XpatAthens

Friday, 20 June 2025 17:26

Agora Pitching Forum Open Call

For a second consecutive year, ANIMASYROS continues its strategic partnership with the Annecy Festival, actively supporting animation professionals.

Submit your project for the Agora Pitching Forum until July 18, 2025! Click here for more information.

ANIMASYROS returns for its 18th year, from September 22 to 28, 2025, in the capital of the Cyclades. The largest animation festival in Greece - and one of the most significant in Europe brings once again leading international animation figures to Syros, while enriching its programme even further. As part of the Agora, ANIMASYROS is continuing - now for a second year - its strategic partnership with the International Animation Film Market (MIFA) of the Annecy Festival, the largest animation festival in the world, with the support of the Institut français (Paris), The Hive Studio Greece, and SKY express, Official Partner and Air Transport Sponsor of the Festival.

Τhe Agora Pitching Forum of ANIMASYROS will once again be part of the International MIFA Campus, an international programme aimed at supporting young creators and artists from Mediterranean countries, namely Greece, Albania, Croatia, Cyprus, Lebanon, and Tunisia, in 2025, by providing them with skills and experience. A total of six (6) professionals from these countries will participate in the programme, selected based on the project plans they submit by July 18.

From September 23 to 26, the 4-day Pitching Coaching Workshop will be held as part of the International MIFA Campus in Syros. The Pitching Workshop Tutors will be acclaimed audiovisual professionals selected by the Annecy International Animation Film Market (MIFA) team. During the workshop, the six participants will develop their projects to meet the challenges of the international market and will be effectively prepared to participate in the Pitch Partenaire to be held in June 2026 in Annecy.

How to participate at the Agora Pitching Forum & the International MIFA Campus?
Learn more at animasyros.gr!

Published in Local News

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Thursday, 19 June 2025 16:03

How To Become A Greek Citizen: A Guide To Naturalization

Why Greek Citizenship?

Greece is more than a beloved travel destination; it’s also a country that offers the security, opportunity, and cultural richness of EU citizenship. With a Greek passport, you gain the right to live and work not only in Greece but anywhere in the European Union. While many pursue citizenship through descent, naturalization offers another powerful path, open to anyone who meets the legal requirements, regardless of heritage.

Who Is Eligible?

Greek citizenship through naturalization is available to foreign nationals who satisfy a number of legal conditions. To apply, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have no irrevocable convictions for serious crimes in the past 10 years
Prove continuous legal residence in Greece:
- 7 years for general applicants
- 5 years if residency began before March 24, 2010
- 3 years if you're an EU national, married to a Greek citizen, a parent of a Greek minor, or a recognized refugee/stateless person
Hold a valid Greek residence permit (e.g., long-term permits, EU/EFTA family cards, refugee certificates)

What Documents Do You Need?

Your application must be supported by a complete and properly certified file. Key documents include:

Naturalization Statement signed at your local municipality, in front of two Greek witnesses
Valid passport and residence permit
Certified birth certificate, translated into Greek
Proof of income or tax return from the previous year
Greek social security number (AMKA)
Certified translations and authentications of all foreign documents

The Naturalization Process Step-by-Step

The road to Greek citizenship involves several official steps:

Sign and submit the Naturalization Statement
Collect and file all required documentation
Demonstrate continuous, legal residency
Take language and integration assessments
Complete an interview with the Naturalization Committee
Await the committee’s decision
If successful, take the oath of allegiance and be registered as a Greek citizen

Fees: €700 for non-EU nationals, or €100 for EU nationals, political refugees, and stateless individuals.

What to Expect at the Interview

The interview is a critical part of the process. It assesses:

Language proficiency – both verbal and written Greek
Knowledge of Greece – its history, culture, and democratic system
Personal background – your life in Greece, reasons for applying, and long-term intentions
Community ties – evidence of social and cultural integration

Why Hire a Legal Advisor?

