Brexit Changed Everything (For UK Citizens)

Before Brexit, British citizens could move to Greece freely as EU citizens. Now, UK nationals face the same rules as Americans, Australians, and other non-EU citizens. But don't worry — moving to Greece is still very achievable.

Visa Options for UK Citizens

Option 1: Golden Visa (Most Popular)

- Investment: €250,000+ in Greek property - Residency: 5 years, renewable - Benefits: Includes family, no minimum stay, Schengen travel - Best for: Retirees with capital who want property anyway

Learn more about our Golden Visa service →

Option 2: Financially Independent Person Visa

- Requirement: Prove sufficient passive income (€2,000+/month) - Residency: 2 years initially, renewable - Benefits: No investment required - Best for: Retirees with steady pension income

Option 3: Digital Nomad Visa

- Requirement: Remote work for non-Greek company, €3,500+/month income - Residency: 1 year initially, renewable up to 3 years - Best for: Those still working remotely

Option 4: Retirement Visa (Type D)

- Requirement: Pension income, health insurance, accommodation - Residency: 1 year initially, renewable - Best for: Traditional retirees with pension income

Healthcare After Brexit

The Bad News

- UK citizens can no longer use the EHIC/GHIC for permanent residence - The S1 form system still works for state pensioners - Private health insurance is now essential for most

The Good News

- Greek public healthcare (EFKA) is available to tax residents - Private health insurance is affordable (€1,500-€3,000/year) - Many UK retirees find Greek healthcare better than expected

S1 Form (For UK State Pensioners)

If you receive a UK state pension, you can still get an S1 form from the NHS: - Covers you for Greek public healthcare - Your dependents are also covered - Apply before moving (takes 4-6 weeks) - Contact NHS Overseas Healthcare Services: +44 191 218 1999

Pensions After Brexit

State Pension

- Your UK state pension continues wherever you live - Annual increases still apply (for now — subject to future agreements) - Can be paid directly to a Greek bank account - Consider currency exchange implications

Private Pensions

- Most private pensions can be paid to Greek accounts - SEPA transfers (if in EUR) are free - GBP-to-EUR transfers incur fees and exchange rate risk - Consider QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) transfer

QROPS Considerations

Transferring your UK pension to a QROPS in Malta or Gibraltar: - Pros: Tax efficiency, currency flexibility, estate planning - Cons: Setup costs, ongoing fees, loss of UK protections - Advice: Consult a UK-qualified financial advisor before deciding

Tax Implications

UK-Greece Double Tax Treaty

The UK and Greece have a double tax treaty, meaning: - You won't pay tax twice on the same income - UK state pension is taxable only in Greece (if Greek tax resident) - UK government pensions remain taxable in the UK - Private pensions are taxable in your country of residence

The 7% Flat Tax Regime

This is a game-changer for UK retirees: - Pay only 7% flat tax on UK pension income - Valid for 15 years - Potential savings: £5,000-£15,000+ per year

Learn more about the 7% regime →

Property Ownership

Can UK Citizens Still Buy Property?

Yes. Brexit did not change property ownership rules. UK citizens can: - Buy property freely in most of Greece - Own 100% of the property - Rent it out - Pass it to heirs

Border Zone Restrictions

Some areas near borders require additional permits for non-EU citizens. We handle these applications.

Banking

Can You Keep Your UK Bank Account?

Yes, but many UK banks are closing accounts for non-UK residents. Check with your bank.

Opening a Greek Account

- Essential for tax residency - Possible remotely with our assistance - Major Greek banks have English-speaking services

Learn about our bank account service →

Driving in Greece

UK License

- UK driving licenses are valid in Greece for 6 months after arrival - After 6 months, you need a Greek license - The UK-Greece license exchange agreement is still in place

Bringing Your UK Car

- Complex and expensive due to Brexit - Generally not recommended - Better to buy a car in Greece

Timeline for UK Retirees

6 Months Before

- Research locations and visit Greece - Consult with tax advisor (UK and Greek) - Begin visa application if needed - Apply for S1 form (if state pensioner)

3 Months Before

- Arrange property (rental or purchase) - Open Greek bank account - Arrange health insurance - Notify UK banks and pension providers

1 Month Before

- Arrange removals - Cancel UK utilities and services - Notify HMRC of departure - Set up mail forwarding

After Arrival

- Register with local municipality - Apply for AFM (Tax ID) - Register for healthcare - Apply for Greek tax residency - Apply for 7% regime (if eligible)

Common Concerns

"Will I lose my UK pension increases?"

Currently, UK state pensions increase even if you live in Greece. This is subject to future UK policy changes.

"Can I still vote in UK elections?"

UK citizens living abroad can vote in UK general elections for up to 15 years after leaving.

"What about my UK NHS entitlements?"

Once you move permanently, you lose NHS entitlement. The S1 form gives you Greek healthcare instead.

"Can I return to the UK later?"

Yes. You can return anytime. Your UK state pension and private pensions remain yours.

How We Help UK Retirees

We specialize in helping British citizens relocate to Greece post-Brexit: - Visa guidance and application support - Golden Visa property search - Tax residency and 7% regime application - Healthcare registration (including S1 form guidance) - Bank account opening - Ongoing support

Book a free consultation with our UK specialist team.

Moving to Greece from the UK After Brexit: Complete Guide