Using the internet, you can work from just about anywhere in the world as long as you have access to wifi. Digital nomadism is becoming more and more common these days because of this flexibility, but if you want to avoid having to constantly apply for new visas while you travel, Greece might be the perfect place to call home base! The Greece digital nomad visa was launched in September 2021 and has been a popular destination for remote workers since then.
Who is the Greek digital nomad visa for?
If you’re planning on relocating to the Mediterranean country, it’s important to know if you need a visa to stay. The digital nomad visa is open to non-EU workers, entrepreneurs and freelancers who earn at least 3500 Euro per month. Its validity is for 1 year of residence but could also be extended to a digital nomad permit for 2 years.
Citizens of the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa.
How much does Greece’s Digital Nomads Visa cost?
You have to pay a fee of 75 Euro for issuing it.
Required documentation for a digital nomad visa in Greece
- A valid passport
- A clean criminal record
- Proof of health insurance and health check
- An address for accommodation.
- A work contract from an employer outside of Greece or proof of earnings for self-employed
For the full scope of documentation, always check the official information provided.
Necessary steps you need to consider when applying for Greece’s digital nomad visa
The process of application usually takes around 10 days. Here are the steps that you need to follow to obtain a visa successfully:
- Firstly, prepare the required documentation for the visa application and double check if everything is okay.
- If you are applying for the visa from inside of Greece, then you should send in the documentation to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
- If you are located outside of Greece, then you need to apply for the visa at the local Greece Embassy or Greek Consulate in your home country.
- Wait for the response of the institution. If your application is approved, you can also apply for a permanent residence permit.
- Finally, when you enter Greece with a valid digital nomad visa, you can apply for the residence permit at the Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralized Administration office.
Taxes for digital nomads in Greece
Keep in mind that the visa does not allow you to undertake any form of paid work inside the country. Nomads who are staying for less than six months working in Greece are exempt from taxes. After this period they need to pay taxes, however they would get a reduction of 50% regardless of their duration of stay after that. Greece has a progressive tax system:
- With a monthly income below €12,00 – no income tax
- From €12,00 up to €16,000 – 18% income tax
- From €16,000 to €22,000 – 24% income tax
- From €22,000 to €26,000 – 26% income tax
- From €26,000 to €32,000 – 32% income tax
- From €32,000 to €40,000 – 36% income tax
- From €40,000 to €60,000 – 38% income tax
- From €60,000 to €100,000 – 40% income tax
- Over €100,000 – 45% income tax
Final thoughts
Don’t forget that being a digital nomad can come with its challenges. It would be best for you if you find a community and a coworking space in which you can share your experience and have a better work-life atmosphere. For those looking for a more urban environment Athens and Thessaloniki offer plenty of possibilities. If you are planning to work in a more relaxed environment with quick access to the seaside then you should opt for Chania, Santorini or Mykonos. Either way, Greece is a great place to spend your time working as a digital nomad.
