Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Live and Work Remotely for One Year

Key Takeaways

• The Greece Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work remotely in Greece up to three years.
• Applicants must meet income requirements starting at €3,500 monthly and provide proof of accommodation and valid health insurance.
• Application involves document collection, consulate appointment, possible interview, and residence registration with average processing times of two weeks.

Imagine starting your workday with the sound of waves from the Aegean Sea, or finishing a project while the sun sets over Santorini. For many remote workers, this is no longer just a fantasy. Thanks to the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, non-EU/EEA citizens can now live and work legally from some of the world’s most beautiful locations. If you’re considering this move, it’s important to understand the full process, from eligibility to arrival, so you can plan your journey with confidence and avoid surprises along the way.

Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to the entire Greece Digital Nomad Visa process for 2025. This overview covers who can apply, what documents you’ll need, how long each stage takes, what to expect from Greek authorities, and practical tips for a smooth experience. Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote employee, or a digital entrepreneur, this guide will help you decide if Greece is the right destination for your remote work adventure.

Understanding the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa, first launched in 2021 and still going strong in 2025, is designed for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in Greece while working for employers or clients outside the country. This visa is open to non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens who meet specific requirements. It allows you to stay in Greece for up to one year, with the option to renew for up to two more years, making it possible to enjoy Greek life for up to three years in total.

Key Benefits:
– Live and work legally in Greece 🇬🇷 for up to three years
– Access to the entire Schengen Area (29 European countries) for short trips
– Bring your spouse and children (with increased income requirements)
– No need to buy property—a rental agreement or hotel booking is enough
– Affordable cost of living compared to many Western European countries
– Warm climate, rich culture, and modern infrastructure

Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen with a valid passport (valid at least three months beyond your planned stay)
• Remote worker, freelancer, or business owner with clients or a company outside Greece
• Not employed by any Greek company
• Minimum net monthly income:
  • €3,500 for a single applicant
  • €4,200 if bringing a spouse
  • €4,830 for a family of three (spouse + one child)
  • Add 15% for each additional dependent
• Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental contract, hotel, or Airbnb booking)
• Valid health insurance covering your entire stay
• Clean criminal record certificate from your home country
• Medical certificate showing you are in good health
• Declaration letter stating you will work remotely from Greece and not for a Greek employer
• Return flight ticket (sometimes requested by consulates)

Estimated Timeframe:
Gathering documents can take 1–3 weeks, depending on how quickly you can obtain police and medical certificates.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather Required Documents

Start by collecting all the necessary paperwork. Missing or incomplete documents are the most common reason for delays, so double-check each item:

• Valid passport (with at least three months’ validity after your planned stay)
• Two passport photos (Schengen format)
• Proof of remote employment or freelance contracts (such as work contracts, client agreements, or business registration documents)
• Proof of income (recent bank statements, payslips, or contracts showing your monthly earnings)
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract, hotel reservation, or Airbnb booking for at least six months)
• Health insurance certificate (must cover your entire stay in Greece)
• Clean criminal record certificate (from your home country or country of residence)
• Medical certificate (showing you are fit to travel and live abroad)
• Declaration letter (confirming you will work remotely from Greece and not for a Greek employer)
• Return flight ticket (if requested by the consulate)

Tip: Some documents may need to be translated into Greek and officially certified. Check with your local Greek consulate for their specific requirements.

Estimated Timeframe:
Allow 1–2 weeks to gather and prepare all documents, especially if translations or certifications are needed.

2. Book an Appointment at the Greek Consulate

Once your documents are ready, you must book an appointment at the Greek consulate or embassy in your country of residence. As of 2025, all applications must be submitted through Greek consular posts in your home country. In-country applications are no longer allowed.

• Find your local Greek consulate or embassy using the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs directory.
• Book your appointment as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

Estimated Timeframe:
Booking and waiting for your appointment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on demand.

3. Submit Your Application in Person

At your appointment, you’ll submit your full application package. Some consulates allow you to use an authorized agent or lawyer, but most require you to appear in person.

• Present all required documents
• Pay the visa application fee (€75) and residence permit administration fee (€150)
• Answer any questions from consular staff
• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), if requested

Tip: Bring both originals and copies of all documents. Some consulates may keep copies for their records.

Estimated Timeframe:
The appointment itself usually takes less than an hour.

4. Attend an Interview (If Requested)

Some applicants may be asked to attend a short interview. This is not always required, but if it is, you’ll be asked about your work, your plans in Greece, and your ability to support yourself.

Estimated Timeframe:
If an interview is needed, it may add a few days to the process.

5. Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application, the consulate will review your documents and make a decision. Most applicants receive a decision within 10 business days if all paperwork is complete and correct.

• You may be contacted for additional information or clarification
• If approved, you’ll receive your National D Type visa, allowing you to enter Greece

Estimated Timeframe:
10 business days (about two weeks), though delays can occur if documents are missing or need further review.

6. Travel to Greece

Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Greece. Make sure to bring all your original documents with you, as you’ll need them for the next step.

7. Register at the Local Aliens & Immigration Department

Within your first few weeks in Greece, you must register at the local Aliens & Immigration Department in the area where you’ll be living. This step is required to receive your residence permit card, which allows you to stay in Greece for the full duration of your visa.

