Moving to another country is exciting, but there is usually quite a bit to sort out before it starts feeling real. Athens can be an appealing choice for people looking for a warmer climate, a lively city and a change from everyday life elsewhere in Europe. Before making the move, though, it is worth getting to grips with some of the practical details.
Get the Legal Side Sorted
Paperwork is not the most exciting part of moving, but it is one of the areas you do not want to leave until the last minute. Your requirements will depend on your nationality, how long you plan to stay and your reason for moving.
EU citizens generally have fewer immigration formalities than people moving from outside the EU, although there can still be registration and administrative requirements to deal with after arrival. Non-EU citizens should check which visa or residence permit applies to their situation before making firm plans.
It is also worth looking into tax, healthcare and employment arrangements before you move. Do not assume that rules will be the same as they are in your home country. If your circumstances are complicated, getting advice from a suitably qualified professional like Oikonomakis Law can save you from making an expensive mistake.
Keep copies of important documents and give yourself plenty of time to deal with applications. Administrative tasks can take longer than expected, particularly when you are unfamiliar with the local system.
Find the Ideal Property for You
Choosing somewhere to live is probably going to be one of the biggest decisions you make. Athens has everything from compact city-centre flats to larger homes in quieter residential areas, so it is worth thinking about what you actually want from your new home.
Start with the location rather than falling in love with a particular property. Consider where you will work, how often you will need to travel and whether you want to be close to the centre. Being near a metro station or another useful transport link can make everyday life much easier.
Think about your routine as well. Someone working from home may want a spare room or a quieter property, while someone who spends most of their time out and about may care more about being close to cafés, restaurants and shops.
If you can, view properties in person before committing to a long-term rental. Check the condition properly instead of just looking at the decoration. Pay attention to air conditioning, heating, windows, plumbing and storage.
Finding the right property in Athens with Atheno Group is easy but make sure you understand the financial side too. Ask what is included in the rent, which bills you will have to pay yourself and whether there are any additional fees. Read the tenancy agreement carefully before signing it.
Work Out Your Monthly Budget
It is easy to underestimate how much it costs to settle somewhere new. Rent may take up the largest part of your budget, but there are plenty of other expenses to consider.
Think about groceries, utilities, transport, eating out and leisure activities. You will also have some initial costs when moving in, such as a deposit, furnishings or household items.
The area you choose will have a noticeable effect on your spending. Popular central neighbourhoods can be more expensive, so compare several areas before deciding where you want to live.
Get Familiar With Transport
Living in Athens does not necessarily mean owning a car. The city has a metro, buses, trolleybuses and trams, giving residents several ways to get around.
Before choosing a property, try the journey you are likely to make most often. A flat that looks ideal might become less attractive if your daily commute involves several changes or takes much longer than expected.
Walking can also be surprisingly useful, particularly if you choose a neighbourhood where shops, cafés and other everyday essentials are close by.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
The first few weeks will probably feel a little chaotic. There may be forms to complete, services to arrange and plenty of small things to learn about your new surroundings.
Learning some basic Greek can make everyday situations easier, even if you continue using English for most conversations. Simple phrases can go a long way when shopping, dealing with local services or meeting your neighbours.
Most importantly, give yourself time to settle into your new routine. Explore your local area, find places you enjoy visiting and gradually work out what makes day-to-day life in Athens work for you.
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