While it’s possible to apply on your own, working with a legal expert like Expat Law can save time, prevent costly mistakes, and increase your chances of approval. Their team provides:

Up-to-date guidance on all legal requirements
A customized application strategy based on your background
Careful review of documents to avoid delays
Representation in legal proceedings if needed
Full support from start to finish

What Expat Law Offers

End-to-end assistance tailored to your case:

Document preparation and legal verification
Application submission and follow-up with authorities
Legal representation in appeals or complex scenarios
Ongoing guidance throughout the process

Ready to take the next step? Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're deep into the paperwork, Expat Law is here to help. For personalized legal guidance and answers tailored to your specific case, don’t hesitate to get in touch:

📧 kyveli@expatlaw.gr
📱 +30 694 555 1914

Have questions or need help with your unique case? Reach out today—we’re here to support you at every step.

Published in Everyday Tips & How To’s

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Thursday, 19 June 2025 15:58

Claiming Greek Citizenship By Descent: What You Need To Know

Thinking about reconnecting with your Greek roots? Here’s a simplified breakdown of how you might be eligible for Greek citizenship by descent:

Parental Heritage: If your mother or father is a registered Greek citizen, you qualify automatically.
Born in Greece: If you were born in Greece and one parent held legal residency for at least five years before your birth, you're eligible.
Out-of-Wedlock Birth: If your parents weren’t married, citizenship is granted through a Greek mother. If the father is Greek, legal proof of paternity is required.
Adoption: Adopted by a Greek citizen before turning 18? You’re entitled to Greek citizenship.
Third-Generation Greeks: If a grandparent was born in Greece or naturalized, you may apply—though your parent might need to claim citizenship first.

Your eligibility may also depend on when you were born and your parents' marital status at the time. To avoid pitfalls, consult Expat Law early on—accurate legal advice can save time and money.

Building Your Case: The Required Documentation

Once eligibility is confirmed, the next step is to secure your Certificate of Registration, the official record of your status as a Greek citizen. Here's what you'll need:

Valid passport and birth certificate
Christening/baptism certificate (if applicable)
Passport-sized photo that adheres to official guidelines
Your children's birth and baptism records (if applying for them too)
Parents’ marriage certificate, indicating civil or religious union
Parents’ and grandparents’ birth certificates (plus death certificates, if needed)
Proof of Greek municipal registration
Divorce or name change documentation (if applicable)
Recent criminal record certificate
Certified Greek translations of all documents
Registration of foreign marriages in the Special Registry of Athens.

Once everything is in order, you will book an appointment with the Greek consulate closest to you and submit your application along with a €150 fee. Keep in mind, though, that processing may take up to two years, so plan ahead.

The Application Process

With documents in hand, you’re ready to submit your file to Greek authorities. A carefully assembled application boosts your chances of approval—every accurate document and form gets you closer to reclaiming your heritage.

The Perks of Greek Dual Citizenship

Greece allows dual nationality, meaning you don’t have to give up your existing citizenship. As a Greek citizen, you gain:

The right to live and work in Greece and across the EU
Access to Greek public healthcare and education
Voting rights in Greek elections

But citizenship also comes with duties. Be sure to understand any tax obligations or, for male citizens, mandatory military service requirements.

Let Expat Law Guide You

The journey to Greek citizenship can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Expat Law offers personalized legal support tailored to your unique background, including in-depth guidance for more complicated cases like asylum, deportation defense, and dual nationality.

Contact Expat Law here:

📧 kyveli@expatlaw.gr
📱 +30 694 555 1914 (call or text)

Have questions or need guidance tailored to your case? Don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to help!

Published in Everyday Tips & How To’s

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Thursday, 19 June 2025 14:23

Writing With Purpose: Timothy Jay Smith On Greece, Social Justice & Storytelling

by Angeliki Vourliotaki

After reading Fire on the Island, a suspenseful, heartfelt novel set in a Greek village, I was immediately intrigued by the man behind the story. My review barely scratched the surface of what Timothy Jay Smith brings to the page, and I couldn’t help but want to learn more about this fascinating writer and person.

