece is the best option. Greece's Mediterranean climate, with its coolness and ocean breezes in summer, is so attractive that many people travel to Greece just to enjoy its weather. The sun also shines in all four seasons.

Culture

Greek civilisation is one of the original civilisations of the world, and for people interested in living in a country with a rich history and who  are interested in Greek philosophy and science, Greece is considered one of the target countries for immigration.

Living costs

Living costs in this country are not high and are very reasonable and affordable; in addition, study at its public institutions is free of charge (at all levels).

The most expensive city in Greece is Athens, which is the only city where the cost of living differs considerably from the other cities.