Navigating New Beginnings: Essential First Steps for Expats Arriving in Athens

Moving to Athens: Updated 14/06/2026

Moving to Athens can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you are relocating for work, retirement, study, investment or family reasons, your first few weeks in the Greek capital will involve finding accommodation, arranging paperwork and learning how the city works.

Athens is a city of contrasts. One moment you may be walking past the ancient Acropolis, and the next you may find yourself navigating paperwork, opening a bank account, choosing a neighbourhood or trying to understand how public transport works. With a little preparation, however, settling into life in Athens can become much smoother.

Before diving into the practical steps, it is worth understanding the city you are about to call home. Athens is not only the capital of modern Greece but also one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back more than 6,000 years. To explore the story behind the city, read our guide Athens Explained: The Extraordinary Story of Europe’s Oldest Capital.

Moving to Athens: Finding the Right Neighbourhood

Finding the right place to live should be one of your first priorities. Athens offers everything from compact city-centre apartments to spacious family homes in leafy suburbs and seaside residences along the Athens Riviera. Before signing a long-term lease, many newcomers choose temporary accommodation for a few weeks while exploring different areas.

When choosing accommodation, consider commuting times, access to public transport, proximity to schools, parking, noise levels, local shops and neighbourhood character. Athens traffic can be heavy at peak hours, so a property that looks convenient on a map may feel very different during the morning commute or school run.

Choosing the Right Area of Athens

Athens is not one city but a collection of very different neighbourhoods and municipalities. Choosing where to live will affect your daily commute, social life, access to schools and overall experience of Greece. Before signing a lease, consider your workplace, family situation, lifestyle preferences and transportation options.

Central Athens is ideal for newcomers who want to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural life and minimise commuting. Areas such as Kolonaki, Koukaki, Pangrati, Syntagma and Monastiraki offer excellent access to museums, restaurants, cafés, archaeological sites and Metro stations. Accommodation tends to be smaller and parking can be challenging, but residents enjoy a highly walkable lifestyle and easy access to many of Athens’ most famous attractions.

The Northern Suburbs, including Chalandri, Agia Paraskevi, Marousi, Kifissia and Psychiko, are among the most popular areas for international families and professionals. These neighbourhoods offer more green spaces, larger homes, excellent shopping, modern office districts and convenient access to many international schools. They are particularly attractive to families seeking a balance between urban convenience and residential comfort.

The Athens Riviera, including Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Elliniko, Glyfada and Voula, appeals to those who dream of living near the sea while remaining connected to Athens. Residents enjoy beaches, marinas, waterfront promenades and a more relaxed atmosphere. The area is especially popular with executives, remote workers, retirees and families seeking an outdoor lifestyle. While housing costs can be higher, many residents feel the quality of life justifies the premium.

The Eastern Suburbs, including Pallini, Gerakas, Peania and Spata, have become increasingly popular due to their proximity to Athens International Airport, Attiki Odos and several international schools. Housing is often more affordable than in the northern suburbs, while still offering good transport connections and modern residential developments. These areas can be a practical choice for families and frequent travellers.

The Western Suburbs, including Peristeri, Ilion, Aigaleo and Petroupoli, generally offer more affordable housing and a more local Greek experience. Although they attract fewer expats, these neighbourhoods are well connected by Metro and public transport and can provide excellent value for those prioritising budget and authenticity.

To search for rental properties, many expats use Spitogatos, XE.gr and Blueground, which offer listings throughout Athens and the wider Attica region.

Moving to Athens: Understanding Public Transport

One of the advantages of Athens is its extensive public transport network. The city is served by three Metro lines, buses, trolleybuses, tram services and the Suburban Railway. You can check routes, tickets and network information through OASA – Transport for Athens, while STASY provides information about Metro and tram services. The Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) connects Athens with the airport and other areas of Attica.

Many expats choose their neighbourhood based on proximity to a Metro station. Areas such as Syntagma, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Ambelokipi, Chalandri and Agia Paraskevi offer excellent Metro access, making commuting significantly easier. Residents of the southern suburbs benefit from the tram network, which connects Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Elliniko, Glyfada and Voula with central Athens and Piraeus.

The ATH.ENA Card is useful if you plan to use public transport regularly. It can be topped up with different fare products and used across the Athens transport network. Before signing a lease, it is worth checking commuting times during peak hours and identifying the nearest Metro, tram or bus connections.

Moving to Athens: Residency and Essential Paperwork

One of the first things every newcomer should understand is their legal status in Greece. The requirements vary depending on your nationality, employment situation and reason for relocating. Citizens of European Union countries generally benefit from simpler procedures, while non-EU nationals may need visas, residence permits or specific residency schemes.

Fortunately, Greece offers several pathways for foreign residents, including work permits, family reunification permits, retirement residency options, the Digital Nomad Visa and the Golden Visa programme. Understanding your obligations from the beginning can save significant time and stress later.

For a detailed overview of residency options, bureaucracy, taxation, healthcare and everyday life, see our guide Moving to Greece in 2026: The Complete Expat Guide.