So, we sat down for a long and heartfelt conversation. Timothy opened up about his life, his work, and his enduring bond with Greece. From planting tens of thousands of trees in Tanzania to founding a prize for political theater, to crafting layered characters drawn from real people, he offers the kind of perspective only a true global citizen can.

We began with the big question...

Q: For someone who isn't familiar with you or your background, how would you describe yourself as a writer and as a person?

That's a big question to start with! At a young age, I developed a social consciousness that would define my career and eventually my writing. Before I decided to become a full-time writer, I worked all over the world on projects to help low-income people, including in the United States, where we had a national program called the War on Poverty. When I was young and right out of college, I was able to get work that really allowed me to help others through different projects. So I guess I’m pretty compassionate in that sense.

When I was about 11 years old, my school had a spaghetti dinner fundraiser, a $1 meal to raise money for student activities. Sitting across from me at the table was what I thought was an old man (he was probably in his 30s) and he told me he spoke five languages and had been to 40 countries. On the spot, I decided: that’s the life I want to lead! And I managed to do that. So I’m a traveler, I’m a caring person. One of my ongoing projects is environmental. In Tanzania, I’ve been working with a village to plant trees. So far, we’ve planted 32,560.

Q: So, you want to help. People, the environment, everyone?

All my books really come from a sense of a big issue that’s affecting people’s lives. My very first book came out of the two and a half years I spent in Jerusalem managing the first significant U.S. government project to help Palestinians. Through that, I got to understand the multiple sides of that conflict. I decided to write a novel – later published as A Vision of Angels – that would, through fiction, reveal how the conflict affects ordinary people’s lives. The main characters were an Israeli war hero, an Arab Christian grocer, an American photojournalist, and a Palestinian farmer.

That sort of defined my other work as well. After that, I wrote a book where the story dealt with the issue of human trafficking. There’s a young girl who’s been trafficked, and it’s about what her life is like and someone who’s trying to help her. All my stories deal with big issues, social and worldwide concerns, but I concoct a suspenseful plot to keep readers interested. So my stories aren’t all about ‘message’. I show how these things really affect ordinary people who get caught up in them.

Q: You founded the Smith Prize for Political Theater, which, although no longer active, was a powerful initiative. Do you still see your writing as a form of activism, and is there a chance the prize might be revived in the future?

Yes, I definitely see my writing as a form of activism. It’s unfortunate that the Smith Prize is no longer happening. We had some very successful plays that went on to good productions. One Smith Prize playwright who went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama! But when the pandemic hit, it really devastated the theater world as you couldn’t have people gathered in enclosed spaces, and theater doesn’t work well over video calls. It just became time to let it go.

I’ve thought about bringing it back. But it’s a lot of work and right now, I’m focused on the Tanzania Trees Project. Maybe when I reach 100,000 trees, I’ll revisit the idea of political theater.

Q: So you have traveled across the globe. Can you tell us a bit about the countries that have shaped you the most?

The countries I’ve lived in have shaped me. I’ve probably spent about seven years total in Greece, so of course Greece is very important to who I am. I also lived in Jerusalem which was a deeply powerful experience. Then I spent a couple of years in Thailand, headquartered in Bangkok but working all over Asia. I was based there while serving as a financial advisor and analyst on every U.S. government project funded in Asia at the time. So I was constantly on the move.

One of those projects was in India. I had already traveled there personally, but for work, I began going to Mumbai about every six weeks for over a couple of years. India made a huge impression on me; the overwhelming poverty but also the country’s determination to move forward. That contrast really stayed with me.

