Moving to Spain from Greece: Complete 2026 Guide
Greek citizens enjoy full EU freedom of movement rights in Spain. As fellow Mediterranean neighbors, Greeks find Spains culture and lifestyle familiar. No visa required, just register and start your new chapter.
Key Facts for Greek Citizens
- Visa: Not required (EU citizen)
- Registration: NIE certificate required after 90 days
- Citizenship: 10 years residency required
- Dual Nationality: Greece allows dual citizenship, but Spain requires renunciation
EU Free Movement Rights
As a Greek citizen, you have the fundamental right to live, work, study, and retire in Spain without any visa or work permit. This freedom of movement is one of the core benefits of EU membership. You can enter Spain with your Greek passport or national ID card and stay indefinitely.
While no permission is needed to relocate, registration with Spanish authorities is mandatory if your stay exceeds 90 days. This straightforward process grants you official resident status and access to Spanish public services.
Why Greeks Choose Spain
Spain and Greece share many cultural similarities as Mediterranean nations, making the transition relatively smooth:
- Mediterranean Culture: Similar lifestyles, food culture, and social values make integration natural
- Climate: Familiar warm climate with mild winters and hot summers
- Economic Opportunities: Larger job market and business opportunities compared to Greece
- Tourism Industry: Greeks with hospitality experience find excellent opportunities in Spains tourism sector
- Cost of Living: Comparable to Greece, with some regions being more affordable
- Quality of Life: Excellent healthcare, infrastructure, and public services
- Language Accessibility: Spanish is relatively approachable for Greek speakers, as both are phonetic languages
Registration Process
EU citizens must complete several administrative steps when establishing residence in Spain:
To register as an EU citizen, youll need to demonstrate sufficient resources to support yourself and have health insurance coverage. This can be through employment, self-employment, pension income, or savings.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Greek citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain. This is the standard requirement for most EU nationalities.
Important dual citizenship consideration: Greek law permits dual citizenship without any restrictions or renunciation requirements. However, Spain does not have a dual citizenship agreement with Greece. This means that if a Greek citizen acquires Spanish citizenship, Spain will require renunciation of Greek citizenship.
From Greeces perspective, you would not lose Greek citizenship by acquiring Spanish nationality. Greek law has no consequences for citizens who obtain foreign nationality. However, Spain requires formal renunciation as part of the naturalization process. In practice, enforcement of this renunciation varies. Many Greek residents in Spain choose to maintain their Greek citizenship and EU residence rights rather than pursue Spanish citizenship.
Requirements for Spanish citizenship include:
- 10 years of legal, continuous residence
- Clean criminal record in Spain and Greece
- Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
- Proof of integration into Spanish society
Spanish Consulates in Greece
Spain maintains extensive diplomatic representation in Greece:
Tax Considerations
Greece-Spain Tax Framework
Both Greece and Spain are EU member states and follow EU tax coordination rules. A Double Taxation Agreement exists between the two countries.
Key Points:
- Greek Pensions: Treatment depends on pension type under the tax treaty. Public service pensions often remain taxable in Greece
- Employment Income: Taxed in the country where the work is performed
- Rental Income: Property income taxed where the property is located
- Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
- Wealth Tax: Both Spain and Greece have wealth taxes. Important for planning purposes
- Social Security: EU coordination rules apply. You generally pay into one system only
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greek useful in Spain?
While Greek is not widely spoken in Spain, both languages are phonetic and have some linguistic similarities that can help with pronunciation. Spanish is considered one of the easier languages for Greek speakers to learn.
Can I keep my Greek citizenship if I become Spanish?
Greece allows dual citizenship unconditionally. You would not lose Greek citizenship by acquiring another nationality. However, Spain requires renunciation of Greek citizenship when naturalizing. Many Greeks in Spain choose to maintain their Greek citizenship rather than pursue Spanish nationality.
What about military service obligations?
Greek men have military service obligations. If you want to renounce Greek citizenship, you must have completed your military duties. This is an important consideration if contemplating Spanish citizenship.
Is the job market accessible for Greeks?
Yes, as an EU citizen you have full work rights. Tourism, hospitality, and service sectors offer good opportunities. Learning Spanish will significantly expand your options in all sectors.
We Handle Everything
Relocating to Spain involves numerous administrative procedures that can be complex and time-consuming. Our team specializes in helping Greek citizens navigate Spanish bureaucracy efficiently.
We assist with:
- NIE registration and EU residence documentation
- Tax residency planning and optimization
- Social security coordination between Greece and Spain
- Property purchase procedures
- Business establishment in Spain
- Citizenship applications (with full dual nationality implications advice)
This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Greece as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.