In this article, we will walk you through the major requirements and everything you need to know about the Greece digital nomad visa. So, let’s get started.
Greece is a paradise for many. Even if you haven’t been there, you must have heard about its unique attractions.
And it is no longer the favorite destination for tourists alone. Even remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs can now enjoy what this southern European gem has to offer via the Greece digital nomad visa.
Greece launched this new visa scheme through Law 4825/2021, which allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Greece if they meet the basic requirements.
What is the Greek Digital Nomad Visa?
Greece is among the latest countries to issue a digital nomad visa to non-EU citizens who wish to live or work in the country for at least one year.
The country launched this travel authorization scheme in September 2021. The new visa scheme is a perfect solution for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who want to live and work in Greece.
Of course, there are a few requirements that they must meet before being issued the Greece digital nomad visa. We will learn more about them later.
Quick View of Things You Should Know Before Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa
| Greek Digital Nomad Visa Questions | Answer |
| What is the average internet speed? | The average download speed is 43.57 Mbps, while the upload speed is 7.16 Mbps. |
| Is Greece friendly to foreigners? | Definitely, Greeks are generally friendly to visitors and foreign residents. |
| Are there high-quality co-working spaces in Greece? | There are many coworking spaces spread through major cities and towns in Greece. The best-rated one is Stone Soup, which is located in Athens. |
| How much do coworking spaces cost in Greece? | Expect to spend around €147 (~$156) per month for a decent coworking space. |
| What are the most popular destinations for digital nomads in Greece? | The most popular destination for digital nomads is Athens. Of course, you could also try several coastal towns if you are adventurous. |
| How is the weather and climate in Greece? | Being a Mediterranean climate zone, Greece is generally warm. The average annual temperature is 25.2°C (77.3°F). In total, there are 225 sunny days and only 115 cloudy days. The hottest month is August, when the temperature rises to 28.7°C (84°F). Similarly, the coldest month is January at 10°C (50°F).In terms of air quality, Greece enjoys a moderate quality of US AQI 65. |
| What is the average cost of living in Greece? | A single person can survive on €850–€1,100 (~$900–$1,165) each month.For a family of four, expect to spend about €2,400 (~$2,541) each month. |
| Other interesting facts about Greece | The city of Thessaloniki is gradually becoming Greece’s Silicon Valley. |
Benefits of the Greek Digital Nomad Visa
Holders of a digital nomad visa in Greece stand to benefit in many ways. Here are just a few of them:
- Tax Exemption: Only digital nomads who spend more than six months in Greece are considered tax residents. In other words, you will not be subject to taxes if you spend less than six months in Greece. Besides this, Greece offers a 50% tax reduction for residents who stay in the country for at least two years.
- Straightforward and Affordable Application: The application process is hassle-free. If you can meet all the requirements, you can get your visa in less than ten days. Moreover, the visa will only cost you €75 per applicant.
- Unique Attractions: Greece boasts hundreds of breathtaking attractions. With its diverse landscape surrounded by beautiful beaches, Greece is one of the few digital nomad destinations that offers the best experience. The greater part of the country is covered in natural beauty and warm throughout the year, making it an ideal place for outdoor adventures. In addition to this, you can enjoy different adventures along its 15,000-kilometer coastline. Popular beach outdoor activities include trekking, camping, skiing, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, canoeing, and various sea sports.
- Unique Cuisine: Greek cuisine is popular for its age-old recipes. Its cuisine borrows a lot from the Italian, Middle Eastern, and Ottoman cultures. If you have visited Greece before, you will attest that its cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients like fish, meat, vegetables, wine, grains, and olive oil, along with herbs, bread, yogurt, and cheese. Some popular foods you can enjoy while in the country are papoutsakia, moussaka, soutzoukakia (meat balls), and pastitsio (lasagna).
Who Qualifies for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
As mentioned earlier, the main target population for the Greek digital nomad visa is non-EU nationals. It means that European Union citizens, the Schengen Area, and the European Economic Area are not eligible for the Greece digital nomad visa.
