22.10.2026
Best Islands to Retire in Greece
Based on recent data of ours, almost one in three buyers (30.8%), mainly retirees, from abroad are looking for a property in Greece for a permanent residence.
Market Insights
Buying a vacation home in Greece is open to Americans and Canadians, and the process tends to be more straightforward than most people expect. The questions we hear most often are about tax numbers, how long you can stay, and how to begin a search from the other side of the Atlantic. This guide walks through each one, so you know what to expect before you start.
What If I'm Not American or Canadian?
If you are Dutch, German, Belgian, French, British, or of another nationality, this guide still applies to you. The practical steps are much the same.
Can I Buy a House in Greece as an American or Canadian?
Yes. There is no nationality restriction on owning property in Greece. American and Canadian buyers hold the same ownership rights as anyone else. The only narrow exception applies to certain border areas, which we cover further down.
Bank Accounts and Taxes
Do I Need a Greek Bank Account?
No. A Greek bank account is not required to buy property in Greece. Many owners do open one later, as it makes paying utilities and local taxes easier, but it is not a condition of purchase.
Do I Need a Greek Tax Number?
Yes. To buy property in Greece, you need a local tax number, known as an AFM. It gives you access to the Greek TAXIS system online, where property taxes are reported and paid. As part of the process, our legal team represents you at the tax office to arrange your AFM, which the tax authority issues free of charge.
A Note on Taxes For American and Canadian Buyers
Greece has a double taxation treaty with the United States and a separate one with Canada. These treaties are designed to protect you from being taxed twice on the same income, usually through tax credits rather than a full exemption. How they apply depends on your personal circumstances, so for anything specific we recommend speaking with a tax accountant who handles cross-border cases. You can read more about property taxes in Greece in our dedicated article.
Residency and visas
How Long Can I Stay in Greece?
As a visitor, Americans and Canadians can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, with no visa required. Two points are worth checking before you travel: your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, and it should have been issued within the last ten years.
What About the New EES and ETIAS Systems?
Two changes to entry are worth knowing about for 2026. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is now in operation across the Schengen area. It records your entry and exit using a facial image and fingerprints, replacing the old passport stamp. The first registration at the border can take a little longer than a traditional check. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch later in 2026. It is an online travel authorisation rather than a visa, involves a small application fee, and is valid for up to three years. Neither system changes the 90-day limit. They simply change how entry is processed.
Do I Need to Be a Greek Resident to Buy Property?
No. You do not need to be a resident to own property in Greece. If residency does interest you, the Golden Visa is Greece's residency-by-investment program.
Golden Visa
By purchasing property above a certain value, you may become eligible for the Golden Visa. It grants residency, visa-free travel within the Schengen area, and the option to include family members.
The minimum investment depends on the area of Greece where you buy, and the thresholds have changed more than once in recent years. You can find the current rules here.
The Greek Economy
Greece has been among the faster-growing economies in the European Union in recent years, outpacing the eurozone average. The country regained an investment-grade credit rating in 2023, after losing it during the financial crisis, and public debt has fallen sharply since. International companies, including Microsoft and Pfizer, have invested in the country.
Tourism continues to set records. According to the Bank of Greece, tourism revenue passed €22 billion in 2025, the highest figure on record.
Interest From American and Canadian Buyers
Interest from North American buyers has grown notably over the past few years. American and Canadian buyers also tend to purchase at the higher end of the market, with larger average budgets than many other groups.
Prices in Greece compared with the rest of Europe
Greek property remains among the most affordable in western Europe. Prices in Athens are a fraction of those in cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and Zurich, where a typical city-center apartment can cost several times more per square meter. For buyers coming from expensive markets, this difference is often what makes a vacation home in Greece realistic rather than aspirational.
Searching For a Home in Greece
How Do I Search For a Home From Abroad?
The first step is to picture what you actually want. Draw up a shortlist of your top requirements and the locations you have in mind. From there, it helps to have someone on the ground who knows the buying process and can connect you with legal advice, local contacts, and reliable contractors. That is where a good agent earns their place. You are always welcome to speak with us for a no-obligation consultation.
Types of Properties in Greece
Setting aside city apartments, there are three main types of property you will come across.
Villas
Most of the properties on our website fall into this category. These are usually newer builds with modern infrastructure, tiled floors, and often a private pool.
Apartments
In larger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, you will find apartment blocks known as polikatoikies. They are a common, cost-effective choice, and almost all have a balcony for that first coffee of the day.
Village homes
Traditional houses, often with colored doors, lower ceilings, and a view of the sea or mountains. These tend to carry a lower price and are usually older properties that may need some work.
Special Permits For Border Areas
A few parts of Greece, near the land borders and on some islands close to the frontier, are designated as border areas. For non-EU buyers, including Americans and Canadians, buying in these areas requires an extra permit before the purchase can be completed. To obtain it, you submit a few personal documents and a description of the property.
This is a routine procedure, and our legal team handles it for you as part of the due diligence. It does add some time to the process, so it is worth knowing about early. EU buyers do not need this permit.
What's Next?
You now have a sense of what is available, what the tax and residency picture looks like, and how to begin a search from abroad. Buying in Greece is a chance to own a home in a country with a long history, a beautiful landscape, and a genuinely warm welcome.
We've been guiding international buyers to their ideal home in Greece since 1991. You are always welcome to speak with us for a no-obligation consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Property, tax, and residency rules change, and individual situations vary. We recommend consulting qualified legal and tax professionals before making any decisions.
