Greece Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

Do you want to work remotely in a country that is one of the most popular destinations in Europe?

Would you like to spend at least a year in the birthplace of democracy, theater, philosophy, the Olympic Games, and catchy Eurovision songs? 

And finally, do you want to meet friendly people and enjoy picturesque landscapes every day? 

If you are nodding right now, the Greece digital nomad visa might be a perfect solution for you — your ticket to paradise. 

We are here to help you get acquainted with the details. In this guide, you will find out more about: 

• Rules and regulations for getting a digital nomad visa for Greece, 
• Advantages and disadvantages of living in Greece, 
• Best cities and towns for digital nomads in Greece, and 
• Useful tips about living in Greece. 

“Knowledge creates happiness”, Plato said — and we want our readers to be happy, so let us waste no more time. Let’s learn more about the Greece digital nomad visa.

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Greece

Before we start explaining the details of Greece’s digital nomad visa, let’s check some quick facts.

Greece visa questions	Greece visa answers
Does Greece have a digital nomad visa?	Yes, commonly called the Greece Digital Nomad Visa.
When was Greece’s digital nomad visa introduced?	Greece’s digital nomad visa was introduced in 2021.
Who can apply for the Greece digital nomad visa?	– Anyone of non-EU and non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationality employed by a company registered outside of Greece who needs an internet connection to work. – Anyone who meets the other criteria stated later in the guide under the subheading Who is eligible to apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa?
How much does Greece’s digital nomad visa cost?	– Visa fee: €75 (~$81.7) – Administrative fee: €150 (~$153.55)
Greece’s digital nomad visa length?	1 year
Minimum stay requirement?	At least 183 days (i.e. 6 months) per year.
Possible to extend the visa?	Yes, up to 2 more years. After that, it is possible to extend the visa every 2 years as long as you meet the requirements.
Minimum income requirements?	€3,500 (~$3,816.08) per month.
Processing time for visa application?	– Processing time for the Greece digital nomad visa approval is 10 days. – Processing time for the Greece digital nomad visa issuance is around 30 working days.
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	Yes, but only with your spouse/registered partner and your children.

What to expect as a digital nomad in Greece?

Here are some things you should know before going to live as a digital nomad in Greece.

Greece digital nomad FAQ	Greece digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– Median download speed — 49.23 Mbps  – Median upload speed — 9.39 Mbps
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):	ViOS Co-working space in Athens (4,9 stars from 216 votes)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes, the Greeks are used to tourists and foreigners in general.
The most popular place for digital nomads in Greece:	Athens
Weather in Greece’s most popular place for digital nomads:	– Average annual temperature — ​​19°C (66.2°F); – Coldest month average temperature (January) — 10°C (50°F) – Hottest month average temperature (August) — 29°C (84.2°F) – 250 sunny days; – 115 cloudy days; – Mild winters and hot summers.
Type of climate:	Mediterranean
Annual air quality average:	US AQI 65 (Moderate quality) PM 2.5 — 3.8x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (Unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Average cost of living:	– Family of four: €2,778.2 (~$3,029) per month (without rent) – Single person: €810.3 (~$883.48) per month (without rent)
Average coworking space cost:	€160 (~$174.45) per month
Crime index:	46.52/100
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	Thessaloniki might become the new Silicon Valley of Greece.

Greece digital nomad visa

Greece’s digital nomad visa is the perfect solution for freelancers, digital nomads, and other expats who want to live and work remotely in this Balkan country. 

The visa was introduced in 2021, and, for now, it is the only type of digital nomad visa available in Greece.

We will cover a few alternatives later, but this type of visa is unparalleled because it offers a variety of important benefits to digital nomads.

Greece digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year and it comes with perks such as:

• You get a residence permit, 
• You can extend the visa for up to 2 years, 
• Your income taxes are lowered, and
• The processing time for the visa application is just 10 days.

Now, let’s take a look at the details of Greece’s digital nomad visa.

What documents do you need to apply for the Greece digital nomad visa?

To apply for the Greece digital nomad visa, you have to prepare the so-called general supporting documents and some particular documents stated in the Greece Immigration Code from 2022.   

To save you some time, we’ve made a list of all the documents you need to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa: 

• A valid passport, 
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid visa and administrative fees, 
• A recent color ID photograph,
• A criminal record certificate, 
• Proof of travel/health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa,
• A medical certificate proving you do not suffer from a contagious illness that might endanger public health in Greece, 
• A solemn written declaration where you state that you will not work for companies or employers based in Greece,
• An open-ended contract with a company/client based outside of Greece or a fixed-term contract with a company/client based outside of Greece that is valid for the duration of the issued visa, 
• Information about your status and position in the company you work for or — if you are self-employed — your company’s trade name and information about its corporate purpose, field of activity, and registered office, and
• A contract of employment or bank statement that proves you have a net income of at least €3,500 (~$3,816.08) per month.

If you don’t want to experience Greece all on your own, you’ll need to prove you have a slightly higher income:

• If you want your partner to come with you, you’ll need at least 20% higher net income per month — €4,200 (~$4,581.21), and 
• If you want your child to join you, you’ll need to earn at least 15% more than that — €4,025 (~$4,390.33). 

Therefore, if you have a family of 4 members, you must have a net income of at least €5,250 (~$5,724.13) per month.

Also, if you have lived in another country — one that is not your country of origin, for more than a year — Greek authorities might ask you to provide an additional criminal record certificate from that country. 

If you don’t have a clean criminal record, that does not mean that Greek authorities will automatically decline your application. They will review your record and, if they find you’re not a threat to national security, they might accept your application.

Who is eligible to apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa?

To be eligible to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa you have to meet the following criteria: 

• Be a citizen of a non-EU and non-EEA country,
• Work for a company or client registered outside Greece, 
• Have a net income of at least €3,500 (~$3,816.08) per month, and 
• Have all of the necessary documentation mentioned above. 