I don’t think I mentioned Poland, but that experience also moved me deeply. I spent over two years there serving as an advisor for the World Bank to the new Minister of Finance following the collapse of the Communist government when Solidarity came into power. I was a housing finance advisor and helped to create Poland’s first-ever mortgage system, something that allowed people to borrow money to buy homes, instead of relying solely on savings.

I’ve also worked extensively across the U.S., especially in areas facing deep poverty. I did a lot of work with Native American communities and was involved with an agency that focused only on “special impact areas”, the 40 poorest areas in America. These were often rural counties or urban census tracts, frequently predominantly Black or Hispanic neighborhoods. All of these experiences—abroad and at home—have shaped how I see the world.

Q: Is there a wild or unforgettable experience from your life, something people should hear?

One story that stands out is from my work with Native American communities. I became familiar with the legal framework around treaties—or the rare absence of them—with most of the tribes. In Alaska, there was no treaty, and a law called the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act included a hidden time bomb: after 20 years, Native land, normally protected, would be taxed based on the value of its highest possible use. So, if there was oil under the land and it wasn’t being pumped out, indigenous Alaskans would still be taxed as if it were, which would have forced them to sell their land to pay taxes.

I brought this to the attention of the White House—President Carter specifically—and he issued an Executive Order to set aside that provision of the law. Because he had a Democratic Congress, that Executive Order was later turned into law, permanently protecting the sovereignty of Native Alaskan land. So yes, I’ve had the chance to impact people’s lives in meaningful ways.

Q: You’ve traveled and lived all over the world, and one of these places is also Santorini. You first lived there in the early ’70s, and you’ve been back recently. I know it’s hard to sum it all up, but how has Santorini changed since those early days?

When I first went to Santorini in 1972, I had no idea what the island looked like. I hadn’t even seen a photo. I was working for the National Center of Social Research (EKKE) in Athens, studying rural-to-urban migration, but city life didn’t suit me. So I convinced EKKE that I should go to the islands to assess the ‘push’ factors driving people to move to Athens. Through connections in Amfiali, near Piraeus, where many Santorini families had settled, I chose Santorini, sight unseen.

The ferry ride was a 20-hour journey, passing dry, barren islands like Ios and Naxos. I began to worry I was heading to a desert. Then Santorini appeared—volcanic cliffs, lush vineyards, completely unlike anything I expected.

There was no airport, hardly any tourism, and very few foreigners. I spent two winters there, often the only non-Greek person around. The villages were small and surrounded by open land—not the sprawl of villas you see now. I lived without hot water, taking a weekly shower in Fira for 25 cents at a hotel—ironically, the same one I stayed at on my recent visit.

Back then, Oia was abandoned and crumbling. Now, it’s one of the most photographed places on Earth. The caldera view remains breathtaking, but much of the island’s quiet magic has been lost.

Q: And, what is it that made you a Grecophile? After your time in Santorini, how has your relationship with Greece evolved over the years?

Well, I just fell in love with the Greek people, basically. They’re very hospitable and love to tell good stories. In my village, we didn’t have a television set for a long time—one finally arrived eventually—but before that, people would say, “Oh, let’s tell stories tonight.” So everyone would gather in a little spot, sit on the ground, and we would share stories and things like that. I loved all of that. It was great. And then, of course, the natural beauty of the country, it really is wonderful.

Q: Do you have any more stories set in Greece?

I’ve been thinking about it, and the answer is yes and no. Yes, I’d like to write something set in Greece again because it means a lot to me and I know it well enough to portray it authentically. But I’m not interested in writing a series with the same main character. I prefer each story to stand on its own.

If I can come up with a suspenseful story that includes social activism, something that keeps readers engaged without hitting them over the head with a message, I’d consider it. I haven’t ruled it out, but writing a book takes years, and I don’t have unlimited time. Still, I love the idea.

Q: Okay, so what’s unique about this book being set in Greece compared to other places you’ve written about?

Well, there’s just so many things about being Greek. The church, for example, plays a big role, which wouldn’t be the same elsewhere. Honestly, it’s hard to pin down one thing, but just being in Greece sets it apart from my other books.

