€10,000 Relocation Grant · Mediterranean · Various Seas
Cost
PAID €10,000
Presence Required
Must live there
Citizenship Timeline
7 years (EU)
Overview
Greece's depopulated regions program offers a €10,000 flat relocation grant to individuals who move to designated low-density municipalities. Eligible regions include Drama, Florina, Kastoria, Kilkis, and others — many located near rivers, lakes, or the Aegean coast. After 7 years of legal residency, you qualify for Greek (EU) citizenship.
Advantages
€10,000 flat grant paid upon establishing residency
EU citizenship after 7 years — access to 27 EU member states
No minimum investment required beyond establishing residency
Considerations
Must physically live in the designated region
Rural areas have limited job markets — remote work essential
7-year citizenship timeline
Greek language required for naturalization
Less international connectivity than Athens or Thessaloniki
Requirements
Obtain Greek residency permit (D-visa for non-EU citizens)
Register permanent address in an eligible depopulated municipality
Apply for the €10,000 relocation grant through local authorities
Maintain continuous legal residency for 7 years
Pass Greek language and integration test for naturalization
Step-by-Step Process
Identify eligible municipalities: Check the official Greek government list of eligible depopulated municipalities. Regions include Drama, Florina, Kastoria, Kilkis, Evros, and others.
Obtain Greek residency: Non-EU citizens apply for a D-visa at a Greek consulate. EU citizens register directly with local authorities.
Register and apply for grant: Establish your permanent address in the eligible municipality and apply for the €10,000 grant through the local KEP (Citizen Service Center).
Maintain residency for 7 years: Keep primary residence in the region. Document your stays and maintain ties to the community.
Apply for Greek citizenship: After 7 years, apply for naturalization. Pass the Greek language test and demonstrate integration into Greek society.
Tax Considerations
Same as all Greek residents: worldwide income taxed, with the non-domicile flat-tax option (€100,000/year on foreign income) available for new residents moving to Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific regions are eligible?
Eligible municipalities are designated by the Greek government and include areas in Drama, Florina, Kastoria, Kilkis, Evros, and other low-density regions. The list is updated periodically.
Is the €10,000 grant taxable?
The grant is generally treated as a relocation incentive. Consult a Greek tax advisor for your specific situation.
Can I choose any property in these regions?
Yes — you can rent or purchase property in any eligible municipality. The grant is tied to your registered address, not a specific property.
What if I want to move within Greece after receiving the grant?
You should remain in the designated region for the grant period. Moving to a non-eligible area may require repaying the grant. Check current terms with local authorities.