You made it.

Your flight landed at Athens International. You collected your bags, breathed in the Mediterranean air, and felt the weight of months of planning finally lift. The dream is real. You're here.

But here's what nobody warned you about: the next 90 days will determine whether you thrive in Greece—or spiral into bureaucratic chaos, isolation, and regret. This is the window where expats either build sustainable routines, secure legal status, and integrate into their new community—or find themselves trapped in temporary housing, unable to work legally, watching their savings evaporate while their residence permit application sits in limbo.

The difference? A structured post-landing timeline that turns Greek bureaucracy from an enemy into a checklist.

As a senior Realtor and Accredited Buyer's Representative who has guided dozens of American families through their first 90 days in Greece, I've seen both outcomes. The families who succeed don't wing it. They follow a proven sequence that locks in legal status, activates essential services, and builds the social foundation for long-term happiness.

This is that sequence. Let's walk through your first 90 days together—step by step.

Days 1–14: Survival Mode (Activate Your Greek Life Systems)

You've just landed. You're jet-lagged, disoriented, and living out of suitcases in temporary housing. Your US phone barely works. You don't know where to buy groceries. And the Greek bureaucracy you've heard horror stories about? It's about to become your full-time job.

Your singular focus for Week 1–2: Get the three numbers that unlock everything.

Without these, you cannot legally rent long-term housing, open a bank account, work, or access healthcare. Every day you delay costs you time, money, and stress.

Priority 1: Get your AFM (Greek Tax Number)

The AFM (Arithmós Forologikoú Mētróou) is your gateway number. No AFM = no lease, no bank account, no utilities, no residence permit. Americans are often shocked to discover the catch-22: you need an address to get an AFM, but you need an AFM to sign a lease.

How to break the loop (Days 1–7):

Option A (Recommended): Hire a Greek accountant for €50–€100. They will use their office as your temporary address, submit your AFM application, and deliver it in 5–10 days. This is the fastest, least frustrating path.

Option B (DIY): If you're staying in temporary housing (Airbnb, hotel), some local tax offices (DOY) will accept a utility bill from your host or a "certificate of temporary residence" from your local municipality (KEP). Success varies wildly by office and clerk mood. Bring your passport, visa, and proof of address. Expect to wait 2–4 hours in line—arrive before 9 AM.

Documents you need:

• Passport + valid long-stay visa or entry stamp
• Proof of Greek address (rental contract, utility bill, or host letter)
• Visa approval or residence permit application receipt (if applicable)

Pro tip: Do not go on Mondays or the day after a national holiday. Offices are swamped and clerks are in their worst moods. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday–Thursday, 9–11 AM) are optimal.

Action step: By Day 7, you must have your AFM application submitted. By Day 14, you should have your AFM number in hand.

Priority 2: Open a Greek bank account

You cannot function long-term on US credit cards and Wise. Greek landlords want rent via local bank transfer. Utility companies demand Greek IBAN for auto-debit. Your residence permit renewal will require proof of Greek banking.

Challenges: Greek banks demand extensive documentation and are notoriously slow. Applications can take 1–3 weeks and require multiple in-person visits.

How to succeed (Days 7–14):

1. Choose your bank: Piraeus, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, and National Bank of Greece all serve expats. Ask your realtor or relocation consultant for the branch with the most English-speaking staff.
2. Bring over-documented proof:
   • Passport + visa
   • AFM certificate
   • Proof of Greek address (lease or temporary residence certificate)
   • Proof of income source: US tax returns, pension statements, employment contract, or investment account statements
   • Letter from your employer (if applicable) stating you need a Greek account for salary deposits
3. Book an appointment (many banks now require this). Walk-ins can result in 2+ hour waits or being turned away.
4. Expect the runaround: One clerk may say you need additional documents. Return the next day; a different clerk may approve you immediately. Persistence wins.

Backup plan: Maintain your Wise or Revolut account as a bridge. You can receive USD transfers, convert to EUR, and use a Greek IBAN-equivalent for some (but not all) services.