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

Yes, since the United States is not an EU or EEA country, you are eligible to apply for a Greek digital nomad visa.

However, if you have another citizenship of the EU/EEA country, you won’t be eligible for the Greece digital nomad visa.

Are you eligible if you are a US green card holder?

Yes, as long as you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country you are eligible to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa. 

However, keep in mind that if you stay outside the United States for more than 1 year, you will automatically lose your Green Card, so think carefully before applying for other visas. Waiving your rights to your US Green Card might not be the best move, as getting another one afterward might be tricky.

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

No, as an EU citizen, you are not eligible to apply for a Greece digital nomad visa. 

The Greek remote work visa is intended only for non-EU and non-EEA citizens. 

However, digital nomads from EU and EEA countries still have the right to live and work in Greece, provided they register at local police offices.

To be able to register in Greece and get a temporary residence permit — which is necessary if you stay in Greece for more than 90 days — you need:

• To be employed or self-employed in Greece, or
• Have at least €5,000 in your bank account — Greek or foreign. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, provided you are not an EU or EEA country citizen. 

Bear in mind that you might lose your residence permit in another country if you obtain a Greece digital nomad visa and residence. 

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Greece?

The process of getting a digital nomad visa for Greece is transparent and simple and it can be broken down into 3 steps: 

1. Gather all the necessary documents mentioned above and submit them online (website is currently only available in Greek) or in person to the Greek Diplomatic or Consular Authorities in your country.
2. Wait for a response — the Greek authorities will probably send it to your address within 10 working days of your request. 
3. When you receive a positive response from the authorities and obtain a Greek digital nomad visa, go to Greece and register in the city where you want to settle down. 

To register in Greece and get the temporary residence permit, you’d need to visit or arrange a meeting with someone from the local Aliens and Migration Directorate of the Decentralised Administration as soon as you move there.

If you cannot find the directorate, go to a local police station —  the officers there will probably have useful advice or they might even issue you a residence permit on the spot (if they are authorized to do so). 

What other types of visas suitable for digital nomads does Greece offer?

For now, there are 3 alternative types of visas for digital nomads who want to come to Greece:

• D-Type Visa, 
• EU Blue Card, and
• Greek Golden Visa.

Let’s see what these types of visas have to offer. 

Type #1: D-type visa

The D-type visa is a solid alternative for digital nomads who want to stay in Greece for up to 6 months or 1 year. 

According to the Immigration Code, you can apply for the Greek D-type visa in the following cases:

• If you are a third-country national who needs to provide particular services according to obligations from the contract signed by an undertaking registered in the EU/EEA and a Greek company (Article B.4), or 
• If you are a third-country national who needs to install, test, and/or maintain a particular product according to obligations from the supply contract signed by an undertaking registered in the third country and a Greek company (Article B.5).

If you go to Greece on the basis of Article B.4, you can stay there until you finish the contractual obligations, but that time must not exceed 1 year. 

On the other hand, if you go to Greece for the reasons stated in Article B.5, you can stay for up to 6 months.

In both cases, you do not get a residence permit.

As you can see, the D-type visa is for digital nomads who are employed in an undertaking and need to, for example, install/test/maintain a particular software, program, or application. 

Naturally, if you are in a dilemma about whether you fulfill the requirements for the D-type visa or not, you or your company should contact the Greek embassy or consular authorities and check if your case is strong enough to obtain the visa.

What documents do I need for a Greece D-type visa? 

To get a D-type visa, you’ll have to submit the following general documents: 

• A valid passport, 
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid visa and administrative fees — €70 (~$76.35) for the visa fee and  €150 (~$163.61) for the administrative fee, 
• A recent color ID photograph,
• A criminal record certificate, 
• Proof of travel/health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa is valid for, and
• A medical certificate proving you do not suffer from a contagious illness that might endanger public health in Greece. 

If you apply following Article B.4, aside from the documents mentioned above, you’ll also need some specific documentation:

• A certified and translated document stating information and contact details of the company for which you, a third-country national, work. 
• A certified and translated document or contract confirming the arrangement between the company registered in the EU/EEA/third country and a Greek-registered company. 

The contract needs to state: 

• The estimated time of your travel to Greece, 
• What you’ll do there, 
• The length of your stay, 
• Your return date, and 
• Proof you have enough funds for subsistence and health insurance.
• A health book, a European health insurance card, or some other, equivalent document. 

On the other hand, if you apply in accordance with Article B.5, besides the aforementioned general documents, you need to submit the following documents as well:  

• A certified and translated document stating information and contact details of the company for which you, the third-country national, work, and
• A copy of a supply contract between the undertaking and the company registered in Greece (recipient of the service).

The supply contract should provide information about: 

• The installation, tests, and/or maintenance of the product, 
• The length of your stay in the country, 
• The number of people assigned to the project, 
• The cost of accommodation, and 
• Health insurance.  

Type #2: EU blue card

The EU Blue Card allows professionals from the countries outside EU and EEA to get a national visa and live and work in EU countries, including Greece.

Therefore, if you don’t want to apply for a Greek digital nomad visa and you often change your place of residence, the EU Blue Card might be a very good choice.

You can apply for the EU Blue Card if you meet the following conditions: 

• You are a citizen of a country that does not belong to the Schengen area. 
• You are an expert in the field in which Greece lacks workers, and
• You submitted all of the documents we’ll mention below. 

To get the EU Blue Card, you have to come to Greece and contact the local police office. They will probably direct you to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. 

The EU Blue Card is valid for 2 years, and you can renew it if you submit the same documents mentioned below before your current “card” expires. 

What documents do I need for the EU blue card? 

