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What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa? An Overview
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit for non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens who want to live in Greece while working remotely using a computer and internet connection. It allows remote employees, freelancers, and business owners to relocate legally while continuing their professional activity for employers or clients based outside Greece.
The program was introduced in September 2021 under Law 4825/2021 and later incorporated into Law 5038/2023, which governs immigration and residence permits in Greece. Under this framework, digital nomads can initially obtain a Type D national visa valid for up to 12 months, followed by a two-year residence permit that can be renewed if eligibility requirements continue to be met.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,500 net, maintain valid private health insurance, and prove their professional activity is conducted remotely for foreign companies or international clients. Visa holders cannot work for Greek employers or participate in the local labor market.
Digital Nomad Visa holders can also travel freely within the Schengen Area, include eligible family members in their application, and potentially move toward long-term residence in Greece. Time spent living in Greece under valid residence permits may contribute toward eligibility for permanent residency and eventually citizenship, provided legal requirements continue to be met.
Eleftheria Charalambous
Head of Greece Office
Who Can Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is open to non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens who work remotely and want to live in Greece. Applicants apply through a Greek consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
Eligible Professions and Remote Workers
To qualify for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU/EEA or non-Swiss citizen over 18 years old
- Hold a clean criminal record certificate
- Work remotely as an employee of a foreign company, a freelancer with international clients, or a business owner whose company is registered outside Greece
- Meet the minimum income requirement of €3,500 per month for the main applicant
- Hold valid private health insurance covering your stay in Greece
- Provide proof of accommodation in Greece
- Demonstrate that all professional activity is conducted outside the Greek economy
Citizens from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and most other non-EU countries are generally eligible to apply.
It is important to note that visa holders cannot work for Greek employers or provide services to Greek clients while holding the Digital Nomad Visa. All income must come from foreign companies or international clients.
Family Members and Dependents
Digital Nomad Visa holders may include immediate family members in their application. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouse or registered partner (including partners with a cohabitation agreement)
- Children under 18 years old
Additional income requirements apply when family members are included. The minimum income increases by 20% for a spouse, raising the total requirement to €4,200 per month, and by 15% for each child, adding €525 per month per child.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Requirements in 2026
To qualify for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must meet specific financial, legal, and professional requirements. These conditions ensure that remote workers can support themselves while living in Greece and continue working for employers or clients based outside the country.
Income Requirements (Minimum Monthly Earnings)
Applicants must demonstrate stable and sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Greece. As of 2026, the minimum income requirement for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is €3,500 per month.
| Household Type | Minimum Monthly Income |
| Single Applicant | €3,500 |
| Applicant + Spouse | €4,200 |
| Applicant + spouse + 1 child | €4,725 |
| Each additional child | €525 |
Acceptable proof of income may include:
- Employment contracts with foreign companies
- Bank statements showing consistent deposits
- Payslips or payroll records
- Evidence of ongoing business activity
- Tax returns or official income declarations
Income must come exclusively from outside Greece. The digital nomad visa does not allow employment with Greek companies or income derived from Greek clients.
Health Insurance Requirements
All applicants must obtain private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Greece. The insurance policy must remain valid for the full duration of the visa or residence permit.
Coverage must meet the following conditions:
- Provide medical and hospital care coverage in Greece
- Remain valid throughout the entire period of residence
- Extend to all family members included in the application
- Be long-term residency health insurance, not short-term travel insurance
While Greek regulations do not impose strict rules on deductibles, comprehensive coverage equivalent to public healthcare standards is strongly recommended.
Clean Criminal Record
Applicants must provide a criminal record certificate confirming no serious offenses. This requirement applies to the applicant’s home country and any country where they have lived recently.
- Certificate required from the home country and any country of residence during the past 12 months
- The document must be translated into Greek or English
- Foreign documents typically require Apostille legalization
- Some consulates may request notarized translations
- Certificates should usually be issued within three months before the application
Proof of Remote Work or Freelance Activity
Applicants must demonstrate that their professional activity can be carried out remotely from Greece and that it is not connected to the Greek labor market.
For employees:
- Employment contract with a company registered outside Greece
- Proof of at least three months of employment history
- Letter from the employer confirming the remote work arrangement
For freelancers or self-employed professionals:
- Contracts with international clients
- Evidence of business registration outside Greece
- Invoices or payment records demonstrating ongoing client relationships
Declaration requirement (all applicants):
- Signed declaration stating the applicant and his/her dependents will not work for Greek employers or clients during their stay in Greece
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Documentation
To apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must submit a complete set of documents demonstrating identity, professional activity, financial stability, and legal compliance. Preparing these documents correctly is essential to avoid delays or refusal during the application process.
