Mitsotakis announces new incentives for permanent residence in Meis (Kastellorizo)
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a new package of measures to support Kastellorizo and encourage permanent settlement on the island during events marking the anniversary of its liberation.
The measures are aimed both at existing permanent residents and people who choose to relocate to the island in the future. Separate incentives will also apply to public-sector employees, security personnel and members of the armed forces serving there.
€5,000 annual incentive for public-sector personnel
Under the measures announced, a permanent annual salary incentive of €5,000 will be introduced for personnel working in all public services, the security forces and the armed forces stationed on Kastellorizo.
The measure is expected to be accompanied by additional initiatives from the Ministry of Interior aimed at improving staffing levels in essential public services on the remote island.
€5,000 annual household allowance
A separate €5,000 annual incentive per household will be introduced to encourage people to establish and maintain permanent residence on Kastellorizo.
The allowance will be tax-free and protected from seizure, while households will receive an additional €1,000 for each minor child.
Eligibility will require residents to have completed at least one full year of residence on the island.
For people who are already permanent residents, the first payment is expected to be made in early 2027.
For those who move to Kastellorizo from now on, the allowance will begin in 2028 and will continue on an annual basis.
Government seeks to strengthen permanent presence
The measures form part of broader efforts to strengthen the population and institutional presence on Greece's remote border islands.
Mitsotakis linked the new incentives to the importance of maintaining a strong permanent presence on Kastellorizo, saying that the island demonstrates that “no challenge is insurmountable when there is unity and faith, courage and perseverance.”
The new financial measures are expected to provide additional support to households considering permanent relocation while also making service on the island more attractive to public-sector and military personnel.