Here is the list of documents you need to submit for the EU Blue Card: 

• Your passport, 
• A recent color ID photograph,
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee of €180 (~$196.34),
• A criminal record certificate,  
• Higher education certificate or certified proof you have at least 5 years of relevant working experience in your field,
• Your work contract with a company that lasts for at least 1 year, 
• Proof that your gross salary will be 1,5 times higher than the average gross salary in Greece — meaning you’ll need to have an annual salary of at least €31,918 (~$34,815.04), 
• Proof of health insurance, 
• An authorization issued by the Director-General of Decentralized Administration stating you are a highly qualified professional, 
• Medical certificate proving you do not suffer from a contagious illness that might endanger public health in Greece, and
• If needed — visas for citizens of the countries that have visa regimes with Greece. 

Type #3: Greek Golden Visa

The Greek Golden Visa is for digital nomads who have deeper pockets, but — compared with some other countries’ Golden Visa programs — not so deep. 

To get the Greek Golden visa you’ll need to: 

• Purchase a property in Greece worth at least €250,000 (~$271,302.5), €400,000 (~$434,084), or €800,000 (~$868,168) depending on the zone in which the property is located in (as of August 31, 2024),
• Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, 
• Be over the age of 18,
• Have a clean criminal record, and 
• Have all of the documents listed below. 

Also, Greek authorities have ensured that owners of its Golden Visa enjoy benefits such as: 

• Residency valid for 5 years for you and (if you want) your spouse and children,
• No minimum stay requirement,  
• Ability to rent a purchased property and invest further, and
• Access to Greek healthcare and education systems. 

However, the huge drawback of this type of visa is that you won’t be able to work, because the Golden Visa isn’t considered a work permit. The only way to work in Greece with this visa is by receiving a CEO or shareholder salary from a Greek company you invest in. 

What documents do I need for the Greek golden visa? 

Documents you need for the Greek Golden visa depend on whether you have already acquired the property or not.

However, for both cases, you’ll need a set of the so-called general documents:

• A valid passport, 
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid visa and administrative fees, 
• A recent color ID photograph,
• A criminal record certificate, 
• Proof of travel/health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa is valid for, and
• A medical certificate proving you do not suffer from a contagious illness that might endanger public health in Greece. 

Regarding the actual property in Greece, you should submit the general documents together with these documents: 

• A purchase agreement and proof of contract validity from the Greek mortgage/land registry. 
• A proof of payment of the agreed price — you can pay via crossed cheque or direct money transfer. If you pay by cheque issued by a bank branch in another country, Greek authorities will need some time to verify the payment. 

• If you have paid less than €250,000 but the property is worth at least that much or more, you’ll need a notary certificate that confirms that.
• A document issued by the Greek mortgage/land registry or real estate agency proving there are no ongoing disputes or impediments between contracting parties.

Which Greece visa type is best for digital nomads?

The Greece digital nomad visa is the best option for digital nomads. 

Thanks to this remote work visa, digital nomads working in Greece can get residence permits and tax reductions. Eventually, they can even become permanent residents of this charming coastal country that has around 6,000 islands. 

Unfortunately, the Greek digital nomad visa has slightly higher income requirements than some other countries, so not everyone is eligible to apply for it.

Therefore, the only alternatives would be the D-type visa or the EU Blue Card, due to their lower income requirements. 

However, the D-type visa that a digital nomad can obtain is only a short-term visa, valid only for 6–12 months, while the EU Blue Card is valid for 2 years, but you cannot get it unless there is an economic need for people of your profession. 

Alas, both of the main alternatives have limitations that many digital nomads might not like. 

Finally, the fourth type of visa mentioned above — the Greek Golden visa — is for digital nomads who want to make a change, pause their careers, or even retire. 

After obtaining this type of visa, you cannot work as a digital nomad until you get a permanent residency (after 7 years). 

Of course, you can waive the rights to this type of visa at any time by:

• Canceling the visa, or 
• Selling the property thanks to which you have acquired the Greek Golden visa. 

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Greece

Greek authorities have introduced a pretty high minimum income requirement for getting a digital nomad visa — €3,500 (~$3,817.68) per month. 

When you earn that much money, you can live pretty comfortably in almost any European country, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe. 

Furthermore, the costs of living in Greece are not so high, which means you might manage to put some money away, as well. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common expenses so that you can calculate your costs of living in Greece. 

Expense #1: Accommodation

Naturally, accommodation prices in Greece will vary depending on the location as well as the number of luxury amenities. 

In addition, in bigger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki and popular tourist destinations like Mykonos, there are far more luxury options available.

In most cities, you can find an apartment for around €500 (~$545.38) per month, which is not too much if we take into account that the minimum income requirement for Greece is €3,500 (~$3,817.68).

To give you a clearer picture of the accommodation prices, we have made a list of the average monthly prices of standard 1-bedroom apartments in the most popular Greek cities.

Location	Accommodation costs
Athens	€450–€800 (~$490.84–$872.61)
Thessaloniki	€400–€600 (~$436.31–$654.46)
Patras	€350–€500 (~$381.77–$545.38)
Chania	€400–€900 (~$436.31–$981.69)
Rethymno	€400–€450 (~$436.31–$490.84)
Mykonos	€2,000 (~$2181.53)
Volos	€300–€500 (~$327.23–$545.38)
Larissa	€300–€350 (~$381.77–$381.77)

Expense #2: Groceries 

Prices of groceries in Greece are moderate, and they are expected to stay like that.

Namely, it seems that Greece’s economy is on the right track after turbulent decades of crisis, and, as a result, the inflation rate in Greece will probably become even lower in the years to come. 

Considering the correlation between inflation and prices, we hope that a lower inflation rate would mean lower prices, as well.

However, according to Loukas Lazic, a tour guide who used to live in Greece and still spends a few months a year there, the prices of groceries are not the same in big and small cities: 

In any case, here are the average prices of some of the most commonly bought groceries. 

