Island Repopulation Grant · Mediterranean · Aegean Sea
Cost
PAID €18,000+
Presence Required
Must live there
Citizenship Timeline
7 years (EU)
Overview
Antikythera is a tiny Greek island in the Aegean Sea with fewer than 50 permanent residents. The Greek government launched a repopulation grant offering €500/month for 3 years, free housing, and free food to attract new permanent residents. After 7 years of legal residency in Greece, you qualify for Greek (EU) citizenship.
Advantages
Greece pays you €500/month + free housing + free food for 3 years
EU citizenship after 7 years — Schengen travel, right to live/work across 27 countries
Zero upfront investment — the government funds your relocation
Authentic Greek island lifestyle with a tight-knit community
Path to one of the world's most powerful passports
Considerations
Must physically live on the island — remote work is essential
Very limited amenities and infrastructure on the island
7-year citizenship timeline is longer than investment-based programs
Greek language learning strongly recommended for integration
Ferry-dependent access — limited connectivity to mainland
Requirements
EU/EEA citizens: register as resident directly
Non-EU citizens: obtain a Greek residence permit (D-visa or similar)
Commit to permanent residency on Antikythera island
Apply for the repopulation grant through the local municipality
Maintain continuous legal residency for 7 years for citizenship
Pass a Greek language and culture test for naturalization
Step-by-Step Process
Contact the Antikythera municipality: Reach out to the local government (Δήμος Κυθήρων) to confirm current grant availability and application requirements. The program has been renewed multiple times.
Obtain Greek residency permit: Non-EU citizens must apply for a Greek long-stay visa (D-visa) at a Greek consulate. EU citizens register directly with local authorities.
Relocate and register: Move to Antikythera and register your permanent address with the local municipality. This starts your 7-year citizenship clock.
Apply for the repopulation grant: Submit your grant application to the municipality with proof of residency. Grants are paid monthly for up to 3 years.
Maintain residency for 7 years: Keep your primary residence on the island. Brief absences are permitted but extended absences may reset the citizenship clock.
Apply for Greek citizenship: After 7 years, apply for naturalization at the local municipality. You'll need to pass a Greek language test and demonstrate integration.
Tax Considerations
Greece taxes worldwide income for tax residents. However, Greece offers a non-domicile tax regime for new residents: a flat €100,000/year tax on all foreign income regardless of amount. This is attractive for high earners. Standard income tax rates apply to Greek-sourced income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Antikythera grant still available?
The program has been renewed multiple times. As of 2026, it remains active. Contact the municipality directly to confirm current availability before relocating.
Do I have to speak Greek to apply?
Greek language skills are required for the citizenship naturalization test after 7 years, but not for the initial grant application. Learning Greek is strongly recommended for daily life on the island.
Can I work remotely while living on Antikythera?
Yes — remote work is actually ideal given the island's limited local economy. Internet connectivity is available but may be slower than mainland cities.
What is the nearest major city?
Antikythera is located between Crete and the Peloponnese. The nearest major city is Heraklion (Crete) or Athens, accessible by ferry.
Can my family also receive the grant?
The grant is typically per adult resident. Contact the municipality for current family eligibility terms as the program details may have been updated.