Greece expands €10,000 relocation grant to border regions
Greece will expand its €10,000 relocation grant to additional border and northern regions, with applications opening on Wednesday, October 14, Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Minister Domna Michailidou announced.
The programme, initially introduced in the northeastern region of Meriç (Evros), will extend to the regional units of Kılkıç (Kilkis),Florina, Kastoria, Drama, Pella, Grevena, Kozani, Serres, Yanya (Ioannina) and Thesprotia.
The expansion aims to encourage permanent settlement in areas facing population decline by making financial support available to a wider range of households.
Employment requirement scrapped
Under the revised rules, applicants will no longer need to prove that they have a job in the area where they intend to settle.
Michailidou told Skai TV that applicants must instead establish permanent residence and own or rent a home in the designated area.
The programme will also cover relocations to urban centres, rather than being restricted to rural communities.
Eligibility has been extended to Greek citizens living in other European Union countries, as well as graduates of higher education institutions in the designated regions who choose to remain there after completing their studies.
Households moving to settlements of any size, including cities, will also be eligible.
Grant paid in two instalments
The €10,000 payment will be divided into two equal instalments.
Applicants will receive an initial €5,000 advance after their application is approved to help cover relocation expenses. The remaining €5,000 will be paid after they complete one year of permanent residence in the area.
To qualify, applicants must provide proof of their primary residence and documentation confirming ownership or rental of a property under an agreement lasting at least three years.
Ten additional regional units included
The expansion covers ten regional units beyond the programme’s original focus on Meriç (Evros).
In the Ioannina regional unit, seven of the eight municipalities will be included. In Thesprotia, the programme will cover the municipalities of Souli and Filiates.
The revised scheme broadens access by removing the local employment requirement and allowing relocation to larger settlements, potentially benefiting remote workers, returning Greek citizens and graduates seeking to establish permanent residence in northern and border areas.
