Question 1

Is Turkey or Greece better for retirement taxes?

Accepted Answer

Greece's 7% flat rate for qualifying foreign retirees is already fully operational and offers superb certainty at very low cost. Turkey's active 20-year exemption (0%) is now in force (Law No. 7582, gazetted June 4, 2026) and offers greater long-term value. For retirees who qualify, Greece provides immediate 15-year certainty; Turkey provides better long-term value at lower cost. Budget also strongly favours Turkey — 30–50% cheaper than Greece.

Question 2

What is Greece's 7% pensioner flat rate?

Accepted Answer

Greece introduced a 7% flat tax on all foreign-source income for qualifying foreign pensioners who move to Greece. Eligibility requires: transferring your tax residence to Greece; not having been a Greek tax resident in 5 of the past 6 years; having a pension from abroad. The rate applies for 15 years and covers all foreign income — not just pension income. It is available in any part of Greece.

Question 3

How does Turkey's 20-year exemption differ from Greece's 7% regime?

Accepted Answer

Turkey's active exemption offers 20 years at 0% vs Greece's 15 years at 7%. Turkey's regime applies to foreign-source employment, pension, and passive income. Greece's 7% rate applies to all foreign income. Turkey is significantly cheaper to live in. Turkey's law passed parliament May 21, 2026 and is now in force as of June 4, 2026 (Law No. 7582, Resmi Gazete No. 33270). Both regimes are now fully active.

Question 4

Can I get EU residency from Greece?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Greece is an EU member state — full Schengen access, EU healthcare reciprocity, and a path to EU citizenship after 7 years of legal residency. Greece's Golden Visa (property investment from €250,000 in most areas) also offers residency rights. Turkish residency provides no EU rights.

Question 5

What taxes would I pay in Turkey under current rules?

Accepted Answer

Under current Turkish tax law (without applying the active 20-year exemption): progressive income tax of 15–40% on worldwide income applies once you are a tax resident (183+ days). Property tax: 0.1–0.3% annually. Inheritance tax: 1–30%. VAT: 20%. Capital gains on property held 5+ years: 0%. Foreign-source income is currently included in the progressive tax base for Turkish residents.

Question 6

Is Turkey cheaper than Greece to live in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Turkey is typically 30–50% cheaper than Greece. Antalya or Izmir offer comfortable expat lifestyles for €1,000–1,800/month; equivalent comfort in Athens or Crete costs €1,800–2,800/month. Turkey's cost advantage has widened as Greek property and living costs have rebounded from post-crisis lows.

Question 7

Which country has better healthcare for expats?

Accepted Answer

Both countries have functional private healthcare systems. Turkey's private hospitals are very affordable and modern — especially in Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir. Greece has an EU-standard public system (ESY) accessible to residents; EU citizens also benefit from EHIC. Turkey's private healthcare is cheaper (typically 20–40% of comparable EU costs) but requires private insurance for most expats on ikamet.

Category	🇹🇷 Turkey	🇬🇷 Greece
Tax Regime	Progressive 15–40% (0% on qualifying foreign-source income if eligible)	7% flat (pensioners) / €100k flat (non-dom) / 9–44% standard
Foreign Income	0% on qualifying foreign-source income if eligible / 15–40% otherwise	7% flat (pensioner) or €100k/yr flat (non-dom)
Pension Treatment	0% on qualifying foreign pension income if eligible / 15–40% otherwise	7% flat for qualifying foreign pensioners (15 years)
Rental Income (foreign)	0% on qualifying foreign rental income if eligible / progressive otherwise	7% (pensioner regime) or €100k flat (non-dom)
Capital Gains (property)	0% after 5 years	0% (suspended since 2014, currently in effect)
Inheritance Tax	1–30%	1–40% (exemption on primary residence)
Annual Property Tax	0.1–0.3% (emlak vergisi)	0.1–0.35% (ENFIA)
VAT	20%	24%
Cost of Living	10/10 (very low)	6/10 (moderate)
Retirement Score	9/10	8/10
Remote Work Score	8/10	6/10
Healthcare	Affordable private (ikamet)	EU public system + private options
Residency	Ikamet (1–2yr renewable)	Golden Visa (€250k) / Digital Nomad / D7-equivalent
Min Income Req.	No official minimum	€3,500/month (digital nomad visa)
EU Membership	No	Yes — Schengen + EU citizenship path
Citizenship Path	$400k property investment	7 years legal residency
English Prevalence	Good in expat areas	Good in tourist/expat areas
Regime Duration	20 years (active)	15 years (7% pensioner) / permanent (non-dom)

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