As Brexit looms and negotiations between London and Brussels have stalled, the UK government is publishing guidelines for its citizens living in European countries.

Official information includes guidance on residency, passports, healthcare, driving and the Withdrawal Agreement.

At the top of the list of UK citizens living in Greece should be to:

• register as a resident in Greece. It will be a precondition if one wishes to stay in Greece for more than 3 months. For UK nationals that register in Greece before 31 December 2020, their residence documents will be considered as temporary national residence permits.
• register for healthcare as a resident in Greece
• exchange the UK driving licence for a Greek one

The British government is funding organisations to provide practical support to UK nationals who may have difficulty completing their residency applications. This may include pensioners, disabled people, people living in remote areas or who have mobility difficulties. In Greece, this support is being provided by the AIRE Centre.

For UK nationals that live in Greece or move in the country before 31 December, 2020 and register as residents healthcare rights are secured for life. Things differ for UK nationals that work temporarily in Greece.

As for taxes, UK and Greece have a double taxation agreement that prevents income being taxed in both countries. So, existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Greece do not change following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. But, UK nationals that choose to become Greek residents must also register for a tax identification number (AFM is the Greek abbreviation) and submit a yearly tax return.

UK pensioners that choose to stay in Greece have three options. They can claim:

• a UK State Pension or new UK State Pension – through the International Pension Centre
• a pension from the local EOPYY (in Greek) office, if they have worked in Greece
• pensions from working abroad, if they have worked in other EU countries

From 1 January,2021 UK nationals will be able to travel to Greece, for purposes such as tourism, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

To stay for longer, work or study, or for business travel, they might need to apply for visa or work permit.

The British Embassy holds events across Greece for UK nationals to keep them up to date on the new conditions of working and living in Greece.

For more, you can visit the official website of the British government or the the Greek government’s website for UK nationals living in Greece