With its sunny climate, friendly people, and low cost of living, Greece is a popular destination for remote workers. The Greek digital nomad visa offers advantages for those coming to work, but the country provides options for those who want to stay longer.
In September 2021, Greece joined the many other countries that want to attract permanent foreign investors and remote workers by issuing the Greek Digital Nomad Visa under Law 4825/2021.
Greece appeals to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and other remote working individuals for its beauty, delicious food, and affordable housing/coworking spaces. Good internet connectivity and efficient public transportation make it easy to hop from island to island and get the most out of your stay in this European country without losing work time.
Are the requirements for getting a digital nomad visa relatively easy? How long can you use it for, and what are other options to stay in the country?
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Why Is Greece A Popular Spot For Tourists And Remote Workers?
Tourists and digital nomads love Greece for several reasons:
Greece has famous ancient ruins and other historical sites, including the Acropolis, Akrotiri, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Hephaestus. According to UNESCO, the country has 18 famous archeological sites worth seeing and saving.
Athens, the capital city of Greece, has a balance of daily life and nightlife. Whether you’re interested in walking or bus tours, souvenir hunting, or nighttime activities, you’ll never be bored. Check out the Monastiraki Flea Market to shop and eat and Paradox Project for a family-friendly fun room escape experience.
Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete are just a few magnificent Greek islands. The whole country is known for beautiful beaches, mountaintops, and villages filled with traditional whitewashed houses. The mainland has the longest coastline in Europe.
The Mediterranean climate and cuisine are attractive to both tourists and remote workers. Gyros, baked moussaka, olive oil, and feta cheese are examples of delicious traditional Greek food. And don’t forget the baklava.
Greece is a friendly country. It’s easy to make friends and do business in. Expats can meet like-minded people at various online and in-person events.
Does Greece Offer What Remote Workers Need?
The country covers the basic digital nomads’ needs. Internet connection is solid in most places. Greece has dramatically improved its internet speed in recent years. However, according to Nomad List rankings, wi-fi may be slower than in other European countries.
Local transportation is affordable and includes ferries, buses, car rentals, and planes. Athens is abundant with coworking spaces, and they are also available outside of the capital for those who want to save more money and stay in a slow-paced city.
Does Greece Offer A Digital Nomad Visa?
Greece is a European Union country offering a digital nomad visa. It also has the following visa types:
- Tourist visa (for tourism purposes)
- Visitor visa (used to visit friends/family members who live in Greece)
- Business visa (for business purposes)
- Medical visa (for undergoing medical treatments)
- Short-term study/student visa (used to enroll in a maximum of three-month courses within 180 consecutive days)
- Cultural visa (for participating in cultural events, sports, or film shooting)
- National/long-stay/type D visa (used to stay in Greece for more than three months)
Unlike some other countries where you cannot extend an existing visa, you can do so in Greece and apply for the digital nomad visa, a type of the D- visa series.
What Other Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous countries across the globe to create digital nomad visas for easier entry of remote workers. Some of those countries in Europe and other parts of the world are:
How Do I Get A Digital Nomad Visa For Greece?
The Greek digital nomad visa eligibility requirements are:
- To be a non-EEA/Schengen Area/non-EU citizen
- To be self-employed or work remotely for a foreign company via communication technologies
- To have a minimum monthly income of 3,500 EUR (about $3,830) — this amount increases when bringing family members
The digital nomad visa application process involves submitting the following required documents to the Greek consulate or Greek embassy in your home country:
- Accurately filled-in application form
- Visa fee payment receipt (75 EUR, amounting to around $82)
- Valid passport
- Declaration letter stating your intended purpose of the stay
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of employment (an employment contract or a letter from your employer)
- Proof of a required monthly income (bank statements)
- Proof of health insurance
- Medical certificate
- Clean criminal record certificate
Alternatively, if you are already in Greece on another visa (or don’t need a visa since it’s in the Schengen zone), you can apply at the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. The institution approves and issues Greece digital nomad visas within about 10 days.
How Much Income Is Required For Digital Nomad Visa In Greece?
Minimum salary requirements depend on if you’re applying alone or with family members. In 2023, you need to make over $3,800 per month as a person traveling alone. You’re allowed to bring your spouse/partner and children with you on your digital nomad visa. The amount is increased by 20% for a partner and 15% per child.
To verify your income, you need a declaration letter stating relevant details about your job/company, a description of the job, which must be doable online, and the salary you will earn to ensure you meet the financial requirements. It must state that you won’t work for a company registered in Greece for the duration of your stay.
How Long Is The Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?
If you want to live and work abroad without having to worry about moving frequently, Greece is a place to consider.
The Greek digital nomad visa is valid for a year. It is renewable and can be extended for another year. It’s essential to apply for an extension before its expiration date.
You can also obtain a renewable, two-year digital nomad residence permit, and extend it for two more years if you are not absent from the country for more than six months per year.
If you are interested in obtaining permanent residence, these two options are convenient for accumulating the time for the seven-year period necessary to immigrate to Greece. Plus, they can give you a lot of time to enjoy the country along the way.