The main reason is that citizens of the Schengen Area already enjoy visa-free movement to all the countries in the Schengen Area.
Besides this, these citizens can work and live in Greece without the need for a visa.
Also Read: Digital Nomad Visa Spain: Everything You Need To Know
Where to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
You can apply for the Greece digital nomad visa in two main ways, based on your current location.
1. If You Are In Greece
Potential applicants who are already in the country can apply for the Greek digital nomad visa via the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
It would be best if you applied for the Digital Residence Permit before the expiration of your current visa.
2. If You Are Outside Greece
You can still apply for the digital nomad visa even if you are outside the country. You will do so via your local Greek consulate or embassy.
Sometimes, you can complete most of the application online, but you still need to visit the embassy for an interview.
Eligibility Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece digital nomad visa is not available for anyone. You must meet these eligibility requirements. As you will find out, you will need to provide supporting documents and a few specific documents stipulated in Greece’s Immigration Code.
Here is the full list of documents you need to qualify for a digital nomad visa in Greece:
- A valid passport
- Colored passport photos
- Filled-out application form
- A clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of payment for the visa application fee
- Proof of travel or medical insurance that extends the validity of your visa
- A clean medical certificate proving that you don’t suffer from contagious diseases
- An employment contract with a company based outside Greece
- A solemn written declaration stating that you will not work with companies in Greece
- A proof of income exceeding €3,500 (~$3,774) per month. In this case, you need to provide a bank statement or the employment contract. If your spouse or child accompanies you, you should earn at least €4,200 (~$4,470) per month and €4,025 (~$4,283) per month, respectively.
- Provide the address of the accommodation.
How to Apply for a Greek Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is straightforward. Application for the Greece digital nomad visa usually involves these steps:
1. Book an Appointment with the Greek Embassy or Consulate
If you are outside Greece, you can contact your local Greek embassy or consulate and make an appointment.
The embassies or consulates will also provide you with more information about the application process.
2. Provide the Required Documentation
You must take with you all the required documents on the date of your appointment. You can refer to the section above for the full list of requirements.
3. Fill Out the Application Form
If you have prepared your documents, then you can fill out the application form. The good thing is that this form is already available online.
4. Attend the Appointment
Be sure to prepare all the documents and fill out the application form correctly before honoring the appointment.
Carry these documents with you to the embassy or consulate. Also, be prepared to answer any question they may ask you.
5. Pay for the Application
The Greece digital nomad visa is generally affordable. They charge a fee of €75 per applicant. Be mindful that the application fee is supposed to cater to the services that the Greek consulate or embassy offers.
In that case, the fee is nonrefundable, even if your application is unsuccessful.
6. Wait for the Response
Greek embassies and consulates have a stipulated time in which they must respond to your application. In most cases, you will get feedback within ten days.
If your application is successful, the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum will issue you a digital nomad visa. After getting your visa, you can now plan your trip.
How Long Does It Take to Be Issued with a Greek Digital Nomad Visa?
Usually, the application process is fast. According to Law 4825/2021, applicants should receive feedback before 10 days elapse.
If approved, the Ministry of Migration and Asylum will issue you with your visa. Unfortunately, the Greek government doesn’t specify how long it will take to be issued a digital nomad visa.
With that said, expect to receive your digital nomad visa within a month. In some cases, it takes a week or so.
Validity of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greek digital nomad visa is valid for 12 months. After the expiration of one year, you can choose to extend the visa for an additional one year.
So, in total, the digital nomad visa can allow you to stay in Greece for a maximum of two years.
Closing Remarks
Greece is more than ancient blue-domed churches and whitewashed buildings. The country has a rich historical and cultural heritage backed by a balanced mix of attractions ranging from mountainous landscapes to sandy beaches.
So, holding a Greece digital nomad visa allows you to explore all this while enjoying an affordable and balanced lifestyle.
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