Quick facts about Greece
Greece is a well-known vacation destination for many travelers around the world. This paradise has beautiful scenery, friendly people, delicious cuisine, and extraordinary history. It is the southernmost country in Europe and also has the longest coastline on the continent.
Greece has over 6,000 beautiful islands, each one with unique culture and landscapes that attract all types of travelers. These islands make 9,942 miles of pristine blue coastline, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the blue Aegean Sea to the east.
Quick Visa Facts
Living in Greece as a digital nomad
Greece is more than whitewashed buildings and blue-domed churches of the cities. The Official Greece Tourism Site informed that 80% of Greece is mountains, one of Europe’s most mountainous countries.
Greece is also an interesting place for people who love to learn about human history. As you know, Greece’s historical and cultural heritage has been resonating throughout the modern world in its long years of literature, art, philosophy, and politics. It is also home to several famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Holding a digital nomad visa for Greece will allow you to explore all this and more. Greece is a very welcoming country. No matter what island you wish to stay on, the locals will welcome you into their home country as one of their own.
The work-life balance is easily achieved in Greece. You’ll find after-work socializing options close by, no matter where you’re living. Plus, Greece is incredibly affordable. The cost of living, accommodation, transport, entertainment, and more are well below the European Union average.
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Attractions and best places to visit
Acropolis, Athens
This might be one of the most touristic destinations in Greece, and for a good reason! It is considered the symbol of Athens and Western civilization. The Acropolis rises above Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC, a truly superb place to visit!
Santorini
Santorini is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia, which hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Santorini is the best place to sunbathe and swim on the black volcanic-sand beaches.
Mykonos
Mykonos is the most glamorous island destination in Greece. It is known for its chic boutique hotels, classy seafood restaurants, and live music venues. There are also plenty of sandy beaches along the island’s south coast.
Delphi
Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, and it used to be a sacred site for the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo. Now it is just ruined, but it is a fantastic experience to see the numerous temples, a theater, and a stadium dating from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD.
Crete
Crete is a massive island blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece. Crete has its fair share of notable archeological sites, like the Palace of Knossos. You can also explore the different towns in Crete, like Chania and Agios Nikolaos, which have wonderful old waterfront areas perfect for spending long afternoons getting lost in the views.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
Thessaloniki
It is the second largest city in Greece and is considered one of the best cities globally for digital nomads. Thessaloniki has a wide range of coworking spaces, restaurants, and shops. Plus, it is well-connected to other cities and countries through a significant domestic and international transportation network.
Athens
Athens has been attracting a lot of digital nomads for many years now. It is the capital of Greece, and it offers a combination of a fantastic climate, good quality of life, and an affordable cost of living. Plus, it is well-connected to the rest of Europe, so you can easily travel.
Cost of Living
Greece is very affordable, and many of the islands have a low cost of living, accommodation, transport, and entertainment.
Housing:
One-bedroom apartment in Athens – $506/month
Three-bedroom apartment in Athens – $900/month
One-bedroom apartment in the rest of Greece – $401/month
Three-bedroom apartment in the rest of Greece – $686/month
Eating:
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant – $12
Combo meal at a fast food restaurant – $7
Transportation:
One-Ride ticket $0.50 – $1.20
Monthly pass – $30.50
SIM Cards:
1 GB data for 7 days = $5
3 GB data for 30 days = $9
5 GB data for 30 days = $13
10 GB data for 30 days = $25
Digital Nomad Essentials
Internet
Internet speed in Greece has increased in recent years. Now, most neighborhoods have fiber optic technology. The average actual download speed of files in Greece is 13.41 Mbps. The 5G network has 97% coverage in Athens and 90% in Thessaloniki. You can stay connected at all times without a problem.
Coworking Spaces
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Visa Overview
The Greek digital nomad visa was announced during the Summer of 2021. The Greece government announced they would be “welcoming digital nomads to live in the country for up to two years if they meet the requirements.”
They launched the Digital Nomad Visa through Law 4825/2021. Initially, the visa will be valid for one year, with the possibility of extending it for one more. However, you must reapply before your visa expires, so keep a close eye on the dates.
Additionally, since Greece is part of the Schengen Area, anyone with a visa will have visa-free access to 26 European countries. It’s important to note, however, that you must spend at least six months in Greece for the duration of your visa.
You’ll also be allowed to bring your spouse and dependents with you.
Current travel restrictions
Greece no longer requires travelers to show a negative COVID-19 viral test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board their flight.
However, it is essential to be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Greece.
Stay up to date with the current travel requirements on this website!
Citizen Remote has a broad range of resources to assist with the exciting process of relocating to another country!
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Greece
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is available to any non-EU citizens. However, there are specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for the visa.
