Moving to Athens

Living in Athens as an expat

If you're moving to Athens, you're sure to fall in love with this stunning cultural capital of Europe. One of the first things you'll notice is the city's unique mix of ancient and modern. The city's architecture is marked by the imposing and beautiful Parthenon, which watches over Athens from the Acropolis. This ancient structure stands as a reminder of the past and places modern Athens in contrast with the empire of old.

As the capital of Greece, Athens sits right in the heart of the mainland, between the northern region of continental Greece and the southern Peloponnese. With a history stretching back thousands of years, it's one of the key cities in the story of Western civilisation, and expats living here will feel that legacy every day.

Working in Athens

Although the job market in Greece has historically been known for high unemployment rates and limited opportunities for foreigners, the country's economy is slowly improving and growing. Still, it's best for expats to move to Athens with a job offer already in hand. 

The Greek economy is largely service-based, so you can find a fair few opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Healthcare, education, and finance are also growing industries where expats can find employment opportunities. The city centre of Athens is vibrant and busy and is where most businesses and government organisations are based. There is a good chance that expats moving to Athens will end up working in this area of the city. 

Non-EU expats must have both a work permit and visa to work in Greece legally. The process can be lengthy and involved, as your employer will have to first apply for a work permit, after which you can apply for a national visa. EU expats can simply move to Greece, look for employment and notify officials of their presence within three months of arrival. 

Working in Greece
Visas for Greece

Lifestyle in Athens

One of the advantages of living in Athens is that there is always an array of things to see and do. Athens is home to both ancient and modern attractions, offering a variety of activities and weekend getaways within easy reach. The city also has myriad shopping opportunities, ranging from flea markets to luxurious boutiques, which are bound to satisfy shoppers of all kinds.

Nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts are also not left wanting, as the city boasts several gorgeous beaches and is surrounded by four mountains. You can find plenty of water sports activities as well as mountain biking and hiking opportunities. 

Lifestyle in Athens
Shopping in Athens
See and Do in Athens

Finding accommodation in Athens

Finding accommodation in Athens can be challenging. The city is a tourism hotspot, which makes housing pricey and competition for suitable places high. Be that as it may, expats can circumvent the crowd and high prices by beginning their search during the low season when demand isn't as high. 

There are numerous vibrant areas in Athens, with options to suit families, single expats, as well as couples. The trendy and upscale Kolonaki is frequently ranked as one of the best suburbs in Athens, while Koukaki, Thiseio, and Pangrati are perfect for those who prefer more affordable accommodation away from the tourist areas. 

Finding Accommodation in Greece

Cost of living in Athens

Although living in Greece is quite affordable by European standards, the cost of living in Athens is the highest in Greece, owing to its global appeal as a cultural and historical centre. 

The cost of accommodation, groceries and eating out are all higher than in other mainland Greek cities, though expats on a budget will find that adopting local living standards can somewhat bring those costs down.

Cost of Living in Athens

Living in Athens with children

Greece is a family-friendly country, offering a rich cultural experience. Expats will have access to numerous museums and archaeological sites, with some, like the Acropolis Museum, offering child-friendly exhibits. 

Families can also enjoy a fun family day out at playgrounds and picnic areas such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Lake Voliagmeni. There are also plenty of beaches for children to enjoy. A weekend getaway to one of the Greek islands is also a quick ferry ride away. 

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Greece

Finding a school in Athens

In addition to the standard Greek public schooling, there is a wide range of private schools in various languages spread across Athens. The language of instruction in public schools in Athens is Greek, making them largely unsuitable for expats. 

International schools are often the best choice for expat families. These schools offer globally recognised curricula like the International Baccalaureate, British, and American systems and often teach in a familiar language and style. Fortunately, most of these schools are located in Athens, so expat parents will have a few options. 

Education and Schools in Greece

Getting around in Athens

Thanks to Athens's ideal location in Greece, those looking to make a trip further afield can do so easily – from here, most other places in the country can be accessed by train, plane, boat, or bus. Athens is also home to Greece's oldest metro system, which makes getting around locally efficient. 

Taxis also abound in the city, and they will be fitted with meters, making it easy to track the cost of your trip. Although expats can drive in Greece, it's not recommended for new arrivals. Drivers in the country are notorious for erratic driving, which may be dangerous for those who are not accustomed to the driving habits in the city. If you do decide to get behind the wheel in Athens, we recommend driving defensively. 

Transport and Driving in Greece

Climate and weather in Athens

Athens's subtropical Mediterranean climate is sunny and hot, especially during the summer months of June to September, when heatwaves can push the mercury past 104°F (40°C). Winters can get chilly, especially at night, and snowfall is not unheard of.

Athens offers a good balance between urban and suburban life. In the space of an hour's drive, you can find yourself surrounded by a completely new environment. Athens is a splendid destination for expats looking for a busy, diverse, and ever-expanding place to call home.

Climate Chart for Athens