Living in Greece for the Dutch: 6 Things you Need to Know

Lifestyle

01.01.2025

Are you Considering Buying a House in Greece? A Dutch Couple Will Help You

In this article, we explore the most common questions by Dutch citizens who buy a home in Greece. Athina and Vincent, makers of The Karpathos Guide, the most comprehensive guide out there for Dutch people considering a move to the Greek islands, helped us out. This Dutch couple bought a holiday home in Karpathos in 2017, and in 2021, during their first long-term stay on the island (8 months, to be exact), they decided to move permanently. Athina and Vincent got married on the island in 2022.

Athina and Vincent, Elxis Clients from the Netherlands

What Jobs can I Find if I Buy a House in Greece?

Tourism is a great sector where there is a lot of work, especially on the popular islands. Otherwise, one option is working remotely, which is becoming more popular nowadays. Some Greek job sites exist, and can help in the search.

Athina notes responds that, “I’d usually say something in tourism. But be prepared to work 7 days a week for the summer season. On the islands, tourism is the main industry to find work, and we decided to work for ourselves of course.”

How do I Move my Things if I Buy a House in Greece?

After you have bought a house in Greece, you can contact a Dutch moving company or a transport company. Depending on the cost, you may want to consider purchasing new furniture in Greece.

Athina notes that there are some reliable Dutch moving companies in the market: “We recommend https://speedyconsalistransport.nl/. We used them a lot the last years.”

What is it Like to Live in Greece?

The cost of living in Greece is fairly affordable. In Greece, telephone and internet subscriptions are fairly cheap. Clothing can also be found at very good prices. There are also many beautiful houses for sale and rent in Greece at lower prices than in other areas of Europe. Your monthly housing costs are generally a lot lower than in the Netherlands.

The food, of course, is a highlight for Dutch visitors and expats living in Greece. Athina notes that in the Greek islands, when you compare a meal in Greece to a meal in the Netherlands, “Greek food wins.” She added a quick note: “But the sweets are better in the Netherlands.”

For a complete analysis of the cost of living in Greece, click here.

Where Do I Buy Groceries in Greece?

Groceries cost about the same as in the Netherlands. In general, Greek cities have small vendors in addition to supermarkets, as well as local farmers markets. In general, the fruit and vegetables in Greece are very tasty and fresh when local. Meat and dairy costs about the same, but this of course depends on the specific type of store and the area of Greece. For example, for Athina and Vincent on Karpathos, dairy (especially their favorite Greek yogurt) is more expensive in Karpathos than in the Netherlands.

Generally, the cost of groceries compared to the average income in Greece is higher. The supermarkets in Greece generally don’t have as broad a selection as in the Netherlands, but you can find basics like cheeses and meats in many varieties in Greece. Athina commented that, “If you're looking for some Dutch food choices, you can order from https://www.dutchexpatshop.com.”

Among local Dutch specialty stores in Crete, the most popular items in the winter are sausage and sauerkraut, pea soup, and other Dutch winter specialties. In the summer, frozen Dutch snacks are the most popular. Of course, stroopwaffels are a top selling item, but mostly among the Greeks.

Can I Shop Online in Greece?

In Greece, more and more people are starting to shop online, so it’s improving its speed in Greece. However, online shopping will generally be faster in the Netherlands.

Athina notes that “Ikea and big clothing brands such as H&M or Asos for example will deliver in Greece. Skroutz is another option, and it's a little like Bol.com. Most islands don't have street names, so packages don't come to your house, and you may need to go to an office to pick them up.”

Exploring the culture of Kasos — Kasos, Karpathos | Photo by @TheKarpathosGuide

What are the Healthcare Options if I Buy a House in Greece?

Living in Greece as an ex-pat, you have the option of either public or private insurance. If you pay contributions to public healthcare insurance and have a social security number in Greece (also known as an “AFM” or ΑΦΜ), you can access the public system. It’s also worth noting that you don’t need a referral from a general practitioner to visit a specialist.

Private insurance is also available, and is sometimes preferred for Dutch citizens in Greece because waiting times are lower. For this you will need an “AMKA” number from the local citizen services office (KEP). Private insurance can be more comprehensive than the public option and the price depends on your age and country of residence.

Overall, healthcare in Greece is twice cheaper than in most places in the EU. A standard checkup with a family doctor will likely cost 40 Euros. Antibiotic prescription usually costs around 7 Euros for a week’s supply.