Groceries	Grocery prices in Greece
Bread	€1.25 (~$1.36)
Water 1.5 l	€0.78 (~$0.85)
Milk 1 l	€1.52 (~$1.66)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€9.45 (~$10.31)
Local Cheese 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€12.46 (~$13.59)
12 eggs	€4.05 (~$4.42)
Apples 1 kg	€1.79 (~$1.95)
Tomatoes 1 kg	€1.89 (~$2.06)

Expense #3: Utilities

Utility prices in Greece are moderate by European standards. 

According to Eurostat, the official statistical office of the EU, the price of electricity for 2023 in Greece is €0,23 (~$0.25) per 1 kWh. In other words, if you spend 100 kWh monthly, you’ll pay €23 (~$25.09).

However, you may spend much more electricity than that, especially if you live with your spouse and children. According to EIA (US Energy Information Administration), an average US household spends around 886 kWh per month. 

Unfortunately, there are no official statistics regarding electricity consumption by an average European household, but we believe the results would be more or less similar to those in the US. 

The situation regarding heating depends on how long you’ll have your heating on. Residential heating in Greece starts in October and lasts until April, while in some southern provinces, it might end earlier. 

If you use natural gas for heating, expect to spend between 5000 kWh and 7000 kWh per year for an apartment of 50㎡. 

According to current prices for natural gas in Greece, it means you’ll have to pay at least €400 (~$436.36) in total for heating during the coldest winter months (November, December, January, and February). 

Water bills also vary depending on how much water you use per month. 

According to statistics, an average person spends 145 liters of water per day, or around 4㎥ per month. Keep in mind that, along with paying for the water you spend, you’ll also have the charges for sewerage and VAT included in your monthly water bill. 

Finally, depending on where you live, you might also have to pay taxes for cleaning services or other bills that you should ask about before purchasing or renting the apartment. 

Utilities	Cost of utilities in Greece
Electricity bill	€0,23 (~$0.25) per 1 kWh
Natural gas for households bill	€0,08 (~$0,085) per 1 kWh
Water bill	0–10㎥ — €0,46 (~$0.5) per ㎥ 11–30㎥ — €0,63 (~$0.69) per ㎥ 31–60㎥ — €0,72 (~$0.79) per ㎥ 61–120㎥ — €1,16 (~$1.27) per ㎥ 121–180㎥  — €2,39 (~$2,61) per ㎥ >181㎥ — €4,03 (~$4.4) per ㎥

Expense #4: Gas and public transportation

Having a car is a must for all digital nomads who are working in Greece and want to visit all those beautiful cities, beaches, and historical sights during their free time.

Here are the petrol prices in Greece you need to take into account before planning your trip.

Gas	Gas costs in Greece
Diesel	€1,64/l (~$1.79/l)
Unleaded 95	€1,91/l (~$2.08/l)
Unleaded 98	€2,06/l (~$2.25/l)
LPG	€0,86/l (~$0.94/l)
CNG	€1,15/l (~$1.25/l)

On the other hand, if you live in bigger cities such as Athens or Thessaloniki, you will most likely use public transport. 

The Athens public transport is well-organized and it consists of: 

• City buses, 
• Trolley-buses, 
• Trams, 
• Metro, and 
• Suburban railway. 

If you want to get a monthly or yearly ticket for all means of Athens public transport, you can purchase the ATH.ENA personalized card and its price is €27 (~$29.45) per month or €300 (~$327.27) per year. 

Then again, if you need a short-term ticket, the best option would be a single ticket that costs €1.40 (~$1.53) and is valid for 90 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can purchase different types of tickets for public transport in any Athens ticket office, ticket machines, or kiosks.

Athens Ticket Type	Price
90-minute ticket	€1.40 (~$1.53)
24-hour ticket	€4.50 (~$4.91)
5-day ticket	€9 (~$9.82)
3-day ticket	€22 (~$24)

There are also “non personalized” or anonymous ATH.ENA cards, for which you can check the prices here.

There are also some other types of tickets you can purchase, and you can get more information about them by visiting the Athens public transport tickets page.

The Thessaloniki public transport is an effective solution for transport in the second-largest Greek city. 

The public transportation in Thessaloniki currently only has a bus network, but it is expected that the Thessaloniki metro system will be soon introduced. 

For now, the price of a short-term ticket (up to 3 trips within 90 minutes) is €1,30 (~$1.42), while a monthly ticket costs the same as in Athens — €30 (~$32.73) per month. 

If you often travel by bus and prefer an annual ticket, then be prepared to pay €350 (~$381.81). 

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

Homer once said that “wine gives a person fresh strength when they are wearied”.

If you agree with Homer,  you’d probably be interested to see the prices of drinks in Greek bars. 

Naturally, prices depend on whether you are having a drink in a bar in Mykonos surrounded by Hollywood stars or a small village near Thessaloniki, but generally, the prices in bars are as you will see below. 

Drinks	Drink prices in Greece
Domestic Beer 0,5 l (16.9 fl oz)	~€4,5 (~$4.91)
Coca–Cola 0,33l (11.15 fl oz)	~€2 (~$2.18)
Water 0,33l (11.15 fl oz)	~€0,5 (~$0.55)
Cappuccino	~€3.32 (~$3.62)

If you like to eat out often, you’ll be happy to hear that Greece has a lot to offer. 

Coastal cities in Greece have a long tradition of fishing, so every day fresh fish and seafood are delivered to various restaurants all around the country, so it would be a pity for you to miss out on local fish and seafood specialties.

The prices of such dishes go from around €35 to even €80 (~$38.18–$87.27) and more per meal if you opt for a fine dining experience. 

Traditional food is a huge thing in the whole of Europe, including Greece. The most popular traditional dishes in Greece are gyros, souvlaki (skewers), soutzoukakia, various salads, and soups.

