Greece Digital Nomad Visa – Requirements, Application, Benefits & More

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, digital nomad trends have exploded in recent years. Greece is one of the countries that has jumped on board with digital nomad visas. The Greece digital nomad visa was introduced in September 2021 and has since been a popular destination for remote workers.

Greece is a popular destination for remote work due of its calm and serene environment.

Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Greece

Working as a digital nomad in Greece has many benefits, such as:

• Taxes – You will not be taxed if you spend less than six months in Greece as a digital nomad. However, if you stay in Greece for longer than six months, you would be considered a tax resident and must pay income taxes. Furthermore, Greece has implemented a 50% tax reduction initiative. You will be required to pay half the tax rate. You can apply for the 50% tax cut if you stay in Greece for at least two years.
• Ease of getting the visa – Getting the Greece digital nomad visa is effortless. You only have to make sure you meet the requirements, and you can get your visa within ten days.
• Affordable application – The fee for Greece Digital Nomad Visa is only €75 per applicant.
• Diverse natural landscapes – Greece, with its diversified terrain, is an ideal location for working as a digital nomad. The vast bulk of the country’s countryside is blanketed in natural beauty, making it ideal for vacations and outdoor activities all year. If you are a nature lover, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities along Greece’s 15,000 km coastline, such as camping, hiking, trekking, canyoning, skiing, rock climbing, rafting, and various sea sports.
• Delicious food – Greek cuisine is known for its time-honored dishes and has been inspired by Middle Eastern, Italian, and Ottoman cultures. This cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fish, olive oil, wine, meat, and grains, as well as cheese, bread, olives, herbs, and yogurt. Moussaka, papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants), pastitsio (Greek lasagna), and soutzoukakia (Greek meatballs) are among popular dishes.

Who Can Apply for a Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Any foreigner (non-EU citizen) who is a self-employed or dependent employee can apply for a Greece digital nomad visa.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area, and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not need to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa because they already have freedom of movement under the Schengen Agreement.

How to Apply for a Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

To apply for a Greece digital nomad visa, there are the steps you need to follow:

• Make an appointment with the local Greek consulate or embassy – Contact the nearest Greek consulate or embassy and make an appointment with them. The embassy will also provide more detailed information on the application process.
• Prepare the necessary documents – You must have all the documents requested by the embassy on the date of your appointment. The document checklist is in the section “Requirements for Greece Digital Nomad Visa”.
• Fill out the application form – You can find the application form online. Print it and fill it out with the required information. Make sure to double-check all the information.
• Attend the appointment – Have your application form and the required documents ready and submit them at the local Greek embassy or consulate, where you made an appointment beforehand.
• Complete the payment requirements – The fee for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is €75 per applicant. The fee is for the services the Greek embassy provides, therefore, it is non-refundable.
• Wait for an answer – Within 10 days of receiving your documents, the Embassy authorities will evaluate your application. After your application is approved, you will be issued a new Greece Digital Nomad visa by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
• Travel to Greece – After your digital nomad visa is issued, you are free to travel to Greece.

Note: If you are already in Greece, you can apply for the digital nomad visa at the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Requirements for Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The documents required to apply for a digital nomad visa.

• An application form – The application form can be downloaded from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (here).
• A valid passport – The required passport validity for a Greek digital nomad visa is a minimum of three months after the expiry of the visa. .
• Two passport photos –  Your passport must be in colors and taken with a white background. The dimensions of the photos must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
• Proof of employment – To prove your employment, you need to submit your employment contract and a letter that states you can complete your work by using technology.
• A declaration letter – It is necessary for you to disclose that you plan to apply for the Greece DNV and work remotely in Greece. It is essential for you to declare that you will not be working for any Greek company during your stay. As well as providing all relevant info about your job/company, you must also provide your financial information.
• Proof of financial means – You can prove your financial means through the most recent bank account statements, company account statements, a job contract that states your salary, or any other documents.
• Proof of accommodation – You can prove your accommodation with a rental agreement, a hotel booking, or a lease.
• Valid health insurance – You need health insurance that covers all the costs during your travel and your stay in Greece.
• A valid return flight ticket – The return ticket has to prove that you will go back to your country after your stay in Greece.
  Certificate of a clean criminal record. You can get your clean criminal record at the local police department.
• A medical certificate –  You can get your medical insurance from a recognized medical institution in your country.

How Long Can I Work in Greece as a Digital Nomad?

The validity of the Greece digital nomad visa is one year and can be extended to a maximum of three years. To stay for more than one year, you have to apply for a residence permit before your digital nomad visa expires.

Processing Time For A Digital Nomad Visa in Greece

Applicants will be notified within ten working days whether their application is approved or not.

How Much Does the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The fee for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is €75 per applicant. The fee is for the services the Greek embassy provides; thus, it is non-refundable.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Greece

You will not be taxed if you spend less than six months in Greece as a digital nomad. However, if you stay in Greece for longer than six months, you would be considered a tax resident and must pay income taxes. Greece has a graduated income tax system.

• With a monthly income below €12,00 – no income tax
• From €12,00 up to €16,000 – 18% income tax
• From €16,000 to €22,000 – 24% income tax
• From €22,000 to €26,000 – 26% income tax
• From €26,000 to €32,000 – 32% income tax
• From €32,000 to €40,000 – 36% income tax
• From €40,000 to €60,000 – 38% income tax
• From €60,000 to €100,000 – 40% income tax
• Over €100,000 – 45% income tax

Furthermore, Greece has implemented a 50% tax reduction initiative. You will be charged half the rate. You can apply for the 50% tax cut if you stay in Greece for at least two years.