Action step: By Day 14, your bank account application should be submitted. By Day 21, you should have a functional Greek account and debit card.

Priority 3: Apply for your AMKA (Social Security Number) (If applicable to your visa type)

The AMKA (Arithmós Mētróou Koinonikís Asphálisis) is required to work legally, access public healthcare, and enroll in Greece's social security system (EFKA). Without it, you're in legal limbo.

How to get it (Days 10–21):

1. Book an appointment at your local EFKA office via efka.gov.gr or by phone. Walk-ins are possible but expect 3+ hour waits.
2. Bring these documents:
   • AFM certificate (from gov.gr)
   • Proof of address (from gov.gr or utility bill)
   • Birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Greek)
   • Employment contract or proof of self-employment (if working)
   • Passport + residence permit application receipt
3. Navigate the mood lottery: EFKA clerks are infamously inconsistent. One may reject you for "missing documents" that another clerk doesn't require. If rejected, argue politely (Greeks respect assertiveness). If that fails, book another appointment and hope for a different clerk.
4. Timing matters: Avoid Mondays, post-holiday Tuesdays, and the last hour before closing. Wednesday–Thursday mornings (10 AM–12 PM) are your best bet.

Pro tip: If you're applying for a Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa or Golden Visa and don't plan to work, you may not need AMKA immediately—but getting it now saves headaches if you later decide to freelance, consult, or access public health services.

Action step: By Day 21, submit your AMKA application. Processing takes 7–14 days.

Priority 4: Activate your mobile phone and internet

Greece's mobile network is reliable in cities but spotty in rural areas and islands. If you're working remotely, slow or unreliable internet can be career-threatening.

Mobile (Days 1–3):

• Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport (Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Wind) for €10–€20. You'll get a Greek number immediately.
• Upgrade to a monthly contract once you have AFM (required for postpaid plans).

Home internet (Days 14–30):

• Schedule installation with Cosmote, Forthnet, or Nova. Fiber is available in Athens, Thessaloniki, and some islands; elsewhere, expect VDSL or ADSL.
• Installation appointments can be delayed 1–3 weeks. Order early.
• Test upload speeds if you're remote working. Many areas have asymmetric connections (50 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up), which throttles video calls and file uploads.

Action step: By Day 3, have a working Greek mobile number. By Day 30, have reliable home internet.

Days 15–45: Foundation Building (Lock In Legal Status & Long-Term Housing)

You've survived the first two weeks. You have AFM, a bank account (or application pending), and temporary housing. Now it's time to secure your legal right to stay and transition from tourist to resident.[7]

Priority 5: Submit your residence permit application (if not done pre-arrival)

If you entered Greece on a tourist visa (90-day Schengen waiver) with the intention of applying for FIP, Golden Visa, or another permit from within Greece, you must submit your application within 30 days of arrival. Miss this deadline and you face fines, deportation, or forced exit and re-entry.[8]

How to apply (Days 15–30):

1. Confirm which permit you're applying for:
   • FIP (Financially Independent Person): Requires proof of €2,000/month passive income (pension, investments, rental income) + private health insurance.[7]
   • Golden Visa (Investor Residence): Requires property purchase €250K–€800K depending on location.
   • Digital Nomad Visa: Remote work for non-Greek employer; income thresholds apply.
2. Gather documents:
   • Application form (from local Decentralized Administration Office or Aliens Bureau)
   • Passport + entry stamp
   • Four passport photos (recent, biometric standard)
   • Proof of income (apostilled US bank statements, pension letters, tax returns for last 3 years)
   • Private health insurance policy valid in Greece (€50K+ coverage minimum)[8]
   • Proof of accommodation (lease or property deed)
   • AFM certificate
   • Proof of payment: €150 electronic fee (code 2107) + €16 card issuance fee (code 2119)[8]
3. Submit at your local Decentralized Administration Office. In Athens, this is the Attica Office; in Thessaloniki, the Macedonia-Thrace Office.
4. Receive your temporary certificate (βεβαίωση): This blue paper confirms your legal stay while your permit is processing (6–12 weeks). It allows you to travel in/out of Greece under certain conditions.[7]

Pro tip: Hire an immigration lawyer or relocation consultant (€500–€1,200) to prepare and submit your application. They know which documents each office accepts, which clerks are reasonable, and how to avoid rejections.

