Greece, a land of ancient wonders and sun-drenched islands, has emerged as an enticing destination for digital nomads seeking a blend of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and a Mediterranean lifestyle. In 2024, the country has solidified its position as a digital nomad haven by introducing a dedicated visa program tailored to the needs of remote workers.
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa offers an unprecedented opportunity for location-independent professionals to establish a temporary residency in this captivating country, allowing them to seamlessly combine their professional pursuits with the exploration of Greece’s diverse regions and vibrant cities. With its world-class infrastructure, welcoming communities, and a commitment to nurturing digital entrepreneurship, Greece has positioned itself as an ideal destination for those seeking to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle amidst the beauty and history of the Hellenic Republic.
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Why choose the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
With its unparalleled blend of ancient history, natural scenery, delectable cuisine, and modern amenities – all available at an affordable cost – Greece has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest destinations for digital nomads and remote workers. Here are some of the biggest draws:
- Climate: From the sunny Aegean islands to the mountainous mainland, Greece boasts a mild Mediterranean climate with extended summers and pleasant winters – ideal for outdoor living and activities year-round.
- Culture & History: Few places offer the depth of cultural heritage found in Greece, the birthplace of Western civilization, democracy, and iconic philosophers and intellectuals. Ancient archaeological sites like the Parthenon and Acropolis exist alongside picturesque whitewashed villages and cobblestone paths.
- Cuisine: The Mediterranean diet is world-renowned for its health benefits, and Greek food takes it to delicious heights. From locally-sourced seafood and olive oil to dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and salads bursting with flavors, it’s a food lover’s paradise.
- Natural Beauty: Whether it’s the rugged cliffs and blue-domed houses of Santorini, the turquoise waters surrounding Crete and other islands, or the snow-capped peaks of the Pindus mountain range, Greece dazzles with its diverse landscapes.
- Cost of Living: Despite being in the Eurozone, the overall cost of living in Greece remains quite affordable for expats, especially outside of Athens. Affordable housing, transportation, dining out, and other costs make it budget-friendly.
- Connectivity: Even on remote islands, Greece has excellent internet infrastructure and connectivity to allow digital nomads to work efficiently from anywhere within the country. The internet speed is also good and improved in recent years.
- Strategic Location: Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Greece serves as the gateway to exploring multiple regions and continents with ease.
With its new digital nomad visa, Greece aims to attract more remote professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to experience everything this ancient yet modern nation has to offer.
Benefits of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Residence Permit provides a range of key benefits that appeal to location-independent professionals:
- Legalize Long-Term Stays: Rather than tourist visa runs, the residence permit legalizes stays of up to one year initially, renewable annually. This eliminates uncertainties around visitation limits.
- Low Income Tax Rates: Non-EU residents only pay income taxes of 9% on annual foreign-sourced income up to €30,000. Higher brackets still have preferential rates compared to many nations.
- Healthcare Access: Visa holders gain access to Greece’s public healthcare system by paying modest monthly fees based on their age and income level, rather than costly international health plans.
- Schengen Travel: The digital nomad visa allows holders to freely travel throughout the 26 European nations in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days during each 180-day period.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After 5 years of residing continuously in Greece, digital nomads can apply for permanent residency, which grants more freedoms and rights.
- Enjoying Island Life: With the visa, remote workers can experience living and working from idyllic Greek islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete while enjoying beaches, pristine waters, and laid-back lifestyles.
For remote professionals seeking a high quality of life and tax benefits while legally residing in Europe long-term, Greece’s new digital nomad visa offers an enticing opportunity.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for Greece’s digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a third-country (non-EU/EEA) national
- Be self-employed as a freelancer/contractor providing services remotely to clients outside of Greece
- Or be an employee legally working remotely for a company registered and operating outside of Greece
- Earn a stable monthly income of at least €3,500 (higher for families) from foreign sources to cover living costs
- Have comprehensive medical insurance (travel, accident, hospitalization, etc.) valid for at least one year
- Possess a clear criminal record with no prior convictions restricting your entry to Greece
Citizens of EU and EEA member countries, as well as those with permanent residency in the EU, do not require this visa and can stay indefinitely thanks to freedom of movement rules.
