Everything You Need to Know About the Greece Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Launched in 2021, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers from outside the EU and EEA to live and work in Greece for up to a year, soaking up the sun and culture while continuing their careers.

Before we begin, here’s a run down of the key information that you need to know regarding this visa:

Validity: one year, with the possibility of extension for an additional two years.
Target Audience: freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs
Fees: €225 (€75 visa fee, plus €150 admin fee). There may be additional costs associated with health insurance, required documentation and biometric data collection.
Travel: throughout the Schengen Area

This visa is a perfect opportunity to live and work in a country with a rich and fascinating history – I mean, it’s literally the birthplace of democracy and philosophy, and arguably of western civilisation as we know it! It’s a great opportunity for anyone whose childhood obsession rested upon Greek mythology (Trojan War anyone? No… just me? ).

It is important to note that while this information was all correct at the time of writing, situations can change very quickly and without warning.

You should also be aware that I am writing from a UK perspective, and regulations and requirements vary from country to country.

You should make sure that you check with your own country’s advice and with your closest Greek consulate or embassy before you make your application.

What Is The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Like many other countries in recent years, Greece has developed a visa programme that grants digital nomads and other remote professionals or location-independent individuals temporary residency rights.

Launched in 2021 with a specific category allowing for remote workers and digital nomads to apply, Greece’s ‘Long-Term National visa’ or ‘Type D visa’ is the official name of the document you want to apply for.

How long can you stay in Greece with the digital nomad visa?

As mentioned earlier, the initial visa grants residency for one year, but you can apply for an extension that will allow you an extra year in Greece. This gives approved applicants a total of two years.

Digital Nomad Visa Greece Eligibility

So who can apply for the Greek digital nomad visa?

Here’s a quick summary:

Age: at least 18 years old
Nationality: Non-EU/EEA citizen
Occupation: Verifiable remote work with an employer outside Greece (freelancers welcome)
Financial Requirements: €3,500 minimum monthly income for individuals (increases for dependents)
Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering your entire stay in Greece
Clean Criminal Record: Police certificate demonstrating a clean criminal background

But let’s take a look in a bit more depth at what these requirements mean…

Financial requirements

To qualify for the Greece digital nomad visa in 2024, you’ll need to demonstrate a stable and verifiable monthly income of at least €3,500 after paying any necessary taxes. If you’re bringing your spouse or partner, this amount increases to €4,200 per month. If you have dependents (like children) then it’s an additional €483 per month for every dependent.

You’ll need to provide proof of income to confirm that you meet these requirements and this can come from bank statements, employment contracts, or tax returns.

You’ll want to make sure that any proof you present is current and relevant. For example, you don’t want to be handing over bank statements dated from 2022 as that’s not very reflective of your current financial situation.

Passports & Eligible Countries

Applicants for the Greece digital nomad visa should hold valid passports from countries outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA).

This includes citizens of the UK, the USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

As EU citizens benefit from free movement, they do not need a visa to live and work in Greece (lucky!!).

You’ll want to double-check with the Greek embassy or consulate in the country that issued your passport to ensure that your nationality is eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa for Greece.

Language requirements?

There is currently no official language requirement for the Greece digital nomad visa. However, basic proficiency in Greek or English will definitely come in handy and enhance your experience navigating daily life in Greece.

You don’t necessarily need to go all out and start a language course but consider learning some essential phrases for daily life. Here’s some easy ones to get you started:

Hello: Γειά σου (Geiá sou)
Goodbye: αντιο σας (antio sas)
Please: σας παρακαλούμε (sas parakaloúme)
Thank you: ευχαριστώ (efcharistó)

It’s worth noting that Greek uses the Greek alphabet rather than the Latin one used in English, which makes reading and translating pretty difficult when you’re not familiar with the characters.

What do I need to apply for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa?

Below is a summary of the general documents that the majority of people will need to submit. There maybe slightly different requirements for citizens of differing countries so always double-check with the relevant consulate or embassy in your home country.

Here’s a checklist to get you started:

Completed visa application form – you can access that here!
Valid passport with at least six months remaining validity after the expiry of the visa
2 recent passport-sized and style photos
Proof of remote work, this could be in the form of any of the following –
- Employment contract or other proof of employment with an employer or entity who is established outside of Greece.
- Proof of self-employment in the form of agreed work contracts or similar lasting for the duration of your stay in Greece
- Proof of business ownership, and nature of business
Documentation demonstrating your income meeting the minimum threshold (€3500/month)
Documentation showing valid health insurance covering your stay in Greece
Police certificate from your home country proving a clean criminal record
Proof of accommodation in Greece (such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement)
Proof of onward travel. This could be a return ticket to prove that you will go back to your country after your visa expires. If you are not sure where you will be travelling after Greece, you can use a service such as Onward Travel or One Way Fly to essentially ‘rent’ a ticket’.
A declaration letter. You might be asked write a formal letter to accompany your application This letter should include that you are applying from the Greek Digital Nomad Visa, a declaration that you will not be working for any Greek company during your stay, as well as providing all relevant info about your job/company, and your must also provide your financial information.

