Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Greece has become a popular destination for digital nomads who want a blend of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and a welcoming environment for remote work. The Greece Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2021, makes this dream a reality by allowing remote workers and self-employed individuals to live and work in the country for an extended period.

In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, from eligibility requirements to application processes, and the many benefits of living in Greece as a digital nomad.

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a special residence permit designed for remote workers who want to live and work in Greece whilst being employed by an overseas company or running their own business remotely. Launched in 2021, the visa allows digital nomads to legally stay in Greece for extended periods without needing to obtain a traditional work visa.

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for those looking to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle, explore Greek culture, and work remotely, all while enjoying the benefits of a visa designed specifically for their needs.

To be eligible for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria set by the Greek government. First, you must be employed by a foreign company or be self-employed, with the ability to work remotely – you must not be employed by a Greek company. If your self-employed, you’ll need to show proof of your business activity, including the purpose and your business address, which cannot be located in Greece.

You must hold a valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond your planned stay in Greece. You must also demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,500. This increases to €4,200 if you bring a spouse and €4,830 if you bring children. You’ll also need to show you have accommodation, for example, by showing a rental agreement, for your time in Greece.

Another essential requirement is international health insurance or local private health insurance that covers you for your stay in Greece. You must also have a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or any country where you have lived during the past five years.

Living and working as a digital nomad in Greece offers a range of benefits. One big draw is the opportunity to appreciate the country’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re enjoying the vibrant city life in Athens, the historical sites of ancient Greece, or the relaxed atmosphere of the islands, Greece offers a diverse range of experiences to suit different lifestyles.

The Mediterranean climate is another major advantage of living in Greece, with long, sunny summers and mild winters. Digital nomads in Greece can often work during the day and then unwind in picturesque settings, from beach in Crete to charming cafés in Thessaloniki.

Greece also boasts a relatively low cost of living compared to other European countries, especially in smaller towns and islands, which often makes it an affordable option for remote workers.

In addition, Greece’s location within the EU makes it convenient for those who wish to travel around Europe. The country has excellent connections to major European cities, which makes exploring other parts of the continent easy.

Applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a relatively straightforward process. First, you’ll need to gather all the necessary documents. This will typically include proof of remote employment or self-employment, such as a contract or business registration details, as well as evidence of income that meets the minimum requirement. You’ll also need to provide a valid passport, health insurance coverage for your stay in Greece, and a clean criminal record certificate from your home country or any country where you’ve lived in the past five years.

Once you have all your documents in order, the next step is to submit your application to the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country or country of residence.

After submitting your application, the Greek authorities will review your documents and process your visa. This typically takes a few weeks, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a residence permit, which allows you to stay in Greece for up to one year. You can then apply for a renewal if you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial period, up to two years. It’s important to note that you must remain employed remotely and continue meeting the income requirement to maintain your visa status while living in Greece.

Greece has specific tax regulations that apply to digital nomads, and it’s important to be aware of how these might affect your income.

As a holder of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, you will be considered a tax resident if you stay in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year. Tax residents are subject to Greek income tax on their worldwide income, which means that any earnings from abroad, in addition to those generated within Greece, will be taxed. However, non-residents are only taxed on their income generated within Greece.

Greece has tax treaties with numerous countries to avoid double taxation, so if you are already paying tax in your home country, you might be able to offset or avoid paying tax on the same income in Greece. It’s important to consult with a tax professional who is familiar with both Greek and international tax laws to ensure you’re complying with these agreements and not paying more tax than necessary.

In addition, Greece offers some tax incentives for foreign workers, including digital nomads, through the Non-Domicile tax regime. This tax scheme can reduce the tax burden on new residents, especially those with significant income from outside the country. Under this regime, foreign income can be taxed at a lower rate.

If you’re moving to Greece to work remotely, make sure you have access to the best possible healthcare with our health insurance for digital nomads. Expatriate Group provides flexible, comprehensive health insurance policies specifically designed for expats living and working abroad. Get a quote today.