Athens is your corporate regional headquarters for Africa and the Middle East. It used to be in Beirut, but, when Lebanon became a war zone, many companies moved their regional operations to Athens.
The local laws provide regional headquarters with permits for residency. There are also no taxes for regional headquarters that conduct no actual sales/manufacturing business in Greece, but create administrative and marketing jobs to focus on regions such as Africa and the Middle East.
Greece has a lot of amenities that translate well from American culture. There are good international schools. There is a modest international community with an American enclave. The hospitals are good, the U.S. Embassy is helpful, and it has a magical blend of eastern and western cultures. …show more content…
It is the one that is most adaptable to change” Charles Darwin
4 – Settling In
You knew about the assignment for two months prior to making the move to Athens. The company suggested (and you accepted) a two-week total immersion course in Greek for you and your wife. The Greek teachers provided insights into the language, culture, etiquette and other critical issues for survival. You even went out for a few Greek dinners.
The company had international movers come to your home and carefully pack and crate your furniture and goods for the international move.
The company nurse gave you a list of all of the vaccinations required for you and the family and made sure that you were up-to-date with things like hepatitis inoculations since you were traveling to developing countries.
The company would provide an automobile and subsidize the rent for an apartment or house. (This varies by country)
The company had you installed in the Megali Britania, a wonderful hotel on Syntagma Square (the Parliament and the changing of the guard can be seen from your