Greece Digital Nomad Visa

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. Russians can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa at the consular section of the capital, the General Consulates of Saint Petersburg, Novorossiysk, or an accredited agency with branches in different cities. The processing time for applications is 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.

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.

Since 2022, the majority of applications have been submitted by Russian citizens. For Russians, the digital nomad visa opens new life perspectives. 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.