Below are the key Greece Digital Nomad Visa documentation requirements typically requested by Greek consulates and immigration authorities.
Identity and Application Documents
☐ Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
☐ Completed and signed National Type D visa application form
☐ Two recent passport-style photographs
☐ Proof of accommodation in Greece
Employment and Remote Work Documents
☐ Employment contract with a foreign company or proof of freelance contracts with international clients
☐ Business registration documents if self-employed or operating a company outside Greece
☐ Declaration letter confirming remote work and stating that you will not provide services to Greek employers or companies
Financial Documents
☐ Proof of net income showing at least €3,500 per month, such as bank statements, payslips, employment contracts, or client invoices
Legal and Background Documents
☐ Criminal record certificate from your home country and any country where you have lived in the past 12 months
Travel/Health Insurance Documentation
☐ Travel insurance valid for Greece covering the full duration of the visa application period
☐ Private health insurance valid in Greece for the residence permit stage after arrival
☐ Medical certificate confirming good health (required by some consulates)
Application Fee Confirmation
☐ Receipt of visa application payment
Important Notes
- Many consulates require documents to be translated into Greek or English
- Foreign documents generally require Apostille legalization for international use
- Some consulates may request additional documents depending on the applicant’s circumstances
- Applicants should keep copies of all submitted documentation for their records
How to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Step-by-Step
Applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa involves several stages. All applicants begin the process through a Greek consulate in their country of residence.
Below is the typical step-by-step process for applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa.
Step 1: Gather Required Documentation
Begin by preparing all required documentation, including proof of income, employment or freelance contracts, health insurance, accommodation confirmation, and criminal record certificates. Many documents issued outside Greece must be translated into Greek or English and legalized with an Apostille.
Preparing your application file carefully in advance helps prevent delays or additional document requests from the consulate.
Step 2: Book Your Greek Consulate Appointment
Applicants applying from abroad must schedule an appointment with the Greek consulate or embassy in their country of residence. Appointment availability varies depending on the location and time of year, so it is recommended to schedule your appointment early once your documents are ready.
Some consulates allow online scheduling, while others require booking by email or phone.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Pay Fees
During your consulate appointment, you will submit your full application file along with all supporting documents. The consulate will review your documentation and collect the relevant fees.
Applicants may also be asked to provide biometric data and answer questions about their remote work activity.
Step 4: Receive Your Visa
Once the application is approved, the Greek consulate will issue a Type D national visa, allowing you to enter Greece and begin the next stage of the residency process. Processing times typically range from 10 to 20 working days, although complex cases may take longer.
Step 5: Enter Greece and Apply for Your Residence Permit
After arriving in Greece, digital nomads who intend to stay longer than the initial visa period must apply for a two-year residence permit. This application is submitted to the local Immigration Offices before the initial visa expires.
The residence permit allows digital nomads to continue living legally in Greece while working remotely for foreign employers or clients.
Step 6: Register Your Tax Number (AFM)
Digital nomads staying in Greece could obtain a Greek tax identification number (AFM). This number is required for many administrative activities, including tax registration, signing rental contracts, and opening bank accounts.
The AFM is issued through the Greek tax authority and can usually be obtained within a few days once the required documentation is submitted.
Step 7: Open a Greek Bank Account (Optional But Recommended)
Opening a Greek bank account is not always mandatory, but it is often recommended for managing daily expenses such as rent, utilities, and local payments. A local bank account can also make it easier to manage financial documentation if you later renew your residence permit.
Maria Balaoura
Immigration Lawyer
Processing Time: How Long Does the Application Take?
The complete process for obtaining a Greek Digital Nomad Visa can take several weeks to a few months, depending on document preparation and the availability of consular services. Greek authorities generally process visa applications within 10 working days and residence permit applications within 40 working days.
Preparation time often represents the longest part of the process, particularly when documents must be translated, legalized, or issued by authorities in your home country.
Document Preparation Time (Before Applying)
Before submitting your application, you must obtain and prepare several documents. The timeline may vary by the country where the documents are issued.
- Criminal background check: 1-4 weeks, depending on the issuing country
- Apostille legalization: 1-2 weeks in most jurisdictions
- Official translations: 1-2 weeks, depending on the translator and document volume
- Health insurance arrangement: Usually 1-3 days once coverage is selected
Preparing these documents in advance helps ensure the application can be submitted without delays.
