Two years ago, a Balkan country was one of the first to approve a migration law introducing a national freelancer visa. It legalizes the presence of foreigners for one year, who have arrived for remote work. After four months, a nomad is allowed to extend their stay for two more years, provided they reside in the country for at least six months within a 12-month period.
However, it does not grant freelancers and self-employed individuals the right to work for a local company or engage in entrepreneurial activities. The processing time for applications is about 1 month.
Freelance Visa Specifics in Greece
The country is interested in attracting skilled workers to generate additional income and technological development. Authorities are focusing on IT company employees, but self-employed individuals, entrepreneurs, designers, and startup founders can also apply. Statistics have shown that 100,000 “nomads” contribute 1.6 billion euros to the treasury over six months.
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The demand for nomad status in Greece is growing. Initially, about 1,700 people became program participants. A year ago, the number increased to 44,000. Athens has entered the top ten capitals of the world for “nomads.” In the first quarter of 2024, the consulate reviewed 4,000 applications from candidates. Of these, 71% of candidates had a bachelor’s degree, and 32% had master’s degrees.
Citizens of third countries can become residents under the program’s conditions with a monthly income of at least €3,500.
Eligible applicants include:
- Remote specialists of foreign companies;
- Freelancers with a steady income;
- Self-employed or entrepreneurs with a registered sole proprietorship in their country of residence;
- Business owners who have not opened branches here.
Nomads can legally include a spouse, child, and relocate as a family. Only adult children do not have the right to be employed in local companies.
To obtain a family freelancer visa, the applicant must add percentages for the second parent and children to the threshold income amount.
How much does the visa cost in 2024?
Upon approval, the applicant pays a fee of €1,000, plus €150 per adult and €16 per child. When extending at the local Police Department, a fee of €75 is charged per person.
Taxes for Freelancers in Greece
After six months of residence, digital nomads become tax residents, paying only 50% of their income. This program is currently planned for seven years. Since progressive taxation applies here, the income tax rate depends on profitability. For “nomads,” they range from 9 to 44%.
Required Documents
Before submitting the package, check the rules and reception times on the embassy’s website. Standard documents needed to apply for a nomad visa include:
- Passport;
- Completed visa application;
- Photographs;
- Cover letter stating the purpose, commitment to work remotely, and not to enter into contracts in Greece;
- Proof of employment outside the host country, contract with a company at the place of permanent residence;
- Bank/corporate account statement showing financial solvency;
- Property ownership document or rental agreement;
- Health insurance for medical services;
- Criminal record certificate;
- Flight reservation;
- Receipt for visa fee payment.
For family relocation, include a marriage certificate, birth certificates for minors, and passports for adults. Sole proprietors must provide translated and apostilled business registration documents, and contracts with more than one legal entity not related to the economy of the Balkan country.
Recent Changes in Visa Matters in Greece
At the beginning of 2024, amendments were made to the migration law. Until the end of the previous year, foreigners who arrived on a tourist/business visa or Schengen could apply for a freelancer visa at the local Department. From January, documents are only accepted in the nomads’ country of residence online on the official embassy website by appointment. It is possible that the conditions will be tightened during the year, extending the document processing times.
Popularity statistics for Digital Nomad Visa to Greece
But so far, according to Google Trends statistics, the demand for the Greek digital nomad visa is consistently high, without sharp spikes in interest from remote workers. It is not yet clear whether this trend will continue until the end of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process of obtaining a visa takes from 10 days to 1 month from the moment of submitting the full package of documents. After approval, the applicant receives a Type D visa allowing entry within 90 days from the date of issue.
The initial validity period of the visa is 12 months, with the possibility of further extension up to 24 months through the procedure for obtaining a temporary residence permit (residence permit). To switch to a residence permit, you must submit additional documents within 4 months after entering the country.
The residence permit is extended every 2 years, subject to confirmation of an income of at least 3,500 €/month (as amended for family members), a valid rental agreement, and compliance with the 183-day rule for annual stay in Greece.
To maintain the status, it is necessary to spend at least 6 months in the country during each calendar year. This rule applies to both the initial visa and the extended residence permit. Absence for more than 10 months in a row leads to automatic cancellation of the status.
It is recommended to apply for an extension 3 months before the expiration of the current validity period of the visa or residence permit.