The geography, the landscape, the culture, all of that shapes the story in ways that wouldn’t happen in other places. For example, in another book I wrote, Cooper’s Promise, I created a fictitious African town with an Arab diamond district. I combined different cultural elements to build that world because I hadn’t lived in one place long enough to capture it authentically. But with Greece, I know the place well.

With Fire on the Island, I wanted to tell a refugee story but ended up making it more of an homage to Greece and its people. The refugees didn’t really mingle much in my village—they had to move on quickly—but their presence stirred conflicts among the villagers. So the story became more about the Greeks than the refugees.

Later, I wrote Istanbul Crossing, a true refugee story where almost all the characters are refugees. I don’t know Turkish society deeply, so I focused on the human side, but with Fire on the Island, my familiarity with Greek culture really shines through.

Q: Are you working on something new, right now? If so, where is it set this time?

Yes, I’m working on a new novel. I’m not too far into it yet, but I’ve been thinking about it for quite a while. This one is set in America. I actually have the rather unique distinction of being a 16th-generation American, my family came over on one of the earliest ships after the Mayflower. So we’ve been in the country for about approximately 400 years. I’m very concerned about what’s happening in the U.S. these days. I want to write something that looks at that long legacy. What does it mean to come from 16 generations of Americans? Where has that brought us? It feels like a story I’m in a good position to tell, because I grew up with all these stories. One cousin was even what we’d call the "Man Friday" to Abraham Lincoln, meaning he served as his personal assistant/butler. So there’s this long, textured history in my head that I need to explore, and I think I’ve found a way to start shaping it into a story.

Of course, it will have an autobiographical element as all of my novels. All my main characters are, in some way, parts of me. Even when I’m combining or reshaping them, the emotional truth is always there. So yes, while the stories are fictional, they’re built out of real places, people, and things I’ve personally felt or seen.

Q: Fire on the Island has feminist elements, with strong women who are leaders, rebellious, and uncompromising. Was that intentional from the start, or did the characters evolve that way?

The women characters, especially the three generations in one family – the grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter, are based on real people. Their voices in the book come from real life. I gave them a fictional story, but the characters themselves are drawn from people I know, which is true for most of my characters. In Fire on the Island, having returned to the same village every year for 20 years, I got to know this family well. They weren’t offended by how they were portrayed; in fact, they’re proud to be in the book, even though I didn’t use their real names.

I think women have a very important part in Greek society in general. They’re very strong characters. In my time here, it was clear to me that the men controlled the fields, but the women controlled the village and the household. That strength is reflected in the story.

Q: Throughout the book, you sprinkle in Greek phrases that really ground the story. So, do you know Greek?

I didn’t know Greek when I first moved to Athens. Before going to Greece, I got a Greek tutor, but we didn’t get far. The only word I really learned was malaka (laughs).

The tutor mostly wanted to talk about girls, so it wasn’t very productive! But I’ve always liked studying languages and grammar. I taught myself Greek sto dromo (on the street) when I got to Greece, especially after moving to Santorini, where nobody spoke English in my village. I had to learn it.

I actually love Greek. It’s not a hard language for me. The hardest part for most people is there aren’t many cognates, no words that sound similar to other languages. Like in French, révolution means revolution, but the Greek word for revolution – epanastasis – doesn’t sound ljke any obvious word in English. So students of Greek have to learn a lot of new words.

Back when I lived on Santorini, I spoke well enough that people wouldn’t believe I’m not Greek. I don’t speak as well now, but thirty years ago, I really did.

Q: One last question: if you had to describe yourself, Greece, and Fire on the Island each with just one word, what would they be?

I’d say for myself: empathetic. I care about people, especially the disenfranchised and that has motivated drives what I do.

For Greece: welcoming.