Application and Visa Processing
Once your documents are ready, the next stage is to submit the application and wait for the decision from the Greek consulate.
- Consulate appointment scheduling: 1-3 weeks, depending on availability
- Visa processing after submission: 10 working days
- Estimated total process from abroad: 1-3 months in most cases
Processing times may vary by consulate and the completeness of the application file.
After Arrival in Greece
After entering Greece with the Digital Nomad Visa, applicants who plan to stay longer must complete additional administrative steps.
- Residence permit processing: 40 working days
- AFM (tax number) registration: Usually completed within 1-2 weeks
Applying early and preparing documents carefully can significantly reduce delays, especially during busy periods when consulates receive more visa applications.
Greece Digital Nomad Visa Costs and Fees
The total cost of applying for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa depends on government fees, document preparation, and whether family members are included in the application. In most cases, applicants can expect to spend between €300 and €800 for the visa process, although the residence permit issued after arrival represents the largest official expense.
Official Visa and Residence Fees
The main government fees associated with the Greece Digital Nomad Visa include:
- Visa application fee: Approx. €200 (non-refundable)
- Residence permit fee (after arrival in Greece): €1000 per applicant
- Additional family member residence permit fee: €150 per dependent
These fees are typically paid during the visa application process and when submitting the residence permit request in Greece.
Document Costs (United States)
Applicants applying from the United States may incur additional document preparation costs, such as:
- Criminal background check: $20-$60
- Apostille certification: $10-$50 per document
- Official translations: $10-$50 per document
- Private health insurance: approximately $30-$100+ per month, depending on coverage
Document Costs (United Kingdom)
Applicants applying from the United Kingdom may expect similar preparation expenses:
- Criminal background check: £20-£60
- Apostille certification: £10-£50 per document
- Official translations: £10-£50 per document
- Private health insurance: approximately £30-£100+ per month, depending on coverage
Optional or Additional Costs
Some applicants may also incur additional administrative expenses depending on their circumstances, including:
- Passport-style biometric photos
- Notarized or certified document copies
- Courier or mailing services for consulate submissions
- Professional legal assistance or visa advisory services
While the official government fees are relatively fixed, total costs may vary depending on the number of documents that require translation, certification, or Apostille legalization.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Greece
Understanding your tax situation is an important part of planning a move to Greece as a remote worker. Whether you become a tax resident and how your income is taxed will depend largely on how long you stay in the country and the structure of your professional activity.
Tax Residency Rules (The 183-Day Rule)
In general, you are considered a tax resident in Greece if you spend more than 183 days in the country during a calendar year. Once classified as a tax resident, you may be required to declare your worldwide income to the Greek tax authorities.
Tax residency may also apply if your main economic interests are based in Greece, such as maintaining a primary residence or conducting significant professional activity in the country.
However, double taxation agreements between Greece and many other countries can help prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
Important note: Each tax situation is different. The way your income is taxed can vary for each person. Professional tax advice is recommended before relocating. At Lexidy, tax guidance can be arranged through trusted collaborators when needed.
Validity and Renewal: How Long Does the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Last?
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa follows a structured timeline that allows remote professionals to live in the country for several years, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Initial Validity
The initial Digital Nomad Visa is issued as a Type D national visa valid for up to 12 months. This visa allows remote workers to enter Greece and live in the country while continuing to work for employers or clients located outside Greece.
Residence Permit Extension
Before the initial visa expires, applicants who wish to remain in Greece must apply for a two-year residence permit through the Greek Immigration Offices. This permit allows digital nomads to continue living legally in Greece while maintaining their remote work activity.
Renewals
The residence permit can be renewed every two years as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining the minimum income threshold and valid health insurance.
What Happens If Your Application Is Denied?
If your Greece Digital Nomad Visa application is denied, you will receive a notification from the Greek consulate or immigration authority explaining the reason for the refusal. The decision will usually outline whether the issue relates to missing documentation, insufficient financial evidence, or failure to meet the eligibility requirements.
