Greece is becoming an attractive destination for remote workers, freelancers and entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to live abroad without giving up their international careers. With its Mediterranean climate, beautiful islands, historic cities and relaxed lifestyle, the country offers more than just a holiday destination.
For people who work online, Greece also provides a legal immigration route through its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows eligible non-EU and non-EEA nationals to live in Greece while continuing to work remotely for employers or clients based outside the country.
Whether you are a freelancer, remote employee, consultant or business owner, Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa could provide an opportunity to experience life in Europe while maintaining your existing source of income.
Here is what you need to know about the Greek Digital Nomad Visa, including its eligibility requirements, minimum income, application process, fees and benefits.
What Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a national visa designed for people who earn their income through remote work and want to reside in Greece.
Introduced in 2021, the programme allows eligible non-EU and non-EEA nationals to live in Greece while working for foreign companies, operating businesses outside Greece or providing services to international clients.
The visa is particularly suitable for professionals whose jobs can be performed using a computer and an internet connection.
Examples include:
- Software developers and IT professionals.
- Digital marketers and social media managers.
- Graphic designers and web developers.
- Freelance writers and content creators.
- Online consultants and business advisers.
- Virtual assistants and remote administrative professionals.
- Online business owners and international entrepreneurs.
One important condition is that applicants cannot use this visa to take up ordinary employment with a Greek company or provide services to Greek-based clients.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Applicants must satisfy certain financial, professional and legal requirements before they can qualify for the programme.
The main requirements include:
1. Nationality
The programme is intended for non-EU and non-EEA nationals who want to reside in Greece while working remotely. EU and EEA citizens generally have separate rights to live and work in Greece.
2. Remote employment
Applicants must demonstrate that they work remotely for an employer or clients located outside Greece.
Self-employed applicants must provide evidence of their business activities and demonstrate that their business is established outside Greece.
3. Minimum monthly income
Applicants must demonstrate a minimum net monthly income of €3,500 after taxes.
The financial requirement increases when family members accompany the main applicant.
4. Suitable remote work
Your occupation must allow you to perform your professional responsibilities remotely using information and communication technology.
5. Clean criminal record
Applicants must provide the required criminal record documentation from the relevant authorities.
6. Health insurance
Applicants must provide appropriate health or travel insurance covering their stay in Greece.
How Much Do You Need to Earn to Qualify?
The minimum income requirement is one of the most important considerations when applying for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa.
The main applicant must demonstrate at least €3,500 in net monthly income.
If you intend to relocate with your family, the financial threshold increases.
The requirements are calculated as follows:
| Applicant | Required monthly income |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | €3,500 |
| Applicant + spouse/partner | €4,200 |
| Applicant + one child | €4,025 |
| Applicant + spouse + one child | €4,725 |
| Applicant + spouse + two children | €5,250 |
The additional requirement is 20% for a spouse or partner and 15% for each dependent child.
Applicants should provide reliable evidence of their income through employment contracts, service agreements, business documentation or bank statements, as applicable.
How Long Can You Stay in Greece?
The Greek Digital Nomad Visa initially allows successful applicants to reside in Greece for up to 12 months.
However, those who wish to remain longer may apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit.
The residence permit can provide an additional two years of residence, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.
This means eligible applicants can potentially stay in Greece for up to three years through the initial visa and subsequent residence permit.
It is important to understand that the residence permit is not automatically issued. Applicants must follow the required procedure and continue satisfying the programme’s conditions.
How to Apply for a Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The application process begins with gathering the necessary documents and contacting the appropriate Greek consulate.
Here are the main steps:
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the nationality, employment and minimum income requirements.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Applicants should prepare the relevant supporting documents, including:
- Valid international passport.
- Completed national visa application form.
- Employment contract or evidence of freelance activities.
- Proof of monthly income.
- Bank statements or other financial evidence.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Medical certificate where required.
- Health or travel insurance.
- Declaration confirming that the applicant intends to work remotely for foreign employers or clients.
Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the consulate handling the application.
Step 3: Submit your application
Applications are submitted through the relevant Greek consular authority in the applicant’s country of residence.
Applicants should contact the consulate beforehand to confirm appointment procedures, document requirements and payment arrangements.
Step 4: Wait for a decision
The application will be reviewed by the relevant Greek authorities. Processing times can vary depending on the consulate and individual circumstances.
Step 5: Travel to Greece
Once the visa has been approved, the applicant can travel to Greece and begin their remote-working stay.
Step 6: Apply for a residence permit if necessary
If you intend to remain beyond the initial visa period, you should follow the applicable residence permit procedure before your visa expires.