And the book? I’d say thoughtful. The story asks readers to think about tough issues, like being a stranger in a strange land, or topics like homosexuality in Greek society. These are difficult subjects for many people, and I wanted to explore them honestly in the book.

Thank you, Tim, for sharing your stories, your passion, and your heart with us. It’s been a pleasure getting a deeper look into the life behind Fire on the Island, and the purpose behind every page!

Want to learn more about Tim? Visit his website and grab your copy of Fire on the Island HERE!

Published in Local Voices

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Monday, 16 June 2025 13:57

Pilates Retreat For Wellness & Renewal

A 3-Day Journey of Serenity, Movement & Nature Connection, organized by PilatesLife Studio - Kelly Petridi & Studio PilatesLife - Nadia Petridi

Join us for a unique 3-day escape by the sea and the mountains, where silence becomes strength and nature replenishes our energy. Far from the noise of the city, we will reconnect with ourselves through mindful Pilates and Yoga practices, deep relaxation, nourishing meals, and a peaceful stay in a beautiful natural setting.

This is your invitation to slow down, embrace self-care, and move closer to inner calm.

Retreat Info

Published in Retreats & Happenings

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Thursday, 12 June 2025 10:07

Align By Alin - Holistic Wellness & Movement Studio

Align by Alin is a holistic wellness and movement studio located in Alimos, Athens, Greece. The studio is dedicated to cultivating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space where individuals of all levels can explore yoga, functional movement, and mindful embodiment. Through a unique blend of alignment-based yoga, somatic practices, and restorative techniques, Align by Alin supports students in reconnecting with their bodies, building strength and flexibility, and deepening their awareness both on and off the mat.

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Class offerings include Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Nada Yoga, Meditation, Pilates Reformer, Pilates Mat, Ballet Body, Contemporary Dance, and Alignment Movement sessions—specially designed to promote mobility, injury prevention, and sustainable posture.

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📧 🌐

Published in Spaces & Venues

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Thursday, 12 June 2025 09:52

Alin Batanian - Yoga & Pilates Instructor

Alin was born and raised in Athens. She holds a degree in Food Technology and Nutrition from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens (2009) and graduated from the Professional Dance School “Rallou Manou” (2011). Her journey in movement began early—at the age of four, she enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) training program, studying classical ballet under Carol Hanis and reaching Advanced Level II.

Her deep interest in the study of the body led her to the teachings of Michalis Mahatman Saraswati and Swami Nirvikalpa (Olga Alexiou), where she completed her first Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (RYT 200hr, 2013), followed by specializations in Restorative Yoga (120hr), Healing Parts of Yoga (120hr), Chakra Work – Level 1 (32hr), and Clinical Yoga for Hypertension (120hr, 2018). She also studied Kriya Yoga under Alessandro Ortona from 2016 to 2018. Over the years, she expanded her practice by attending workshops in Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga, Anusara, Acro, and Aerial Yoga across Greece, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

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As a dancer, she has taught classical ballet at the Gymnastics Club of Irakleio Attikis (2010–2011) and contemporary dance at The Henny Jurriëns Foundation in Amsterdam (2012). She has performed in productions across the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Portugal (2012–2014) under the choreography of Manuel Ronda.

In Greece, she has collaborated extensively with choreographer Menti Mega on projects such as Unlimited Access—a European program supporting professional dancers and individuals with motor, cognitive, or visual impairments (2014–2016); the educational program Triples and Triplets (2017–2018); and the performance Sweet Abyss (2015). She also participated in the 3rd Young Choreographers Festival at the Onassis Cultural Centre (Fläche en Handfläche by Ioanna Angelopoulou, 2015) and in Stavros Petropoulos’ documentary I Am a Dancer (2016), all produced by the Onassis Foundation.

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In recent years, she has worked closely with Irini Kourouvani, organizing dance workshops and performances in public primary schools across Attica. These initiatives, part of the International Olympic Truce Centre’s educational programs, aim to help children reconnect with their bodies, explore rhythm and movement as forms of expression, and embrace the diversity of every body.