Common reasons for denial include:
- Insufficient proof of income meeting the minimum monthly requirement
- Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documentation
- Missing translations or Apostille legalization for foreign documents
- Failure to demonstrate genuine remote work activity outside Greece
- Issues related to criminal background checks
Your Options if Denied
If your application is denied, here are the steps you should take:
- Review the refusal letter carefully to understand the exact reason for the decision
- Correct the issues identified
- Submit a new application once the documentation has been improved or completed
- Seek legal guidance if the refusal involves complex documentation or eligibility questions
Important Notes
- The visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied
- Ensuring documents are properly translated, legalized, and complete before submission can significantly reduce the risk of rejection
Path to Permanent Residency and Greek Citizenship through the Digital Nomad Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residency or citizenship, but it can serve as a starting point for long-term residence in the country. Time spent living in Greece under a valid residence permit may count toward the legal residency requirements for future immigration options.
After five years of continuous legal residence, individuals may become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Greece. This status allows foreign nationals to live in the country indefinitely, provided they continue to meet the legal and financial requirements set by Greek immigration authorities.
For citizenship in Greece, the standard pathway generally requires twelve years of continuous legal residence in the country. Applicants must demonstrate integration into Greek society, which may include passing a Greek language and culture examination, maintaining legal residence status, and complying with tax and residency obligations.
While the Digital Nomad Visa itself does not accelerate the citizenship timeline, the years spent living in Greece under this permit may contribute toward the residency requirement.
Benefits of Living in Greece as a Digital Nomad: Lifestyle, Costs, and Best Cities
Beyond the visa itself, Greece offers a lifestyle that attracts remote professionals from around the world. From coastal cities and historic towns to modern infrastructure and relatively affordable living costs, the country provides an appealing environment for location-independent workers.
Quality of Life
Greece consistently ranks among the most desirable destinations in Europe for lifestyle and climate. Digital nomads benefit from mild Mediterranean weather, access to beautiful coastlines and islands, and a relaxed pace of life that balances work and leisure.
Cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki have growing international communities, modern coworking spaces, and reliable internet infrastructure that supports remote work. Greece also offers a strong cultural scene, well-developed healthcare services, and easy travel connections to the rest of Europe.
For many remote professionals, Greece combines a high quality of life with a more affordable cost structure compared to many Western European countries.
Cost of Living
One of the main advantages of living in Greece is that daily expenses can be significantly lower than in many other European capitals. While costs vary depending on the city and lifestyle, Greece remains relatively affordable for remote professionals earning international salaries.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living (Single Person)
| City | Monthly Cost |
| Athens | €1,600 – €2,300 |
| Thessaloniki | €1,400 – €2,000 |
| Crete | €1,500 – €2,300 |
| Rhodes | €1,400 – €2,200 |
| Corfu | €1,500 – €2,200 |
For a detailed breakdown, see our full guide on the cost of living in Greece.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Greece
Greece offers a range of cities suited to different lifestyles and work preferences.
Athens
The capital city is Greece’s largest digital nomad hub. Athens offers fast internet, numerous coworking spaces, international flight connections, and a large community of remote professionals. The city also combines historic culture with modern amenities and easy access to nearby islands.
Thessaloniki
Greece’s second-largest city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, university population, and lively café culture. Thessaloniki offers a lower cost of living than Athens while still providing strong infrastructure for remote work.
Crete
Crete, Greece’s largest island, has become one of the country’s most popular destinations for digital nomads. Cities such as Chania, Heraklion, and Rethymno offer reliable infrastructure, international airports, and a strong balance between modern amenities and island lifestyle.
Rhodes
Rhodes combines historic architecture, beaches, and strong tourism infrastructure. With an international airport and reliable internet connectivity, it is a practical option for digital nomads seeking island living.
Corfu
Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu offers lush landscapes, Venetian architecture, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. The island has a growing international community and is increasingly popular among remote professionals.
Alternative Visa Options for Greece
While the Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote professionals working for foreign employers or clients, Greece offers other residence options depending on your professional situation, income source, and long-term plans. Below are three common alternatives that may be more suitable for certain applicants.
Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
The Greek Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Greece without engaging in professional activity in the country. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient passive income or financial resources to support themselves during their stay.
This option is commonly chosen by retirees or individuals with stable income sources such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or investment returns. Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, it does not require active remote work.
Greece Golden Visa
The Greece Golden Visa provides residency through investment in the country. The most common pathway involves purchasing real estate that meets the minimum investment threshold set by Greek law, which varies depending on the location of the property.
Employment (Work) Visa
The Work Visa in Greece is intended for foreign nationals who receive a job offer from a Greek company. In this case, the employer typically sponsors the visa application and must demonstrate compliance with Greek labor and immigration rules.
Startup Visa
The Greece Startup Visa is designed for entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative business in the country. Applicants must submit a business proposal demonstrating that the startup has innovation potential, scalability, and economic value for Greece.
