Living in :
Greece
Once in Greece, there are more things you need to do. These include:
Registering your arrival
As an EU national you do not need a work permit to work in Greece. However it is always best to be prepared, and have employment set up before you go.
Although there is no need for a work permit, many employers are not yet aware of this fact or at least pretend not to be! Some employers will attempt to con you into believing that if they hire you without one, they are taking a huge risk and as a result, will attempt to pay you less...
If you plan on staying in Greece for more than 3 months, you will need to get a residence permit. Failure to do this could result in your having problems leaving the country and also you could be prosecuted for contravening the regulations. The application for this must be made in person, prior to the expiry of this 3 month period, to your local Aliens Department Offices.
If you know in advance that you plan on staying in Greece for more than 3 months, then it is advisable to get a "Change of Residence Certificate" which is issued by the Greek Consulate in the UK before you leave. Also be aware that the Consulate keeps records of British Nationals living in Greece, so you will need to register yourself as living there too.
Expat Focus - Residency
Foreign Office - Registration of residents
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Tax registration with the authorities
If planning on staying/working/buying a house or car, you must obtain a Social Security number via the Idrima Kinonikon Asfaliseon (IKA number) and a Tax registration number (AFM). If employed, your employer is likely to arrange this for you, however if you are self employed or have your own business, you must speak with your accountant to arrange this or contact the IKA direct.
IKA - Social Insurance Institute
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Registering children with daycare/school/universities
Finding childcare in Greece is not easy. Most Greek people leave their children with extended family eg grandparents as private day care is not a feasible option. Information regarding child care for pre-school children can be found with your local authority, however don't expect too much from it.
The rules for compulsory schooling are simple. Children are expected to start school at the age of 6. One of the biggest decisions you need to make will be "Do I want my children educated in English, at an International school, or in a Greek school?" These sites may help you with this decision.
Greece Index - Greek Education System
About - Private Schools
It is not easy finding information about the Greek schooling system online. Again, we would suggest talking to your local authority. Many expats choose to home school children in Greece.
Primary Home Education - Reception and Primary Schooling
Oxford Home Schooling - Secondary Schooling
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Signing up with a Dr or Dentist etc
Many Doctors and Dentists are English speaking, especially in the more commercial areas of Greece. You have a free choice of general practitioner, paediatrician and several specialists within your area from an approved IKA list. For an English speaking Doctor or Dentist, ask around - other Brits in the neighbourhood can help as well as many of the locals. In addition, the British Embassy website in Athens lists many too, however these are all Athens based.
British Embassy Athens - English Speaking Medical Practioners
To see a specialist, you do not need a Doctor's referral; however they often have quite long waiting lists. In urgent cases, you can opt to see them privately and then claim back up to 85% of the cost from your health insurance company afterwards.
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Set up a bank account
Opening a bank account in Greece is not difficult. Hopefully, these sites should give you the information you need. Remember, like with most things, research is the key.
Expat Focus - Banking
Helleniccomserve - Banking
Be aware that without the Greek authorities permission, it is illegal to send cash or cheques by post from greece to another country. If you need to take money back out of Greece, ensure you know the law!
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Convert your driving license?
The first thing you need to be aware of is if you move abroad, you cannot have your new international address added to your British driving licence.
Directgov - Driving Abroad on a GB Licence
You can apply for an International Driving Permit as a temporary solution although the Greek authorities will accept your UK licence so this is not necessary. Information about this can be found here:
Driving Permit - International Driving Permit
Alternatively, you have two other choices. Either leave it with your last address in the UK, or submit it to the Greek authorities and have it replaced with a Greek Licence.
Regardless of your decision regarding your licence, you should familiarise yourself with the rules of the Greek roads! This website should help you. The traffic laws are outlined here:
Athens Guide - Driving in Greece
Europa - Getting there
Be aware - fines are high if you break the rules!
And finally, please remember that although in the UK you can take and pass your driving test at the age of 17, in Greece, your licence is not valid until your 18th birthday! Other general differences can be found here:
ViaMichelin - Driving in Europe - Similarities and Differences
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Registering or buying a car
Deciding whether to take your car or not is something you will need to think about. What is "right" varies from person to person. For example, for my first move, I took my UK car with me for the first 6 months only. This gave me the security blanket when I wasn't sure if I would stay. Had I returned to the UK, I wouldn't have then had to look for a new car. Having decided to stay, I returned my UK car to the UK, and bought a local one. Just make sure that if you decide to take your own car, your insurance covers you properly with a "permanent green card"!
