Greece Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2023)

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 cradle of democracy, theater, philosophy, the Olympic Games, and cool Eurovision songs? 

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

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

We are here to help you acquaint yourself with the details, so, in this guide, you will find out more about: 

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

Since Plato said that knowledge creates happiness, and we want our readers to be happy, let us waste no more time and learn more about the Greece digital nomad visa. 

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Greece

Before we start explaining the details about 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.
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 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 (~$79,5) + Administrative fee: €150 (~$159)
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 (~$3,774) per month.
Processing time for visa application?	– Processing time for Greece digital nomad visa approval is 10 days.  – Processing time for 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’s digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– Median download speed — 43.57 Mbps  – Median upload speed — 7.16 Mbps
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):	Stone Soup coworking space in Athens (4,9 stars from 178 votes)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes, 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 — ​​25.2°C (77.3°F); Coldest month average temperature (January) — 10°C (50°F) Hottest month average temperature (August) — 28,7°C (84°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: Around €2,400 (~$2,541) per month – Single person: €850–€1,100 (~$900–$1,165) per month
Average coworking space cost:	€147 (~$156) per month
Crime per 100k population:	23.7
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 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. 

There are a few alternatives for Greek digital nomad visas that we will describe 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 its benefits are the following:

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

Now, let’s see in detail the complete analysis of every aspect of the Greece 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 Greece Immigration Code from 2022.   

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

• A passport, 
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid visa and administrative fees, 
• A colored, recent ID photograph,
• A criminal record certificate, 
• A travel/health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa,
• 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 valid for the duration of the issued visa, 
• Information about your status and position in the company for which you work or — if you are self-employed — your company’s trade name and information about its corporate purpose, a 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 (~$3,774) per month.

If you want your partner to come with you to Greece, you’ll need at least 20% higher net income per month — €4,200 (~$4,470), and 15% higher — €4,025 (~$4,283) per month if you want your child to join you. 

Therefore, if you have a family of 4 members, you must have a net income of at least €5,250 (~$5,629) per month.

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

If you don’t have a clean criminal record, that does not mean that Greek authorities would decline your application automatically. 

Greek authorities would analyze your sentence, and if you are 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: 

• To be a citizen of a non-EU and non-EEA country,
• To work for a company or client registered outside Greece, 
• To have a net income of at least €3,500 (~$3,774) per month, and 
• To have all of the necessary documentation mentioned above. 

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

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

However, if you have another citizenship of the EU/EEA country, you cannot apply for the aforementioned type of Greek work 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, as always, we like to warn people that if they waive their rights to the US Green Card, getting another one afterward might be tricky.  

Namely, if you stay outside the United States for more than 1 year, you will lose your Green Card automatically, so think carefully before applying for other visas. 

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, necessary if you stay for more than 90 days, you need to be:

• Employed or self-employed in Greece, or 
• Have enough funds in your bank account. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, seeing 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. 

Firstly, you must gather all the necessary documents mentioned above and submit them online or in person to Greek Diplomatic or Consular Authorities in your country. 

Secondly, wait for a response that Greek authorities would probably send to your address within 10 working days of your request. 

Finally, if 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 would prefer to live. 

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, it would be best to go to a local police station, where officers might give you useful advice, or they can even issue you a residence permit (if they are authorized). 

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

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

• D-Type Visa 
• EU Blue Card
• Greek Golden Visa 

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

Type #1: D-Type Visa

D-Type Visa is a solid alternative for digital nomads who must stay in Greece for up to 6 months or 1 year. 