A recent change to Greek immigration rules means applicants can no longer switch from tourist status to the Digital Nomad Residence Permit while already in Greece. The correct Digital Nomad Visa must be obtained before travelling.
How Much Does the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
Applicants should budget for both the initial visa application and any subsequent residence permit.
The published initial visa application fee is approximately €75, although consular procedures and additional expenses may vary.
For those who later apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit, the published administrative fee is €1,000, with an additional €150 for each accompanying family member.
Other potential expenses include:
- Health and travel insurance.
- Document translation and certification.
- Criminal record documentation.
- Medical certificates.
- Travel expenses.
- Accommodation and initial living costs.
Applicants should confirm the latest fees with the relevant Greek consulate and immigration authorities before making financial arrangements.
Can You Bring Your Family to Greece?
Yes. Greece allows eligible Digital Nomad Visa holders to bring immediate family members, provided the relevant financial and documentation requirements are satisfied.
This can make the programme particularly attractive to remote workers who want to relocate with their spouses and children.
However, accompanying family members are subject to additional financial requirements.
It is also important to note that family members accompanying a digital nomad under this programme are generally not permitted to undertake employment or independent economic activity in Greece.
Is Greece a Good Place for Digital Nomads?
Beyond the immigration benefits, Greece offers a lifestyle that can appeal to remote professionals looking for a different working environment.
The country combines historic attractions, coastal communities, modern urban centres and a Mediterranean climate.
Some destinations worth considering include:
Athens
Athens is a popular choice for people who prefer city living. It offers access to restaurants, cafés, business facilities, coworking spaces and cultural attractions.
Thessaloniki
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, university population and waterfront, Thessaloniki offers an appealing alternative to the capital.
Crete
Crete is an attractive option for people who enjoy island living, beaches, traditional villages and a slower pace of life.
Rhodes
Rhodes combines historical attractions, coastal scenery and a tourism-oriented environment that may appeal to remote workers seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Corfu
With its green landscapes, historic architecture and coastal communities, Corfu offers another option for people interested in living and working remotely in Greece.
Before choosing a destination, applicants should consider accommodation costs, internet availability, transport connections and access to everyday services.
Taxes for Digital Nomads Living in Greece
Taxation is another important issue to consider before relocating.
Holding a Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically make someone exempt from Greek taxes.
Under Greek tax rules, individuals may become tax residents if they establish their permanent or habitual residence or centre of vital interests in Greece. Spending more than 183 days in Greece during a 12-month period can also trigger tax residency, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
Greek tax residents may be subject to taxation on income earned both inside and outside Greece.
Greece also has certain tax incentive arrangements for eligible individuals relocating their tax residence. However, eligibility depends on specific conditions, and applicants should not assume that the Digital Nomad Visa automatically qualifies them for a tax reduction.
It is advisable to seek professional tax advice before relocating, particularly if you receive income from foreign employment, freelance contracts or an overseas business.
Benefits of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The programme offers several potential advantages to eligible remote workers.
- Legal residence: It provides a recognised route to live in Greece while maintaining foreign employment or business activities.
- Longer stays: Applicants can initially stay for up to one year and potentially extend their residence through a two-year permit.
- Family relocation: Eligible applicants can bring immediate family members.
- Mediterranean lifestyle: Residents can experience Greece’s climate, culture, food and coastal destinations.
- Remote working opportunities: Professionals can continue serving international employers and clients.
- European location: Greece provides access to the wider European travel network, subject to applicable travel and residence rules.
Things to Consider Before Moving to Greece
Although the programme offers an attractive opportunity, relocating to another country requires proper preparation.
The €3,500 minimum monthly income requirement may be a significant financial barrier for some freelancers and remote workers.
Applicants should also consider the cost of accommodation, healthcare arrangements, taxation and the practical challenges of settling in a new country.
Internet quality can vary depending on the location, particularly between major cities and smaller islands. Anyone whose work depends on reliable connectivity should investigate available internet services before signing a rental agreement.
Language can also be a consideration. Although English is widely used in tourist and international business environments, learning basic Greek can make everyday life easier.
Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Worth Considering?
For professionals who already have stable remote employment, international clients or an established online business, Greece offers an interesting opportunity to combine their careers with life in the Mediterranean.
Its Digital Nomad Visa provides a legal route for eligible non-EU and non-EEA nationals to live in the country while continuing to work for businesses and clients abroad.
However, the programme is not suitable for everyone. The minimum monthly income requirement, documentation, application expenses and tax considerations should all be carefully evaluated before making a decision.
For people who meet the requirements and are prepared for the financial responsibilities, Greece could offer an opportunity to build a new lifestyle without abandoning an established international career.
Before applying, always confirm the latest immigration requirements and fees with the Greek consulate or the relevant Greek government authorities.