She also volunteers with the “Pisti” Association at the “Agia Sofia” Children’s Hospital in Athens, offering dance therapy and yoga sessions to young patients and their families in the Pediatric Oncology-Hematology Unit (POAIM – K.E.TH.).

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Published in Wellness Professionals

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Thursday, 12 June 2025 09:14

Digital Nomad Visa Or Residence Permit in Greece? Here’s How To Choose

With its vibrant culture, scenic coastlines, and affordable lifestyle, Greece has become a prime destination for remote workers. If you're planning to live and work here, you’ll likely choose between two main paths: the Digital Nomad Visa and the Digital Nomad Residence Permit. Here's how to decide which suits your goals best.

At a Glance: Key Differences

	Digital Nomad Visa	Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Validity	Up to 12 months	Two years (renewable)
Application Point	From abroad via a Greek consulate	From within Greece
Best For	Short stays, flexibility	Long-term plans, family relocation
Conversion	Can convert to residence permit before expiry	N/A

1. The Digital Nomad Visa

Ideal for short-term remote work stays, the Digital Nomad Visa (Type D) allows you to live in Greece for up to 12 months while working for foreign employers or clients. It's designed for flexibility, with the option to renew annually or convert to a residence permit.

Why Choose It:

Easy to apply from abroad
Suitable for remote workers testing the waters in Greece
No commitment to permanent relocation
Potential tax benefits (depending on stay duration and tax residency)

Requirements:

Proof of non-Greek employment or business
Minimum income of €3,500/month (plus 20% for a spouse, 15% per child)
Valid health insurance and clean criminal record
Declaration of intent to work remotely while living in Greece
Health Certificate that assures good health and absence of certain diseases.

2. The Digital Nomad Residence Permit

For those ready to stay longer, the Digital Nomad Residence Permit offers a more permanent solution. Often, applicants arrive in Greece under a visa waiver or Schengen visa and apply from within the country.

Why Choose It:

Valid for two years, renewable
Ideal for families or those seeking stability
Can be a step toward permanent residency
Avoids dealing with consulates abroad

Requirements:

Remote employment (non-Greek source)
Minimum income of €3,500/month, with an increase for dependents.
Proof of housing in Greece (rental lease or property ownership)
Comprehensive health insurance
Financial documents proving stability may be required

Which One is Right for You?

Choose the Digital Nomad Visa if:

You’re planning to stay under a year
You prefer applying before arriving in Greece
You're still exploring long-term possibilities

Choose the Residence Permit if:

You’re aiming for a multi-year stay
You want a solution that accommodates family
You’re already in Greece and want to apply locally

Common Questions

Can I work for a Greek company on either permit?

No. Both options are strictly for remote work with employers/clients outside Greece.

Will I pay taxes in Greece?

If you stay less than 183 days/year, you may not become a tax resident. Longer stays could change that. It's best to consult a tax advisor.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, but your monthly income must increase to cover dependents. The residence permit generally offers better support for families.

How long does processing take?

The visa can take a few weeks after your consulate appointment. Residence permits often grant a temporary approval within 15 days, with full processing taking a few months.

Let’s Help You Navigate the Process

Whether you’re planning a short-term remote work stay or laying down roots in Greece, Expat Law is here to make the legal side simple. They handle the paperwork, permits, and everything in between—so you can focus on your next adventure!

Have questions? Contact Kyveli Zachou today at kyveli@expatlaw.gr or get in touch with us to explore your options!

Published in Healthcare, Insurance & Visas

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Thursday, 12 June 2025 09:09

Inheriting Property In Greece As A Non-Resident: What You Need To Know

Inheriting property in Greece can be a meaningful asset but it’s not without complications, especially for non-residents. Thankfully, recent legal updates now allow many steps to be handled remotely, through legal representation. Whether you're accepting or rejecting an inheritance, it’s important to understand the legal framework and act quickly to protect your rights and avoid unwanted liabilities.

