What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa National visa is a type of national visa that enables remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed individuals to reside in Greece while continuing to work for employers or clients located abroad.
The visa is intended to be a long-term solution and provides a solid and legal alternative to the 90-day Schengen tourist visa. The first visa is for one year. After this period, if you want to stay longer, then you can apply for the Two-year residence permit which is renewable and will help you reside in the country for a long duration. The main qualification is that you are self-employed and your income is from outside Greece.
Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
The eligibility criteria for the Digital Nomad Greece Visa include a set of requirements that demonstrate financial sustainability and remote work status.
The main requirements are:
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizenship: The visa is open only for third country nationals.
- Proof of Remote Work: You need to provide evidence of an employment contract from a company based outside of Greece or, if you are a freelance worker, a contract or evidence of ongoing client work. You must demonstrate you can conduct your work using information and communication technology.
- Minimum Monthly Income: This is an important criterion. Your monthly net income must be a minimum of EUR3,500 per month after tax. This money must be generated from your remote work and generated on an ongoing basis.
- Dependent income requirements:
- Add 20% to a spouse or cohabitant’s base income.
- Add 15% for each dependent child.
- Health Insurance: It is mandatory to have valid health insurance which can cover your stay in Greece.
- Clean Criminal Record: A criminal background check is required, from the country of residence.
- Proof of Accommodation: You will need to provide proof of accommodation in Greece, such as proof of rental or hotel booking.
Family friendly, the visa does not require you to be a single parent, you can take your spouse and, if you have dependent children, the children under the age of 18 years (or over the age of 18 years if they are financially and/or medically dependent).
The Application Process: What to Know, Step-by-Step
The application process for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa can be intimidating, but it’s a structured process that, when followed properly, is relatively simple.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Begin by gathering all the required paperwork. This is the most crucial step. All documents must be translated officially into Greek or English and in certain cases Apostille-certified.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after the intended duration of stay.
- Filled Application Form: The official application form for “Long Stay National Visa (Type D)”
- Passport Pictures: Two current biometric passport-style photos.
- Proof of Remote Work: Your work contract, client contracts or a letter from your employer that you’re considered to be employed in a remote workplace.
- Proof of Income: Recent bank statements or pay slips or invoices to confirm you meet the minimum income requirements.
- Declaration Letter: Signed letter stating you want to work remotely for a foreign company and you won’t seek employment in Greece.
- Health Insurance: Health Insurance – Certificate from your Insurance Company confirming coverage from Greece.
- Criminal Record Certificate: A background check of your country of residence.
- Medical Certificate: A recent medical certificate issued by a recognized state or private body that you are in good health.
- Accommodation Proof of Booking: Lease or booking confirmation.
Step 2: Apply for the Visa
You need to apply for the visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You will need to schedule an appointment and drop-off your entire file in-person.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
There is a non-refundable application fee of about EUR75. If approved, you will be required to pay an administration fee of EUR150 (another EUR150 for each family member that is accompanying you).
Step 4: Wait for the Decision
The visa application is usually processed within 10 business days. However, this depends on the consulate and the complexity of your case. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a national D visa sticker in your passport.
Step 5: Apply for a Residence Permit
After entering Greece, you need to apply for a two-year residence permit to the local Aliens and Immigration Department within 90 days. This is what can keep you in Greece for the long run and grant you with the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area. The fee for residence permit is EUR1,000 plus a small administrative fee.
The Lifestyle: Why Greece is the Ideal Choice?
Apart from the legal structure, living as a digital nomad in Greece is a unique experience.
- Rich History and Culture: Greece is an open-air museum. From the Acropolis in Athens to the ancient ruins of Delphi, you are surrounded by history.
- Stunning Landscapes: The country is blessed with a remarkable diversity of landscapes, from the sun-kissed islands of the Aegean and Ionian seas to the rugged mountainous landscapes of the mainland.
- Affordable Cost of Living: While popular tourist destinations like Santorini come with high prices, living in Athens, Thessaloniki or on one of the bigger, not so touristic islands, is very cheap, especially when compared with other Western European countries.
- Delicious Mediterranean Cuisine: Food is a highlight, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients like olive oil, seafood and vegetables.
- Work-Life Balance: The Greek way of life favors a relaxed lifestyle. Because of this, the focus on community, family, and enjoying life can be a refreshing change for someone used to a fast-paced work culture.
Tax Considerations for Digital Nomads
Taxation is an important issue. As a general rule, if you live in Greece for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you are tax resident. This implies that your income all over the world can be taxed by Greece.
But, Greece also offers a huge advantage for new residents, including digital nomads, in terms of taxes. Under a special tax regime, you can receive a 50% income tax reduction during the first seven years of your residency. The requirements are that you have been resident in Greece for the last five of the last six tax years and that you were a non-tax resident of Greece. This can result in significant savings and makes the visa an even more appealing option.
