DIGITAL NOMAD VISA IN GREECE
Greece has become one of the top destinations for digital nomads — remote professionals who work online for employers or clients outside the country. The combination of high quality of life, strong digital infrastructure, favorable climate, and competitive cost of living creates an ideal setting for those seeking to balance work and residence.
For third-country nationals working exclusively for clients or companies abroad, the Digital Nomad Visa provides the official legal route to reside in Greece lawfully.
More than just a place to live, Greece offers a different way of life. The light, the rhythm of everyday life, and the sense of freedom that comes with remote work foster ideal conditions for those who seek equilibrium between their professional activity and personal well-being.
WHAT IS THE DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?
The Digital Nomad Visa is a specific type of residence permit that allows third-country nationals to live and work remotely from Greece, as long as they are not employed or contracted by entities within the country.
This visa enables digital nomads to enjoy the benefits of living in Greece without the need for a traditional Greek work permit.
Legal basis: The Digital Nomad Visa was introduced under Law 4825/2021 and further clarified in Article 68 of Law 5038/2023.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?
To be eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must prove that they are employed or professionally active outside Greece. Specifically, they should meet one of the following criteria:
- An employment contract with a foreign company outside Greece.
- Freelance agreements with clients located abroad.
- Proof of owning a business registered and operating outside Greece (such as articles of incorporation, tax returns, or other legal documents).
Minimum monthly income: €3,500 for the main applicant. This amount increases by 20% for a spouse (i.e., an additional €700) and by 15% for each dependent child (i.e., €525 per child).
Additional conditions:
- Health insurance: Applicants must hold private health insurance that covers their stay in Greece.
- Declaration of non-employment in Greece: A sworn statement is required, confirming that the applicant will not provide services to Greek employers or clients within Greek territory.
WHY CHOOSE OUR LAW FIRM
Applying for a residence permit in Greece can be a complex procedure. It involves legal, administrative, and procedural steps that often require precise handling and experienced legal insight. Even seemingly minor details may affect the outcome of your application.
Our law firm has extensive experience in immigration and residence permit cases, including successful applications for Digital Nomad Visas and other specialized permit categories. We offer reliable legal support at every stage of the process.
- Specialized knowledge of Greek immigration law: We have a long track record of representing international clients with accuracy, confidentiality, and efficiency.
- Strategic and tailored legal guidance: Each case is approached with careful planning and attention to individual circumstances. We assess all relevant factors before submitting any application.
- Familiarity with Greek authorities and procedures: We work closely with the relevant public services to reduce delays and ensure procedural compliance.
- Consistent legal support: From document collection to final approval, we remain at your side to avoid unnecessary obstacles and ensure a smooth application path.
Choosing to relocate to a new country is a critical decision. It should be based on reliable legal guidance, not assumptions. We ensure your residence permit process is lawful, clear, and professionally managed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Digital Nomad Visa
Yes, spouses and minor children may join the applicant under family reunification rules. However, additional income requirements apply and accompanying members are not allowed to work in Greece.
The application requires a €1,000 state fee and a €16 card issuance fee. Additional costs may arise from translations, apostilles, or certificate reissuance, depending on the applicant's country of origin.
No, not automatically. However, if you stay in Greece for more than 183 days per year, you may trigger tax residency rules and be subject to income reporting in Greece.
Yes. Greece offers incentives such as reduced taxation or income exemptions for new tax residents, particularly those relocating from abroad or classified as high-level professionals.
Yes. Digital nomads must maintain private health insurance, declare their local residence address, and assess their tax status based on duration of stay and income source.
Yes. The procedure involves financial, legal, and administrative steps. Proper legal guidance helps avoid delays, ensures compliance, and secures a successful outcome for you and your family.
READ ALSO:
Yes, under Greek legislation, digital nomads may be accompanied by family members, provided certain legal conditions are met. This right applies both to the initial application and to future renewals of the Digital Nomad Visa.
Eligible accompanying relatives include:
- The spouse or registered partner (civil union)
- Minor children — or, in specific cases, adult children under guardianship
The accompanying permit is granted in the form of a family reunification residence permit, and it is valid for the same period as the main digital nomad’s residence permit.
However, certain key requirements must be met:
- Income threshold: The minimum required income increases according to the number of family members:
- +20% for the spouse
- +15% for each dependent minor child
- Employment restriction: Accompanying family members are not allowed to work or conduct business activities in Greece during the validity of their permit.
- Separate documentation: Although the application is submitted collectively, each family member must provide individual documentation, including proof of family relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates) and private health insurance coverage.
- Administrative considerations: The process may vary depending on whether the application is submitted from abroad or within Greece, and whether the family arrives simultaneously or at a later stage. In our experience, family reunification applications require careful attention to avoid delays or challenges from the authorities.
The right to be accompanied by family members is fully recognized by law. However, it is subject to both formal and substantive requirements, and it must be handled carefully. Our law firm provides reliable legal support at every stage, ensuring that all accompanying applications meet the criteria and do not cause delays or issues for the primary residence permit.
We make sure that all family members are properly included in the application process, ensuring a smooth and coordinated relocation.
The application process for the Digital Nomad Visa includes specific government fees and administrative charges. These expenses are separate from any legal service fees and apply to all applicants seeking residence in Greece under this category.
- Government fee: A state fee of €1,000 must be paid for the initial issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa, in accordance with the applicable legal framework. This fee is typically paid online via gov.gr or through the Greek consulate, depending on the country of application.
- Residence card issuance fee: An additional €16 is required for the issuance of the physical residence permit (smart card format).
- Additional expenses depending on the case: Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the following costs may arise:
- Official translations of documents into Greek
- Apostille certification or consular legalization
- Re-issuance of certificates in cases of missing or invalid documents
These additional expenses may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the nature of their documents. For this reason, early legal guidance is highly recommended to minimize delays and avoid unnecessary costs.
The above amounts do not include attorney’s fees. Our law firm offers personalized cost assessments based on the complexity of your case and the number of family members involved.
Relocating to Greece as a digital nomad may lead to specific tax obligations, as well as access to favorable tax incentives that can influence your long-term plans and day-to-day life in the country.
Tax Residency
Holding a Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically render the applicant a Greek tax resident. However, if the individual resides in Greece for more than 183 days within a calendar year, or if other criteria under the Greek Income Tax Code are met, global income reporting obligations may arise.
Therefore, careful tax planning is essential — especially if you intend to stay in Greece for an extended period or move your fiscal residence to the country.
Tax Incentives
Greek tax law provides specific benefits for new tax residents, which may apply to digital nomads who formally transfer their tax domicile to Greece. The main incentives include:
- Partial tax exemptions or reductions for a limited number of years
- Preferential tax treatment for foreign-sourced employment income
- Special regimes for highly skilled professionals (e.g. brain gain framework)
Access to these incentives requires an official application and approval from the competent Greek tax authority.
Obligations and Procedures for Digital Nomads
While residing in Greece, digital nomads are required to:
- Maintain valid private health insurance throughout their stay
- Declare a residential address in Greece (e.g. via lease agreement or hosting declaration)
- Review and adjust their tax status if legal thresholds are met
Proper legal and tax guidance is essential to ensure compliance with the visa conditions and to prevent complications regarding tax or residency matters.
