Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Guide

Discover the Greece Digital Nomad Visa: eligibility, application process, costs, and benefits. Live and work remotely in Greece with this comprehensive guide.

Greece, with its sun-kissed islands, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture, has long been a dream destination for travelers. Now, with the introduction of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers from non-EU/EEA countries can live and work in this Mediterranean paradise for up to a year, with the possibility of extending their stay. This visa offers a unique blend of professional flexibility, tax incentives, and the chance to immerse yourself in Greece’s affordable lifestyle and Schengen Area access. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, from eligibility requirements and application steps to costs, tax benefits, and the best cities for digital nomads.

Introduction

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2021, is designed for non-EU/EEA remote workers who wish to live in Greece while working for employers or clients outside the country. This visa allows digital nomads to stay for up to 12 months, with the option to extend for two additional years through a residence permit. With a minimum income requirement of €3,500 per month after taxes, comprehensive health insurance, and a clean criminal record, applicants can enjoy Greece’s affordable living, rich culture, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. Additionally, a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years makes this visa an attractive option for remote professionals.

What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a long-term national visa that permits non-EU/EEA remote workers to live and work in Greece for up to one year. It caters to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and employees of foreign companies who use telecommunications technology to perform their jobs. Unlike traditional tourist visas, which limit stays to 90 days within a 180-day period, this visa offers extended residency and the flexibility to work remotely without engaging in the Greek labor market. After the initial 12 months, visa holders can apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit to extend their stay for up to two more years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Key Features

• Duration: Valid for 12 months, extendable to two additional years.
• Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA citizens working remotely for non-Greek employers or clients.
• Income Requirement: Minimum €3,500/month after taxes (higher for families).
• Tax Benefits: 50% tax reduction for up to seven years for Greek tax residents.
• Schengen Access: Visa-free travel to 27 Schengen countries.

Benefits of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa offers a range of advantages that make it an appealing choice for remote workers seeking a balance between work and lifestyle.

1. Visa-Free Schengen Access

As a Schengen Area member, Greece provides visa holders with visa-free travel to 27 European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. This allows digital nomads to explore Europe without additional visa requirements, provided their travel outside Greece does not exceed six months.

2. Extended Stay in Greece

The visa allows a 12-month stay, with the option to extend for two more years via a residence permit. This extended duration enables digital nomads to fully immerse themselves in Greece’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes.

3. No Local Employment Required

Applicants must work for a foreign employer or run a business registered outside Greece. This ensures that digital nomads do not compete in the local job market, making the visa ideal for freelancers and remote employees.

4. Family Inclusion

Spouses and dependent children can accompany the primary applicant, provided the income requirement is adjusted (e.g., €4,200/month for a spouse, €4,830/month for a spouse and one child). This makes the visa family-friendly, allowing loved ones to share the Greek experience.

5. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to Western European countries, Greece offers a lower cost of living. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Athens costs around €488/month in the city center, and groceries average €200–250/month, according to Numbeo data.

6. Tax Incentives

Digital nomads who stay in Greece for over 183 days become tax residents but qualify for a 50% income tax reduction for up to seven years under Greece’s non-dom tax regime. This significantly reduces the tax burden on remote income.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss citizen.
• Remote Work: Must work remotely for a foreign employer or run a business registered outside Greece.
• Income: Minimum monthly income of €3,500 after taxes for a single applicant, €4,200 with a spouse, and €4,830 with a spouse and one child (additional 15% per extra dependent).
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the entire stay in Greece.
• Criminal Record: Clean criminal background check from the home country.
• Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
• Accommodation: Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement.
• Technology: Ability to perform work using telecommunications technology (e.g., stable internet and laptop).

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents, some of which may need to be translated into Greek or English:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.
2. Application Form: Completed and signed visa application form.
3. Proof of Remote Work: Employment contract, freelance agreements, or business activity proof (for self-employed applicants).
4. Proof of Income: Bank statements, pay slips, or contracts showing the minimum income requirement.
5. Health Insurance: Policy covering medical emergencies and routine care in Greece.
6. Criminal Background Check: Official document from the home country.
7. Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement, hotel booking, or lease.
8. Declaration Letter: Statement confirming no employment with Greek companies and detailing job and income.
9. Application Fee: Varies by nationality, typically €75–100.
10. Medical Certificate: Proof of good health from a physician.
11. Proof of Technology: Documentation showing access to stable internet and necessary equipment.

