Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Greece has recently introduced a digital nomad visa program, making it the latest country to join the growing list of destinations catering to location-independent professionals.
This visa allows digital nomads to work remotely in Greece while enjoying the country's beautiful scenery, rich culture, and vibrant lifestyle.
The Greece digital nomad visa program was officially launched in January 2021 and is available to citizens of 33 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European Union member states.
The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year. Applicants must meet certain criteria, such as having a steady income, health insurance coverage, and a clean criminal record.
One of the advantages of the Greece digital nomad visa is that it allows nomads to work and travel within the country without the need for a work permit or business visa.
This means that digital nomads can enjoy a hassle-free experience while they focus on their work and explore the beautiful Greek islands and cities.
Additionally, the visa allows nomads to bring their families with them, making it a great opportunity for those who want to work remotely while still spending quality time with their loved ones.
To apply for the Greece digital nomad visa, applicants need to provide proof of their employment and income, as well as proof of accommodation and health insurance coverage.
They also need to show that they have a stable income, either from their employer or from their own business. The application process can take up to four weeks, and the visa fee is around 500 euros.
Once the visa is granted, digital nomads can start exploring the many beautiful and historic sites that Greece has to offer.
The country is home to stunning beaches, charming villages, and ancient ruins, making it an ideal destination for those who want to combine work with leisure.
The cities of Athens and Thessaloniki offer a vibrant nightlife scene and a wealth of cultural events, while the islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete are perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
Overall, the Greece digital nomad visa program is an excellent opportunity for location-independent professionals who want to experience a new culture and work in a beautiful and inspiring environment.
With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and stunning scenery, Greece is the perfect destination for those who want to work remotely while living the good life.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Greece
Greece has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads looking to work remotely while enjoying a new cultural experience. Here are some of the benefits of working as a digital nomad in Greece:
- Beautiful Scenery: Greece is known for its stunning scenery, with crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. Digital nomads can work from a balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea or a café nestled in the narrow streets of Athens, providing a truly inspiring work environment.
- Rich Culture: Greece is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a history that dates back thousands of years. Working in Greece allows digital nomads to immerse themselves in this history, exploring ancient ruins, museums, and cultural events.
- Relaxed Lifestyle: Greeks are known for their laid-back approach to life, and this relaxed lifestyle can be infectious for digital nomads. Working in Greece provides a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as long lunches, leisurely walks, and afternoon siestas.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Greece is a relatively affordable country compared to other European destinations, making it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to stretch their budget while enjoying a high quality of life. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are generally lower in Greece than in other European countries.
- Access to Great Infrastructure: Greece is home to a growing number of co-working spaces, digital nomad-friendly cafés, and reliable internet connections. This makes it easy for digital nomads to find a comfortable and productive workspace, as well as connect with other like-minded individuals.
- Mediterranean Climate: Greece enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. This climate provides an ideal environment for outdoor activities and makes it easy to explore the country's many beaches and outdoor attractions.
In summary, Greece offers a unique blend of beautiful scenery, rich culture, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. With affordable living costs, access to great infrastructure, and a mild climate, Greece provides a welcoming and inspiring environment for remote workers to thrive.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Greece digital nomad visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of one of the 33 countries eligible for the program, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European Union member states.
- Have a valid passport.
- Have health insurance coverage that is valid in Greece.
- Have a steady income from a remote job or own business. The income must be at least €2,000 per month, and applicants must provide proof of income, such as a contract or bank statements.
- Provide proof of accommodation in Greece for the duration of their stay. This can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation, or letter of invitation from a friend or family member.
- Provide a clean criminal record certificate from their home country.
- Pay a visa fee of €500.
Once the application is submitted, it can take up to four weeks for the visa to be issued. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year.
During this time, digital nomads are free to work and travel within Greece without the need for a work permit or business visa.
Taxes
Digital nomads who are granted the Greece digital nomad visa are not required to pay taxes in Greece on their foreign-sourced income.