Action step: By Day 30, your residence permit application must be submitted. By Day 90, you should receive approval (or request for additional documents).

Priority 6: Secure long-term housing

You've been living in temporary accommodation (Airbnb, hotel, short-term rental) for 2–4 weeks. It's expensive, cramped, and unsustainable. Time to find your real home.

Why waiting was smart: You've now explored neighborhoods at different times of day, tested commute routes, identified which areas have good internet, and learned where expats vs locals congregate. You're making an informed choice, not a panicked one.

How to find housing (Days 15–45):

1. Use local platforms: Spitogatos.gr, XE.gr, and Facebook groups ("Athens Apartments," "Thessaloniki Rentals"). Avoid Airbnb for long-term; prices are inflated.
2. Hire a local realtor (me, ideally) who understands expat needs: English-speaking landlords, pet-friendly terms, proximity to international schools, reliable internet.
3. Inspect in person. Hidden issues (damp, noise, heating/cooling defects, unpermitted additions) are rampant. Bring a bilingual friend or inspector.
4. Negotiate lease terms: Greek leases typically run 3 years with 1–2 month deposits. Confirm who pays utilities, building fees (koinochrista), and repair responsibilities.

Red flags:

• Landlord refuses to provide proof of ownership or building permits.
• Property has visible moisture, mold, or structural cracks.
• Heating/cooling systems are "not currently functional but will be fixed."

Action step: By Day 45, sign your long-term lease and move in.

Priority 7: Set up utilities (electricity, water, internet)

Once you have your long-term address and AFM, activate services.

Electricity (DEH – Public Power Corporation):

• Visit local DEH office with AFM, passport, lease, and landlord's property ownership proof.
• Set up auto-debit from your Greek bank account.
• Activation: 3–7 days.

Water (EYDAP in Athens; local utilities elsewhere):

• Similar process. Some properties include water in rent; confirm with landlord.

Internet (Cosmote, Forthnet, Nova):

• Already ordered? Confirm installation date and be home for the appointment (they rarely call ahead).
• Test speeds immediately. If upload is <5 Mbps and you're remote working, escalate or switch providers.

Action step: By Day 45, all utilities should be active and billing to your Greek account.

Days 46–90: Integration & Optimization (Build Your Social Safety Net)

You're legally documented. You have housing, utilities, and a Greek bank account. Your container has (hopefully) arrived and been unpacked. The adrenaline is fading. Now comes the hardest part: integrating into Greek life without burning out or retreating into the expat bubble.

Priority 8: Secure private health insurance and find doctors

Greece's public healthcare is overstretched, understaffed, and inconsistent—especially outside Athens/Thessaloniki. Americans accustomed to reliable, English-speaking care report shock at public hospital conditions.

Action steps (Days 45–60):

1. Activate private insurance (if not already done for residence permit). Recommended: Cigna Global, Allianz Care, or Greek providers like Interamerican or Eurolife.
2. Find English-speaking doctors: Ask your realtor, expat groups, or check SOS Doctors Athens/Thessaloniki. Build a roster: GP, dentist, specialist (if chronic conditions).
3. Transfer medical records: Have US providers send digital records (diagnoses, prescriptions, immunizations).
4. Stock prescriptions: Some US meds aren't available in Greece; ask your Greek doctor for local equivalents.

Pro tip: Private clinics (e.g., Metropolitan Hospital Athens, Hygeia, IASO) are night-and-day better than public facilities—but expensive without insurance.

Action step: By Day 60, have your health provider network established.

Priority 9: Learn survival Greek (and cultural norms)

You can "get by" with English in tourist Athens, but daily life—offices, utilities, repairs, markets—requires basic Greek. Language barriers cause errors in contracts, utility bills, and medical appointments.

