Relocating to Greece? Why Greece Is Back on the Radar of International HNWIs

February 2026 /

Greece has quietly repositioned itself as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, retirees and internationally mobile families.

Beyond lifestyle considerations — climate, safety, culture and quality of life — Greece has implemented a series of competitive tax regimes specifically designed to attract new profiles of tax residents. These regimes position Greece as a legitimate alternative to traditional hubs such as Portugal, Italy or even Switzerland.

However, a successful relocation requires careful preparation, especially when leaving countries such as France, Belgium or the United Kingdom, and usually maintaining assets or income streams in those jurisdictions.

1. Key Greek Tax Regimes for New Tax Residents

1.1 The Non-Dom copycat Regime (€100,000 annual Flat Tax)
Greece offers a special tax regime for individuals transferring their tax residence to Greece, under which foreign-source income is subject to an annual flat tax of €100,000, regardless of the amount earned. The regime is valid for up to 15 years and can be extended to family members.

This regime is particularly attractive for ultra-high-net-worth individuals with diversified international income streams.

Key features:

  • Applies to all foreign income (dividends, interest, capital gains, business income, etc.) with no limited amount ;
  • No obligation to declare foreign income in detail for Greek tax purposes ;
  • Greek-source income remains taxed under standard Greek rules ;
  • Option to extend the regime to close family members for an additional €20,000 per person ;
  • Valid for up to 15 years.

1.2 The Pensioners’ Regime (7% Flat Tax)
Foreign retirees may benefit from a 7% flat tax on all foreign-source pension income for a duration of 15 years (with tax residence transfer from a country with which Greece has an exchange-of-information agreement).

This regime is often compared favorably with Portuguese’s former NHR system.

1.3 Regime for Employees and Self-Employed Professionals
New residents working in Greece may benefit from a 50% exemption on employment or professional income earned in Greece for seven years.

The income from business activity by individuals (freelancers or sole-trader businesses) is subject to income tax in Greece up to 44%.

2. Points of Attention Prior Moving to Greece

Greek tax residency is generally established if:

  • The individual spends more than 183 days per year in Greece ; or
  • Greece becomes the individual’s center of vital interests.

In practice, tax authorities increasingly look beyond day counting and merely focus on substance such as:

  • Family location ;
  • Business interests ;
  • Banking relationships ;
  • Real estate ownership ;

Greece does not impose a net wealth tax, however it does require Declaration of Greek real estate (ENFIA property tax) and Reporting of Greek bank accounts and income.

3. Country of Departure: Key Exit Considerations

A poorly prepared move may lead to dual residency disputes and costly tax bills.

3.1 France: Exit tax, continued residency risk, and inheritance tax considerations

Main points of attention are:

  • Exit tax on substantial shareholdings 
  • Risk of continued French tax residency if:
    • Siblings remains in France, or
    • Core economic interests are retained
  • French-source income (real estate, business income, dividends) remains taxable in France under domestic law subject to non-double tax treaties.
  • French inheritance and gift tax exposure may arise, depending on domicile rules (situs of assets, domicile of heirs and beneficiaries).

Again, careful timing and restructuring prior to departure are paramount to secure wealth transfer to next generation


3.2 Belgium: potential exit tax, scrutiny on artificial relocations and inheritance exposure

Belgium does not levy a general exit tax on individuals, but tax exposure must be considered with regard to:

  • Taxation of latent capital gains in certain professional structures ;
  • Continued taxation of Belgian-source income ;
  • Scrutiny of “artificial” relocations, particularly where financial or professional activities remain in Belgium ; and last but not least
  • Potential taxation under the Cayman Tax where the founder of a qualifying legal structure leaves Belgium.

Belgian inheritance tax exposure may also survive relocation depending on asset location and domicile of the deceased.


3.3. United Kingdom: Statutory Residence Test, temporary non-residence rules, and inheritance tax residency issues

Key points of consideration include:

  • Statutory Residence Test and split-year treatment which can be complex to navigate through 
  • Temporary non-residence rules (anti-avoidance)
  • Ongoing UK taxation of UK real estate income and gains
  • Reform of carried interest with ongoing UK taxation for those connected to the UK ; and last but not least
  • Inheritance tax exposure, which can survive after departure considering the new UK10/20 tax tail rule.

The interaction with new UK inheritance rules and Greek tax residency requires special attention.

Conclusion

Greece offers one of the most competitive tax frameworks in Europe for new residents, but relocation must be strategic, not opportunistic. Proper exit planning, asset structuring and succession planning are key to long-term success.  Also Visa entry rules must be highlighted for non-EU citizens.