Greece continues to offer attractive tax incentives for expatriates, particularly retirees and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), under its flat tax regimes. As of 2025, these programs have undergone significant updates to enhance their appeal and provide greater clarity for potential applicants.

• Relocation from a Country with a Double Tax Treaty: The primary requirement is that you must relocate from a country that has a double tax treaty with Greece. This ensures that there is a mutual agreement in place to prevent double taxation and facilitate the relocation process.
• Non-Resident Status: Additionally, you must not have been a Greek tax resident for five out of the six years preceding your relocation. This condition helps to differentiate new residents from those who may have previously lived in Greece and are looking to take advantage of the new tax regime.

1. Receive Pension Payments from Abroad: To qualify as a foreign retired individual, your pension must come from sources outside Greece. This means that retirees drawing pensions from their home countries can benefit from the favourable tax treatment in Greece.
2. Tax Residency: You must establish tax residency in Greece by spending at least 183 days per year in the country. This residency requirement ensures that individuals genuinely integrate into Greek society and contribute to the local economy.
3. 7% Flat Tax for Retirees: Once you become a tax resident in Greece, you benefit from a flat 7% tax rate on your total pension income*, including dividends, interest, and capital gains. This favorable rate applies for a duration of 15 years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Non-Tax Resident Status: Applicants must not have been Greek tax residents for five out of the six years preceding their relocation.
• Relocation from a Cooperative Jurisdiction: Individuals must transfer their tax residence from a country that has an agreement on administrative cooperation in tax matters with Greece.
• Proof of Foreign Pension: Applicants need to provide documentation confirming receipt of a foreign pension.

Application Process:

Applications must be submitted by March 31st of the respective tax year. The 7% tax is payable in a lump sum annually by the last business day of July and cannot be offset against other tax liabilities.

1. €100,000 Flat Tax for High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs): Those who transfer their tax residence to Greece can opt for an alternative taxation regime, paying a flat annual tax of €100,000 on all pension income*, irrespective of the amount earned. This regime is available for a maximum of 15 fiscal years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Non-Tax Resident Status: Applicants must not have been Greek tax residents for seven out of the eight years preceding their relocation.
• Significant Investment: Within three years of application, individuals must invest at least €500,000 in real estate, businesses, securities, or shares in legal entities based in Greece.

Family Inclusion:

The regime can be extended to family members by paying an additional €20,000 per person annually. Income earned within Greece by individuals under this regime is taxed according to the general tax provisions.

In December 2024, Greece enacted Law No. 5162, introducing several tax reforms effective from January 1, 2025. Key changes include:

• Reduction of Healthcare Insurance Contributions: Employee healthcare insurance contributions are reduced by 1%, with the reduction equally shared between employees and employers.
• Exemption for Health Insurance Premiums for Minors: Health insurance premiums for individuals under 18 are exempt from tax for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2025.
• Abolition of Business Levy for Freelancers: The annual business levy, previously up to €1,000, has been abolished for freelancers and self-employed individuals, providing significant financial relief.

• Flat Tax Rate: The Greek Expat Tax regime has introduced a reduced tax rate of 7% on retirement income sources, significantly lower than the previous rates that could reach up to 45%.
• Qualification Criteria: To qualify, you must relocate from a country with a bilateral tax agreement with Greece and must not have been a Greek tax resident for five out of the previous six years. Specific criteria apply for foreign retirees and high net-worth individuals.
• Property Tax Reforms: Potential changes in property tax policies are set to make property ownership in Greece more beneficial, encouraging investment and making the country an even more attractive place to retire.

Greece’s updated expat tax regimes offer compelling incentives for retirees and HNWIs considering relocation. With favorable flat tax rates, extended applicability periods, and recent reforms enhancing the overall tax environment, Greece solidifies its position as an attractive destination for expatriates seeking tax efficiency and a high quality of life.

If you are considering retiring in Greece, now is the perfect time to explore the new Greek expat tax incentives.  With favorable flat tax rates, extended applicability periods, and recent reforms enhancing the overall tax environment, Greece solidifies its position as an attractive destination for expatriates seeking tax efficiency and a high quality of life. To begin your journey, it is advisable to consult with specialists who can assist with pension transfers and investments. These experts can provide personalized advice and support to ensure that you make the most of your retirement in Greece.

Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion on how you can start benefiting from these new opportunities and enjoy a serene, tax-efficient retirement in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

Pension Income*: The applicant must receive pension income from one of the following sources: (i) a foreign social security agency, (ii) a government body, (iii) an occupational pension fund, or (iv) a lump-sum or annual payment from a private insurance company under a group pension plan.