The Benefits Of A Digital Nomad Visa In Greece

Greece is one of the world’s most popular destinations and a must-visit for anyone travelling through Europe. However, did you know that you can apply for a digital nomad visa in Greece and live in Greece for 12 months or longer? In line with its desire to help boost tourist arrivals, the Greek government launched a new digital nomad visa in 2021, allowing you to live in Greece if you work for a foreign company and meet the income requirements.

Greece's digital nomad visa program has opened up exciting opportunities for remote workers and online entrepreneurs to live and work in this picturesque Mediterranean country. With this visa, individuals can enjoy the enchanting Greek cities while continuing their employment remotely. The cost of living in Greece is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for digital nomads seeking a balance between a high quality of life and reasonable expenses.

Another positive aspect of this visa is that you have the option to renew after the first 12 months if you still meet the income requirements. This digital nomad visa is an excellent option for remote workers or freelancers who want to enjoy Greece’s tourism offerings and connect with other expats.

Greece's digital nomad visa also allows for a favorable tax residency status

Why Greece?

Greece attracted over 30 million tourists in 2019 and wants to revamp this industry by bringing in new tourists and digital nomads now that Covid restrictions are waning globally.

Greece has multiple attractions for visitors and residents, including beaches, islands, villages, monasteries, and Athens’ archeological ruins and monuments. Although Greece is commonly known for its beaches and islands, it is also a mountainous state, with multiple national parks and other outdoor destinations. Greece is also well regarded for its pleasant climate and delicious cuisine.

Greece is also an attractive destination for digital nomads for multiple reasons. The average annual salary is slightly less than €18,000/year ($19,565 USD), which makes Greece a very affordable destination for expats from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. Greece is also a comfortable and exciting place to live, and digital nomads can easily connect with other tourists and digital nomads who spend time in Greece. There is also an abundance of coworking spaces in places like Athens, which makes it very easy for digital nomads to connect with other entrepreneurs in the area.

Greece boasts a number of vibrant cities that provide an exceptional quality of life. From the historic and vibrant Athens to the charming coastal town of Thessaloniki, there are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in Greek culture, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy the renowned Greek cuisine.

An excellent internet connection is crucial for digital nomads, and Greece offers reliable and fast internet services, particularly in urban areas. Whether working from a local café or a coworking space, digital nomads can stay connected and productive.

Greece's digital nomad visa also allows for a favorable tax residency status. This can be advantageous for individuals who earn their income online as it provides a friendly tax environment, potentially reducing their tax burden.

Although other low-cost destinations in Eastern Europe offer digital nomad visas, Greece is more suitable for many because of the tourist attractions, natural beauty, and larger expat population. Since Greece’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, this program will likely allow digital nomads to renew and stay longer if they want.

There are endless opportunities to immerse oneself in Greek culture, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy the renowned Greek cuisine

Digital Nomad Visa IN GREECE Overview

Greece recently passed Law 4825/2021, which provided the legal framework for Greece to allow foreigners to reside in Greece while working remotely for a foreign company. The only exception to this visa is that you can’t perform work for a company located in Greece. This law was passed in 2021 and helped to provide much-needed relief for Greece’s tourism industry.

To obtain the digital nomad visa, individuals can reach out to the Greek embassy or consulate for detailed information on the application process and requirements. While the specifics may vary, typically, applicants need to provide proof of employment or online income, as well as a certain amount of savings to sustain themselves during their stay.

The requirements for this visa are straightforward. The applicant needs to prove that they have a monthly income of €3,500 ($3,805 USD) to ensure that they can support their stay. You can also bring your family with you when you apply for this visa. Remember the monthly income minimum increases when taking along your spouse and/or a dependant. Greece defines a dependent as someone who is younger than 18 years old.

Many people also use this visa as a means to travel to other destinations in Europe. You can travel visa-free throughout Europe with this visa, which is good news if you want to establish Greece as a base and explore. One minor drawback is that you still have to pay taxes in Greece while on this visa if you spend more than six months in Greece. However, the new law states that digital nomads only have to pay taxes on 50% of this income during the first seven years. This fact shows that Greece is interested in attracting digital nomads for longer than 1-2 years.

The application process is not time-consuming, and you should hear back very quickly after applying. The visa application fee is only around €7 ($8 USD), and you should hear back about their decision within ten days.

With the freedom to work from anywhere, digital nomads can enjoy a flexible lifestyle

Requirements

You are eligible to apply if you are either self-employed or an employee of another company outside of Greece. The government wants to make sure you have enough money and that you will not be a burden to the healthcare system. They also require proof that you indeed work or provide services for a company outside Greece.

Below are some of the application requirements:

• Private health insurance is valid for your entire stay, and If you are staying long-term, it is essential to choose a private insurance plan and not rely on travel insurance.
• Income of 3,500 euros/month if you apply independently. (20% more with a spouse, and another 15% for a dependent)
• Clean criminal background
• Accommodation in Greece
• Proof of remote work

Some of the supporting documentation that you need to provide includes the following:

• Passport photos and a copy of your passport
• Documentation support that you work remotely and meet the income requirements (employee contract/bank statements/etc.)
• Criminal background check
• Health insurance documents for the duration of your stay
• Medical certificate proving that you don’t have any severe health issues.
• Documentation showing your address in Greece

Greece's welcoming culture, warm hospitality, and family-oriented lifestyle make it an ideal place for digital nomads looking to balance work and family life. With the freedom to work from anywhere, digital nomads can enjoy a flexible lifestyle, explore Greece's breathtaking landscapes, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The country's efficient transportation system ensures easy access to various regions, enabling digital nomads to experience the diverse beauty that Greece has to offer. Greece's digital nomad visa provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to live abroad, make money online, and enjoy a nomadic lifestyle while benefiting from Greece's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Greece's digital nomad visa provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to live abroad

Takeaway

Once the 12 months run out, you are also eligible to apply for a digital nomad residency permit that allows you to stay for two years. You will still be eligible if you meet the same income requirements and all of the other application requirements. Eventually, you can apply for permanent residency and potentially even be a stepping stone to citizenship. However, Greece’s Golden Visa is a safer bet if you are aiming for citizenship. The Golden Visa allows you to become a permanent resident of Greece if you invest 250,000 euros in real estate. This visa is also a clear pathway to citizenship.

Greece is a very sought-after tourist destination, making this one of Europe's best digital nomad visa options. The only drawback is that you must pay taxes in Greece if you spend more than 183 days there. Greece is offering 50% off taxes for digital nomads during the first seven years they stay in Greece. This initiative will encourage expats to become residents of Greece.

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