Obtain Your AFM and AMKA

After securing accommodation, obtaining your AFM (Tax Identification Number) should be one of your highest priorities. The AFM is required for numerous activities in Greece, including opening a bank account, signing a lease agreement, setting up utility services, purchasing property and managing tax affairs.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need an AMKA (Social Security Number), which is used for employment, healthcare and social insurance purposes.

For a complete step-by-step explanation, read How to Get Your AFM and AMKA in Greece in 2026: The Essential Expat Guide.

Open a Greek Bank Account

A local bank account will make daily life considerably easier. Rent payments, utility bills, salary deposits, tax payments and many online transactions are simpler when handled through a Greek bank.

The country’s main banking institutions include National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank and Piraeus Bank. Most offer English-language online banking and support services for foreign residents.

Requirements vary, but typically include:

• Passport or national identity card
• Proof of address
• AFM (Tax Identification Number)
• Proof of residency status where applicable

To understand the process in more detail, see Opening a Bank Account in Greece as an Expat: Your 2026 Guide.

Get Connected: Mobile Phone and Internet

Setting up a Greek mobile phone number should be done as early as possible. Many banks, government services, delivery companies and utility providers use SMS verification and local contact numbers.

The main telecommunications providers are Cosmote, Vodafone Greece and Nova. All offer prepaid and contract mobile services as well as home internet packages.

Most providers have stores throughout Athens where staff can help new arrivals compare plans and choose suitable services based on their needs and budget.

Register for Healthcare

Healthcare arrangements vary depending on your nationality, employment status and insurance coverage. Many expats combine access to the public healthcare system with private health insurance, particularly during their first months in Greece.

EU citizens should ensure that their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid when they arrive. Non-EU nationals should verify their health insurance requirements as part of their residency process.

Athens offers excellent private healthcare facilities, many of which have English-speaking staff and international patient departments. Understanding your healthcare options early will provide peace of mind as you settle into your new life.

Learn Basic Greek Phrases

Although English is widely spoken in Athens, especially among younger generations and professionals, learning a few basic Greek expressions can significantly improve your everyday experience. Greeks generally appreciate any effort foreigners make to speak their language, even if it is limited to greetings and simple phrases.

Using a few Greek words when ordering coffee, shopping at a local market or greeting neighbours often results in warmer interactions and can help you feel more connected to your new community.

Understanding Greek Culture and Etiquette

Moving to a new country involves much more than completing paperwork and finding a home. Understanding local customs and communication styles can make everyday interactions smoother and help you avoid common misunderstandings.

Many foreigners are surprised to discover that Greeks often communicate more directly and expressively than people from Northern Europe, North America or parts of Asia. A conversation that sounds heated to an outsider may simply be an enthusiastic discussion between friends.

Similarly, questions about your family, age, profession or personal circumstances are often intended as signs of genuine interest rather than intrusion. Understanding these cultural differences can help newcomers interpret social situations more accurately and avoid unnecessary frustration.

Explore Local Markets and Everyday Life

One of the best ways to feel at home in Athens is to experience everyday Greek life. Beyond the famous monuments and tourist attractions, the city is full of neighbourhood bakeries, cafés, open-air markets and family-run businesses.

Weekly street markets, known as laïki agores, take place throughout the city and offer fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, olives and local products at competitive prices. Many Athenians still shop regularly at these markets, making them an excellent opportunity to interact with locals and practise your Greek.

You’ll also quickly discover that food plays a central role in Greek social life. Long lunches, late dinners and spontaneous coffee meetings are important parts of the local culture and offer excellent opportunities to build friendships.

Discover Greek Traditions and Public Holidays

One of the joys of living in Greece is experiencing traditions that have been passed down through generations. Religious celebrations, local festivals, name days and national holidays continue to play an important role in everyday life.

For many expats, participating in these events becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of living in Greece. Understanding the significance behind them can help you feel more connected to your new home and its people.

To learn more, explore our guides Easter in Greece: The Ultimate Guide to Greek Orthodox Traditions (2026) and Public Holidays in Greece (2026–2030): Complete Guide.

Connect with Other Expats

Building a social network can significantly ease the transition to life in Athens. Fortunately, Greece has a large and diverse international community. Whether you are a professional, retiree, entrepreneur, student or parent, there are numerous opportunities to meet people who have already navigated the challenges of relocating.

International schools, professional associations, cultural organisations, sports clubs, volunteer groups, language classes and local events can all provide excellent opportunities to make connections. Attending community events and participating in local activities is often one of the fastest ways to build friendships and feel at home in your new city.

At the same time, making an effort to connect with Greeks will enrich your experience and provide valuable insights into local culture and daily life. Many expats find that the most rewarding aspects of living in Greece come from building relationships both within the international community and with local residents.

At xpat.gr, our goal is to help expats connect, share experiences and discover the people, services and opportunities that make life in Greece more enjoyable and rewarding.

Your New Chapter in Athens

Starting life in a new city always involves a learning curve. Yet Athens rewards curiosity, patience and openness. From obtaining your paperwork and finding a home to discovering neighbourhood cafés and making new friends, every step brings you closer to feeling part of the city.

Athens offers a unique combination of history, culture, Mediterranean lifestyle and international opportunity. By taking the time to understand how the city works and engaging with the people around you, you’ll soon find yourself feeling less like a visitor and more like a resident.

Welcome to Athens — your new adventure awaits.