XpatAthens
Align By Alin - Holistic Wellness & Movement Studio

Alin Batanian - Yoga & Pilates Instructor

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.
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.).
Certifications
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Professional Dance School “Rallou Manou” (2011)
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (The Yoga Studio Marousi)
under Course Director Swami Nirvikalpananda (Olga Alexiou) and Lead Trainer Mahatman (Michalis Evangelidis) – Yoga Alliance International Certified -
120-Hour Bahiranga Restorative Yoga for Musculoskeletal Pain (Nada Yoga Place) with Lead Trainer Mahatman (Michalis Evangelidis)
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120-Hour Bahiranga Holistic Healing Aspects of Yoga (Nada Yoga Place) with Lead Trainer Mahatman (Michalis Evangelidis)
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60-Hour Aerial Flow Yoga Teacher Training (Kyklos Aerial Lab)
with Aggeliki Sotiropoulou -
Advanced Level II in the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) training program, studying classical ballet under Carol Hanis and reaching.
🌐 https://alignbyalin.gr
Digital Nomad Visa Or Residence Permit in Greece? Here’s How To Choose
At a Glance: Key Differences
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Digital Nomad Visa |
Digital Nomad Residence Permit |
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Validity |
Up to 12 months |
Two years (renewable) |
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Application Point |
From abroad via a Greek consulate |
From within Greece |
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Best For |
Short stays, flexibility |
Long-term plans, family relocation |
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Conversion |
Can convert to residence permit before expiry |
N/A |
1. The Digital Nomad Visa
- 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)
- 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.
- Valid for two years, renewable
- Ideal for families or those seeking stability
- Can be a step toward permanent residency
- Avoids dealing with consulates abroad
- 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
- You’re planning to stay under a year
- You prefer applying before arriving in Greece
- You're still exploring long-term possibilities
- 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
No. Both options are strictly for remote work with employers/clients outside 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.
Yes, but your monthly income must increase to cover dependents. The residence permit generally offers better support for families.
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.
Inheriting Property In Greece As A Non-Resident: What You Need To Know
Step 1: Get a Greek Inheritance Lawyer on Your Side
- 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
- Properties, bank accounts, and other assets
- Any outstanding debts tied to the estate
Celebrity Powers Relocation On XpatAthens!
Celebrity is a relocation specialist with four decades of experience in the industry; they deliver seamless, end‑to‑end relocation services for expats, digital nomads, families, and businesses moving to, from, or within Greece.
Celebrated for our deep local expertise, this partnership empowers XpatAthens to share a full service portfolio—ranging from relocation and visa support to tax guidance, property consulting, and business setup assistance. Our relocation offerings simplify administrative processes such as AMKA/AFM registration, bank account opening, and residency permits like Digital Nomad & Golden Visas, and much more!
By combining XpatAthens’ intimate knowledge of living and working in Greece with Celebrity’s logistical prowess, together we offer unmatched peace of mind when it comes to relocation services in Greece.
Some of our partnership highlights include:
> Integrated relocation support from pre-move orientation through to move and arrival support.
> Comprehensive practical assistance, including visa, tax, property, legal, and insurance guidance.
> Secure, full‑service moving and settling-in solutions, including home search, and property management.
> Bilingual support and concierge services, ensuring smooth transitions and cultural integration.
XpatAthens through our contact form here.
Celebrity through their website here.
This Is Loco At Heraklion's My Street Food Festival
Get ready for bold spices, mouthwatering street eats, and the kind of vibrant food vibes that only Latin America can deliver.
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The Vegan Lentil Burrito: Prepare for a flavor explosion! Loaded this with perfectly smashed lentils, sweet roasted peppers, creamy avocado purée, and a tangy vegan sour cream. It's hearty, healthy, and unbelievably delicious!
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Burrito de Pollo: Inside a soft flour tortilla, you'll find tender grilled chicken, zesty pickled cabbage, and a smoky chipotle mayo that brings it all together.
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Tacos de Pollo con Salsa Verde: Two are better than one, especially when they're chicken tacos! Nestled in warm flour tortillas, you'll savor juicy grilled chicken, crisp pickled cabbage, and that irresistible chipotle mayo, all topped with a vibrant salsa verde.
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Tacos Pibil: Slow-cook succulent pork infused with the sweet tang of pineapple and the gentle warmth of guajillo pepper. Finished with bright pickled onions and fresh cilantro, these tacos are a true experience.
Saturday, June 14 | 17:00–24:00
Sunday, June 15 | 12:00–24:00
Reading Fire On The Island: A Book Full Of Heat, Heart & Hope


- The refugee crisis, shown not as an abstract problem but through human faces and suffering, especially in Jura’s story who may not be a refugee but experiences the luck of many
- Xenophobia, both casual and systemic, echoing wider European tensions
- The suppression of LGBTQ+ identities, especially in small, deeply traditional societies
- Suicide and the lifelong trauma of adoption, and how these wounds quietly shape lives
- Sexual firsts, revealing how coming-of-age is rarely what we expect

A Moment That Hurts (and Stays)

Ready to dive into the story? Get your copy of Fire on the Island HERE!

Timothy Jay Smith is a critically acclaimed author with a lifelong passion for Greece. His travels and experiences, from working as a sociologist in Greece to aiding refugees on Lesvos, have inspired his immersive, character-driven stories. An award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and playwright, Smith’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal in the Faulkner-Wisdom Competition for Fire on the Island not to mention that his screenplay adaptation of it was named Best Indie Script by WriteMovies. His diverse career has taken him around the world, from the streets of Istanbul to the jungles of Africa, giving him a unique perspective that brings depth and authenticity to his writing. Smith’s novels and screenplays have won top honors in competitions, and his stories resonate with readers for their vivid settings, complex characters, and rich social commentary.
Greek Language Support
Find the Right Language Path
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Trusted recommendations for language schools and teachers.
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Assistance with enrollment and scheduling.
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Learning options for children, adults, and professionals.
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Online and in-person formats.
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Suggestions tailored to personal goals and timelines.
Cross-Cultural Guidance
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Local values and daily routines.
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Social etiquette and communication styles.
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Understanding professional and workplace culture.
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Helping children adjust socially and at school.
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Comparative insights based on the assignee’s cultural background.
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Practical advice for smoother integration into the community.
Immigration & Legal Support in Greece
Immigration & Residency Procedures
Greek Tax Registration & Financial Setup
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Issuing a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)
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Setting up TaxisNet credentials
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Transferring tax files to the correct local office (DOY)
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Opening a Greek bank account
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Entry visa preparation
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Applications for residence permit and work permits
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Renewal processing or changes in legal status
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Vehicle registration
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Conversion of EU driver’s licenses to Greek licenses
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General assistance with legal paperwork