Action steps (Days 30–90):

1. Enroll in beginner Greek classes: Check local community centers, language schools (Athens Centre, Hellenic American Union), or online (iTalki, Preply).
2. Master 50 essential words/phrases: Greetings (kalimera, kalispera), numbers, food, utilities (logariasmós = bill, nero = water), emergencies (voítheia = help, nosokomío = hospital).
3. Practice daily: Order coffee in Greek. Chat with your local baker. Ask neighbors for recommendations.

Cultural norms to learn fast:

• "Greek time" is real. Appointments start 10–20 minutes late. Strikes and holidays disrupt services unpredictably.
• Directness is respected. Polite assertiveness ("I need this resolved today") works better than passive requests.
• Relationships > transactions. Your local pharmacist, grocer, and café owner are your safety net. Invest in those relationships.

Action step: By Day 90, hold a 5-minute conversation in Greek and navigate a government office interaction without a translator.

Priority 10: Build your social network (before loneliness sets in)

The #1 reason expats leave Greece within a year? Isolation. Without friends, community, or purpose, even paradise feels empty.

Action steps (Days 30–90):

1. Join expat groups: Facebook ("Americans in Athens," "Expats in Greece"), Meetup, InterNations. Attend at least 2 events/month.
2. Take a class: Greek language, cooking, pottery, wine tasting. Shared activities = organic friendships.
3. Volunteer: Animal shelters, refugee support, environmental cleanups. Greeks value community contribution.
4. Befriend neighbors: Bring pastries. Ask for recommendations. Attend neighborhood festivals (panigiria).

Balance the bubble: Don't live only in the expat world. Mix Greek and international friends. You moved here to experience Greece—not recreate a mini-America.

Action step: By Day 90, have at least 5 local contacts you can call for help, advice, or socializing.

Your 90-Day Milestone: From Visitor to Resident

If you've followed this timeline, by Day 90 you will have:
✅ AFM, Greek bank account, AMKA (or applications pending)
✅ Residence permit submitted and temporary certificate in hand
✅ Long-term housing with active utilities
✅ Private health insurance and local doctors
✅ Functional Greek language skills and cultural literacy
✅ A social network of expats and locals

You're no longer a tourist. You're a resident.

The chaos of landing is behind you. The bureaucratic gauntlet is (mostly) conquered. The foundations are locked in. Now you can finally start living the dream that brought you here.

The Reality Check (What Nobody Tells You About Month 3)

By Day 90, most expats hit an emotional wall. The novelty fades. The "permanent vacation" fantasy collides with the reality of strikes, slow internet, language barriers, and the bureaucratic absurdities that never quite end.

This is normal. You're not failing. You're adjusting.

Greece rewards patience, relationships, and reframing. You traded US efficiency for Mediterranean rhythm. You exchanged convenience for community. Both have costs. Both have gifts.

The expats who stay and thrive? They stop trying to make Greece "work like America." They learn to laugh at the absurdities, to slow down, to find joy in the mesótita—the Greek art of moderation, connection, and living well.

Your Guide Doesn't End at Day 90

As a senior Realtor and Accredited Buyer's Representative deeply embedded in Greece's expat community, I don't just help you land—I help you stay. My clients have direct access to immigration lawyers, bilingual accountants, vetted contractors, English-speaking doctors, and a network of Americans who've already walked this path.

Because the difference between expats who leave after six months and those who build lives here isn't luck. It's having a guide who knows the terrain and walks beside you through the hard parts.

Ready to make your first 90 days in Greece smooth instead of chaotic?
Let's talk. Book a free 30-minute post-landing consultation, and I'll help you customize this timeline to your visa pathway, housing situation, and family needs.

Greece is waiting. And this time, you'll know exactly what to do when you land.

Generated by Claude.ai

Nikos Manomenidis is a licensed Greek Realtor, Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), and relocation specialist with 25+ years of experience supporting families moving to Greece for retirement, remote work, and Golden Visa investment. Based in Greece, Nikos provides end-to-end support—from pre-move property inspections to post-landing bureaucracy navigation—helping hundreds of expats build sustainable, fulfilling lives in their new home.