Greece Digital Nomad Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 28 May, 2024

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length One year

Possible to extend? Yes

Who can apply? Non-EU citizen

Minimum Income Requirements €3,500/month

Time for visa applications Approximately ten days

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Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

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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.

Capital Athens

Form of Government Parliamentary republic

Population 10.72 million

Climate Mediterranean

Language Greek

Currency Euro

5 people in Greece!

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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.

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

City in Greece

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

City in Greece

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.

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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.

Greece Digital Nomad 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 recommended by the Greek government to be updated with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Greece.

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 on your professional income. However, this only applies if you commit to spend at least two years in Greece. Furthermore, the tax break is limited to seven years.

Unfortunately, this tax break is only applicable to non-EU/EEA citizens. The reason is that EU/EEA citizens don’t need a visa to move to Greece.

If you want to have a better understanding of what this practically means for your personal situation, you can book a call with our tax advisor.

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

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece DNV is not simply a visa available to anyone. Before applying for your new DNV, you need to meet the following eligibility requirements.

• You must work for a company/clients situated outside of Greece.

• You must be able to complete your work obligations using information and communication technology like wifi, laptops, etc.

• You are not allowed to work for a company registered within Greece.

• If self-employed, you must submit confirmation of your business activity, corporate purpose, and business address.

• Your business cannot be registered in Greece.

• You must be able to work remotely.

Who Can Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece DNV is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to work remotely in Greece. Meaning only third-country nationals may apply for the DNV. Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area won't be able to apply for the Greece DNV.

How Long Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

Once you've successfully obtained your new DNV for remote work, it will be valid for 1 year (12 months). After that, you can extend your visa for an additional year, totaling a maximum of 2 years.

How Much Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Fee?

When applying for the Greece DNV, you can expect to pay around €75 for your new visa.

What Is the Processing Time for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

According to Law 4825/2021, once you submit your Greece DNV, you'll receive feedback within 10 days. After approval, your visa will be issued by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The government does not specify how long it will take for your visa to be issued. You can expect to receive your visa within a month. It all depends on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

What Are the Financial Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Remote workers must prove they meet the financial requirements when applying for a Greece DNV. The main applicant must prove a monthly income of at least €3,500. If the monthly income comes from dependent employment or independent service provision, the €3,500 refers to net income (after tax deductions). Dependant ApplicantsIt is possible for any dependents to apply for a residency permit when you apply for your DNV. However, the minimum amount increases per dependent that travel with you. Financial increases for dependents are as follow:

• 20% for your partner/spouse

• 15% per child

What Are the Document Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece DNV is a type of National Visa, specifically the Type D Visa. Therefore it suggests that you need to submit the same documents as that of the type D 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.

Author

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

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Nadia Dardón is a content creator from Guatemala. She has worked fully remotely for the past six years as a copywriter, editor, and content creator, working for different industries. She started her digital nomad journey in 2022 and currently lives as an expat in Spain.