You can have these specialties in little taverns or street food restaurants (as takeaway) for between €8 and €25 (~$8.73–$27.27).

Of course, you should know that prices in popular tourist spots such as Mykonos and Santorini are slightly higher than the prices we mentioned above. 

Therefore, if you want to go to restaurants or bars there, be prepared to break open the piggy bank. 

Expense #6: Coworking spaces

According to the 2022 Hot Desk Price Index, the average monthly desk price in Greek coworking spaces is around €147 (~$156). In 2024, the prices are mostly similar, and more options are available than in 2022.

Naturally, most coworking spaces are located in Athens because it is the biggest city, and most digital nomads opt to live there.

Athens is followed by Thessaloniki, which currently has around 20 coworking spaces.

Unfortunately, other cities do not have so many coworking spaces, so there’s room for improvement on these fronts. 

Expense #7: Internet

The internet price varies depending on the type of Internet you purchase, and whether you take the double or triple play service (telephone + cable network). 

According to the latest study about mobile and fixed broadband prices in Europe conducted by the European Commission, the average monthly prices of fixed broadband Internet in Greece are the following.

Internet package	Monthly price
<30 Mbps fixed Internet	€24.56 (~$26.66)
30–100 Mbps fixed Internet	€24.46 (~$26.66)
100–200 Mbps fixed Internet	€27.65 (~$30.02)

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Greece?

Yes, digital nomads pay taxes in Greece. 

However, your tax residency status depends on how long you stay in Greece. Tax residency typically involves someone staying in Greece for more than 183 days in a calendar year.

Also, Greece has double taxation treaties with many countries. This way, you can avoid being taxed for the same income in Greece and your home country. Check with local tax authorities or tax advisors so you don’t have to pay more than you need to.

When it comes to the actual amount you’ll be paying, it’s important to mention that the tax system in Greece is progressive — the more you earn, the bigger the tax rate is. 

Here is how the tax system in Greece works. 

Monthly Income	Income tax
0–€20,000 (0–~$21,566)	22%
€20,001–€30,000 (~$21,567–$32,350)	29%
€30,001–€40,000 (~$32,351–$43,133)	37%
€40,001< (~$43,134)	45%

However, as a digital nomad in Greece, you have the benefit of paying 50% of the tax rate. In other words, if your annual salary is 50,000€, you will have to pay a 22,5% income tax rate instead of 45%. 

In any case, we strongly recommend you visit a law office or financial advisor specialized in the Greek taxation system to be up to date on the latest tax regulations. 

Documents required for paying taxes in Greece

First of all, to pay taxes in Greece, you must have a residence permit. 

If you have a residence permit, the next step is to obtain a Tax Identification Number (in Greek — AFM). 

Although it is stated that you can get an AFM in the local Internal Revenue Service or Tax Office, it might be easier to get it through a local tax representative. 

When you eventually acquire your AFM, you need to go to the nearest tax administration office and submit the following documents: 

• Residency card,
• Tax Identification Number (AFM),
• E1 form (the employees from the tax office will give you this form to fill in), and 
• If needed, E2 (for real estate rent) and E3 (for business activity) forms. 

The deadline for submitting your tax return forms is June 30 of the next tax year. 

Again, we strongly recommend getting in touch with tax consultants from Greece, who specialize in the taxation system, so that you can pay your taxes more easily and get information about possible changes in regulations.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Greece?

Due to the great quality of life in Greece and the various benefits the country has to offer, a lot of digital nomads opt to move to Greece from all over the world. 

What are the main reasons that motivate them to choose Greece instead of other countries that also have digital nomad visas? 

Let’s see below! 

Benefit #1: Great social life

Have you watched the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? If not, we recommend doing so before moving to Greece. 

Although the movie is a bit stereotypical, it nicely describes how close-knit the Greek community is. 

Our expert Loukas Lazic confirms this statement: 

When you meet your new Greek friends, you can go to various beaches all around the coast of Greece and enjoy the turquoise clean sea. 

Greece is well-known for its amazing nightlife, so you’ll find plenty of great bars and clubs if you enjoy this type of entertainment. 

Also, we recommend supporting the local economy and family-owned restaurants and eating in some of the cozy tavernas you can find in almost every Greek city.

Finally, when your Greek friends cannot hang out with you because they are busy working (Greeks work longer hours than any other Europeans), it is time for sightseeing. 

If we start to name all of the areas and monuments you should visit, we would need to write at least 3 new blog posts, hence, we will mention only a few of them:

• Acropolis, 
• Olympia Archeological Site, 
• Meteora, 
• Delphi, and
• Mykaena. 

All in all, thanks to friendly locals and a lot of historical landmarks, there are a variety of things you can do while living in Greece.

Benefit #2: Moderate cost of living

The cost of living in Greece is moderate.

If you live in a 1-bedroom apartment in a bigger city, such as Athens, you can pay your monthly rent and bills and buy groceries for a whole month for around €1,500 (~$1,608). 

Naturally, if your spouse and children come with you to Greece, you will need to spend more. A household of 4 members in a bigger city would spend around €2,800 (~$3,054.49) (without rent).

On the other hand, if you live in smaller cities like Chania, Rethymno, or even Larissa, your expenses will be even lower.

In any case, wherever you live, with a salary that meets the minimum income requirement for coming to Greece, you’ll have enough money to cover the cost of living. 

Benefit #3: Good healthcare system

Greece’s healthcare system is one of the most reputable health systems in the world.  

Hospitals in bigger cities are good and well-equipped. In rural areas, there are small clinics that are mostly attached to bigger hospitals from nearby cities. Furthermore, every island in Greece has its own clinic and a doctor on call.

The main advantage of smaller clinics is that you can get your treatment faster, however, if a patient is in a serious condition, it is probable they would send them to the hospital in a larger, nearby city. 