The requirements are as follows:
Have a valid passport
Income of at least €3,500/month
Income of €4,200€/month if you’re bringing a spouse
Income of €4,830€/month if you’re bringing a spouse and one dependent
Have proof of remote work
Have a clean criminal background
Have proof of health insurance
Have an address of accommodations
How to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is relatively simple. You must apply in person at the closest Greek embassy or consulate.
Step One
Gather all your documents. We will detail everything you’ll need below.
Step Two
Submit your application in person. Schedule an appointment with the Greek consulate in your home country. You can schedule it online or through a call.
Step Three
Wait for approval. All applicants will be notified by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum whether or not their visa is accepted or rejected.
Step Four
Once your digital nomad visa has been approved, you must register for a residency permit when you arrive in Greece. Make sure you find the closest Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralized Administration office in your residence district to submit your paperwork immediately after you arrive in the country.
Documents required to apply for the digital nomad visa in Greece
Passport Copies
Passport Photos
Proof of Remote Work
Proof of Income
Criminal Background Check
Proof of Health Insurance
Medical Certificate of Good Health
Address of Accommodations in Greece
How much does it cost?
There is an application fee of €75. Additionally, you’ll need to pay €150 for an administration fee.
Timeline for Applying
The application process is easy and quick. Once you’ve gathered all your documents, you will get a response whether it was approved or not within ten days.
Taxes for Greece digital nomad visa
Law 4825/2021 for the digital nomad visa gives a 50% tax break to all digital nomads working remotely and independently in Greece.
Greece is a country of myths and wonder. Living on any of its islands will allow you to explore unique sites and enjoy the natural wonders.
Are you looking to live in other Mediterranean countries as a digital nomad? Check out the visas for Croatia, Italy, and Cyprus!
FAQs About the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Can I Apply for a Greece Digital Nomad Visa Online?
It is not currently possible to apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa online. Within Greece you can apply at the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Outside Greece you can apply at your closest Greek Embassy or Consulate.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Greece?
It is relatively easy to obtain a digital nomad visa for Greece, which will give you permission to live and work in Greece, and travel freely in the Schengen area. Greece has a beautiful Mediterranean countryside and is home to some of the world’s most important historical sites. The food is delicious and the diet praised for its health value. As a digital nomad, you may also be eligible for a 50% tax reduction.
What Is a Declaration Letter When Applying for a Greek Digital Nomad Visa?
Your declaration letter should explain why you are applying for the digital nomad visa, how you intend to support yourself in Greece, and verify your intention to comply with all the terms and conditions of the visa, such as not working for companies based in Greece. It should provide context to all the documents that you submit as part of your application.
Are There Stay Requirements For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
If you are resident in Greece on a digital nomad visa, you cannot leave the country for more than six months consecutively during the duration of your visa or it will become invalid.
What Are the Taxes in Greece on the Digital Nomad Visa?
If you live in Greece for less than six months, you are not required to pay local income tax. If you stay for longer, you will be taxed at local rates which start once you earn €12,000 a year.
There are seven tax bands, but the minimum required income for the digital nomad visa is €42,000, which falls into the second highest tax band, which is 38%. From €60,000 the rate is 40%, and from €100,000 the rate is 45%.
However, newly arriving digital nomads who express an intention to stay in the country for a minimum of two years may be eligible for a 50% reduction in their income tax.
Is a Greece Digital Nomad Visa Hard to Get?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is considered one of the easier digital nomad visas to get in terms of the required documentation and application process, which is turned around within 10 days. The application fee is only €75. However, the required income level to qualify is relatively high, set at €3,500 per month for individuals, €4,200 for a couple, and then a 15% increase for every dependent child. That is significantly higher than for Portugal, which required €2,800 per month for an individual.
Can I Apply for a Greece Digital Nomad Visa If I Have a Tourist Visa?
You can make your Digital Nomad Visa application in Greece when you are there on a tourist visa. However, your application should be approved before your tourist visa expires. For citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the tourist visa usually lasts for 90 days. The average turnaround time for Digital Nomad Visa applications is 10 days.
Can My Family Members Work Remotely in Greece?
If you bring an adult dependent with you to Greece on your Greek Digital Nomad Visa, they are also eligible to work remotely while in the country and may also be allowed to seek work locally. However, their local income cannot contribute towards your minimum monthly qualifying income for the visa.
Does the Greek Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Foreigners must be resident in Greece for seven years before becoming eligible for permanent residency. A digital nomad visa offers an initial residency of up to two years, which can be renewed for another two years. While this is not sufficient in itself for permanent residency, time spent on a digital nomad visa can contribute towards residency requirements.
How Can I Avoid Paying Taxes on a Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
To avoid paying taxes in Greece as a digital nomad you must remain resident in the country for less than six months. After six months you are considered a tax resident. It is worth bearing in mind that if you are on a multi-year visa, if you leave Greece for more than six months your visa becomes invalid.
