Retire in Greece vs Poland: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Applicants must demonstrate a monthly net income of at least €3,500, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% per child.

Yes, Greece offers a 50% income tax exemption for 7 years to qualifying nomads who commit to staying for at least two years.

The nomad visa itself is for 1 year (renewable for 2), but 5 years of legal residence can lead to permanent residency eligibility.

Public healthcare is accessible to residents, but nomads usually maintain private insurance, which is high quality and relatively low cost.

The threshold for real estate investment has increased to €800k in high-demand areas (Athens, Thessaloniki, islands) and €400k elsewhere.

Major islands like Crete and Rhodes have excellent fiber, while smaller islands are now largely covered by high-speed Starlink.

A single person can live comfortably on €1,800–€2,200 per month, which is significantly lower than in Northern Europe.

Greece is very safe with low violent crime rates; common sense is sufficient even in busy urban centers.

No, the visa strictly prohibits local employment; all income must come from employers or clients based outside Greece.

Greece averages over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a top choice for those seeking a Mediterranean climate.

Poland does not have a specific 'Digital Nomad' visa; remote workers typically use the D-type National Visa or register as a Sole Proprietor (B2B) to stay long-term.

As of Jan 1, 2026, all residence permit applications must be filed digitally via the MOS portal; paper applications are no longer accepted.

The government fee for a National (D-type) visa has increased to €200 as of January 2026.

Yes, and as of 2026, you must appear in person at the city hall to obtain your PESEL; proxies are no longer allowed for this process.

A modern 1-bedroom apartment in central Warsaw typically costs between 3,500 PLN and 5,000 PLN (~$900–$1,250 USD) per month.

There is no specific retirement visa. Non-EU retirees usually apply for a temporary residence permit based on 'other circumstances,' proving significant stable funds.

Poland has excellent fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure. Speeds of 1Gbps are common and very affordable in major cities.

Poland is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe with very low rates of violent crime.

If you are self-employed in Poland, you must pay ZUS. New businesses often qualify for 'Ulga na start,' a 6-month exemption from social insurance.

Foreigners can still claim child benefits, but as of Feb 2026, full benefits require the parent to be actively employed or self-employed and registered with ZUS.