After submitting documents for a residence permit to the Migration Service of Athens, it takes 4-6 weeks to issue a residence card. During this period, the applicant receives a temporary residence permit (“blue paper”), which allows him to legally stay in the country.
To confirm the status of a remote employee, you must provide an employment contract with a company registered outside of Greece. For freelancers or the self–employed, documents confirming entrepreneurial activity (including registration as an individual entrepreneur or self-employed). It will require proof that clients or clients are located outside of Greece, as well as a letter from the employer confirming the remote nature of the work.
To confirm the required minimum income, you need a bank statement for the last 6 months (showing regular receipt of funds), a salary certificate from the employer, and proof of a monthly income of at least 3,500euros after taxes. In case of arrival with the family, documents confirming the increased income (+20% for the spouse and +15% for each child).
When applying for a digital nomad visa, you must provide a rental agreement in Greece. For the initial registration of a residence permit, the contract must be concluded for a period of at least 2 years. The contract must be officially registered with the Greek Tax Service and all family members included in the visa application must be indicated. When applying for a visa for the first time, a 12-month contract is allowed with the obligation to extend it after switching to a residence permit.
- Marriage certificate (for spouse);
- Birth certificates of children;
- Proof of additional income (+20% for the spouse and +15% for each child);
- Health insurance for each family member;
- Officially translated and certified copies of all documents.
Starting in 2024, documents will be submitted at the Greek consulate or Embassy in the country of residence. For persons who are already in the country legally, an application can be submitted to the Department of Foreigners and Immigration Affairs. Contact information for clarification: e-mail dpt.rptcn@migration.gov.gr , phone (+30) 213-162-9041.
The insurance policy must cover the entire requested period of stay + 15 days beyond the specified period. For an initial visa, a minimum of 1 year is required, for an extension – for 2 years. Medical insurance must be issued before applying for a visa. The cost of insurance is from € 80 per year for each family member.
The document confirming the absence of a criminal record must be issued no earlier than 3 months before the date of filing the application. For countries parties to the Hague Convention, an apostille is required, the validity of which is unlimited, provided there are no changes to the applicant’s personal data.
Bank statements must cover the period of the last 6 months at the time of application. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs, tax returns for the previous 2 years are additionally provided.
The procedure for submitting applications has changed – now they are submitted through consulates, and not within the country. The requirements for proof of income and remote work have been clarified. Clearer criteria for visa extension have been introduced. The minimum income requirements for applicants with a family have been clarified.
For an extension, you will need confirmation of maintaining the status of a remote employee, an up-to-date bank statement (demonstrating compliance with minimum income requirements), a new rental agreement or confirmation of the extension of an existing one, updated medical insurance, confirmation of legal stay in Greece during the previous period.
- Visa fee (75€ per applicant, including family members);
- State fee for the transfer to a residence permit (residence permit) (1,000€ for the main applicant);
- Service fee of visa centers (30-50€ depending on the country of application).
Financial requirements increase proportionally:
- +20% of the minimum income for a spouse (3,500€ – 4,200€);
- +15% for each child (3500€ – 4725€ for a family of 3 people);
- An additional administrative fee of 75€ for each family member.
Mandatory expenses include the translation of documents (from 15-30 € per page), apostillation of a criminal record certificate (50-100€ depending on the country), medical insurance (from 80 €/year per person).
A 24-month lease agreement is required to obtain a residence permit. The average cost ranges from 500 €/month in the province to 1,200 €/month in Athens. The deposit is usually equal to 2-3 months of rent.
Additional costs include the services of realtors (5-10% of the annual rent), notarization of the lease agreement (150-300 €), Greek language courses recommended for integration (from 200 €/month).
If the 183-day rule is followed, taxation does not apply. The exemption is valid for stays of less than six months. If the limit is exceeded, the progressive rate is from 9% to 44%.
A 24-month extension requires a re-collection of 75€ for a visa + 1000€ for a residence permit, insurance renewal (from 120 €/year), a new lease agreement with notarization.
It is possible to obtain Greek citizenship through a digital nomad visa, but it is a long-term process. The Digital Nomad Visa provides an opportunity to legally reside and work in Greece and can be the first step towards citizenship. A foreigner must have lived in the country legally for at least 7 years. This time is counted only if you have a long-term residence permit (residence permit), which can be issued after a digital nomad visa.
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