For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate. During the Open Assembly of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV), President Spyros Theodoropoulos highlighted this shift while emphasizing productivity as the foundation for sustainable growth, according to eprotothema.gr
“Average annual productivity in Greece has remained almost stagnant over the last 30 years… We have proven that we can improve in many areas when the state, society, and businesses work together,” he said. “In 2023, the net migration balance was positive by 15,000 Greek citizens—that is, more people returned than emigrated abroad.”
Labor Minister Niki Kerameus also reported progress before Parliament, noting, “We have a 64% reversal of the brain drain… aiming to attract even more Greeks back home.” This translates to over 422,000 Greeks who have returned, compared to the 659,000 who left between 2010 and 2022.
Research by the National Documentation Centre (EKT) shows that returning professionals bring valuable expertise gained abroad—three in four say their overseas experience boosted their skills and competitiveness. Forty-four percent now earn over €1,500 per month, while 84% say tax incentives did not significantly influence their decision to return.
Rebrain Greece offers a 50% income tax exemption for seven years to repatriates, and the initiative’s roadshows—in cities like Amsterdam, London, and soon New York—are connecting thousands of Greek expatriates with top employers.
Surveys reveal that most returnees cite family ties (49%) or love for their homeland (39%) as their main motivation. Yet, 33% identify lower Greek wages as the main deterrent to coming back.
Source: eprotothema.gr
