Greece

Digital Nomad Visa

Greece's Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely for employers or clients outside Greece to live in the country legally. The program was originally introduced by Law 4825/2021 and is now governed by Article 68 of Law 5038/2023, the current Migration Code, which entered into force on 1 April 2024.

• Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• Work remotely for employers or clients located outside Greece using information and communication technologies
• Demonstrate minimum net income of €3,500 per month (after taxes)
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay
• Private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Greece, covering the full duration of stay
• Criminal record certificate from every country of residence in the last 5 years (translated and apostilled)
• Employment or project contract with a non-Greek employer, or proof of freelance activity with clients outside Greece
• Proof of accommodation in Greece (lease contract, property purchase, or concession of use agreement) for the residence permit
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

There are two routes to obtain digital nomad status. The primary route is to apply for a national D-type visa (category Z.1) at the Greek consulate or embassy in your country of residence. The consular fee is €75. After entering Greece with this visa, you may apply for a 2-year residence permit (type I.8) at the local Aliens and Immigration Directorate, paying a €1,000 processing fee.

Alternatively, applicants already in Greece on a short-stay visa or under visa-free entry may apply directly for the 2-year residence permit at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum's one-stop service, provided they can demonstrate property ownership or a lease agreement.

The national visa is valid for up to 12 months. The residence permit (type I.8) is issued for 2 years and is renewable for successive 2-year periods, provided all conditions continue to be met. Processing takes approximately 2 to 6 weeks for the national visa and around 40 working days for the residence permit.

The minimum income threshold is €3,500 net per month, which may be assessed monthly or as an annual average of €42,000. For a spouse or cohabitant partner, the threshold increases by 20% to €4,200 per month. Each dependent child adds 15%, or €525 per month. Income can be demonstrated through employment contracts, payslips, freelance contracts, or bank statements.

• Cannot work for Greek-based employers or clients under any circumstances
• Must work exclusively for entities outside Greece
• Family members are also prohibited from engaging in economic activity in Greece
• Holders residing 183 or more days per year may become Greek tax residents and must file tax returns on worldwide income

Under Article 5C of the Income Tax Code, individuals who transfer their tax residence to Greece may qualify for a 50% income tax reduction for up to 7 years. This incentive has specific eligibility conditions and may be more relevant for those who later transition to local employment.

A spouse or cohabitant partner and unmarried children under 18 (including legally adopted children) may accompany the main applicant. Each family member applies for an individual visa. Additional fees apply: €150 per adult family member and €16 per child for the residence permit. All family members must have health insurance coverage and provide criminal record certificates.

Links

• https://www.mfa.gr/en/services/working-in-greece-as-a-digital-nomad/
• https://migration.gov.gr/en/
• https://www.e-nomothesia.gr/kat-allodapoi/n-5038-2023.html

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Europe