Don't forget you must also notify the DVLA if you plan to take your car out of the UK either temporarily or permanently.
Direct Gov - Taking your car abroad
Be aware that you can legally only drive a car on foreign plates in Greece for 6 months. You must also be able to prove ownership at all times and when the vehicle was brought into Greece. After this 6 month period you must either take the car back out of the country, leave it with customs for at least 6 months with proof that you were out of Greece too for this period of time, or clear it through the official customs channels. If you fail to comply, you could end up with a very hefty fine.
Although the site below talks about Crete, these import of vehicle rules apply to anywhere in Greece:
Cretan Advice - Importing a car
When buying a new or second hand car, always go with someone who knows about cars so they can look at it and help you decide if it is worth the money the person is asking. If you are unsure, buy from a reputable dealer and one that offers warranties in case something goes wrong. You can find good deals in local papers and on the internet, but make sure you check it out properly.
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Search for a job
There are a number of websites which focus on job searchs in Greece. Be aware that finding work in Greece is not easy. You will need a solid foundation in the Greek language for a chance and even then, unemployment is high. The following websites may help however we can not take personal liability for any of their content or claims.
Jobs Abroad
4ICJ
Job Centre Plus
Executives on the Web
Tip Top Jobs
Be aware that private employment agencies are not technically allowed to operate in Greece. The Ministry of Labour regional OAED Offices are wholy responsible for this function. English Language publications may also be able to help.
Jobcentre Plus - Living and Working in Greece
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Register for language courses
We Brits are terrible when it comes to learning languages! It's awful to walk around the shops and feel illiterate. In many cases, not even recognising letters, let alone words! It can leave you feeling very isolated. Learning the language has many benefits. Firstly, it teaches you the essentials you will need to get by. Secondly, it helps you meet people - often people in a similar situation to yourself. And thirdly, it makes people take you more seriously on a daily basis.
Please check our Resources section to see if there is any further information on language courses.
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Recycling
Recyling hasn't really reached Greece yet. More central recycling depots are starting to spring up, however it's a very manual task and one which requires a lot of effort from you. For those people who are wanting to continue with this and set an example, please speak to your neighbours, local council to find out your closest recycling areas. Good luck!
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If a student, check out the local student life
Once you know where you will be studying, contact your campus to find out about the local social life. Find out the "in" places to go and the local club scene. Most students work hard, but play harder!
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Marrying in Greece
When living in a foreign country, it is not unthinkable that you might meet and later want to marry someone in Greece.
Foreign Office - Marriage Formalities in Greece
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British Nationals dying in Greece
While in Greece, although none of us wants to think about it, it is possible that you could be left to deal with the death of a loved one. There are many decisions to be made and the following website by the British Embassy in Athens will be of help.
Foreign Office - Deaths involving British Nationals in Greece
Foreign Office - Help if someone dies
The British Foreign Office have put together a booklet (PDF) which you can download.
Foreign Office - Death Overseas
Please also visit our Repatriation page where we go into this in more detail.
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Protect your pension
As a UK citizen you are entitled to a UK pension when you retire. This can and will be paid into your bank account anywhere in the world. However, whether you get a full or part pension at retirement age depends on your contributions.
Be aware that you are able to pay into a private pension for 5 years after you leave the UK, however advisers also suggest that you consider paying voluntary NI contributions to preserve your state pension entitlements.
You can find out how much to pay by calling the HMRC International Services Helpline on +44 (0) 845 9154811 giving them your UK NI Number. There are many ways to pay, the link below will be of use.
HM Revenue & Customs - Paying NI from abroad
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Keep an eye out for your work / residence permit / insurances / passport lapsing...
This may seem obvious but make sure you know exactly when each of your documents are due to expire! To begin with you may not be able to read the correspondence these companies are sending you. This makes renewal notices very difficult to understand. The last thing you want is to find out that part of your life is no longer legal... Whether it's your right to live in the country or your car insurance have those dates marked clearly somewhere that you check regularly and if it spans more than one year... make sure you copy it over to the following year!
If your passport is due to expire you will need this website:
Foreign Office - Passports
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Emergencies
Emergency Services can be reached by dialing 112, however if you want to get hold of a specific service you can call the following numbers.
Police - 100
Ambulance - 166
Fire Bregade - 199
If anything else goes seriously wrong, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office offers the following help:
Foreign Office - When things go wrong
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