Digital Nomad Visa In Greece: What You Need To Know

What Is The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Individuals are presently permitted to reside and work in Greece through the Digital Nomad Visa, which is famous as the Greece Remote Work Visa or Greece Nomad Visa.

Essentially, Greece permits entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed individuals, and remote workers to relocate and conduct their work from there.

In an effort to increase Greece’s GDP, the government introduced the Digital Nomad Visa as a means of attracting long-term investors and expatriates to the country.

Everything You Need To Know About Digital Nomad Visa

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A visa for digital nomads provides authorization to work lawfully in a country for a more extended duration than a tourist visa and with less inconvenience than a work visa.

The digital nomad visa allows freelancers and digital nomads to reside in their preferred location for a minimum of 6 months and to a maximum of 2 years, with the option of simple renewal.

2. Why get it?

Two significant obstacles that most digital nomads encounter are visa limitations and immigration.

Digital nomads previously faced limited visa options and were often restricted to obtaining a travel visa, which prohibited them from working in the country and imposed a maximum stay of 90 days. As a result, these individuals had to disguise their work activities as mere sightseeing to avoid detection.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, individuals are required to visit the immigration office, endure long waiting periods and provide payment for the visa’s renewal. In cases where renewal is not possible, digital nomads may engage in a tactic termed the “visa run.” Essentially, they visit nearby countries for a brief period before returning to their original destination to obtain a new visa stamp; it should be noted that this method is not always viable.

Engaging in these activities as a digital nomad for many years will ultimately wear you out, both physically and emotionally.

If you qualify, it is highly recommended that you obtain a digital nomad visa as it lifts travel visa limitations, eliminates lengthy wait times at immigration offices, and negates the need for visa runs. Additionally, this allows you to work in a novel setting that can revitalize your ingenuity and productivity. How can one acquire such a visa?

Although processes and requirements vary by country, the following outlines a basic approach to obtain a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

To discover the criteria and qualifications for each country that is taking part, tap the links located at the bottom of this piece.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The requirements for a digital nomad visa vary by country, but typically include the following items for application eligibility:

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

It can take anywhere from 3-4 months to apply for a digital nomad visa, with the timeline largely influenced by the specific country where you’re submitting your application.

7. Can I bring my family members with me?

There are certain countries that offer digital nomad visas which allow you to bring your family members, albeit at an extra cost. Among these countries are Anguilla (UK), Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean), Dubai (UAE), and Estonia (EU) where bringing family members is allowed.

8. What are the typical restrictions I need to be aware of?

The digital nomad visa is an official visa acknowledged by certain countries, and there should be no issues while carrying it in public places.

You cannot use a visa as a means of escape unless you are intentionally seeking trouble.

9. How do I renew my digital nomad visa?

It is generally a simple process to renew digital nomad visas, which typically involve paying a fee. Just visit the immigration office when the visa’s expiration date is nearing and request a renewal.

It is important to note that certain countries impose a limit on the length of stay, even upon renewal. For instance, in Estonia, the maximum consecutive duration is 1.5 years. If you decide to renew your stay after one year, your period of stay is restricted to an additional 6 months before you must depart Estonia.

Documents

It is compulsory to provide the upcoming documents:

A Declaration Letter

When writing the letter, ensure that it explains your motivation for seeking the Digital Nomad Visa, contains an affirmation that you will not work for a company that is officially established in Greece, presents evidence of your financial situation, and provides information about your remote job.

Proof Of Employment

This letter is merely a confirmation from your present employer that you are employed outside of Greece and that you are capable of fulfilling all your job responsibilities solely through the use of communication and information technology.

Financial proof

The evidence demonstrates that you have the means to support yourself, which may be in the form of an employment verification, a bank statement, or any paperwork that validates your ability to meet the necessary monthly expenses for a comfortable lifestyle in Greece.

