Global Mobility, Digital Nomad

November 20, 2024

Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work Remotely in Greece – A Complete Guide

Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Your Gateway to a Dream Life

Imagine living in a place where history meets stunning beaches, where workdays end with breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea, and where a weekend getaway could mean exploring ancient ruins or hopping to a beautiful island. Greece offers this and more for remote workers, thanks to its Digital Nomad Visa. If you’re dreaming of living and working in one of the most picturesque places on Earth, this visa could be your ticket to making that dream a reality. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make it happen, along with some tips to smooth the process.

The Basics: What is Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa?

Greece introduced the Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who want to experience all the beauty and culture the country has to offer while continuing to work for their employers or run their own businesses. The visa allows you to live in Greece while working for companies located outside the country.

You have two main options to apply for this visa: either at a Greek embassy in your home country or within Greece. The Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for 12 months, but if you find yourself already in Greece on a tourist visa, you can extend your stay by applying for a two-year residence permit at the Ministry of Migration. The great news? Both of these options are renewable, and after five years, they even pave the way for permanent residency.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you apply from your home country or once you’re in Greece, the application process requires you to meet a few essential criteria and submit several key documents. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A Declaration Letter

The first thing you’ll need is a declaration letter. This statement confirms that you meet all the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa. Specifically, it declares that you are currently working remotely for a company located outside of Greece, your income meets the minimum threshold (net €3,500 per month), and you won’t be working for any Greek business during your stay.

This letter is important because it makes your intentions clear and formalizes your agreement to comply with the visa conditions. This part of the application gives Greek authorities the assurance they need that you will not compete for jobs within the local job market.

2. Proof of Remote Work

The key to getting the Digital Nomad Visa is proving that you are employed remotely by a foreign company or that you own a business outside of Greece. This proof can come in a few different forms:

Employment Verification: If you’re working for a company, your employment contract needs to have a clause stating that your job can be performed remotely. Alternatively, a letter from your employer confirming that your work can be done from anywhere will suffice.
Business Ownership: If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, you’ll need to show that your company is legally registered outside of Greece. You’ll also need to describe your role and how you operate your business remotely.

3. Proof of Accommodation

Finding a place to stay in Greece can be one of the trickier parts of the application process, but there are plenty of options available. The good news is that the Greek government allows various types of accommodation to qualify:

Airbnb or Hotel Booking: Temporary stays through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com are acceptable for initial applications.
Lease Agreement: If you plan to stay longer and want more stability, you can opt for a rental property. You’ll need at least a three-month lease along with a tax receipt that proves the agreement.
Property Ownership: Bought your own slice of paradise in Greece? Simply provide a copy of the deed.

4. Background Check

The Greek government requires you to provide a clean criminal record as part of your application. If you’re American, you can get an FBI background check online in about ten minutes. Other nationalities will need to refer to their own country’s requirements for obtaining the report, but in most cases, the process is straightforward.

5. Health Insurance and Medical Exam

To live in Greece as a digital nomad, you’ll need health insurance that covers you for the entire duration of your stay. This means ensuring that your insurance policy is valid and meets Greece’s minimum coverage standards. In addition, a certified medical exam completed by a doctor in your home country is a requirement.

6. Return Ticket to Your Home Country

This requirement can catch some applicants by surprise. Even if your intention is to stay in Greece long-term, you’ll need to show a return ticket to your home country. One way around this is to buy a fully refundable return flight. It’s a small extra step, but it’s a good way to meet the requirements without actually having to commit to leaving.

The Application Process: Where to Apply?

Applying from Your Home Country

If you’re still in your home country, you can head to your nearest Greek embassy or consulate to submit your application. You’ll need to provide all the documents listed above, along with your completed application form and passport photos. The embassy will review your documents and process your visa.

Applying from Within Greece

Already in Greece on a tourist visa? You can transition into a Digital Nomad Visa by visiting the Ministry of Migration. This in-country option allows you to extend your stay without the need to return home. Once granted, the two-year residence permit provides a more permanent solution, allowing you to truly settle in and enjoy life in Greece.

Costs and Financial Requirements

To qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa, you need to meet certain income requirements. Specifically, you must demonstrate that you earn a minimum of €3,500 net per month. If you’re bringing a spouse or dependent children, this requirement increases by 20% for your partner and 15% per child. Meeting these financial conditions shows that you’re able to support yourself while living in Greece, thereby reducing the risk of becoming a financial burden on the country.

Fees to Consider

Application Fee: The initial visa application fee typically ranges between €75 and €150, depending on your nationality and where you’re applying.
Residence Permit Fee: If you opt for a two-year residence permit once in Greece, there will be an additional fee, generally around €150.
Health Insurance: The cost of health insurance will vary depending on your provider and your specific plan.

Life in Greece as a Digital Nomad

Why Choose Greece?

Greece offers the perfect combination of work-life balance. Imagine starting your mornings overlooking turquoise waters, enjoying leisurely lunch breaks filled with delicious Greek cuisine, and finishing your workday by exploring ancient ruins or taking a sunset swim. The country has everything you could want—from a rich cultural history to beautiful beaches, welcoming people, and a favorable climate year-round.

Cost of Living

Another advantage of choosing Greece is its relatively affordable cost of living. Compared to other European countries, expenses in Greece are lower, especially if you opt to live outside of major tourist centers like Athens or Mykonos. For accommodation, food, and day-to-day activities, Greece offers great value without sacrificing the quality of life.

Internet and Infrastructure

Greece has been ramping up its infrastructure, including improved internet connectivity in major cities and even in smaller towns. Wi-Fi speeds are generally reliable, and many places offer coworking spaces or coffee shops with excellent facilities for remote work. Athens and Thessaloniki are especially well-equipped for digital nomads, with numerous coworking hubs and modern amenities.

Insider Tips for a Smoother Process

Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa isn’t necessarily complicated, but there are definitely some tips that can help make the process smoother:

Prepare Your Documents in Advance: It may take time to gather everything you need, from health insurance to accommodation proof. Start collecting your documents early so you won’t face last-minute stress.
Be Thorough with Accommodation Proof: A lease with tax receipts makes for the smoothest approval. While Airbnb or Booking.com options are valid, Greek authorities may prefer longer-term leases if you’re applying for a residence permit.
Consider Using a Local Immigration Lawyer: The application process can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the Greek language and local bureaucracy. Hiring a local immigration specialist can save you a lot of time and ensure that every detail is in order.
Check Expiration Dates: Double-check that your passport, health insurance, and any other documents are valid for the entire duration of your stay. Greek authorities are strict about expiration dates.

Ready to Make Your Move to Greece with your Digital Nomad Visa?

At 3A Immigration Services, we’re here to make your journey to Greece as easy and enjoyable as possible. Whether you need help preparing your application, finding accommodation, or navigating Greek bureaucracy, our team of experts has your back. Don’t let paperwork keep you from living your dream—let us handle the details, so you can focus on experiencing all that Greece has to offer. Contact us today to start your adventure!

Conclusion

The Greek Digital Nomad Visa is a perfect opportunity to turn your dream of living in a beautiful, culturally rich country into a reality. With its stunning landscapes, lower cost of living, and welcoming culture, Greece is an ideal destination for remote workers looking to blend productivity with an unmatched quality of life. The visa application process requires some organization, but the benefits far outweigh the paperwork. Once you’re set up, you’ll be able to experience the magic of Greece—whether that means working from a beachside café, exploring ancient history, or enjoying the warm Mediterranean lifestyle.

So, start prepping those documents, pack your laptop, and get ready for a life-changing adventure. Greece is calling, and it’s time to answer!