Greece is a member of both the European Union and the Schengen Area, and due to its significant geographical position in Europe, it has attracted numerous prestigious universities, including the renowned University of Sheffield, State University of New York, University of Manchester, and University of Kent. With such a rich educational landscape, what other benefits does Greece offer to immigrants?
Free Movement in Europe
The greatest attraction of permanent residency in Greece is that holders can freely travel to 26 Schengen countries. To date, the Schengen countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Traveling between so many European countries without the need for a visa saves a lot of hassle.
Comprehensive Healthcare
Greece's national healthcare system covers the entire country, with the Greek government spending approximately 10.1% of its GDP on healthcare services each year, which is significantly higher than in other developed countries. The healthcare system in Greece can be divided into "private health insurance providers" and "public health systems." All Greek citizens have specific insurance coverage, but they can also choose supplementary options based on their needs, with costs varying accordingly. Generally, a healthy adult can purchase private health insurance for around €200 per year, which is sufficient.
Child Benefits
Greece encourages childbirth, providing more benefits for larger families. Every Greek mother can enjoy this benefit, and generally, mothers with more than three children can essentially not work, as the government assistance is sufficient to cover daily living expenses. Of course, the eligibility for assistance is also related to family income, with an average monthly benefit of around €1,000. If a mother becomes pregnant again while receiving the aforementioned benefits, she can receive two benefits simultaneously. Additionally, for twins or multiple births, she can receive double or multiple benefits.
Living Assistance
In Greece, unemployed individuals facing financial difficulties can directly apply for assistance from relevant government departments. Moreover, unemployed individuals can also apply for assistance related to difficulties in paying rent, phone bills, electricity bills, or loan repayments.
Of course, the benefits of immigration to Greece extend far beyond the points mentioned above; many more await your discovery.