In recent years,Immigration to GreeceBecause of its low threshold, cost-effective "golden visa" policy, attracted a large number of investors. However, many people inimmigrantsOnly after realizing that the reality may be different from what you imagined. So.Immigration to GreeceDo you really regret it? Today, we're revealing the experiences of real immigrants and sharing some pitfall avoidance guides to help you make a more informed decision.

One,Immigration to GreeceThe advantage: why does it attract so many people?

1. Low investment threshold, easy to get the right of abode

The investment threshold for the Greek Golden Visa is relatively low, requiring only the purchase of 250,000 euros (500,000 euros in some areas) of property in Greece to obtain long-term residency without the need for long-term residence. This is extremely attractive to many people who want to obtain EU status.

2. Free movement in the Schengen area

With a Greek Golden Visa, you can freely enter and exit the 27 countries in the Schengen zone without the need for an additional visa. This is a great convenience for those who travel frequently to and from Europe.

3. Low cost of living and beautiful environment

Compared to other Western European countries, Greece has a lower cost of living, a pleasant and picturesque climate, and is particularly suitable for retirement and vacation.

4. No global taxation

Greece does not currently have a global tax policy for Golden Visa holders and investors are not required to declare their overseas income to the Greek government.

Second, immigrants in Greece regret a few common reasons

1. Language barriers and integration difficulties

The main language in Greece is Greek, and although the prevalence of English is high in major cities such as Athens, in some smaller towns and villages it is not easy to communicate in English. For those who want to settle down for the long term, language can be a major barrier to life.

2. Economic instability and limited employment opportunities

Although the Greek economy has recovered in recent years, the overall job market is still not as good as in countries such as Germany and France. It is not easy for immigrants to find work in Greece if they do not work remotely or have other financial resources.

3. Uneven distribution of medical resources

Large public hospitals in Greece are usually concentrated in cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, while smaller towns have more limited medical resources. Immigrants with high medical needs need to consider this carefully.

4. The housing market is less stable than expected

Many investors realize after emigrating to Greece that the real estate market is not as strong as expected in terms of liquidity, especially for some properties in non-popular areas, which may take a long time to find a buyer. In addition, the rental market, although active, may not be managed properly resulting in less than expected rental returns.

5. Complexity of the home purchase and immigration process and the possibility of encountering pitfalls

Although the immigration policy seems simple, in practice, many applicants encounter various troubles. For example, some agents may exaggerate the return on investment or even have hidden fees. Therefore, it is especially crucial to choose a regular immigration agency or lawyer.

Third, how to avoid the pit of immigration to Greece?

1. Doing detailed background checks

Before deciding to emigrate, be sure to thoroughly research Greece's policies, real estate market, and living environment. It is best to visit Greece personally to experience the local lifestyle and market conditions.

2. Choosing the right area for real estate investment

The real estate market varies greatly from region to region. Properties in popular tourist cities such as Athens, Mykonos and Santorini are easier to rent out, while some properties in cooler areas may have liquidity issues. Therefore, careful consideration should be made before investing.

3. Selection of a regular immigration agent or lawyer

To avoid being misled by unscrupulous agents, it is recommended that you choose a lawyer or immigration agency with extensive experience and review the details of the contract in detail to prevent disputes at a later stage.

4. Understanding tax and residency requirements

Although there is no mandatory residency requirement for the Greek Golden Visa, if you want to apply for naturalization in the future, you will need to meet the residency requirement. In addition, investing in real estate may involve property tax, VAT, etc., so be sure to find out in advance.

5. Planning for long-term financial resources

For those who plan to settle in Greece for the long term, they need to consider how to maintain a source of income, such as working remotely, opening a B&B or other investment options, rather than relying solely on property appreciation.

IV. TruthfulnessOverseas ImmigrationThose who share their experiences: regret or worth it?

We spoke to a few real-life examples of people who have emigrated to Greece to see how their experiences have been:

Case 1: Mr. Zhang (45 years old, business owner)
"I bought an apartment in Athens for short-term rental to tourists, and the annual return is around 4%-5%. so far, the decision to emigrate to Greece is still good, with free access to Europe every year and an easier pace of life than at home."

Case 2: Ms. Li (38 years old, freelancer)
"I originally wanted to come and settle in Greece, but the language barrier made it difficult to fit in and there was some discomfort with the kids going to school. In the end, we decided we'd rather use Greece as a vacation spot and come over a few months a year."

Case 3: Mr. Wang (50 years old, retired)
"Life in Greece is very leisurely, the air is also good, very suitable for retirement. The only thing I'm not too satisfied with is the medical resources, compared to the level of medical care in China, there is still a certain gap."

V. Conclusion:Immigration to GreeceIs it right or wrong?

Whether or not you regret immigrating to Greece depends on your personal expectations and realities. If you are looking for European residency, along with a stable financial source and a willingness to embrace a different culture and lifestyle, then Greece is still a good choice. However, if you are expecting well-paying jobs, rapid asset appreciation or high-quality medical resources, then you may need to think twice.