The government is moving ahead with a sweeping overhaul of its relocation program, transforming it from a limited pilot initiative into a comprehensive policy tool aimed at countering demographic decline.
Speaking on SKAI 100.3 radio, Minister for Social Cohesion and Family Affairs Domna Michailidou outlined the new framework, which provides higher financial support and a significantly broader geographic scope.
As she explained, the scheme offers “additional support we have designed for anyone who wishes to move to specific municipalities… so they can receive 10,000 euros from the state… to return to their place of origin or relocate to these remote and very beautiful areas.” She stressed, however, that the payment should be seen as financial assistance rather than a standalone incentive.
Changes and new targeting
Experience from the pilot phase in Evros prompted substantial revisions. Of the hundreds of applications submitted, only a handful ultimately met the eligibility criteria, revealing structural weaknesses in the original design.
Under the revised program, coverage is extended to six additional areas experiencing pronounced population decline: the Kastoria, Florina, Kilkis, Pella and Drama prefectures and the Feres region in Evros prefecture.
At the same time, the exclusion of prefectural capitals. Financial support may now also be granted for relocation to a prefectural capital, provided it is not recording demographic growth.
The subsidy is set uniformly at 10,000 euros, regardless of the size of the settlement, while eligibility is significantly broadened. Among the key changes are the removal of the requirement for a permanent address in Greece, the possibility of receiving an advance payment, and access for digital nomads.
A key requirement remains proof of residence elsewhere for the past five years, to ensure genuine relocation. The Evros scheme is under way, with the expanded national program set to launch in March 2026, and funding increases remaining under consideration.
