Are you a remote worker ready to live the good life in 2023?
Then the Greece digital nomad visa might be perfect for you!
Following the trend of multiple countries, Greece took advantage of the benefits of allowing digital nomads to stay longer-term and spend their money to boost the country’s economy.
Of course, Greece has a lot to offer to remote workers in exchange. The Mediterranean climate, delicious cuisine, and fast internet are just a few benefits you can enjoy as a digital nomad in Greece.
What’s more, Greece has a lower cost of living than many of the other EU member states.
If this sounds appealing, keep reading for everything you need to know about the Greece digital nomad visa.
Visa Overview
In September 2021, after months of discussion, the Greek government launched the new digital nomad visa as a part of the country’s Blue Carpet Policy.
That policy was developed in several phases. First, Greece launched student and business visas. The digital visa, as some people call it, needed the most time, as it required coordination between the different government departments to shape the institutional framework.
So, on September 3, 2021, Greece’s Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, presented a new addition to the blue carpet policy – the new digital nomad visa.
The aim of this residence permit is to boost Greece’s economy, attract digital nomads to Greece, and modernize the Ministry’s services to keep up with the modern world.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Key Benefits
The Greece digital nomad visa comes with multiple benefits. For starters, unlike some other countries, Greece allows digital nomads to stay for one year and extend the residence permit for another 12 months.
Another significant benefit is that you won’t have to pay taxes if you stay in Greece for no more than six months.
The other advantages of living and working in this sunny country are the wonderful landscapes you can visit, the friendly people, and the delicious cuisine influenced by Middle Eastern, Ottoman, and Italian cultures.
Greece also offers good internet speeds, numerous accommodation and co-living options, and a growing number of co-working spaces.
Who is Eligible?
As with any other type of visa, you’ll have to meet several eligibility requirements. To prove these, you’ll need to submit various documents to prove you comply with the regulations.
You’ll be eligible for the Greece digital nomad visa if:
- You’re not an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen
- You earn at least €3,500 per month
- You work in or own a company registered outside of Greece, and perform your work using information and communication technology.
Document Requirements
- Visa application form
- Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the visa expiry date
- Two passport-size photos – You should take the photos on a white background and make sure they comply with the Schengen photo requirements
- Cover letter – The letter should include the reason for your stay. You have to mention that:
- You’re applying for a digital nomad visa
- You’ll work for a company registered outside of Greece
- You meet the financial requirements, and
- Info on your job.
- Proof of employment – You’ll have to provide evidence, such as an employment contract from your company stating you have permission to work remotely
- If you’re self-employed, you’ll need the following:
- Your company’s name, license, and registration number
- The company’s field of activity
- The company’s corporate purpose
- Documents proving you own the company.
- Proof of income – You must include evidence that you’re making at least €3,500 per month.
- Recent bank statements
- Payslips or other company statements stating your salary
- Proof of having paid the application fee
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid health insurance – which must cover your entire stay in Greece
- Proof of a clean criminal record from your home country
- A return flight ticket – To prove you’ll go back to your home country once your stay is over
- Medical certificate
How to Apply
To apply for a Greece digital nomad visa, follow these steps:
- Collect and prepare all the necessary documents.
- Complete the digital nomad visa form.
- Contact the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country and make an appointment.
- On the appointment date, go to the embassy/consulate and submit your application file.
- Wait for a response.
- Once you get the approval, travel to Greece and register for your residence permit at the nearest Aliens and Immigration Department office located near you.
- Enjoy your stay!
How long should you wait for a response?
The Immigration and Social Integration Code says you should get an answer within ten days (business days) of submitting the form. Still, keep in mind that you may face some delays, as sometimes embassies get many applications, so you may have to wait for about a month.
How long can you stay in Greece with a digital nomad visa?
The Greece digital nomad visa can be valid for up to one year. The great part is that you can extend it for another year. But after that, you’ll have to leave the country. You can only reapply after a further two years have passed.
Application Fees
You’ll have to pay two (non-refundable) fees: €75 for the application and €150 for the administration fee.
Bringing Your Family to Greece
The good news is that you can bring your close family members with you to Greece. Of course, you’ll have to apply for each family member separately.
Eligible family members are your spouse and children under 18. Children over 18 can also be eligible, if they’re dependent on you because of financial or medical reasons.
You’ll have to provide additional documents proving your relationship or child custody. We strongly advise you to check the exact documents with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate to ensure you don’t miss anything.
What’s more, you’ll need proof of a higher monthly income if you’re planning to bring your family. The monthly amount increases by 20% for bringing your partner, and 15% for each child.
