Digital Nomads in Greece – New Opportunities for Work and Living

Greece has introduced a modern and flexible framework to welcome professionals who work remotely, known internationally as digital nomads. Through the possibility of obtaining a special national entry visa, third-country nationals engaged in professional activities using digital technologies for employers or clients based outside Greece can legally reside in the country for up to twelve months. This scheme applies to both employees and self-employed individuals or freelancers who wish to continue their professional activity from Greece, making use of their digital infrastructure and the country’s upgraded technological environment.

The procedure for obtaining the visa is simple and fast. The applicant submits an application to the competent Greek consular authority in their country of residence, either in person or electronically, and receives a response within ten days. A basic condition is the existence of a contract or professional relationship with an employer based abroad, or, in the case of self-employed persons, proof of ownership of a business operating outside Greek territory. The applicant must also explicitly declare that they will not provide services or work for any employer based in Greece during their stay.

At the same time, applicants must prove that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses without depending on the Greek state. The minimum required monthly net income is set at €3,500, which increases by 20% for a spouse or partner and by 15% for each dependent child. Proof of sufficient funds may come from employment or service contracts, bank statements, or other stable sources of income. Upon submission of the required documentation and payment of a €75 fee, the applicant may receive the visa and settle in Greece.

Visa holders have the right to be accompanied by their family members, who are granted individual visas of equal duration. During their stay, however, the spouse, partner, and underage children are not permitted to engage in any professional or economic activity in Greece. This restriction ensures that residence under the digital nomad scheme remains exclusively tied to remote work for employers abroad.

Beyond the procedural aspects, Greece has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for digital nomads. The mild climate, natural beauty, cultural heritage, stable telecommunications infrastructure, and lower cost of living compared to many Western European countries make the country ideal for long-term residence and remote work. Cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Naxos, have emerged as digital mobility hubs, attracting professionals from all over the world. The development of coworking spaces, widespread high-speed internet access, and a hospitable culture further strengthen Greece’s position on the global digital nomad map.

Of particular interest are the tax incentives accompanying this regime. Those who stay in the country for fewer than 183 days per year are not subject to taxation in Greece for income earned abroad. Conversely, those who extend their stay and acquire tax residence in Greece may benefit from a significant tax reduction—up to 50% for a period of up to seven years. In this way, the Greek tax system acts as an additional incentive for highly skilled professionals who wish to live and work in a stable and secure European environment.

As the visa approaches expiration, holders may apply for a two-year residence permit known as “Type I.8,” intended for third-country nationals with sufficient means of subsistence. The application must be submitted before the visa expires to the Department of Foreigners and Immigration of the Decentralized Administration corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence. Provided that the conditions continue to be met, this permit allows the lawful stay in Greece for an additional two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Through this framework, Greece establishes itself as a center of innovation, creativity, and openness, attracting individuals who choose a more flexible lifestyle and mode of work. The combination of cultural richness, natural beauty, friendly administrative procedures, and economic incentives creates a unique environment that enhances the country’s presence in the global competition for digital talent and contributes meaningfully to the sustainable growth of the Greek economy and society.