Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Your 2025 Guide for Remote Work in Greece

Greece offers an official long-term Digital Nomad Visa (National D visa) for non-EU/EEA nationals working remotely for foreign employers or clients. This permit allows you to legally live in Greece for up to one year, with opportunities to renew if requirements continue to be met.

What Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is a national long-term residence permit (Type D) specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals earning income from outside the Greek labor market. It grants legal residency and allows travel within the Schengen Area.

Who Qualifies?

You must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

• Work remotely for an employer or clients registered outside Greece.

• Provide proof of foreign-sourced income and not derive any income from Greek employers.

• Hold valid health insurance, accommodations, and a clean criminal record.

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Dependents may be included but increase the required income threshold.

Income Requirements & Dependents Adjustments

The primary applicant must demonstrate a net income of at least €3,500 per month. If you are bringing a spouse, the threshold increases to approximately €4,200/month, and with one child, it increases to €4,830/month.

Income must be stable and documented via payslips, contracts, and bank statements.

Required Documents

Expect to prepare:

• Valid passport (with six months’ validity beyond intended stay).

• Two passport‑standard photos.

• Employment contract or freelance agreements indicating remote work with clients outside Greece.

• Bank statements or payslips proving monthly income threshold.

• Declaration letter affirming you will not work for Greek entities.

• Valid health insurance covering Greece for the full duration.

• Clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence.

• Proof of accommodation (lease or booking).

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All documentation is commonly apostilled or notarized and translated if required.

How to Apply & Processing Fees

Applications must be submitted at a Greek consulate in your home country or at the Ministry of Migration if you are already legally in Greece.

Standard fees include:

• Entry visa and national permit application fee: approximately €75.

• Administrative fee (permit issuance and processing): around €150 per applicant (additional for family members).

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Processing typically takes 10 to 30 days, with possible extensions up to 60 days in special cases.

Duration & Renewal Rules

The visa grants 12 months of residency. You may apply to extend through a residence permit, typically granted for up to 24 months total per renewal, provided ongoing eligibility. Renewals require updated documentation and must be submitted about two months before expiry.

Tax Considerations

Tax residency in Greece applies if you spend over 183 days per year or register permanent residence. Non-residents are only taxable on Greek-sourced income.

However, if classified as a resident, you must report worldwide income. Greece offers certain programs that can provide discount tax rates under specific conditions.

For U.S. citizens, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit may reduce tax liabilities back home.

Cost of Living & Lifestyle in Greece

Greece offers excellent value for Europeans and North Americans:

• Rent (1 BR in city centre): €700–1,200, depending on city.

• Utilities & internet: €100–150.

• Groceries & dining: €250–400.

• Transport, coworking, leisure: €150–300.

Athens and Thessaloniki are most popular for infrastructure and coworking. Coastal and island towns like Crete and Rhodes offer scenic escape with slower pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Greece’s digital nomad visa last?

The visa is issued for 12 months and can be renewed via residence permit renewal, typically for an additional 12–24 months, if all conditions remain satisfied.

What income is required?

Single applicants must show at least €3,500 net per month. With a spouse, the requirement is around €4,200/month. With one dependent child, it increases to €4,830/month.

Can I include family members?

Yes. Spouse and children may accompany you, but you must meet higher income thresholds, show health insurance for each, and provide additional documentation.

Do I pay income tax in Greece?

If you stay over 183 days, you may become a tax resident and must report worldwide income—though foreign-source earnings may not be taxed if correct structure is maintained. Staying under 183 days generally avoids Greek tax on remote income.

Can I apply from inside Greece?

Yes. Applicants already legally in Greece (e.g., on a tourist visa) may apply via the Ministry of Migration. If outside Greece, apply at a Greek consulate.

How quickly is approval granted?

Typical approval takes 10–30 days. Cases may take up to 60 days under special circumstances.

What documents are mandatory?

You must submit: valid passport, photos, proof of remote work, income documentation, health insurance, criminal certificate, accommodation proof, and a declaration about non-Greek employment. Translations or notarization may be required.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

• Legal one-year residency in the EU for remote workers.

• Schengen access allows travel throughout Europe.

• Ability to include family members.

• No Greek income tax if stay is short and income is foreign-based.

  
  

Cons:

• Income thresholds may exclude certain freelancers.

• Documentation is substantial (translations, declarations).

• Residency renewal can be bureaucratic.

• Tax implications must be managed carefully if staying long-term.

  
  

Is Greece Right for Your Remote Work Lifestyle?

For remote professionals with reliable foreign income and interest in European living, Greece offers sun, sea, culture, and digital infrastructure at competitive cost. If you can meet income requirements and are comfortable navigating application bureaucracy, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa provides a structured and attractive base for extended remote work and travel across the Schengen area.