Relocating to Greece: What to Know Before Making the Move

Interviews

30.03.2026

Eva Karolidou

Moving to Greece has become an increasingly popular choice in recent years. Some come for the lifestyle, others for property or tax incentives, and many for the flexibility that remote work now allows. The appeal is clear: a slower pace, a strong sense of place, and a quality of life that feels distinctly different from much of Northern Europe. For many, the decision to relocate is often considered long-awaited and tied to a broader shift in how they want to live.

Once the decision is made, attention naturally turns to the practical steps: finding a home, arranging paperwork, and planning the timeline. One aspect that tends to receive less attention, however, is the move itself.

Relocating internationally is not necessarily difficult, but it does require careful coordination. To better understand what that involves in practice, we spoke with Diederic Salis and his wife Petra, who run the Netherlands-based transportation company Speedy con Salis. Specialising in relocations between Northwestern Europe and Greece, they regularly work with clients who are not just moving belongings, but making a broader life transition.

As they explain, “Many people underestimate the complexity of relocating internationally.” This is not because the process is inherently problematic, but because it involves multiple elements that need to align — transport, timing, handling, and delivery. When these are managed properly, a relocation can be smooth and predictable. Without that level of coordination, it can quickly become more complicated than expected.

Moving Belongings vs Relocating a Life

There is also an important distinction between simply transporting items and properly relocating. As they mentioned, “We primarily work with clients who are not simply moving belongings, but relocating their lives.”

This perspective shifts the focus from basic logistics to overall experience. When a move involves entire households, valuable items, or carefully planned timelines, the emphasis is on consistency, care, and coordination rather than just transport.

Rethinking Cost

Cost is naturally part of any relocation decision, but it is not always straightforward to evaluate. As Diederic and Petra note, “The true cost of moving is not just logistics, but the level of care, coordination, and overall experience.”

In practical terms, this means looking beyond the initial quote and considering what is included: how the move is managed, how predictable the timeline is, and how well everything is handled along the way. A well-structured move often creates a smoother transition overall, which is ultimately what most people are aiming for.

What Helps the Process Go Smoothly

Successful relocations tend to have a few things in common. Planning begins earlier than expected, allowing enough time to organise details properly. There is usually a clear understanding of what is being moved, which avoids last-minute adjustments. And rather than combining multiple solutions, people often benefit from a more coordinated approach where responsibility is clearly defined. Equally important is working with people who understand both sides of the move. Knowledge of local conditions — both practical and cultural — helps avoid unnecessary friction and keeps the process efficient.

Starting Well in a New Country

It’s easy to think of the move as a separate phase, something to complete before life in Greece truly begins. In reality, the two are closely connected. A well-organised relocation allows for a more immediate sense of stability on arrival.

As the team at Speedy con Salis puts it, “A well-managed move has a direct impact on how people experience their new life in Greece.”

That impact is simple but significant. When everything arrives as expected and the transition is well coordinated, settling in becomes much easier. The focus shifts quickly from logistics to actually living.

10 Practical Things You Should Know Before Relocating To Greece

As Diederic Salis mentions in a LinkedIn post, there are a number of practical realities people often overlook when relocating to Greece:

- Your address may not be accessible by a large truck; a smaller local vehicle might be required for final delivery.
- The last part of the move (stairs, narrow streets, limited access) can take more time and planning than the long-distance transport.
- Moving costs are driven mainly by volume (m³), not distance; reducing what you take lowers the price significantly.
- Bulky, low-value items are often cheaper to replace in Greece than to transport.
- Ferry transport is a standard part of many routes and can affect timing.
- Weather and ferry schedules can cause minor delays; build flexibility into your plan.
- Fragile items require proper packing due to long distances and mixed road/sea transport.
- If your new home is not ready on time, waiting time for the truck can increase costs.
- No customs within the EU, but local logistics (parking, permits, lift access) still need to be arranged.
- Flexible timing allows for shared transport (groupage), which can reduce costs substantially.