Applying for a Digital Nomad Visa in 2024

Embarking on a new adventure almost always requires paperwork. In the case of relocating to Greece as an expat, you must choose between different visa options, and select the one that is best suited to your needs. Besides the FIP or Financially Independent Person's visa or the Golden visa program, there is one visa option that is available, called the Digital Nomad visa.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Digital Nomad visa is a permit that allows someone to work legally remotely while being away from their country of permanent residence.

In Greece, this visa gives anyone the right to live and work within the country of Greece remotely from their home. Holders of this visa have the right to legally reside in Greece, but do not have legal access to Greek employment or any business activity in Greece.

Who qualifies for a Digital Nomad visa?  

Non-EU nationals or self-employed individuals who work remotely as part of a company or who have private clients outside of Greece, and who also heavily rely on their computers to carry out their work. In order to be eligible, they must prove that they are earning income from outside of Greece.

Family members are also eligible for an individual visa that is valid for the same period as the digital nomad visa, without the right of employment or business activity in Greece. Therefore, you are not eligible to pay taxes in Greece.

New legislation for Digital Nomad Visa Applicants

From the 31st of March 2024, Digital Nomad visa applicants may enter Greece and apply for a respective Digital Nomad residency. These new changes originated from the new Greek Immigration Law 5038/2023 in article 68 of the new immigration law. 

Requirements of the Digital Nomad visa:

To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, you can submit your application directly before the competent Greek Consulate from abroad, or in Greece with your passport.

If you’re a digital nomad and your earnings come from abroad, you can apply for a residence permit for up to two years for the total cost of €1016, and provide the following documentation:

• Copy of valid passport or travel document recognized
• Proof of private health insurance (or travel insurance)
• Proof of income to cover the cost of living (€3.500 a month, add 20% for the spouse or partner, and an additional 15% for each child).

How long is a Digital Nomad visa valid until?

This type of visa must be filed before the expiration of the entry visa of 90 days. This visa valid for up to 12 months, however if they would like a Digital Nomad Residence permit which is valid for up to two years, they can extend the Digital Nomad visa.

Am I eligible for the tax reduction with the Digital Nomad visa?

If you are applying under the Digital Nomad Visa program, and obtain the permit after your visa expires, then no, you are not eligible to redeem the tax reduction, unless you are employed by a Greek firm or own an independent business as a freelancer. Unfortunately, under the Digital Nomad program, you are unable to start your own business in Greece.

As a general rule, Digital Nomad applicants must pay tax and comply with Greek tax laws after staying a period of 6 months, or approximately 180 days in Greece.

At My Greek Expat Journey, we help expats from all over the world to obtain their residency permits, along with handling other administrative tasks so that they can focus on the journey, and not stress about the rest. With our network of top-rated accountants and lawyers in Greece, we help to minimize the amount of scams that occur through transparent communication, up-front fees, and quick replies.

For any further information and clarification, you can schedule a free consultation here.