Step 1: Get a Greek Inheritance Lawyer on Your Side

Your first—and most important—step is to work with a lawyer who specializes in Greek inheritance law. Today, your lawyer can act entirely on your behalf, submitting all required documents directly to the court without needing a notary. That means you don’t need to travel to Greece to handle the process.

Your lawyer will:

Identify what assets and debts are part of the estate
Advise whether it’s smarter to accept or reject
Prepare and submit all necessary court declarations

Step 2: Assess the Estate's Value

Knowing what you’re inheriting is critical. Your lawyer will evaluate:

Properties, bank accounts, and other assets
Any outstanding debts tied to the estate

If the estate is burdened with significant debt, you may want to consider rejecting it, or accept it with a legal safeguard called “benefit of inventory.”

3. Submit Legal Declarations to the Court

The process: Instead of going through a notary, your lawyer now files the official acceptance documents directly with the court, a recent change in Greek law that speeds up the process.

Your role: Once you’ve decided to accept, your lawyer handles all filings and interactions with the court, making it possible to complete the process without setting foot in Greece.

4. Consider Accepting with the Benefit of Inventory

What it means: If the estate has debts, you can accept “with the benefit of inventory,” which limits your liability to the value of the assets. This way, your personal wealth is protected.

Pros and cons: It’s a smart option for high-risk inheritances. Your lawyer will file the inventory directly with the court, replacing the old notary-based process.

5. Take Care of Tax Obligations

What to expect: Greek inheritance tax depends on the heir’s relationship to the deceased and the estate’s total value. Tax declarations must be filed, and any taxes paid, before the process is complete.

What your lawyer will do: They’ll file the tax paperwork on your behalf, ensure compliance, and help you avoid penalties—all while keeping the process as smooth and timely as possible.

How to Reject an Inheritance in Greece

If the estate is burdened with debts or complications, rejecting it might be the safer option. Here’s how that works:

1. File a Declaration of Renunciation

What’s involved: Your lawyer can file a rejection notice directly with the Greek court. This must be done within 4 months of being notified—or 1 year if you live abroad.

Why it matters: Missing this deadline could lead to automatic acceptance, which means you would become responsible for the estate’s debts, even if you never intended to accept it.

2. Submit the Required Documents

What’s needed: Documentation typically includes identification and proof of relationship to the deceased. For contested inheritances, additional paperwork might be required.

Handled by your lawyer: They'll gather, verify, and submit all required documents to ensure your rejection is properly filed.

3. Understand the Consequences

What to know: Once you reject an inheritance, you permanently give up any claim to it, including any future rights to the property or assets.

Take your time, but not too much: It’s a serious decision that can’t be reversed, so legal advice is essential.

Common Challenges for Non-Residents

Language Barriers & Legal Complexity

Greek inheritance laws are detailed and sometimes difficult to interpret without guidance. A lawyer experienced in both Greek and international estate law is crucial for non-residents.

Documentation & Timelines

Missing a deadline or lacking key documents can result in delays—or worse, unwanted liabilities. A good lawyer will keep you on track and ensure everything is handled correctly and on time.

Risk of Automatic Acceptance

If you don’t act within the legal time window, Greek law assumes you’ve accepted the inheritance by default. Staying in close contact with your lawyer ensures that doesn’t happen by mistake.

Act Early & Get Expert Help

Dealing with inherited property in Greece as a non-resident doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're considering accepting or rejecting an inheritance, the most important thing is to act promptly and get the right legal advice.

Let a trusted legal professional guide you through the process—so you can protect your interests, stay compliant with Greek law, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Contact support@expatlaw.gr or reach out directly via call or text at +306945551914. Expat Law will make your inheritance journey in Greece as smooth and stress-free as possible!

If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by completing this form!

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Friday, 30 May 2025 16:02

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