If you need any medicines, you’ll pay 25% of the actual price if you have a prescription. 

As in every European state, there are private and public hospitals. 

If you want to use public hospitals, you need to get a social security card called AMKA, which is available if you pay for a social security program called IKA. 

You can find more information about this on the website of the Social Security Organization of Greece. 

Oftentimes, private hospitals are organized better and you do not have to wait to get treatment, but of course, it is up to you to choose.

In any case, we hope you’ll never have a need to go to clinics or hospitals, but in case you need to, you should be safe and sound in Greece.

Benefit #4: Great weather and air quality

Greece has around 2769 sunny hours per year, meaning around 250 sunny days annually. 

Therefore, if you love to spend time outside, you’ll love the Greek weather. 

July and August are the warmest months, and those are also the months when sea temperatures are highest. 

The air quality in Greece is moderate. 

In bigger cities, air quality can deteriorate from time to time and become unhealthy for people sensitive to air pollution. 

On the other hand, according to the available data, in southern Greece, the air quality is almost constantly good. 

The biggest contributors to the occasional deterioration of air quality in Greece are common wildfires caused by climate change and high temperatures. 

The biggest problem with the air quality in Greece is the concentration of particle pollution. The current concentration of PM2,5 in Greece is 3,5 times higher than what the WHO values as good.

Therefore, further improvements are needed in that aspect. 

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Greece?

Unfortunately, Greece is not a land flowing with milk and honey. On the contrary, there are some drawbacks we would like to pinpoint. 

Here are the main drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Greece.

Drawback #1: Slow internet speed

The low average internet speed is one of the biggest drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Greece. 

Loukas Lazic, who lived in Athens for 19 years, says:

According to the report about fixed broadband internet speed, the average upload speed in Greece is just 9.39 Mbps. In comparison, in Spain, for example, the average upload speed is 152.16 Mbps.

Also, some other reports claim that internet services and digital quality of life in Greece are, in fact, the worst in the EU. Namely, Greece took 28th place in Europe in the Digital Quality of Life Index created by Surfshark. Globally, Greece ranked at 39th place (out of 121).

The creators of the study ranked the countries according to the following categories: 

• Internet affordability,
• Internet quality,
• E-infrastructure, 
• E-safety, and 
• E-government.  

Due to all of the aforementioned data, we recommend purchasing as fast internet as you can, in order to:

• Avoid any potential problems with your internet connection and 
• Ensure a good speed that matches your needs. 

Drawback #2: Bureaucracy and corruption

One of the biggest problems in Greece is its bureaucracy. That is also one of the main impediments to the more stable economic growth of the country. 

Until the new plan for combating bureaucracy is implemented, digital nomads who live in Greece will have to get used to the effects of cumbersome bureaucracy. 

In researching the materials for this guide, we noticed that, for example, many government e-service websites aren’t yet translated well enough to be fully comprehensible to people who don’t speak Greek. Namely, some pages are in Greek, while some are in English.

This complicates things for people who want clear and reliable information. 

Secondly, we haven’t noticed that you can do many things via e-government services, meaning that in most cases, you’ll have to go in person to get the documents you need or pay the bills. 

One of the main reasons for bad bureaucracy is corruption. 

According to the Transparency Corruption Perception Index, Greece is in 59th place when it comes to coping with corruption, meaning there is a lot of room for improvement. 

However, the good news is that Greece has shown signs of improvement, so we are hoping that some future reports will show that the country is corruption-free. 

5 best destinations for digital nomads in Greece

Here are the 5 destinations in Greece we believe would be the best choice for the Greece digital nomad visa holders.

Athens — The biggest city in Greece

Population: 3,041,131

City area: 159 mi² (412 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average internet speed: Median download speed 51.94 Mbps/median upload speed 9.78 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €1,600 (~$1,737.86) per month (utilities, groceries, and public transport fee without rent)

Average cost of rent: €450–€800 (~$490.90–$872.71) per month – for one-bedroom apartment

Biggest advantage: A variety of attractions 

Biggest drawback: Overtourism 

Athens is a city that has started its development in around 1400 BC, and it seems it does not intend to stop. 

For almost 3,500 years, Athenians built many monuments, churches, and temples, and other architectural landmarks that nowadays represent the world’s cultural heritage. 

Athens authorities claim that up to 23,000 tourists visit Acropolis every day. 

Furthermore, with some innovative cultural projects worth visiting, the city authorities prove their intention to further improve the quality of life in the city and make Athens even more beautiful. 

To live in the city that once was home to Socrates and Plato, you’ll need at least around €1,600 (~$1,617) per month per person. 

For that amount, you’ll be able to rent a 1-bedroom apartment, pay your utility bills, buy enough groceries for the whole month, and even purchase your monthly public transport ticket.

If you prefer a more social lifestyle, Athens’ bars, clubs, and restaurants are the proper places to go. 

You can start your bar-hopping tour in the streets around the famous Syntagma Square, while during summer, a district called Monastiraki seems to be the best choice. 

If you choose to drive in Athens, prepare for huge traffic jams. 

However, as we have shown above, public transportation in Athens is well-organized, so you can save yourself some time if you use the metro, bus, or tram. 

Where to work in Athens

Athens has the most coworking spaces in Greece. 

However, according to Google ratings and the number of reviews, the coworking space called Stone Soup leaves others in the shade (4.9 stars from 204 ratings).

Thessaloniki — The best destination for digital nomads in Greece

Population: 1,091,424

City area: 43.12 mi² (111.7 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average internet speed: Median download speed 62.96 Mbps/median upload speed 10.09 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €1,350 (~$1472.70) per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €400–€600 (~$440,46–$660,69) per month – for one-bedroom apartments

Biggest advantage: Relatively low cost of living 

Biggest drawback: Public transport 

Thessaloniki is the capital of the geographical region of Macedonia and the second-largest city in Greece. 

