Nearly 10,000 Israelis fled to Greece since Oct. 2023: Study
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A study reveals nearly 10,000 Israelis have relocated to Greece and Cyprus since October 2023 due to fear of war and disagreement with the government's policies.
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An airplane from an Israeli company takes off following the announcement of a ceasefire between "Israel" and Iran, at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (AP Photo)
Approximately 10,000 Israelis have moved to Greece since the launch of the war on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the Israel Hayom newspaper reported, citing a study published last week.
A portion of those who left purchased property in Greece, while most are living in long-term or short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, the study noted. In Cyprus, a similar number of Israelis are estimated to have relocated.
Concentrated communities in major cities and islands
The study indicated that most Israelis in Greece are settling in the major cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, with fewer residing in the Attica region (which includes Athens) and the nearby Vilia area. A smaller number are spread across the Cyclades islands and Crete.
Fear, politics, and economic appeal
The primary reason cited for relocation to Greece is fear resulting from the ongoing war, though several survey respondents also expressed political disagreement with the current government’s policies in “Israel”.
Contributing factors include Greece’s proximity to “Israel”, a similar climate, lower cost of living compared to Western Europe, and welcoming visa-extension policies by Greek authorities.
Golden Visas fuel real estate investment
Greek immigration data from recent months shows that in 2024, approximately 9,200 “Golden Visas” were approved. These residence permits are granted in exchange for real estate investment, with minimum amounts varying by region.
To invest in major Greek cities now requires a minimum of €250,000. Consequently, Turkish nationals received the most Golden Visas, followed by Israelis and Chinese applicants.
The Greek Ministry of Immigration currently lists about 50,000 pending Golden Visa applications awaiting approval.
Rising emigration from “Israel”
A parallel study from the Israeli Ruppin Academic Center, conducted in February, has uncovered worrisome trends in emigration from "Israel". As reported by the Israeli Walla site, the survey found that 24% of Israeli settlers considered leaving the occupied territories in 2024, up from 18% two years ago.
The study revealed that 31% of settlers cited security concerns as the reason for considering emigration, while 28% pointed to economic reasons.
Read more: Real estate or takeover? Israeli purchases sound alarm in Cyprus
