Greece expands relocation subsidy to 10 regional units

The Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has launched the expanded Demographic Development Program, offering a 10,000 euro subsidy to households that relocate permanently to specific regional units. The application platform opened on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Following a pilot in the Evros region, the program now includes ten additional regional units: Drama, Florina, Kilkis, Serres, Pella, Kastoria, Kozani, Grevena, Ioannina, and Thesprotia. The subsidy is paid in two equal installments of 5,000 euros. For the first time, a 5,000 euro advance is available upon application approval to assist with immediate relocation costs. The second installment is granted after one year of proven permanent residence.

Eligibility criteria have been made more flexible; applicants no longer need to provide proof of employment in the new location, provided they have or rent a residence there. The program is open to Greek citizens, including those residing in other EU member states, and university graduates who completed their studies after January 1, 2025. The initiative aims to combat population decline in rural and mountainous areas, with a total cap of 1,000 households. To maintain the subsidy, residents must remain in the area for at least five years.