Living in Athens: the ultimate expat guide

Athens concentrates the majority of Greece's economic activity and employment opportunities. While the job market has historically faced challenges, conditions have improved substantially, with unemployment reaching its lowest level since 2009. For expats, understanding the local employment landscape and visa requirements is essential for a successful transition.

Key Industries and Job Market

The Athenian economy is driven by several key sectors. Tourism and hospitality remain foundational, supporting approximately one-sixth of employment. Shipping positions Greece as a global leader, with Athens serving as a major maritime hub. The technology and startup sector has grown significantly, attracting international talent and investment. Other growing fields include renewable energy, financial services, and healthcare. Professions currently in demand include health professionals, customer service specialists, and technical operators.

Work Permits and Regulations

EU/EEA citizens can work in Greece without a visa or work permit. Non-EU citizens require a Type D national visa for employment, which their employer must sponsor. The process involves obtaining a work permit through the Decentralized Administration Office, followed by a residence permit application within 30 days of arrival. Greece also offers an EU Blue Card for highly skilled professionals and a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers earning at least €3,500 monthly from employers outside Greece.

The following table presents key employment indicators for Athens and Greece:

Sources: European Commission Economic Forecast, EURES Labour Market Information, Numbeo 2025

Athens hosts Greece's oldest and most prestigious universities, offering diverse programs for international students. The city's academic institutions combine centuries of scholarly tradition with modern research facilities, attracting over 7,600 international students to the National and Kapodistrian University alone.

Leading Universities

The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), founded in 1837, is the oldest university in the modern Greek state and one of Europe's largest, with over 68,500 students. It ranks among the top 400 universities globally (QS World Rankings 2026) and offers two English-taught bachelor's programs: Medicine and Archaeology, History, and Literature of Ancient Greece. The National Technical University of Athens (Athens Polytechnic) is Greece's premier engineering institution. Panteion University specializes in political and social sciences, while the Athens School of Fine Arts provides distinguished arts education.

International Programs and Admission

Public universities in Greece charge minimal or no tuition for EU students. Non-EU students typically pay €1,500 to €6,000 annually for undergraduate programs, with postgraduate fees ranging higher. The American College of Greece and other private institutions offer American and British curricula with tuition between €8,000 and €15,000 per year. International students must apply through individual university portals and may need to provide language proficiency certificates. Student visas require proof of enrollment, health insurance, and sufficient funds.

The table below summarizes key university options:

Sources: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, QS World University Rankings

Greece ranks among the world's top retirement destinations, combining affordable living, quality healthcare, favorable tax treatment, and an enviable climate. Athens specifically appeals to retirees seeking cultural richness, modern amenities, and easy access to both islands and international destinations. Greece's life expectancy of 82.9 years reflects the benefits of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Visa Options for Retirees

Non-EU retirees can obtain Greek residency through the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, designed for those with passive income who will not work locally. Requirements include demonstrating €3,500 monthly income (or €84,000 in savings), private health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The visa is valid for three years and is renewable. Alternatively, the Golden Visa program grants five-year residency through real estate investment starting at €250,000 (higher in Athens and popular islands). Both pathways can lead to permanent residency after five years and citizenship eligibility after seven years.

Healthcare and Tax Benefits

Retirees can access Greece's public healthcare system (ESY) by enrolling with the National Social Security Fund (EFKA), which costs between €250 and €650 annually. Many expats maintain private insurance for faster service, with premiums starting around €80 to €100 per year for basic coverage. Greece offers attractive tax incentives: foreign retirees who become tax residents pay a flat 7% tax on foreign-sourced income for 15 years, provided they were not Greek tax residents in the previous five to six years.

Key requirements for retirement residency:

Sources: Global Citizen Solutions, Immigrant Invest, VisaGuide.World

Families relocating to Athens have access to both the Greek public education system and a wide selection of international schools. While public schools are free and provide quality education, instruction is in Greek, which may pose challenges for children without language skills. International schools offer globally recognized curricula in English and other languages.

International School Options

ACS Athens (American Community Schools), established in 1945, is the largest international school in Athens, serving students from over 60 countries with American and IB curricula. Byron College follows the British National Curriculum through IGCSE and A-Levels, accredited by British Schools Overseas. St. Catherine's British School, affiliated with the British Embassy, offers both UK curriculum and IB Diploma. The International School of Athens (ISA) provides IB programs from primary through secondary levels, with students from 42 nationalities.

Enrollment and Fees

International school applications typically require academic transcripts, immunization records, and entrance assessments. Most schools have rolling admissions but recommend applying well in advance for popular year groups. Annual tuition varies by school and grade level, generally ranging from €7,000 to €15,000. Additional costs may include registration fees, transportation, uniforms, and extracurricular activities.

