All About Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa in 2024 by RoomSolvers

Greece is not only a top destination for tourists but has also become increasingly popular as a place to live, especially among digital nomads. Its appeal comes from its beautiful historic cities, scenic coastlines, fascinating history, and a lifestyle that perfectly blends enjoyment with relaxation.

For digital nomads attracted to this lifestyle, there's good news. Since 2021, Greece has offered a digital nomad visa, welcoming nomads and their families to the country.

Greece is known for its affordability, with Numbeo estimating that a single person's monthly living costs, excluding rent, are around £695. Even when you add rent, the total expenses remain reasonable. Rent prices in Greece are about 59.4% lower on average than in the United Kingdom, and this affordability extends to living in city centers.

Greece
Tony Kariotis

In addition to housing, expenses like food, utilities, and public transportation are also quite budget-friendly in Greece. The country also offers numerous co-working spaces in its cities, catering to those who need a professional environment. For those who prefer working in more relaxed settings, Greece has improved its internet speed significantly to 69.12 Mbps, as reported by Speedtest by Ookla. Many coffee shops and cafes provide excellent internet connectivity and delightful local cuisine, making them ideal for working remotely.

For digital nomads planning to stay in Greece for less than six months, there's an added financial benefit: they are not required to pay taxes to the Greek government. This makes Greece an especially attractive destination for short-term relocation. Furthermore, even for longer stays, Greece has introduced a 50% tax reduction, enhancing its appeal as a cost-effective location for digital nomads.

To be eligible for Greece's digital nomad visa, applicants must meet certain criteria.

Firstly, only non-EU citizens can apply. They need to provide evidence of being employed as remote workers for companies not registered in Greece. This includes presenting an employment contract.

The required documentation for the application includes a valid passport, a cover letter explaining their desire to live and work in Greece, a clean criminal record, proof of accommodation in Greece, health insurance coverage, and evidence of a monthly income over €3,500.

One less favorable requirement is to show proof of a return flight ticket. This is to assure Greece that digital nomads won't overstay their welcome.

To apply, candidates must compile all these documents, pay an application fee of €75 plus a €150 administration fee, and set up an appointment at the nearest Greek embassy.

In addition to the digital nomad visa, applicants must also apply for a residency permit at the nearest Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralized Administration office.

The processing time for the visa ranges from two weeks to a month. Family members, including a spouse and children under 18, can also accompany the applicant.

The digital nomad visa is valid for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewing for an additional two years, allowing for an extended stay in Greece for those who find themselves charmed by the country.

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