Patricia Casaburi 
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa allows you to live in Greece while working remotely for a foreign employer or running your own business. With this visa, you can enjoy living in Greece for up to one year, with the option to extend. It provides an opportunity for a change of scenery or a European base for your remote work.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need 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
What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
The Greece Digital Nomad 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, 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 also offers a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years if you become a Greek tax resident, which makes it 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 Digital 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 for up to 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.
- Tax savings: If you stay for over 183 days and become a Greek tax resident, you can get 50% off your income taxes for 7 years under the non-dom tax regime.
Eligibility Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
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 need to meet the following minimum monthly income requirements after taxes:
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- €3,500 for a single applicant.
- €4,200 if you are bringing a spouse.
- €4,830 if you are bringing children.
- 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.
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. Some documents may require official translation into Greek or English if they are in another language. These are the documents required:
- 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: 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 (varies based on your nationality and application type).
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
The Greece Digital 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the official visa application form, which may be available online or at the embassy.
- Submit Application: Submit the completed application form and required documents to the Greek consulate or embassy.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on nationality.
- Attend Visa Interview (if required): Some applicants may be asked to attend an interview at the consulate or embassy.
- Wait for Approval: After submission, the consulate will process your application. Processing time takes one to two months.
- Receive Your Visa: If approved, you will receive your Greece Digital Nomad Visa, allowing you to live and work remotely in Greece.
What is the processing time for the Remote Work Visa in Greece?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa application processing takes around 10 days for initial evaluation and up to a month for the visa to be issued. However, the exact timeframe can vary 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: Greece Digital Nomad Visa application cost ranges from €75 to €100, depending on the place where you apply.
- Residence permit fee: Once your Greece Digital Nomad Visa is approved, you need to apply for a residence permit. This will cost you anywhere between €150 and €300, depending on the length of your stay.
- 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
Greece Digital Nomad Visa is valid for 12 months (one year). After spending one year in Greece on a digital nomad visa, you can apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit. With Greece Digital Nomad Residence Permit, you can extend your stay for up to two more years. You can renew this permit after it expires as long as you still meet the 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
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Greece
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.
The good news with the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is that you qualify for a 50% tax reduction once you obtain it. This means you’ll enjoy a 50% tax exemption during your time in Greece, whether it’s for one year or after renewing your visa and residence permit for an extended stay.
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.
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.
1. 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. For those interested in history and culture, Athens offers an unparalleled experience with its ancient ruins and museums.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Does Greece have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, Greece launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021 and has since been welcoming digital nomads and their family members to relocate and work remotely there. The Digital Nomad Visa in Greece permits remote workers and digital nomads to stay in the country for over 90 days, extending their stay up to 365 days. This visa enables non-EU and non-EEA individuals to obtain residency permits in Greece, allowing them to work legally for up to 12 months.
What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA remote workers to live in Greece for up to 12 months while working for a company or clients outside the country. It requires proof of stable remote income of at least €3,500 per month after taxes. The visa can be extended into a two-year residence permit.
How do I get a Digital Nomad Visa for Greece?
You can apply for a Greek Nomad Visa at your nearest Greek Consulate or Greek Embassy if you are outside Greece. You can also directly apply to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum if you are already in the nation.
How does taxation work under the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
Under the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, digital nomads are exempt from Greek income tax for their first 183 days (about 6 months) if they remain tax residents of another country. If they stay longer than 183 days within a year, they may become Greek tax residents and be subject to local income tax rates.
What are the Greece Digital Nomad Visa requirements?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of remote work for a non-Greek employer, a minimum monthly income of €3,500 (higher for dependents), health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a valid passport.
What are the Digital Nomad Visas in Europe?
Several European countries offer Digital Nomad Visas, including the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, Spain Digital Nomad Visa, Malta Digital Nomad Visa, and Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa. These visas allow remote workers from non-EU countries to live and work in these countries for extended periods, typically with proof of income and health insurance. Each country has its own specific requirements and benefits.
How can one apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, you need to gather the required documents, including proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Submit your application to the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country. Once your application is processed, you’ll be notified about your visa approval.
What are the health insurance requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
Applicants must have comprehensive health insurance that covers their entire stay in Greece. This insurance should cover all possible medical emergencies. Proof of such insurance is a mandatory part of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa application process.
What is the role of the Greek Embassy in the Digital Nomad Visa application?
The Greek Embassy plays a key role in processing your Digital Nomad Visa application. You’ll need to submit your documents and application to the embassy, where they will verify your eligibility. Once reviewed, the embassy will notify you about the approval and next steps for obtaining your visa.
Can the Greece Digital Nomad Visa lead to permanent residency?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, after living in Greece for several years on this visa, you may become eligible to apply for a residence permit or other long-term residency options. The visa allows you to stay for up to two years, with the possibility of an extension.