According to the Greek law, the digital nomads are exempt from Greek taxation on their foreign-sourced income for the first 183 days of their stay in Greece, as long as they are not considered tax residents of Greece.
This means that they will only need to pay taxes in the country where their income is generated, such as their home country or the country where their clients are based.
However, if a digital nomad decides to stay in Greece for more than 183 days within a 12-month period, they may be considered a tax resident of Greece, and therefore subject to Greek taxation on their worldwide income.
In such a case, they would need to consult with a tax advisor or accountant to determine their tax obligations and ensure that they are compliant with Greek tax laws.
It is important to note that tax laws can vary depending on a digital nomad's individual circumstances and the country where they generate income.
Digital nomads should always seek professional advice to ensure they understand their tax obligations in each country they work from.
Application for Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the Greece digital nomad visa, follow these steps:
- Check eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for the visa program by reviewing the eligibility criteria listed on the Greek embassy website.
- Gather required documents: Collect all the required documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance coverage, proof of accommodation, clean criminal record certificate, and proof of income.
- Complete application form: Fill out the online application form on the Greek embassy website and upload the required documents.
- Pay visa fee: Pay the €500 visa fee online using a credit card.
- Wait for processing: Wait for the visa to be processed, which can take up to four weeks.
- Receive visa: Once the visa is approved, you will receive an electronic visa that you can print and carry with you when you travel to Greece.
- Enter Greece: When you arrive in Greece, show your electronic visa at the border control, along with your passport and other required documents.
It's important to note that the Greek government reserves the right to refuse any visa application without providing a reason.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that all required documents are in order and that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying for the Greece digital nomad visa.
Duration for Greece Digital Nomad?
With the Greece digital nomad visa, digital nomads are allowed to work in Greece for up to one year.
After the first year, the visa can be renewed for an additional year if the digital nomad continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
It's important to note that the visa is valid for a total of 365 days within a 12-month period. This means that digital nomads must plan their travel and work schedule accordingly to ensure that they do not exceed the 365-day limit.
If a digital nomad stays in Greece for more than 365 days within a 12-month period, they may be subject to Greek taxation on their worldwide income and may need to obtain a different type of visa or work permit.
Additionally, digital nomads are not allowed to engage in any other work activities while in Greece, such as taking on a job with a Greek employer.
The digital nomad visa is specifically designed for remote workers who are employed by companies outside of Greece or who own their own businesses and generate income from clients outside of Greece.
Overall, the Greece digital nomad visa provides an opportunity for remote workers to live and work in Greece for a limited period, without the need for a work permit or business visa.
Processing Time
The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Greece can take up to four weeks. However, this is just an estimated time, and it can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed at the embassy or consulate.
It's important to note that the processing time can be delayed if any of the required documents are incomplete or if additional information is required.
Therefore, it's essential to make sure that all required documents are submitted correctly, and they meet the eligibility criteria to avoid delays in the processing of the visa application.
Once the visa is approved, digital nomads will receive an electronic visa that they can print and carry with them when they travel to Greece. It's recommended to keep a copy of the visa with them at all times during their stay in Greece.
Overall, digital nomads should apply for the Greece digital nomad visa well in advance of their intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid any unnecessary delays.
Cost Of Greece Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece digital nomad visa costs €500. This is a one-time fee that must be paid when submitting the visa application online.
The fee covers the processing of the application, and it is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is approved or not.
It's important to note that the €500 fee only covers the cost of the digital nomad visa and does not include any other expenses, such as health insurance or accommodation, which are required for the duration of the stay in Greece.
Digital nomads are responsible for covering all their expenses while in Greece, including accommodation, food, transportation, and any other personal expenses they may incur.
They must also ensure that they have valid health insurance coverage that meets the requirements of the Greek government.
Overall, the cost of the Greece digital nomad visa is relatively affordable compared to other countries' digital nomad visa programs, making it an attractive option for remote workers who wish to live and work in Greece for a limited period.