Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need to Know

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If you are a digital nomad looking for a new place to live and work, Greece might just be the ideal destination.

With its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, Greece offers an appealing lifestyle for remote workers.

Since 2021, the country has been offering a Greece Digital Nomad Visa—a perfect way to enjoy long-term stays while continuing to work for a foreign company.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this visa, including its benefits, requirements, and the application process.

What Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Launched in 2021, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa was introduced to attract remote workers from around the world.

The visa allows digital nomads to live in Greece while working remotely for a non-Greek company or as a freelancer with clients abroad.

With this visa, you can live in Greece for up to 12 months initially, with the option to extend your stay for up to five years.

One of the key benefits is the fast processing time, which typically takes around 10 days, making it a convenient option for those eager to relocate quickly.

Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

To qualify for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, there are several important requirements that applicants must meet:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Greece.

• Minimum income: Applicants must show proof of earning at least 3,500€ net per month.

  If you are bringing family members, this income requirement increases.

• Employment status: You must be employed by a foreign company or work as a freelancer for clients outside of Greece.

• Clean criminal record: A certificate confirming that you have no criminal record is required.

• Health insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage for the entirety of your stay.

• Accommodation address: Proof of where you will be living during your stay in Greece is also necessary.

Meeting these requirements ensures that applicants can support themselves during their time in Greece without seeking employment locally.

Key Facts About the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

Here are some crucial details to keep in mind when applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa:

1. Apply as a tourist: You can apply for a residence permit after entering Greece on a tourist visa.

2. Visa options: You can either choose a 12-month visa or a 2-year residence permit.

   If you go for the residence permit, it costs around €1,000.

3. Medical exam: A medical examination from a primary care doctor is required as part of the application.

4. Permanent residency: After staying in Greece for five years, you can apply for permanent residency.

5. Residency requirement: You must reside in Greece for at least 180 days per year to maintain your digital nomad status.

6. Passport processing: Your passport will be needed during the entire 10-day visa processing period, so plan accordingly.

7. Tax status: The tax implications for digital nomads in Greece are still being clarified.

   It’s important to keep an eye on updates to ensure compliance with any tax obligations.

8. Permit processing time: While the visa is processed within 10 days, the residence permit can take up to one year to finalize.

Benefits of the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa comes with numerous advantages for remote workers:

• Extended residence: The ability to stay for up to five years, making it an ideal option for those looking to settle long-term in Europe.

• Explore Europe: Although Greece is not part of the Schengen Area, this visa allows for easier travel across Europe.

• Low cost of living: Greece offers a much lower cost of living compared to other European countries, allowing you to enjoy a high quality of life while saving money.

• Work-life balance: Greece’s laid-back lifestyle and warm climate make it an excellent place to work remotely while maintaining a great work-life balance.

How to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is relatively straightforward:

1. Gather the required documents: Ensure you have your valid passport, proof of income, health insurance, criminal record, medical certificate, and proof of accommodation.

2. Enter Greece as a tourist: You will need to be in Greece to apply for the residence permit, so start by entering the country on a tourist visa.

3. Submit your application: Once in Greece, submit your application to the appropriate authorities.

   You may need to attend an interview or provide additional information during this process.

4. Await processing: Visa processing typically takes 10 days, but if you are applying for a residence permit, expect the process to take up to a year.

Is Greece the Right Destination for Digital Nomads?

Greece has become a popular choice for digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, stunning landscapes, and rich culture.

As a digital nomad, you can enjoy the country’s beaches, history, and cuisine while continuing to earn remotely.

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa offers an ideal solution for remote workers who want to explore Europe without breaking the bank or dealing with complex visa restrictions.

Conclusion

If you’re a remote worker looking to relocate to Europe, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent option.

With its quick processing time, long-term residency options, and beautiful living environment, Greece provides a perfect balance between work and leisure.

As long as you meet the visa requirements and are prepared for the application process, you can soon be enjoying all that Greece has to offer as a digital nomad.