Although it was the important center of Greek culture and industry throughout history, in recent decades, it has been in the shadow of the more popular Athens. 

However, latter-day initiatives, such as the one for the new innovation park, might turn Thessaloniki into the Greek Silicon Valley.

There are a lot of things you can see and do in Thessaloniki. 

Throughout 2,5 millenniums since the city’s establishment, its rulers and citizens have left various treasures to their descendants — from architectural gems to immaterial cultural heritage. 

As a result, Thessalonians are hospitable and open towards foreigners. You can notice that whenever you go out and visit some of the many local restaurants, bars, and clubs.

The cost of living is lower than in Athens. If you live alone, around €1,350 (~$1472.70) will cover the basic expenses for a month. 

For example, you can find a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment in Thessaloniki for as much as €600 (~$654.53) and lower. Also, the amount you spend on groceries should be around €64.04 (~$69.97) per week.

The main problem with Thessaloniki is its public transport because there are only buses currently. However, we hope the metro will be finished within the stipulated deadline by the end of 2024.

All things considered, Thessaloniki might be the best destination for digital nomads in Greece.

Where to work in Thessaloniki

According to Google ratings and reviews, Coho–the coworking home is a coworking space worth visiting.

It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars after 90 reviews. 

Patras — The coolest city in Greece

Population: 314,567

City area: 48.4 mi² (125.4 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average internet speed: Median download speed 41.27 Mbps/median upload speed 7.25 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €900 (~$953) per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €350–€500 (~$327.27–$545.44) per month 

Biggest advantage: City’s energy 

Biggest drawback: Lack of coworking spaces

Patras is not known for its beauty as much as for the energy you can feel whenever you visit this city. 

Namely, Patras University has around 40,000 students, so the city is bustling with youthful energy — it never sleeps.

However, that does not mean you cannot rest or sleep peacefully, on the contrary, the city itself is quite peaceful because the nightlife hotspots are mostly on Gerokostopoulou Street. 

Along with the cool city vibe, the cost of living in Greece’s third-largest town is one of the factors that might attract more and more digital nomads in the years to come. 

Namely, a new and well-equipped 1-bedroom apartment can be found for around €450 (~$490.90). 

In Patras, you can go everywhere on foot, or you can use their well-organized public transport system. 

Furthermore, there are bus lines  to nearby villages and settlements that might be good destinations for weekend excursions. 

The bus tickets for one ride are €1,2 (~$1.31) and €1,5 (~$1.64), depending on the city zones you want to go to. On the other hand, monthly tickets are €55 (~$60) and €72 (~$78.54). 

As with almost every Greek town, Patras is full of small family-owned taverns where you can try local specialties for moderate prices. 

Where to work in Patras

Unfortunately, Patras does not have a lot of coworking spaces. In fact, it seems that only 3 coworking spaces are working at the moment, so future improvement in that area is a must. 

Be that as it may, POS coworking seems to be the best choice in Patras for now (Google rating of 4.7 after 46 reviews). 

Rethymno — One of the most beautiful cities in Greece

Population: 37,462

Municipal area: 48.8 mi² (126.5 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average internet speed: Median download speed 46.37 Mbps/median upload speed 7.98 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €950 (~$1,005) per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €350–€800 (~$381–$872.71) per month – for one-bedroom apartments

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful cities in Greece 

Biggest drawback: Only one coworking space 

Rethymno is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities on the island of Crete. 

The city’s architecture is a mixture of Ancient Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. 

Its narrow streets are perfect for digital nomads who like to take strolls after a long workday. 

There are also a lot of small tavernas and fine-dining restaurants where you can try some local specialties for moderate prices (around €12 (~$13.09) per meal). 

Since Rethymno has one of the most beautiful ports and citadels in Greece, the authorities see its artistic potential and often organize exhibitions and performances there during summer. 

Furthermore, the city has many museums open throughout the year, so we can say that Rethymno is the perfect place for digital nomads who love art. 

Accommodation prices in Rethymno are moderate. The average price of a 1-bedroom apartment is around €425 (~$463.63). 

But, why would you spend too much time inside if there is a beautiful 18 km-long sand beach? It’s ideal for families with children because it is well-organized and, most of the time, not crowded with tourists. 

For the city itself, you won’t need any kind of public transport. You can get anywhere you want on foot. However, if you want to visit some nearby Cretean towns or places, you’ll need to go either by car or intercity bus.

Also, there are 3 airports in Crete, and they, along with ferries, make Rethymno (and the whole of Crete) well-connected to other parts of Greece. 

Where to work in Rethymno

If you’re looking for coworking space options in Rethymno, your options are limited to only one.

The one coworking space in Rethymno is called Arlstea Coworking Lounge, which can be found on coworker.com and offers different plans for different needs, and a custom price on request.

There is also a coworking space called Workhub in the nearest city — Chania (Google rating of 5.0 from 177 reviews). You can go there by car from Rethymno or by regular ferry/intercity bus, however, it’s around 60 km away.

Mykonos — One of the most popular destinations in the world

Population: 10,134

Municipal area: 33 mi² (85.5 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average internet speed: Median download speed 47.40 Mbps/median upload speed 8.56 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €4,500 (~$4,944)  and more per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €2,000 (~$2,181.78) per month

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful cities in Greece 

Biggest drawback: No coworking spaces 

Mykonos is one of the most popular and also one of the most expensive destinations in the world. However, taking into account how beautiful Mykonos is, it is understandable why the prices there are so high. 

To enjoy the sunset over the famous white-painted houses in Mykonos from your own rented 1-bedroom apartment, you need to spend on average around €2,000 (~$2181.78) per month. Furthermore, do not be surprised if you see that some near-the-sea apartments in Mykonos are rented for €20,000 (~$21,817.8) or €30,000 (~$32,726.70) per month. 

