Increasing numbers of Greeks are returning to their home country after living and working abroad—often in search of employment and a better quality of life. This trend is highlighted in the new OECD Diaspora Review Greece, a joint study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the National Documentation Centre, and the Hellenic Digital Content Centre. The report was presented today (3 July 2026) at a special event hosted by the General Secretariat for Coordination of the Presidency of the Government and the Centre.
A Shifting Migration Dynamic
The research reveals that Greece’s relationship with its diaspora is entering a new phase—one marked by a gradual reversal in migration flows. While the past decade saw accelerated emigration, particularly during and after the financial crisis, recent years show a clear turning point: since 2024, more Greeks have returned than have left.
Over the last 15 years, an estimated 473,000 Greek citizens have repatriated. According to the OECD, Greece ranks fourth among OECD countries in terms of citizen return rates.
Key Findings
• A steady rise in return migration has been recorded since 2021.
• 2023 marked a pivotal year—the first since the onset of the 2009 economic crisis when ‘brain drain’ began shifting toward ‘brain gain.’
• Between 2023 and 2024, 69,000 Greeks emigrated, while 98,000 returned.
• Of every 10 Greeks who left between 2010 and 2025, six have since returned.
• Recent returnees tend to be younger and more highly educated than the general population.
• Around 93% of Greek migrants live in just 12 OECD countries—primarily Germany, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
• Over the past decade, Greek migration patterns have increasingly aligned with intra-European mobility trends.
Toward a Strategic Diaspora Policy
The report calls for tailored policy responses—adapted by destination country, age group, profession, and degree of connection to Greece—to support sustainable returns. It stresses that reversing brain drain is only part of the challenge; Greece must move toward a comprehensive model for managing the international mobility of its citizens.
That includes actively engaging the diaspora through structured initiatives—such as mentoring programmes, venture capital networks, business internationalisation support, market access facilitation, technology transfer, and public-private collaboration.
Successful reintegration of returning young professionals and highly skilled Greeks will require targeted labour market policies, merit-based hiring practices, entrepreneurship support, and improved conditions for long-term residence and career advancement in Greece. A permanent intergovernmental framework is needed to ensure continuity and coordination across ministries and institutions.