The key factor is ensuring you derive income solely from entities outside of Greece and will not seek employment from Greek companies during your stay.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Residence Permit, applicants must submit documentation proving they meet the eligibility requirements, including:
- Completed visa application forms with personal details, photos, and reason for stay
- Valid passport (validity of at least 1 year remaining upon arrival in Greece)
- Proof of self-employment (freelance contracts, client invoices, etc.) or remote employment (work contract, employer letter, recent pay stubs, etc.)
- Financial requirements – Proof of income (bank statements showing consistent income above the threshold)
- Comprehensive travel/health insurance policy valid for at least 1 year with Greek territorial coverage
- Criminal record clearance certificate from home country and any nation resided in during the past 5 years
- Proof of accommodation arrangements via rental contract, property deed, or other evidence
- Additional financial means to cover any dependents accompanying the applicant
- A medical certificate to evidence that you are healthy e.g. no contagious diseases.
- Payment of required visa and resident permit fees (application fees), typically €75-150 annually plus service charges
It’s prudent for applicants to work with visa agencies that specialize in Greece’s digital nomad program to ensure all requirements are properly addressed prior to submission.
How to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Here are the key steps involved in applying for Greece’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit:
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all necessary paperwork proving eligibility, income sources, insurance, clean background, accommodation, and funds. Make copies and translations if needed.
- Schedule Appointment: Contact the nearest Greek embassy or consulate authorized for visa processing. Schedule an in-person appointment, which may require wait times.
- Submit Application: Arrive on time with a completed application and all supporting documentation. Biometric data like fingerprints will be collected. The Consular officer will evaluate your application.
- Application Processing: Once submitted, the typical processing time is around 2-3 months for a decision to be rendered after thorough vetting and background checks.
- Visa Issuance: If approved, you’ll be notified to provide your passport for visa issuance. You may need to pay any remaining fees at this point as well.
- Relocation to Greece: With the digital nomad visa in hand, you can then book travel and make arrangements to relocate to Greece within the period the visa is valid. Many choose Athens as a base.
- Obtaining the Residency Permit
- Within days of arriving, register your residency request at the local Alien’s Bureau office
- Provide additional documents like rental contract and appointment for biometrics
- Wait for processing and issuance of the physical residency permit card (can take weeks)
- The residency permit matches the duration of your entry visa, usually 1 year initially
- Renewal for 2nd Year
- Start renewal process a few months before residency permit expires
- Provide updated documents showing you still meet requirements
- Pay a lower renewal fee
- Residency permit can be extended for up to 1 additional year
The entire process can take 3-5 months from start to finish. Therefore, it’s advisable to begin very early – ideally 6 months prior to your desired arrival date in Greece. Using a visa agency can streamline the process.
Cost of Living in Greece for Digital Nomads
One of the biggest draws of Greece as a European country for remote workers and expats is the relatively low cost of living compared to many other parts of Western Europe. Here’s an overview of typical living costs for digital nomads:
Housing:
- Rent for a modest 1-bedroom apartment: €400-600/month in Athens, €300-500/month in other cities
- Rental deposit: Usually equivalent to 1-2 month’s rent upfront
- Utilities (electric, water, internet): Around €80-150/month in total
Food & Dining:
- Groceries: €200-300/month for one person cooking at home
- Restaurant meal: €10-18 for a casual local establishment, €25+ for nicer places
- Coffee/snacks: €2-5 for a coffee and light pastry/sandwich
- Here are the remaining sections written out with additional details:
Transportation:
- Public transit pass: Around €30/month in Athens for buses/metro
- Taxi rides: Short rides around €5, longer rides €10-20
- Gas: Currently around €1.80 per liter ($7 per gallon)
- Monthly bus/train passes are very affordable for inter-city travel
Healthcare:
- Public healthcare access: Around €200-400 per year based on age/income
- Private health insurance: Starts around €50-100/month for basic coverage
- Doctor visit co-pay: €5-15 for public system, €30-60 private
Entertainment & Leisure:
- Drinks at a café/bar: €4-8 for beer, wine or cocktails
- Movies: €8 for new movies, €5-6 for older titles
- Gym membership: Around €30-50/month for basic fitness clubs
- Mobile data plan: €10-30/month for 10-30GB of high-speed data
Overall, a monthly budget of €1,500-2,500 can allow for a comfortable life in Greece for a single digital nomad factoring in rent, food, transport, healthcare, and entertainment. The cost of living is lower outside Athens in smaller cities and islands.
Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Greece
One of the key benefits of obtaining the digital nomad visa is gaining access to Greece’s preferential tax treatment for foreign-sourced income. Greek tax residents pay very low rates making it an attractive option for tax reduction:
- First €10,000 of income: Completely exempt from Greek income taxes
- €10,001 to €30,000: Flat 9% tax rate
- €30,001 to €50,000: 22% tax rate
- Over €50,000: 28% top marginal rate
So a digital nomad earning €40,000 per year from overseas would only owe €3,600 in Greek income taxes (9% on the first €30k, 22% on the remaining €10k). For a U.S. citizen, that could result in a significant tax reduction after applying foreign tax credits.
Greece as a European country has double taxation treaties with over 60 nations to prevent the same income from being taxed twice. However, you’ll need to continue filing tax returns and potentially paying some home country taxes, offset by credits for Greek taxes paid.
As a digital nomad, spending less than 6 months in the country will mean that you are not required to pay taxes by the Greek government. It’s essential to receive customized tax advice based on your circumstances, as tax residency rules, self-employment taxes, timing issues, and other factors can greatly impact your tax liabilities and proper planning.
For more information on other European Digital Nomad Visas you might want to consider click here to find out more!
FAQs About the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?
Yes, citizens of the United States are eligible to apply for the Greek Digital Nomad Residence Permit as long as all other requirements around income, health insurance, remote employment/self-employment, and background checks are satisfied.
Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?
In most cases, yes – United States permanent residents (Green Card holders) should also qualify for Greece’s digital nomad visa since the key determining criteria is being a third-country (non-EU/EEA) national rather than immigration status specifics.
Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?
No, citizens of European Union and European Economic Area member states do not need Greece’s digital nomad visa. They can stay in Greece (and all EU/EEA nations) indefinitely by simply registering their presence thanks to EU Freedom of Movement laws.
Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?
Yes, your country of residence is not a factor – eligibility depends solely on your nationality as a non-EU/EEA citizen able to prove stable income from foreign sources and meet the other criteria like health insurance and a clean background record. You can apply at the Greek embassy for your place of residence.
How long can you stay in Greece with a digital nomad visa?
The initial duration is up to 1 year from the entry date listed on your digital nomad residence permit. You can then apply for a 1-year renewal to extend your total stay up to 2 consecutive years in Greece on this type of visa.
How Much Does the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The government fees for the digital nomad visa are €600-900 for the initial permit, and €300 or so for each annual renewal. Additional costs may include a visa service fee for agencies assisting with the process, document translations, insurance, etc.
Can I work for a Greek company?
No, the digital nomad visa does not permit you to pursue any employment, entrepreneurial activities, or being hired to work for companies based in Greece itself. Your income must originate from clients, employers or businesses located outside of Greece. Working locally requires a different visa type.
With its low taxes, affordable living costs, great climate, rich history and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why Greece has become such an appealing destination for digital nomads. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and income requirements, the new residence permit offers an incredible opportunity to legally live out the remote lifestyle in the Greek islands or cities for up to 2 years at a time. Just be sure to plan very far ahead and enlist professional help for the visa process.
NOTICE: The content of this article is not to be considered as a legal opinion, financial advice or tax advice. Millionaire Wealth Guide does not hold itself out as a legal, financial or tax advisor. If you want to receive a legal opinion or tax advice on the matter in this article please contact us directly and we will refer you to a legal practitioner.