• Bring your passport, visa, and all supporting documents
• Provide proof of your Greek address
• Submit biometric data (if not already done)
• Receive your residence permit card (usually within a few weeks)

Estimated Timeframe:
Registration and card issuance can take 2–4 weeks, depending on local office workloads.

What Happens Next? Living and Working in Greece

With your residence permit in hand, you’re free to live and work remotely from anywhere in Greece. You can travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, making it easy to explore Europe during your stay.

Renewal and Long-Term Options

• Initial visa validity: 12 months
• Renewal: You can renew your permit for up to two more years, provided you still meet all requirements (income, health insurance, etc.)
• Permanent residency: After five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency in Greece

Bringing Family Members

Your spouse and children (usually under 18, sometimes up to 21) can join you in Greece. However, you must show higher monthly income:

• €4,200/month if bringing a spouse
• €4,830/month for a family of three (spouse + one child)
• Add 15% for each additional dependent

Taxation and Financial Considerations

• Stays under 6 months: No Greek tax liability
• Stays over 6 months: You may become a Greek tax resident, but digital nomads can benefit from a 50% reduction in Greek income tax for the remainder of their visa period (if they meet tax residency rules)
• You must continue to pay taxes in your home country or country of tax residence, as required

Cost Breakdown

• Visa application fee: €75
• Residence permit administration fee: €150
• Total upfront cost: €225 (about ₹22,500–₹25,000, depending on exchange rates)
• Additional costs: Health insurance premiums, possible legal or translation fees, and your living expenses

Living in Greece: What to Expect

Greece offers a lower cost of living than many Western European countries, though prices have risen in recent years. You’ll find high-quality healthcare (private insurance is required), reliable internet, and a welcoming culture. The Mediterranean lifestyle, with its warm climate, fresh food, and rich history, is a major draw for many remote workers.

Schengen Access

With your Greek residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period). This makes it easy to explore other European countries during your time in Greece.

No Property Purchase Required

Unlike some other visa programs, you don’t need to buy property in Greece. Proof of accommodation—such as a rental contract or hotel booking—is enough.

Strict Rules on Local Employment

You cannot work for a Greek company while on the Digital Nomad Visa. All your work must be for employers or clients outside Greece.

Potential Challenges

• Income threshold: The main barrier for many applicants is the minimum monthly income requirement of €3,500 (higher for families)
• Rising living costs: Inflation and increased demand from digital nomads have pushed up prices in some popular areas
• Document preparation: Gathering and translating documents can be time-consuming

Perspectives from Stakeholders

• Applicants: Most value the fast processing, Schengen access, and lifestyle benefits. The main concerns are meeting the income threshold and dealing with rising costs in popular destinations.
• Greek government: The program is seen as a way to attract high-earning remote workers and boost the local economy, especially in less-touristed regions.
• Local communities: Generally supportive, though some worry about housing affordability in popular spots due to increased demand from digital nomads.

Official Resources and Support

For the most up-to-date information, official forms, and contact details, visit the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. You can also find your nearest Greek consulate or embassy through the official directory.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Process

• Start early: Some documents, like police certificates, can take time to obtain.
• Check translation requirements: Many consulates require documents to be translated into Greek and officially certified.
• Budget for extra costs: Health insurance, legal fees, and higher living costs in tourist areas can add up.
• Keep copies of everything: Bring both originals and copies of all documents to your appointment and when you travel.
• Stay informed: Requirements can change, so check official sources regularly.

What If You Don’t Qualify?

If you don’t meet the income threshold or want more flexibility, consider other options:

• Short-term tourist visas: Good for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area
• Other digital nomad programs: Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Croatia offer similar visas with different requirements

Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Worth It?

For remote workers who meet the income requirements and want to experience life in Greece, this visa is a smart, affordable way to make that dream a reality. The process is straightforward, the costs are reasonable, and the benefits—both personal and professional—are significant. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the main challenge is meeting the income threshold, but for those who qualify, the Greece Digital Nomad Visa remains one of the most attractive options in Europe.

Next Steps

• Review the official requirements on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum website
• Gather your documents and book a consulate appointment
• Prepare for your move and enjoy your new life as a digital nomad in Greece

By following these steps and preparing carefully, you can enjoy a smooth journey from application to arrival—and start living and working in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.

Learn Today

Digital Nomad Visa → A visa allowing remote workers to live and work legally in Greece without local employment.
Schengen Area → A zone of 29 European countries allowing passport-free short travel up to 90 days in 180 days.
Residence Permit → Official authorization issued by Greek authorities to stay and reside legally in Greece.
Non-EU/EEA Citizens → Individuals who are not nationals of the European Union or European Economic Area countries.
Proof of Accommodation → Documents such as rental contracts or hotel bookings confirming where the applicant will live in Greece.

This Article in a Nutshell

Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers legal residence to live and work remotely up to three years. Non-EU citizens can apply if meeting income and document requirements. It grants Schengen travel access and family accompaniment. Careful preparation ensures smooth processing and an exceptional Mediterranean lifestyle awaits.
— By VisaVerge.com