The €10,000 regional relocation grant !
In January 2026, the Greek government expanded a formal relocation programme that offers a flat €10,000 to individuals and households who commit to moving permanently to specific regions facing long-term population decline. The targeted areas include Drama, Florina, Kilkis, Serres, Pella and Kastoria in northern Greece.
This is a live government programme backed by legislation and administered by OPEKA through the relocation.vouchers.gov.gr portal. Remote workers, retirees and Greeks living abroad are all eligible to apply. Half the payment is made in advance to help cover initial moving costs, with the remainder paid once residency is established
It is worth being clear-eyed about the practicalities. A pilot phase in three municipalities in Evros showed that eligibility criteria are stricter than the headlines imply – applicants must demonstrate at least five years of continuous residence in a different region of Greece, and the vast majority of applicants in the pilot did not qualify on that basis. The regions targeted are rural and in some cases remote, and the grant is designed to support permanent settlement rather than a trial period. The programme was expanded again in March 2026 to include Kozani and Grevena in Western Macedonia.
If northern Greece appeals and you meet the residency requirements, it is worth investigating further. Our office Greek immigration lawyer can advise on whether you qualify and what the application process involves.
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