Greece

FIP visa: ~€3,500/mo passive income (higher for dependents); golden visa via property still exists at raised thresholds (€250–800k by zone).

Foreigners buy freely (border-area permits are a formality for Americans).

Public ESY is stretched; private care in Athens/Thessaloniki is good and affordable; island healthcare is thin — ferry/heli to the mainland for serious issues.

Improved fiber in cities; islands vary widely (Starlink popular).

Strong in cities, islands, and anywhere tourism reaches — among the easier Mediterranean countries for English-only arrival.

Notably cheaper than Italy/Spain outside Mykonos/Santorini.

Very safe; Athens has normal big-city zones to skip.

Athens metro is excellent; island infrastructure varies with ferry schedules.

Athens metro is good and ferries connect everything — but islands and villages mean driving.

Decent highways; island roads narrow, and Greek overtaking is a folk art.

UTC+2: ~3h of a 9–5 Pacific workday falls in local waking hours.

EU standard entry; island strays will adopt you regardless.

Stabilized post-crisis; institutions still catching up.

Marine protection improving; wildfire management stretched.

The classical bedrock plus a lively Athens contemporary scene.

Greek food forever — glorious, and Athens-only for much else.

Outside the marquee islands, Greek property is among the Med's best value.

Seasonal nonstops from the East Coast; one stop otherwise.

Naturalization at 7 years with Greek language/culture test; dual OK.

Growing American scene (Athens, Crete); strong Greek-American diaspora ties.

Same-sex marriage legalized 2024 — first Orthodox-majority country; cities very open.

Seismically active; summer wildfires increasingly serious.

Medical legal (2017); recreational illegal — possession small amounts treated leniently but still an offense.

Foreign pensioners who shift tax residency can elect a 7% flat rate on ALL foreign income for 15 years — among Europe's longest deals.