How To Apply For Greece's Digital Nomad Visa?

As of January 1st 2024, applications for the Greece Digital Nomad visa must be submitted through Greek consular posts of embassies in your home country.

The application process takes around 10 days, which is pretty quick in comparison to many others (Portugal can take up to 60 days to provide a decision)!

Step-by-step guide

1. Book an appointment with your local Greek consulate/embassy: You can do this online and the embassy will be able to provide more detailed information on the application process.
2. Sort your accommodation: Make sure you’ve got your accommodation booked and sorted before you apply, as you will be asked about this during your application process.
3. Prepare the necessary documents: You must have all the documents listed above, as well as any additional documentation requested by your specific embassy on the date of your appointment.
4. Fill out the application form: Print it and fill it out with the required information as instructed. Make sure to double-check that you’ve filled everything out correctly – speaking from experience, you don’t want a simple mistake like writing your surname in the wrong box to delay the process…
5. Attend your appointment: Have your application form and the required documents ready and submit them at the local Greek embassy or consulate, where you made an appointment beforehand.
6. Make the necessary payments: The fee for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is €75 per applicant with additional costs for service fees, admin fees and extra costs for any dependants that you are also applying for. These fees are non-refundable.
7. Wait for an answer: The Embassy authorities will evaluate your application, and respond within 10 days. Once your application is approved, you will be issued with a new Greece Digital Nomad visa by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
8. Travel to Greece: After your digital nomad visa is issued, you are free to travel to Greece and begin your digital nomad adventure there!

Tax Implications for Digital Nomads in Greece

Navigating taxes can be tricky, so consulting a tax advisor familiar with Greek regulations is crucial.

Bearing in mind that I am not a tax professional, in my experience digital nomads residing in Greece under the Digital Nomad Visa are not subject to Greek income tax on their foreign-sourced income provided that you are spending less than 180 consecutive days in the country.

You’ll most likely be subject to tax requirements in your home country though so check with your local government to be sure you are staying on the right side of the law!

If you spend more than six months in Greece, you’ll be considered a tax resident and will be subject to income taxes. But, Greece has introduced a 50% reduction tax program that you can apply for if you are staying in Greece for longer than 2 years. for foreign nationals.

Work Restrictions or Limitations On The Greece Digital Nomad Visa

Holders of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa are not permitted to work for a Greek employer or provide services to Greek clients. Your income must come from an employer or business outside the country.

These are the restrictions you should be aware of:

You must work for a company/client(s) located physically outside of Greece.
Your work should be completed online through IT (using 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, and should not have a physical location or office in Greece.
You must be able to work remotely i.e. your physical presence is not required for you to complete your work.

Pros & Cons Of Greece's Digital Nomad Visa

Advantages of the Greece digital nomad visa

Ability to live and work in a beautiful and culturally rich country
Favourable tax treatment for foreign-sourced income
Pretty fast turnaround time once you submit the application
Thriving digital nomad community: Greece boasts a growing network of co-working spaces and digital nomad communities, fostering connections and a sense of belonging.
EU Travel: travel freely within the Schengen Zone
Excellent weather: hot summers and mild winters, perfect for outdoor living and exploration.

Disadvantages of the Greece digital nomad visa

Not permitted to work for Greek employers or clients
Must have a high enough income to support yourself and any dependents
Financial requirements: The minimum income threshold might be high for some applicants compared to other digital nomad visa programs.
Language barrier: While English is somewhat common in tourist areas, basic Greek language skills will be helpful for daily life.
Limited remote work opportunities: You cannot take on local employment, so your income must be firmly established outside of Greece.

Living in Greece as a Digital Nomad

Greece is a great choice for digital nomads thanks to its great climate, amazing scenery and impressive telecommunication infrastructure.

Greece average cost of living for a digital nomad

As with anywhere, the cost of living in Greece varies depending on your lifestyle choices.

Major cities like Athens will be more expensive than smaller towns or islands. However, compared to Northern Europe, Greece offers a relatively affordable standard of living.

The cost of living, accommodation, transport, entertainment, and more are well below the European Union average and its about 33% cheaper than the UK.

Digital Nomad Community In Greece

Greece has a growing digital nomad community, particularly in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.

Greece is experiencing a digital nomad boom, with co-working spaces and online communities popping up in popular destinations like Crete, Rhodes, and Mykonos. These communities offer a chance to connect with fellow remote workers, share experiences, and find co-working buddies.

You can join groups like this one on facebook to connect with other nomads already living and working in Greece.

Popular digital nomad locations in Greece

Popular locations for digital nomads in Greece include Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, and the Ionian Islands.

