The Greece Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Greece for up to one year while working remotely, with the option to extend through a residence permit. To qualify, applicants must earn at least €3,500 per month before tax, with higher amounts required if bringing dependents. You must work for an employer or clients based outside Greece. Main requirements include a valid passport, proof of remote employment or freelance work, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, from its benefits to the application process. Here is more of what to expect:
- What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
- Benefits of the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
- Eligibility Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Documents Required for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
- What is the processing time for the Remote Work Visa in Greece?
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa Cost
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa Validity and Extensions
- Taxes for Digital Nomads in Greece
- 6 Best Greek Cities for Digital Nomads
– Property price–income ratio: 13.15 (High)
– Internet speed: 122.70 Mbps (High)
– Healthcare quality: 58.58 (Moderate)
– Climate: 93.06 (Very High)
– Safety: 53.64 (Moderate)
– Quality of Life Index Ranking: 38th globally
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Quick Facts
What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa also known as the remote worker visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Greece for up to 12 months, with the option to extend for two years through a residence permit. To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa Greece, applicants must earn at least €3,500 monthly after taxes, with the required amount being higher for families. They must work for a foreign employer or run their own business and show proof of health insurance and a clean criminal record. The visa is an appealing option for those who want to enjoy Greece’s culture, warm weather, and affordable Mediterranean lifestyle.
Benefits of the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
Overall, the Greek Digital Nomad Visa offers an attractive combination of professional flexibility, lifestyle benefits, and opportunities for families to experience life in Greece and explore European countries.
Here are the benefits of the Greek Nomad Visa:
- Visa-free access to Schengen: With Greece in the Schengen Area, you can travel to 27 European countries without needing extra visas or permits.
- Live in Greece: You can stay and work remotely in Greece for 12 months, with the option to extend to two years with the options to extend for two years.
- No Greek job needed: You don’t need a local employer; just prove that you work for a company outside Greece or run your own remote business.
- Bring your family: Your spouse and dependents can join you in Greece, allowing your family to live and enjoy the experience together.
- Affordable living: Greece offers a lower cost of living than other Western European countries, making it a great choice for digital nomads seeking a budget-friendly European lifestyle. This is one of the reasons the country ranks 12th on the Global Digital Nomad Report by the Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions.
- Tax savings: If you stay for over 183 days and become a Greek tax resident, you could get 50% off your income taxes for 7 years under the non-dom tax regime.
- No location restrictions: No restrictions on where in Greece you can live, as long as you have a strong internet connection.
- Long-term residency or citizenship: Can lead to long-term residency or citizenship, if additional requirements are met.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Applicants for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa have to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
- You must show that you work remotely for a company based outside of Greece or run your own online business.
- You must not be employed by a company registered in Greece.
- You need to demonstrate you can provide services and complete work obligations using a stable internet connection and a laptop (i.e., information and communication technology).
- If self-employed, you must show proof of your business activity, corporate purpose, and business address. Your business cannot be registered in Greece.
- You must have valid health insurance that covers you while living in Greece.
- A criminal background check from your home country is required.
- Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
- You must provide proof of accommodation (e.g., a rental agreement) in Greece.
Family members included
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa allows you to include your spouse and dependent children in your application. However, the minimum income requirement increases by 20% for a spouse and by 15% for each child included.
Minimum income requirements
You need to meet the following minimum monthly income requirements after taxes:
- €3,500 for a single applicant.
- €4,200 if you are bringing a spouse.
- €4,830 if you are bringing children.
- If you operate as a freelancer in Greece, with clients outside Greece, you can rely on savings to meet the minimum income requirement.
Documents Required for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
When applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll need to submit several documents to Greek authorities, usually through the nearest Greek consulate. Some documents may need to be officially translated into Greek or English if they are in another language. These are the required documents:
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Greece.
- Completed Visa Application Form: The official visa application form filled out accurately.
- Proof of Remote Work: Documentation showing you work remotely, either for a company outside Greece or as a self-employed individual (e.g., contract, work agreement, or proof of your business activity).
- Proof of Income/Savings: Bank statements, contracts, or pay slips to demonstrate you meet the minimum income requirement.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage that meets the Greek requirements for the duration of your stay.
- Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal record check from your home country, showing you have no serious criminal convictions.
- Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or accommodation confirmation for your stay in Greece.
- Proof of Stable Internet Connection: Documentation showing you have the necessary infrastructure (internet and laptop) to work remotely.
- Proof of Self-Employment (if applicable): If self-employed, provide evidence of your business activity, corporate purpose, and business address (must be registered outside Greece).
- Declaration Letter: A letter stating your intention not to work for a company registered in Greece while residing there. It should also include relevant details about your job or company and show your income.
- Application Fee: Payment of the visa application fee. The fees vary according to the location of the application and the family size.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
The Greece Nomad Visa application process is simple, but it depends on where you are. If you’re already in Greece, you can apply through the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, but make sure to do it before your current visa expires. If you’re outside Greece, you will need to apply at the nearest Greek Embassy or Greek Consulate in your home country.
01/ Make an Appointment
Contact the nearest Greek embassy or consulate to make an appointment. Conditions may vary depending on your home country, so the embassy can provide specific information about the digital nomad visa application process.
