Greece is what most people call a paradise.  Who wouldn’t want to work remotely and live in Greece? Surrounded by deep blue oceans and with hundreds of unique attractions.

Now, thanks to the new law 4825/2021, non-EU citizens can also enjoy these perks thanks to Greece’s newly launched Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa.

Everything you need to know about the Greece Digital Nomad Visa and how to apply for it

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a travel authorization document that allows remote workers to live and work in Greece, issued in September 2021 by Greece’s Ministers of Migration and Foreign Affairs. The purpose of this Visa is to attract foreign remote workers to Greece and attract permanent investors.

When applying for the DNV, you will apply for a Greece National Visa (Type D Visa) that allows a stay of up to 12 months and enable you to live and work in Greece.

Eligibility Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa:

  • You must be working for a company or clients located outside of Greece and not registered within Greece.
  • You must be able to work remotely and complete your work obligations using information and communication technology (Wi-Fi, laptops, etc.)
  • If you are self-employed, you must submit confirmation of your business activity, corporate purpose, and business address. Remember it should not be registered in Greece.
  • Only third-country nationals may apply for the DNV. Citizens from the Schengen Area enjoy the freedom of movement under the Schengen Agreement and the benefit of working in Greece without the need to apply for a DNV.

How long is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Valid For and where to apply for it:

The Greece DVN will be valid for 1 year (12 months) and you can extend it for an additional year, providing that you still meet the visa requirements, totalling a maximum of 2 years. Once you submit your DNV application you should receive a response within the next 10 days. The government does not specify how long it will take for the Visa to be issued but it should take around a month. If approved, the visa will l be issued by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. However, it may also take less than 10 days for your DNV to be issued. It all depends on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

If you’re outside Greece, you can apply for it at your local Greece Embassy or Consulate within your home country or if you are already in Greece, you can apply for it by the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. Keep in mind that you need to apply for your Digital Residence Permit before your initial visa expires (the visa you used to enter Greece). The DNV will cost around €75, and the fee is paid for the services provided by the Greek Embassy/Consulate therefore it is non-refundable.

Financial Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa:

You will need to prove a monthly minimum income of at least €3,500 per month, after-tax (net income). Any dependents can apply for a residency permit when you apply for the DNV, they cannot work or perform any economic activities in Greece, and this amount increases by 20% for your spouse or partner and 15% for each dependent child under the age of 18 years old.

Document Requirements for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa:

The Greece DNV is a type of National Visa, specifically the Type D Visa. Therefore it suggests that you need to submit the same documents as that of the type D Visa. Law 4825/2021 states that you need to submit 4 required documents for the Greece DNV. However, it does not state that you need to submit the same documents as that of the Type D Visa which can cause a lot of confusion.

When submitting your Greece DNV application, submit the below documents along with the required documents for the Greece Type D Visa. You can submit them in person, by email, or by post to the registered address of the Greece Embassy or Consulate you plan to apply at. Keep in mind, that Law 4825/2021 is relatively new and still hasn’t outlined the exact steps applicants need to take. It is advisable to contact the Embassy before applying to enable you to learn more about the exact visa application steps and ensuring that you are following the correct process.

Documents Required according to Law 4825/2021:

  • Declaration Letter: This is somewhat like a cover letter stating that you plan to apply for the Greece DNV and work remotely in Greece. You need to also mention that you will not be working for a company registered in Greece, for the duration of your stay, or planning to do so. Additionally, add all relevant details about your job/company and that you meet the financial requirements.
  • Proof Of Employment: An employment contract that proves you have work outside of Greece, valid for the duration of your Greece DNV, and a letter from your employer stating that you can complete your work obligations using information technology. If you own your own company outside of Greece, the documents you will be needing are the company license and/or registration number, the company name, the field of activity, corporate purpose and any other relevant documents that can prove the company is registered outside of Greece. Ideally, add a cover letter explaining your work obligations within your company and attach any other related documents to it.
  • Proof Of Sufficient Funds: Recent bank statements, Company account statements, an employment contract stating your salary and any other relevant document that can prove your monthly income

Required Documents For The Greece Type D Visa:

  • Visa Application Form: Fill in the National Visa application form (also known as the long-stay visa application form). Within the application, you’ll find a section that requests “main purpose of journey”, under “other” you can enter remote work. When authorities receive your application, they will process your Type D Visa application as a Digital Nomad Visa application.
  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of departure back to your home country. You might need to leave your passport with the Embassy and ensure that you have 2 blank visa pages available for the visa sticker that will be attached to it along with 2 Passport Photos.
  • Proof of Accommodation: A rental agreement or a document that proves ownership of property in Greece should suffice.
  • Proof of Financial Means: As previously mentioned; recent bank statements, Company account statements, an employment contract stating your salary and any other relevant document that can prove your monthly income
  • Proof of Comprehensive Travel Insurance: You will need to provide an insurance policy that will be able to cover all your medical expenses that could occur during your trip that is valid for the duration of your stay in Greece. One that is similar to the Schengen Visa medical insurance should be sufficient.
  • Criminal Record Certificate: A valid criminal record certificate from competent authorities within your home country proving that you pose no risk to Greece and its local citizens.
  • Return Flight Ticket: The return flight ticket proves that you do not plan to stay in Greece and that you will be returning to your home country after your stay. You can also provide a booking confirmation that could confirm this.
  • Medical Certificate: A recognized health organization in your country can issue you a medical certificate that proves you are healthy and don’t suffer from any contagious diseases that may pose a risk to Greece and its citizens.

Digital Nomad Visa Tax in Greece:

As a Greece Digital Nomad Visa provides a long-term stay (1 year with a possible visa extension), we can assume that Digital Nomads will be liable to pay tax in Greece for any income generated within Greece and abroad, and could possibly fall under the same tax regulations of any other long-term resident. The Greece tax authorities have not yet made or identified, any tax-related provisions or guidelines for holders of a Greece Digital Nomad Visa. One of our technical advisers could help with this.

Unfortunately, Law 4825/2021 does not specify any tax regulations or exemptions for Digital Nomads. According to the Income Taxation Code (Law 4172/2013) (ITC), if you’re a tax resident in Greece, you’re subject to pay tax on the income you receive in both Greece and abroad (earned within a tax year).

If you reside in Greece for more than 183 days (consecutively), from the first day you arrive, in 12 months you are regarded as a tax resident of Greece. This does not apply if you visit as a tourist, for medicinal or therapeutic, or similar private reasons and stay for less than 365 days, including brief visits abroad. You are considered a tax resident if you decide to maintain a permanent residency in Greece, hold your physical home in Greece, or maintain any other interests such as personal or financial relationships (such as a work contract, even if you work outside Greece, i.e. remote working).

What Other Countries In Europe Offer A Digital Nomad Visa:

  • Estonia
  • Croatia
  • Romania
  • Germany (Freelance Visa)
  • Czech Republic (Trade License)
  • Iceland
  • Hungary
  • Malta
  • Portugal (Portugal D7 Visa)
  • Spain
  • Norway
  • Italy (Self-Employment Visa)

 Get in contact today with a member of our team and see how we can help you achieve a Digital Nomad Visa!