Greece is expanding its relocation program to remote regions of the country, including areas of Epirus, as it prepares to open applications in October for financial support of up to €10,000 ($11,335).
The program, which began in Evros, aims to encourage people and families to move permanently to areas facing population decline. The expansion comes as Greece seeks to attract new residents to remote and demographically vulnerable parts of the country.
New Areas in Epirus Join the Program
The expanded program will include seven of the eight municipalities in the regional unit of Ioannina.
It will also cover the municipalities of Souli and Filiates in Thesprotia.
The inclusion of the new areas requires a Joint Ministerial Decision. The application platform will open after the decision is issued.
The government has also planned a broader expansion covering eight regional units: Kastoria, Kilkis, Serres, Florina, Pella, Drama, Kozani and Grevena.
These areas form part of the wider demographic development plan, which seeks to support communities experiencing population decline.
How the €10,000 Relocation Incentive Works
The program offers financial support of up to €10,000 to households that permanently move their main residence and center of daily activities to an eligible area.
The expanded scheme is designed to remove the requirement for applicants to have already secured a job in their new place of residence.
The government also plans to allow a 50 percent advance payment before relocation.
The program is expected to cover a broader range of people. Including Greeks living abroad who want to return to Greece, remote workers. Also pensioners, uniformed personnel and university graduates who choose to remain where they studied.
Applicants will be required to meet the final conditions set out in the official call for applications.
Greece Seeks to Attract New Residents to Rural Areas
The relocation incentive forms part of Greece’s wider response to demographic decline.
The government has linked the program to efforts to strengthen local communities and encourage permanent settlement outside the country’s major urban centers.
Applications for the expanded program are expected to open in October, giving prospective residents an opportunity to seek financial support for a permanent move to an eligible area.
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