02/ Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents, including proof of remote work, income, health insurance, and accommodation. Ensure any documents not in English or Greek are officially translated.
03/ Complete the Application Form
To apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, submit your D-entry visa application with all required documents to the nearest Greek consulate, embassy, or VFS center, or if already in Greece, apply directly for the two-year Digital Nomad Residence Permit through the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
04/ Submit Application
Submit the completed application form and required documents to the Greek consulate or embassy.
05/ Pay Application Fee
Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on nationality.
06/ Attend Visa Interview (if required)
Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview at the consulate or embassy. You should be prepared to answer questions about your financial stability, the reason for your stay, and the length of time you plan to live in Greece. It’s also wise to go over the details in your application, as officials may ask for clarification or additional information during the process.
07/ Wait for Approval
After submission, the consulate will process your application. Processing time takes one to two months.
08/ Receive Your Visa
If approved, you will receive your Greece Digital Nomad residence permit, allowing you to live and work remotely in Greece.
What is the processing time for the Remote Work Visa in Greece?
The application process includes getting a national (D) visa from your home country, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Once in Greece, it may take 1 to 3 months to receive your residence permit, depending on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Cost
The application for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa comes with different fees.
Here’s the breakdown of Greece Digital Nomad Visa cost:
- Application fee: Payment of €1,000 for the visa application and a €150 administrative fee per family member.
- Other costs: You might need to provide additional documents throughout the Greece Digital Nomad Visa application process. On top of that, you need to cover your own health insurance.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Validity and Extensions
The initial Greece Digital Nomad Visa is granted for 12 months. Within this time, the holder can enter Greece and apply for a residence permit valid for two years and renewable every two years, provided they continue to meet these requirements:
- You’re still working with an employer outside of Greece or you’re a freelancer working with businesses outside of Greece
- You have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
- You have health insurance
Do you have to pay Greek taxes as a Digital Nomad?
Taxes in Greece depend on your residence status. If you stay in the country for less than 183 days in a year, you are not considered a tax resident. However, if you spend more than 183 days in Greece, you become a tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income. Greece uses a progressive tax system for employment and business income. Rates begin at 9% and increase gradually, reaching 44% for income above €40,000.
If you move to Greece under the digital nomad visa and transfer your tax residence there, you may qualify for a 50% income tax reduction for up to seven years under a special tax regime. To qualify, you must have been a non-Greek tax resident for most of the previous years, register your tax residency in Greece, and commit to residing there for at least two years. The authority responsible for administering this special tax regime is the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), which handles registration and approval for digital-nomad tax status.
Alternative Greece Residency Options
Greece offers several residency options beyond the Digital Nomad Visa. Whether you’re looking to invest, work, study, or reunite with family, Greece provides various pathways to residency. Here are some of the main alternatives to consider.
- The Greece Golden Visa program grants residency to non-EU nationals who invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate. It provides residency for investors and their families and offers visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. The visa is renewable every five years and can lead to permanent residency and citizenship.
- The Greek Work Visa is for individuals who receive a job offer from a Greek company. The job must meet specific salary and skill requirements. This visa allows you to live and work in Greece for one year, with the option to renew. After living in Greece for several years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
- The Greece FIP Visa (Financially Independent Person) is for non-EU citizens who want to live in Greece without working. To qualify, you must show that you have enough money from passive income, such as savings, investments, or pensions, to support yourself. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed if you still meet the income requirements. It is a good option for retirees or people with steady income who want to live in Greece without getting a job there.
6 Best Greek Cities for Digital Nomads
Greece, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, has become an attractive destination for digital nomads. Here are some of the best cities in Greece for digital nomads, each offering unique experiences and amenities.
01/ Athens
As the capital and the heart of Greece, Athens is ideal for digital nomads looking to live and work in a vibrant urban environment. The city has numerous coworking spaces, cafes with reliable internet connections, and a thriving expat community, which is important for a digital nomad life. For those interested in history and culture, Athens offers an unparalleled experience with its ancient ruins and museums.
02/ Thessaloniki
Known as Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki offers a more laid-back atmosphere than Athens. It’s renowned for its rich cultural scene, beautiful waterfront, and lively nightlife. The city has a growing digital nomad community, supported by an array of coworking spaces and a lower cost of living.
03/ Heraklion, Crete
For digital nomads interested in balancing work and leisure, Heraklion in Crete is an excellent choice. With its stunning beaches, historical sites, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s a place where one can work efficiently while enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle. The cost of living is relatively affordable, with options to rent an apartment for at least 3,500 euros per month.
04/ Corfu
Corfu is an island that stands out for its beautiful green landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and Venetian architecture. It’s perfect for those who prefer a quieter setting. The island also offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great place to unwind after a day’s work.
05/ Rhodes
This island is another excellent option, especially for those who enjoy a mix of historical exploration and beach life. Rhodes has a great infrastructure for digital nomads, including reliable internet and coworking spaces.
06/ Chania, Crete
Chania is a popular spot for digital nomads, known for its beautiful old town and harbor. It mixes traditional Greek culture with modern amenities and has a lively expat community.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
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