The following table provides an overview of tuition ranges at major international schools:

Sources: ACS Athens, International Schools Database, U.S. Department of State

The Athens rental market offers diverse options across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range. Recent years have seen rising demand, particularly in central areas and coastal suburbs, driven by short-term rental conversions and international interest. Understanding the city's geography helps expats find the right fit for their lifestyle and budget.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Kolonaki, at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, is Athens' most upscale central neighborhood, known for designer boutiques, galleries, and sophisticated cafés. Kifissia, a leafy northern suburb about 40 minutes from the center, offers a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere with neoclassical architecture and international schools nearby. Glyfada, along the Athenian Riviera, combines beach access with shopping and nightlife—ideal for those seeking coastal living. Koukaki and Pangrati offer authentic local experiences with good restaurants and proximity to the city center at more moderate prices.

Rental Process and Prices

Finding accommodation typically involves online listings through platforms like Spitogatos and XE.gr, or working with local real estate agents. Rental contracts usually require one to two months' deposit. Expect to provide identification, proof of income, and references. Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are generally paid separately and average €150 to €300 monthly for an 85-square-meter apartment.

Current average monthly rent prices in Athens:

Sources: Numbeo November 2025

Athens delivers an extraordinary blend of ancient history, contemporary culture, and outdoor activities. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to buzzing rooftop bars, the city offers entertainment for every interest. The mild climate encourages year-round outdoor activities, while a thriving arts scene provides endless cultural exploration.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

The Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, remains Athens' most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The adjacent Acropolis Museum houses over 4,000 artifacts from the ancient citadel across 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The National Archaeological Museum, one of the world's great museums, presents Greek antiquities spanning millennia. Art enthusiasts appreciate the Benaki Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art, while the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center offers modern architecture, the National Library, and landscaped parkland.

Outdoor Activities and Nightlife

Nature lovers climb Lycabettus Hill for panoramic city views or hike Filopappou Hill opposite the Acropolis. The National Garden provides green respite near Syntagma Square. Beaches along the Athenian Riviera—from Glyfada to Vouliagmeni—are accessible within 30 minutes by tram. Athens' nightlife centers on neighborhoods like Psyrri and Gazi, with everything from traditional tavernas to rooftop cocktail bars. Summer brings open-air cinema screenings and concerts at venues like the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Sample entry fees for major attractions:

Sources: Acropolis Museum Official, Hellenic Heritage Tickets, Numbeo 2025

Daily life in Athens combines Mediterranean rhythm with urban convenience. The city operates on a relaxed schedule—shops often close for afternoon breaks and dinner is typically served late. Understanding transportation options and local customs helps expats adapt quickly to Athenian life.

Public Transportation

Athens has an efficient public transport network managed by OASA, including metro, buses, trolleybuses, and trams. The Athens Metro consists of three lines connecting the city center with suburbs and the airport. Line 1 (green) runs from Kifissia to Piraeus port; Line 2 (red) connects Anthoupoli to Elliniko; Line 3 (blue) extends from Piraeus to the airport. A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across all transport modes. Monthly passes cost €30 (excluding airport services). Trams connect central Athens with coastal suburbs like Glyfada and Voula. Buses run extensively but can experience delays in traffic.

Lifestyle and Practicalities

Greeks are known for their hospitality, and over 50% of the population speaks conversational English, with higher rates among younger generations. Grocery shopping options include supermarket chains like Sklavenitis and AB Vassilopoulos, with home delivery available. Local markets (laiki) operate weekly in different neighborhoods, offering fresh produce at competitive prices. Healthcare combines a public system (ESY) with private options; expats often maintain private insurance for faster access. Banking requires a Greek tax number (AFM), obtainable through the local tax office.

Key transportation costs at a glance:

Sources: OASA Official Prices, This is Athens

Athens offers one of the most affordable costs of living among European capitals, making it attractive for expats on various budgets. While prices have risen in recent years due to inflation and housing demand, the city remains significantly cheaper than cities like London, Paris, or Amsterdam. Understanding typical expenses helps newcomers plan their finances effectively.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

A single person can live comfortably in Athens on approximately €1,300 to €1,800 per month, including rent. This budget covers a central one-bedroom apartment, utilities, public transportation, groceries, and modest entertainment. Those willing to live outside the center or share accommodation can reduce costs further.

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Families should budget approximately €2,800 to €4,000 per month, depending on housing location, schooling choices, and lifestyle preferences. International school fees represent a significant expense for families prioritizing English-language education.

Sources: Numbeo November 2025, OASA