If you’re Belgian or European, moving from Belgium to Greece won’t be a problem on the visa requirement front. In fact, you don’t need a visa to reside in Greece as a Belgian because of the freedom of movement benefits of EU member countries. 

However, you must register your residency within eight days of arrival. 

On the other hand, if you’re non-Belgian or non-European, you’ll have to go through the usual visa application route. Different visa types fit different purposes for relocation. They include:

Work Visa 

Suppose you’re moving from Belgium to Greece because of a job opportunity. In that case, your employer will primarily sponsor your visa application. As long as your employment contract continues, you’ll be allowed to live and work in Greece. 

Study Visa 

Suppose you’re relocating to Greece because you’re offered admission to a Greek institution. In that case, you’ll need to apply for a study visa. This visa type will make your stay in Greece valid for as long as you’re schooling. 

For your study visa application, you’ll need an acceptance letter from the Greek institution, health insurance, and proof of financial resources to support yourself throughout your schooling duration. 

Family Reunification Visa 

You can only apply for this visa if you have a family member who is a Greek citizen or legal resident. You’ll need documents proving you’re related to such a person, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, and the like.

You may also be required to present proof of sufficient financial resources to support your family in Greece. 

Elective Residence Visa 

Suppose you intend to move from Belgium to Greece as a non-EU citizen or retiree, for example. In that case, the elective residence visa is for you. However, you’ll have to prove that you have a stable source of income, and you won’t need to depend on employment in Greece. 

In addition, you might also require health insurance. 

The processing time for all these visa types varies, and it largely depends on the workload of the embassy or consulate.  

Generally speaking, Greece has a lower cost of living than Belgium. However, the city you reside in will affect your expenses. 

When moving internationally from Belgium to Greece, it’s ideal to learn basic Greek. Learning the Greek language shows you respect their culture and makes life easier for you there. 

If you understand basic Greek, you’ll be open to more job opportunities and improve your social life as you’ll be able to communicate with the locals. 

Language learning apps like Duolingo and Memrise will help you quickly understand Greek. Alternatively, you can buy an online beginner course on the Greek language. 

Before moving from Belgium to Greece, you can join Belgian expat communities on social media such as X, Facebook, and others. This would ensure you have the support you need to thrive in a new country. 

Of course, Greek is the official language in Greece. Although English is spoken in tourist areas, you’ll be better off learning basic Greek.

Moving internationally from Belgium to Greece isn’t a decision you undertake lightly. Many expats relocating to Greece already have a job offer. However, if you’re hoping to get one, try to learn basic Greek, as it will give you an edge in the job market.

Greece operates a public healthcare system that offers primary medical care. While it’s easily accessible, waiting time for non-emergency situations can be pretty long. So, if you’d like to avoid the inconvenience of waiting for a long time, you can opt for private health insurance. 

Greece is generally a safe country in which to reside. However, you shouldn’t be lax about your security. Be vigilant and security-conscious.

Greece offers a much warmer climate and more sunshine hours than Belgium. Greece experiences milder winters, but summers can be pretty dry and hot.

There are online platforms where Greek rentals and properties are listed for sale. You can check out Spitogatos and Flatio to source for apartments in different Greek cities and areas. 

We understand how challenging it can be to relocate from one country to another, so our international movers are all over Europe and ready to make your move hitch-free. 

We are here for you whether you’re moving interstate or out-of-country. We have skilled handymen services, floor installers, and home renovators to asssist with your relocation and home repairs. Contact us today for a trouble-free relocation.