For instance, if your monthly income is €4,000 (the minimum income is €3,500 after taxes), you’ll have to prove that you have an income of at least €4,800 for bringing your spouse. If you want to take your kid, you’ll need €4,600 per month.
Tax for Digital Nomads in Greece
Do digital nomads have to pay taxes in Greece? This is a yes and no question. If you stay in Greece for less than 183 days with the digital nomad visa, then you won’t have to pay any Greek taxes.
Every country’s tax rules differ, so you may still need to pay taxes to your home country during those six months. It’s critical to read the tax laws carefully and consult with an expert before planning your stay in Greece.
On the other hand, if you stay in Greece for more than 183 days on a digital nomad visa, you’ll have to pay taxes.
It’s important to note that the Greek authorities haven’t yet announced any tax-related guidelines for digital nomads.
The digital nomad visa belongs to the long-term stay permit group. Logically, the tax regulations for this visa type should be the same as for the other visas in the group.
We strongly advise you to consult with the Greek embassy and a tax expert to ensure you’re not committing any wrongdoings.
Can the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residence or Citizenship?
Unfortunately, no. Even if you stay for up to two years with the digital nomad visa, that won’t be sufficient for obtaining permanent residence or Greek citizenship.
To qualify for Greek permanent resident status, you’ll have to live in Greece for a minimum of five consecutive years. For citizenship, you’ll need a minimum of seven years full-time residence in-country. You’ll also need to pass a Greek language exam and reach B1 level.
FAQs: Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Can I work remotely for a US company in Greece?
Yes, you can! If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national, the Greece digital nomad visa allows you to stay in the country for up to one year.
Of course, you’ll need to meet various eligibility requirements to get this visa.
You have to earn at least €3,500 per month after taxes. Plus, you’ll also need to work for a company, or be self-employed in a company outside of Greece.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Greece?
Whether you’ll pay taxes depends on how long you stay in Greece. If you get a digital nomad visa and stay in the country for up to 180 days, Greece won’t consider you a tax resident, meaning you won’t have to pay taxes.
Remember that your tax obligations in Greece may differ from those in your home country. Make sure you consult a qualified tax advisor before planning your move to Greece.
Can I take my partner with me on the Greece digital nomad visa?
Yes, you can take your partner with you on a Greek digital nomad visa.
Besides the required paperwork for getting a digital nomad visa, you’ll have to provide additional documents for your partner. First, you’ll need to show proof of being married or having lived together for several years, such as your marriage certificate or a shared tenancy agreements.
Furthermore, if the Greek authorities permit your partner to come, they can’t work during their stay. That’s why you have to provide evidence of a higher monthly income – to support your partner during their stay with you.
If you go alone, the minimum monthly income for getting a digital nomad visa is €3,500. However, if you want to take your partner, you’ll need a higher income of 20%. For taking your kid, you’ll need a 15% higher income.
For instance, you can go to Greece as a digital nomad with an income of €3,700. To take your partner, you have to report a €4,440 income. If you want to take only your kid, you’ll need €4,255 per month.
The income requirement goes up by 15% for each child you want to take. If you want to take your two kids, you’ll need €4,810 (€3,700+€1,110).
You’ll also have to pay €75 for the application and €150 for an administrative fee for each family member you apply for.
Which place in Greece is good for digital nomads?
Greece is a beautiful country with many amazing places. Athens, the country’s capital, is one of the best cities for digital nomads because of its growing international community and numerous co-working spaces.
Other great hotspots for digital nomads are Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Santorini, and Crete. Check out this website to discover Greece and find information that may help you.
Can you live cheaply in Greece?
The cost of living in Greece compares favorably with other EU member states, especially in Western Europe. Overall, Greece is a good value-for-money country.
For instance, housing costs in Greece are about 32% lower than the EU average. Transport services are around 20% lower than the EU average, while postal services, such as phone or internet connection, are lower by around 70%.
Before you go…
The Greek digital nomad visa is a great way for non-EU remote workers to spend an extended period in this beautiful European country.
But this visa isn’t the right choice for those seeking a longer-term foothold in the EU, including permanent residence or citizenship. It’s designed for stays of maximum two years, and you can’t renew it beyond that.
That’s why – if you’re a remote worker with long-term EU plans, you should instead check out the options in Portugal.
All Portugal residence visas – including the digital nomad visa – will put you on track to apply for permanent residence and/or citizenship after five years of legal residence.
If you’re a digital nomad working for a foreign company then the Portugal digital nomad visa will probably fit you best. If you have passive income from rentals, investments or other sources, there’s also the D7 passive income visa.
On the other hand, if you want to start your EU citizenship timeline without having to move country at all, then the Portugal Golden Visa would be a good fit.
Related articles:
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
- Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
