As a US citizen, you can visit Greece visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180 day period on a tourist visa. However, this doesn’t permit you to live and work in Greece. Greece’s digital nomad visa, launched in 2021, allows American remote workers to stay in Greece for up to 12 months, providing an opportunity to explore the country or settle and work for a longer period.
The cradle of Western Civilization and birthplace of democracy, Greece is best known for its history, iconic ruins, and beautiful islands and beaches. With a simple application process and potential tax incentives, Greece’s digital nomad visa is a great way to balance work and life in southern Europe.
In this article, we’ll provide an overview of what American remote workers need to know about Greece’s digital nomad visa.
Eligibility requirements for the Greece digital nomad Visa
The Greece digital nomad visa lets remote workers from non-EU countries live and work remotely in Greece for up to 12 months. At the end of the year, before the original visa expires, you can apply to renew it.
To apply for the visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Income – You must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,500 (in 2024) to support you while you’re living in Greece. If you bring a spouse or partner, an additional €700 per month is required. For each dependent child, the requirement increases by €525 per child.
- Employment/self-employment – The visa is available for employees for non-Greek companies or self-employed individuals. Proof of employment or business activity abroad is required. Self-employed individuals must confirm that their business will not be registered or operated in Greece.
- Telecommunications – You must use telecommunications technology (i.e. the internet) to conduct your work, to ensure that your job is location-independent and can be carried out remotely from Greece.
- Health insurance – You’ll need to purchase valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Greece. Your insurance should cover potential medical costs while residing in the country.
- Criminal background check – You’ll need to provide a (clean) criminal record check as part of your application.
- Accommodation – You’ll need to demonstrate that you have accommodation in Greece for the duration of your stay. This could be in the form or a rental agreement, for example.
Application process for the Greece digital nomad visa
Once you have gathered the above documentation, the next step is to print, fill out and submit the application form.
If you’re already in Greece, submit your application to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum. If you’re outside Greece, you can apply at a Greek Embassy or Consulate.
Additional documents for the Greek type D Visa
As part of your digital nomad visa application, you’ll also need to apply for a Greek Type D (National) Visa. This long-term visa grants entry for stays exceeding 90 days. For this, you’ll need to submit:
- Visa application form: Complete the application form, indicating “remote work” as your purpose of travel.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date and have two blank pages for the visa.
- Passport photos: Two recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen Visa photo requirements.
- Proof of accommodation: Show evidence of where you will stay in Greece, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
- Financial proof: Similar to the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa, demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Greece.
- Travel insurance: You need comprehensive travel insurance that meets Schengen Visa standards, covering medical expenses during your stay.
- Criminal record certificate: Provide a certificate of a clean criminal record from the most recent country where you’ve lived for more than a year.
- Return flight ticket: You’ll need to provide a return flight ticket to demonstrate that you plan to leave Greece once your visa expires.
- Health certificate: You’ll need to obtain a health certificate confirming you are free from any contagious diseases that could pose a risk to the Greek population.
Processing time for the Greece digital nomad visa
Once you submit your application and all required documents to the Greek authorities, the processing time for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa is relatively quick, typically taking about a month.
Greece’s digital nomad visa cost
The application cost for Greece’s digital nomad visa varies depending on where you submit your application (whether in Greece or another country). Here’s an overview of the fees for 2024:
- Application fee: The application fee ranges between €75 and €100, depending on where you submit your application.
- Residence permit fee: After your visa is approved, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The cost for this permit ranges from €150 to €300, based on the length of your stay.
- Other expenses: In addition to these fees, you may incur costs to obtain the other documents, as well as accommodation and health insurance, required for the application.
Renewing your Greece digital nomad visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for 12 months. After this, you can apply for a digital nomad residence permit, which allows you to extend your stay for up to an additional two years. You can continue to renew this residence permit as long as you continue to meet the visa requirements, including working remotely for an employer or business based outside of Greece (or being self-employed with clients abroad), having enough financial resources to support yourself and your family, and maintaining valid health insurance coverage.
Unlocking the tax benefits of the Greek digital nomad visa
Greece’s digital nomad visa offers significant tax advantages, especially through the 5A non-dom tax regime, which is designed to attract individuals to move their tax residence to Greece. A major benefit of this regime is the reduced income tax rate (a 50% deduction on the normal tax rates), far lower than the standard Greek income tax rates, which can reach up to 45%. This makes Greece a highly attractive option for remote workers earning income from outside the country, allowing them to keep more of their earnings.
Additionally, the tax benefits extend for up to seven years, providing long-term financial incentives for digital nomads planning to stay in Greece. While US citizens are still required to file US taxes, Americans working remotely in Greece can take advantage of the US Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which allows them to exclude up to $126,500 (in 2024) of income earned abroad from US taxation, further optimizing their overall tax situation.
Final thoughts
Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa offers an exciting opportunity for Americans looking to work remotely while living in one of Europe’s most iconic destinations. With the ability to bring your family, and tax incentives through the 5A non-dom tax regime, it’s an attractive option for those wanting to experience the southern European lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to Greece’s history, stunning islands, vibrant cities, or the relaxed pace of life, the Digital Nomad Visa allows you to embrace all the experiences this remarkable country has to offer.
If you have any questions about financial planning as an American living in the EU, get in touch.
This article is for informational purposes only; it is not intended to offer advice or guidance on legal, tax, or investment matters. Such advice can be given only with full understanding of a person’s specific situation.