Application Process

The application process for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Make an Appointment: Contact the nearest Greek embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment. If already in Greece, apply through the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum before your current visa expires.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all required documents, ensuring translations are certified if needed.
3. Complete Application Form: Fill out the official visa application form accurately.
4. Submit Application: Submit documents and the application form to the Greek consulate, embassy, or Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
5. Pay Fees: Pay the application fee (€75–100) and any additional administrative fees (€150 for residence permit).
6. Attend Interview (if required): Some applicants may need to attend an interview to discuss their application.
7. Wait for Approval: Processing typically takes 10 days for initial evaluation and up to one month for visa issuance.
8. Receive Visa: If approved, receive a visa sticker for your passport. Upon arrival in Greece, register for a residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration Department.

Costs and Fees

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa involves several costs:

• Application Fee: €75–100, depending on the applicant’s nationality and application location.
• Residence Permit Fee: €150–300, depending on the duration of stay.
• Additional Costs: Translation services, health insurance, and document notarization may incur extra fees.
• Health Insurance: Costs vary but typically range from €100–500 annually, depending on coverage.

Visa Validity and Extensions

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year. After this period, visa holders can apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit to extend their stay for up to two additional years. To renew, applicants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria, including:

• Maintaining remote work with non-Greek employers or clients.
• Meeting the minimum income requirement.
• Holding valid health insurance.

The residence permit must be renewed before expiration, and the process involves submitting updated documents to the Aliens and Immigration Department.

Tax Considerations

Taxation for digital nomads in Greece depends on residency status:

• Less than 183 Days: Non-tax residents are exempt from Greek income tax on foreign-earned income.
• More than 183 Days: Tax residents are subject to Greece’s progressive income tax rates but qualify for a 50% tax reduction for up to seven years under the non-dom tax regime.

Greece Income Tax Rates

Alternative Residency Options

For those seeking longer-term residency, Greece offers alternatives to the Digital Nomad Visa:

Greece Golden Visa

• Investment: Minimum €250,000 in real estate (e.g., converting commercial to residential properties) or €400,000–800,000 for properties in specific regions (e.g., Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos).
• Benefits: Five-year renewable residency permit, family inclusion, and Schengen access.
• Path to Citizenship: Possible after seven years of residency.

Greek Work Visa

• Requirement: Job offer from a Greek employer meeting salary and skill criteria.
• Duration: One year, renewable, with a path to permanent residency after several years.

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Greece

Greece offers a variety of cities and islands ideal for digital nomads, each with unique attractions and coworking facilities.

1. Athens: The capital city offers a vibrant urban environment with coworking spaces like Stone Soup and Impact Hub. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages €488 in the city center.
2. Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city features a laid-back vibe, waterfront views, and coworking spaces like ViOS Co-working. Rent averages €400/month.
3. Heraklion, Crete: Combines beaches and history with affordable living (rent ~€350/month). Coworking spaces like Colab House are available.
4. Corfu: Known for green landscapes and Venetian architecture, ideal for a quieter lifestyle. Rent averages €400–500/month.
5. Rhodes: Offers historical sites and beaches with reliable internet and coworking spaces. Rent is around €450/month.
6. Chania, Crete: Features a charming old town and harbor, with coworking spaces like Hügge Coworking. Rent averages €400/month.

Living Costs in Greece

Greece’s cost of living is lower than many Western European countries, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. According to Numbeo, average monthly expenses include:

• Rent: €350–750 for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Groceries: €200–250.
• Dining: €15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, €50 for a three-course meal for two.
• Transport: €1.20 for a one-way ticket, €30 for a monthly pass.
• Utilities: €212/month for basic services.

Coworking Spaces

Greece has a growing number of coworking spaces tailored to digital nomads:

• Stone Soup (Athens): Offers high-speed internet and collaborative spaces.
• ViOS Co-working (Thessaloniki): Affordable with a community vibe.
• Hügge Coworking (Chania): Scenic location with modern amenities.
• Regus (Multiple Cities): Professional workspaces with flexible plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers an unparalleled opportunity to live and work in a country renowned for its beauty, culture, and affordability. With straightforward eligibility requirements, a simple application process, and attractive tax incentives, this visa is ideal for those seeking to balance work and lifestyle in a Mediterranean paradise. Whether you choose the bustling streets of Athens, the serene beaches of Crete, or the historic charm of Rhodes, Greece provides a welcoming environment for digital nomads. Start your journey today and experience the Greek way of life while working remotely.

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