If you want to go out, be prepared to pay at least around €25 (~$27.27) per meal. On the other hand, prices of a portion of seafood specialties, for example, can be even around €150 (~$163.63).

The prices in shops are also higher, so you’ll need around €50–€60 (~$54.54–$65.45) for groceries per week if you live alone. 

Mykonos is well-known for its crazy nightlife, and its clubs and bars aimed at particularly wealthy customers.

Mykonos has its own ports and airport, so it is well-connected with other parts of Greece.

Overall, we would recommend Mykonos to digital nomads who earn a good living and plan to work from their own accommodation.

Where to work in Mykonos

Unfortunately, Mykonos doesn’t have any coworking spaces. Therefore, the only option is to work from your accommodation or cafe. 

Tips for digital nomads in Greece

Living in Greece should be a nice experience for everyone who decides to go through the Greece digital nomad visa application process. 

Now that you know how to move to Greece, it is important to learn a few tips for living in Greece. 

Here are the 4 tips for digital nomads in Greece. 

Tip #1: Prepare for a direct approach

Most Greeks are used to a direct approach, meaning they will tell you what they think without any hesitation. If you come from a cultural background where it isn’t common to be so direct, this Greek trait might come as a surprise.

Naturally, expect that direct approach only after you become friends with them. 

Tip #2: Always have some cash in your wallet

In Greece, cash is still the most dominant payment method. This might be surprising if you come from some of the Western countries where credit cards have been dominant for years now.  

Big supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants accept credit cards, but you’ll need cash in some smaller tavernas, markets, or cafes. 

If you get into a situation where you don’t have enough cash, do not worry, there are plenty of ATMs in every Greek city and town.

Tip #3: Check the working hours of local shops

Greek shops are usually open in two shifts:

• From 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and 
• From 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

There is a break between the two periods. 

However, this is just one of the patterns that some Greek shops use. There are some shops that work regularly from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is up to shop owners to decide what their working hours will be. 

Kiosks and smaller shops in bigger cities often work 24/7. 

Tip #4: Travel often

What do you think about living in one Greek city for a few months and then moving to another? 

Well, if you ask Loukas Lazic, our expert, he likes the idea: 

Also, if you have met all of the Greece digital nomad visa requirements and come to Greece to live, it would be a shame not to see at least some of the historical landmarks the country is best known for. 

Above, we have mentioned only a few of them, but literally wherever you go, you’ll find some monuments of great value for Greece and the whole world. 

Therefore, conduct your own research, learn about Greek history, and start exploring this amazing country!  

Further reading for digital nomads in Greece

• On the website of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, you can find more information about local decentralized administration offices. Also, there is contact information, so feel free to address them if you have any questions. 
• EYDAP — the website of the biggest water supply company in Greece. Check if the building where you live is a part of their system, and if it is, feel free to contact them if you have any questions or problems.  
• If you are looking for more information about the Athens public transport tickets, visit the Athens public transport website. 
• For all additional information about ticket types and prices in Thessaloniki, we recommend visiting the Thessaloniki Urban Transport website — OASTH.   
• Coworker is a website where you can find the best coworking spaces near you.  
• To get more information about tax regulations, visit the website of the Independent Public Revenue Authority.  
• If you are a US citizen, check out the list of tax consultants with favorable reputations created by the US Embassy in Greece. 
• Crete Bus is one of the biggest intercity bus transportation companies in Crete. 

Ace your digital nomad Greece workation with Pumble

Deciding to work for several months at a time completely remotely can pose many potential communication challenges for you and your team. With Pumble, you can clear your mind of such distractions and focus completely on your work and travel experience — and keep your team up to date on everything with ease.

Pumble is a team communication app with many features designed to enhance your team’s connectivity and productivity, the most important ones being:

• Direct messaging for one-on-one conversations, 
• Video conferencing for virtual meetings, and
• Channels: groups for topic-oriented discussions, 
• File sharing for collaborative work.

With Pumble, you can rest assured that your team communication will remain uninterrupted and your team will be well organized and ready to work.

Get ready to embrace the freedom of working from anywhere in the world — with Pumble!

Greece digital nomad visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Greece digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Greece-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article was written in Q3 of 2024, so any changes that are made in the Greece digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References: 

• IQAir. (n.d.). Greece air quality index (AQI) and Air Pollution Information. Retrieved July 2024, from https://www.iqair.com/greece
• National visas. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2024, from https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visa-types/national-visas.html
• Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved July 2024, from https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/blue-card/greece_en
• digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu, Mobile and Fixed Broadband Prices in Europe in 2022, July 2024, https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/mobile-and-fixed-broadband-prices-europe-202
• Ekathimerini (February 10th, 2023), Number of digital nomads on the rise, Retrieved July 2024,  https://www.ekathimerini.com/society/1204371/number-of-digital-nomads-on-the-rise/
• Seatemperaure.com (n.d.), Greece Sea Water Temperatures, Retrieved July 2024, https://www.seatemperature.org/europe/greece/
• The Guardian (September 1st, 2023), A visual guide to Greece’s deadly wildfires, Retrieved July 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/01/greek-wildfires-a-visual-guide
• Speedtest.net (June 2024), Greece Median Country Speeds, Retrieved July 2024, https://www.speedtest.net/global-index/greece
• Ekathimerini (April 15th, 2024), Greek expats beset by bureaucratic hurdles, Retrieved July 2024, https://www.ekathimerini.com/society/diaspora/1236474/greek-expats-beset-by-bureaucratic-hurdles/
• Transparency.org (n.d.), Corruption Perceptions Index, Retrieved July 2024, https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2023
• OECD. (n.d.). Greece. Retrieved July 2024, from https://www.oecd.org/greece/