After deducting taxes, your monthly income should amount to €3,500. In the event that you have a dependent to support, a 20% increase should be added to your income if it is your spouse or a 15% increase if it is your child.

How Long Can You Stay In Greece With The Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa has a validity of one year upon issuance.

If you wish to prolong your stay, it is possible to request an extra year. As a result, the digital nomad visa allows for a total stay of roughly 2 years in Greece.

How To Apply For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The process of applying is different depending on where you are located at present.

If you are presently located in Greece, you can directly submit your application to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, provided that your visa for entering Greece is still valid and has not lapsed.

If your stay in Greece has already expired, your Digital Nomad Visa application will be rejected since extending it is not permitted.

If you are in a country other than Greece, go to the relevant Greece Consulate or Embassy to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. If you are applying from a country other than your own, you may need to provide additional documents beyond those listed above.

Remember to schedule an appointment with the consulate and ask for information beforehand before going in person. By doing this, you can be organized and avoid needing to return to the consulate or embassy for paperwork.

In order to process the paperwork you submit, the Digital Nomad Visa requires a non-refundable application fee of €75. If your application is denied or unsuccessful, you will not receive a refund. Reapplication will necessitate a new payment of €75.

After submitting your application, you can anticipate receiving notification within 10 days regarding its approval. The duration for the issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa differs between embassies. Consequently, you should prepare for the entire visa procedure taking approximately one month to complete.

And that’s detailed and crisp info on how to get your hands on your Digital Nomad Visa. Count at least 5 weeks to get your visa, and then keep this in your mind and plan the rest of your trip. This way, even if it takes a month, you can comfortably pack for Greece without any stress.

Best Places To Live In Greece For Digital Nomads

For digital nomads, Greece is a highly recommended country due to its numerous picturesque locations where individuals can comfortably work and reside. Below are some of the top locations in Greece for digital nomads.

Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking both productive workspaces and cultural exploration. The abundance of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants makes it an ideal location for remote work, while its rich historical sites provide ample opportunity for leisure activities.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, the second most populous city in Greece, is an ideal destination for digital nomads due to its excellent facilities, which are similar to those in Athens, but with a lower cost of living. Additionally, Thessaloniki boasts gorgeous beaches, making it a perfect location for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere with fantastic cuisine and abundant sun.

Chania

Chania, a small city located on the island of Crete, is an excellent option for those who desire to reside near the beach and wish for a place that is brimming with personality. The old town is particularly enchanting, and you will find numerous great workspaces there too. However, it’s important to note that during peak season, there will be a multitude of tourists.

Oia

Oia is the ideal location for those seeking a tranquil and picturesque setting. Situated on Santorini Island, this quaint village offers breathtaking vistas of the caldera. However, it is worth noting that the cost of living in Oia can be rather high.

Cost Of Living In Greece

When compared to other Western European countries, the cost of living in Greece is quite affordable. However, if you compare it with neighboring countries such as Bulgaria or Serbia, it seems a bit pricier.

The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in Athens’ city centre is higher compared to Thessaloniki. However, renting an apartment for a year can lead to more favorable pricing.

The cost of an apartment in Athens can range from EUR 450 to 1000 depending on variables such as one’s preferences, the size of the apartment, and the location.

In Greece, the cost of food is quite affordable as a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant typically comes to around €20.

It is important to bear in mind that the cost of living will vary depending on the location, with Santorini being pricier than Thessaloniki, for instance.

If you reside in Athens or any major city in Greece, the ideal method to economize is by preparing your own meals. Opting to purchase groceries instead of dining out is a more cost-effective approach, allowing for substantial savings.

Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads In Greece

Digital nomads can find Greece to be a fantastic destination, as the country boasts excellent infrastructure, cuisine, and culture. Furthermore, living expenses are significantly lower than in other countries in Western Europe.

Greece is a great destination for aspiring digital nomads, although obtaining a visa may prove to be a tedious task. Nevertheless, Greece offers an exceptional environment for digital nomads to reside and work in.