Athens: I really don’t think you can visit Greece without at least looking in on Athens. The Greek capital offers a bustling atmosphere, cultural attractions, and a growing coworking scene. A mix of ancient wonders and modern amenities, there is so much to see and do here, you’ll never be bored.
Crete: This large island boasts stunning beaches, charming villages, and a slower pace of life, but is pretty great if you are into scuba diving and the like. Personally, I recommend Chania!
Santorini: Famed for its dramatic cliffs, and iconic and picturesque scenes, Santorini attracts digital nomads seeking an inspiring work environment. Santorini does attract a lot of tourists and Instagrammers during the summer seasons though which you might want to bear in mind.
Mykonos: While known for its nightlife, Mykonos also offers co-working spaces and a beautiful island setting. It also boasts some beautiful landscapes and those iconic whitewashed houses you’ve probably seen online.
Thessaloniki: Greece’s second-largest city is a great choice for digital nomads. It’s a bustling cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene and a youthful vibe, plus its a bit cheaper than some of the other places on this list – perfect if you are on a budget.

Overview of coworking in Greece

Co-working spaces in Greece provide a professional work environment, high-speed internet, and opportunities for networking with other digital nomads. Prices vary depending on location and amenities offered.

Here are a few that I recommend you check out:

Impact Hub – Athens – With high-speed connections, each of their properties is unique, and the Athens Hub boasts space for focused work, networking, and workshops.

Vios Coworking Space – Athens – a quiet yet interactive space with reliable Wi-Fi and unlimited fresh coffee. Plus there’s a gym, massage room, showers, a quiet zone, and even a nap room.

Workhub – Crete – The space has comfortable seating with plenty of power outputs and fast Wi-Fi. There are hot desks, dedicated desks, or private offices, as well as a conference area, meeting rooms, and video call booths.

If dedicated coworking spaces aren’t your scene, or if they are out of your budget, then there are plenty of cafes in the bigger towns and cities that are fit for purpose with good WiFi and great coffee.

Tips For Cultural Adaptation For Digital Nomads

Adjusting to a new culture is an integral part of the digital nomad experience.

I think the best general top tips for cultural adaption, no matter where you are travelling are:

Learn basic phrases.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Embrace the slower pace of life.
Connect with the local community.
Be open to new experiences.

I’ve already mentioned the language barrier as well as the different alphabet that Greece uses, but here are some other considerations that you should be aware of before applying for the Greece digital nomad visa.

Social Interactions: Greetings and goodbyes can be more demonstrative with hugs and kisses, even on first meetings. Coming from Britain this was certainly not what I am used to.
Communication Style: Greeks can be more direct, animated and expressive in their communication. Don’t mistake raised voices or animated gestures for anger; it’s often part of passionate conversation.
Siesta: Many shops and businesses close during the hottest part of the day (typically 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM) so don’t get caught out and plan accordingly.
Mealtimes: Lunch is the main meal of the day, often enjoyed leisurely with friends or family. Dinners can also be long and social affairs, starting later in the evening.
Outdoor Living: time outdoors is very common and a part of life, especially in cafes and tavernas. Be prepared for a more vibrant outdoor social scene, which is not something we typically enjoy in Britain due to our famously grey weather.

Brief Comparison With Other Digital Nomad Visas

Greece’s program joins a growing list of Digital Nomad Visas worldwide, each with its own unique features and requirements.

While Greece offers a compelling program, here’s a quick comparison with other popular digital nomad visa destinations, allowing you to weigh the pros and cons and make an informed decision based on your preferences and goals:

Portugal: Offers a lower minimum income threshold but requires proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
Spain: A relatively new program with a competitive application process.
Estonia: A digital nomad visa option with a focus on attracting tech startups.

Choosing the right destination depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like cost of living, internet connectivity, and the size of the digital nomad community.

Remember, the “best” Digital Nomad Visa depends on your individual needs and priorities. You should consider factors like cost of living, visa requirements, community vibes, and your lifestyle preferences when making your choice.

Conclusion

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa offers a fantastic opportunity for remote workers and freelancers to live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful and historic countries. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes, Greece is an ideal destination for digital nomads. Compared to other countries, Greece offers a relatively low cost of living, a high quality of life, and a favourable tax regime for digital nomads.

With its welcoming communities, relaxed Mediterranean pace and unbeatable climate, Greece allows digital nomads to embrace an enviable outdoor lifestyle balanced with productive remote work. For those seeking an inspiring base immersed in history and natural beauty, Greece deserves serious attention.

While there are some considerations like the minimum income threshold and work restrictions, the potential benefits are undeniable. So, pack your laptop, embrace the adventure, and get ready to experience the magic of Greece as a digital nomad!

If you’re still trying to decide on your next destination then why not check out our Thailand Digital Nomad Visa guide here, and our Spain Digital Nomad Guide here.

Let us know what else you want to know, and what country we should cover next by leaving a comment below!