Moving to Greece checklist

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1 Before you move

Choose a visa routeIsraelis can stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. To live in Greece you need a residence permit – e.g. financially independent person, digital nomad, Golden Visa or a work permit. Conditions change; check with the Greek consulate.Which visa fits you →
Prepare documents: income, insurance, housingDepending on the route: proof of income, private health insurance and a place to live.Moving with family guide →
Get a Greek tax number (ΑΦΜ)You need it for almost everything: renting, a bank account, electricity and internet. It can be requested online from Israel by video call with the tax authority, or through a lawyer.How to get an ΑΦΜ →
Arrange private health insuranceEvery visa application requires private health insurance. It is wise to keep it until public cover is in place.Health & insurance →
Find a long-term rentalCompare neighbourhoods and prices. Many families choose the northern or southern suburbs.Prices and rents by area →
File the visa applicationCheck with the Greek consulate where and how to file for your route, and the current document list.Moving steps →
Choose a school for the kidsPublic school is free and in Greek. Athens also has fee-paying international schools.Schools and fees →
Check your driving licenceThe rules for using or exchanging an Israeli licence depend on your situation. Check with the Greek authorities or the consulate before you move.

2 First week

Get a Greek SIM cardA Greek phone number is needed to open a bank account and for digital processes.The right order →
Open a Greek bank accountYou usually need to visit a branch with passport, ΑΦΜ, proof of address and source of funds. Experience varies by bank.What banks ask for →
Sign a leaseA fixed address is needed for the next steps – residence permit, ΑΜΚΑ and school registration.
Save emergency numbers and the embassyThe European emergency number is 112.Emergency numbers & Israeli embassy →

3 First month

Complete your residence permitAfter arrival, continue the residence permit process for your route.Moving guide →
Get an ΑΜΚΑ (social security number)Once you have a residence permit: with passport, ΑΦΜ and proof of address, at a ΚΕΠ or ΕΦΚΑ office. ΑΜΚΑ alone does not give health cover.ΑΜΚΑ & healthcare →
Connect electricity and internetYou will usually be asked for your ΑΦΜ.Why you need an ΑΦΜ →
Register the kids at schoolAt a public or international school, as you chose.Schools →
Get to know the health systemThe public system (ESY) alongside private care. Emergency and ambulance services – EKAB.Healthcare in Greece →

4 Ongoing

Track your permit renewal dateEach route has its own validity and renewal rules. Put the expiry date in your calendar.Golden Visa: validity & renewal →
Sort out tax returnsFor example on rental income. Many Israelis work with a Greek accountant. For tax-residence questions, consult an accountant.ΑΦΜ & taxes →
Learn some GreekLanguage and bureaucracy are the challenges mentioned most. Start with the basics.Greek phrasebook →
Keep an eye on strikes and holidaysTransport strikes and holidays when everything is closed.Strikes in Greece →

General information only, not legal or tax advice. Rules vary by route and change over time – check with the Greek consulate and authorities. Progress is saved only in this browser.

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