According to the Immigration Code, you can apply for 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), and  
• If you are a third-country national who needs to install, test and 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 Greece D-Type Visa, you’ll have to submit the following general documents: 

• A passport, 
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid visa and administrative fees (visa fee €70 or ~$74 + administrative fee €150 or ~$159), 
• A colored, recent ID photograph,
• A criminal record certificate, 
• A travel/health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa, and
• 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, along with the general documents, you also need to add the following documents:

• A certified and translated document stating information and contact details of the company for which the third-country national works. 
• 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, 
• Proof you have enough funds for subsistence and health insurance, and
• A health book or 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 the third-country national works, 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 maintenance of the product, 
• The length of your stay in the country, 
• The number of people assigned to a 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 often change your place of residence, the EU Blue Card would 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 mentioned 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 colored, recent ID photograph,
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee of €180 (~$191),
• A criminal record certificate,  
• Higher education certificate or certified proof you have at least 5 years of relevant working experience,
• The work contract with the 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 (~$33,850), 
• 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 for at least €250,000 (~$269,585) (as of 1st of May 2023 for at least €500,000 or ~$539,170), 
• 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
• Approach to Greek healthcare and education system. 

However, the huge drawback of this type of visa is that you won’t be able to work anymore unless you become a managing director or shareholder. 

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 we have mentioned above:

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

If you still haven’t bought a property in Greece, but want to do so, here are the additional documents you need to submit along with the general documents: 

• A document issued by a bank or certified reputable financial institution stating that you have at least €250,000 (~$269,585) at your disposal, 
• A copy of the brokerage agreement with a law firm, lawyer, and realtor.  

On the contrary, if you have bought a 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 means of a cheque issued by a bank branch issued in another country, Greek authorities will need some time to verify the payment. 

• If you have paid less, but the property is worth at least 250,000, you’ll need a notary certificate that confirms that.
• A document issued by a 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?

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

Thanks to this remote work visa, digital nomads working in Greece can count on 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, so not everyone would be able to apply for it.

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

However, the D-Type Visa that a digital nomad can obtain in accordance with articles B.4 and B.5 is only a short-term visa, valid only for 6–12 months, while EU Blue Card is valid for 2 years, but you cannot get it unless there is a need for people of your profession. 

Alas, both of the main alternatives have limitations that many digital nomads would 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 (~$3,774) per month. 

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

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

Be it as it may, we will show you below how much money you’ll need for some most common expenses, so that you can calculate your costs of living in Greece. 

Expense #1: Accommodation

Naturally, accommodation prices in Greece vary depending on where you live. 

The prices are higher in big cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki and popular tourist destinations like Mykonos. 

On the other hand, there are a few cities like Volos, Chania, and Rethymno, where you can find an apartment for around €500 (~$531) per month, which is not too much if we take into account that the minimum income requirement for Greece is €3,500 (~$3,774).

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

Place in Greece	Accommodation costs
Athens	€700–€1000 (~$744–$1,063)
Thessaloniki	€600–€800 (~$638–$847)
Patras	€450 (~$478)
Chania	€500 (~$531)
Rethymno	€500 (~$531)
Mykonos	€2,500 (~$2,659)
Volos	€500 (~$531)
Larissa	€450 (~$478)

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 there a few months a year, 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	€0,89 (~$0,95)
Water 1.5 l (~51 fl oz)	€0,80 (~$0,85)
Milk 1 l (~34 fl oz)	€1,30 (~$1,38)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€7,63 (~$8,21)
Cheese 500 g (1.1 lbs)	€5,22 (~$5,55)
12 eggs	€3,56 (~$3,83)
Apples 1 kg	€1,88 (~$2,02)
Tomatoes 1 kg	€1,67 (~$1,78)

Expense #3: Utilities

Utility prices in Greece are moderate for European standards. 

According to Eurostat, the official statistical office of the EU, the price of electricity in Greece is €0,23 (~$0,24) per 1 kWh. In other words, if you spend 100 kWh monthly, you’ll pay €23 (~$24,7). 

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 (~$431) in total for heating during the coldest winter months (November, December, January, and February). 

Naturally, if your apartment or house is bigger, the consumption of gas may be much higher. 

Water bills also vary in accordance with 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. However, not only will you have to pay for the water you spend, but there will also be charges for sewerage and VAT included in your monthly water bill. 

Finally, depending on where you live, there might be 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 (~$0,24) per 1 kWh
Natural gas for households bill	€0,08 (~$0,085) per 1 kWh
Water bill	0–5㎥ — €0,35 (~$0,37) per ㎥ 5–20㎥ — €0,64 (~$0,68) per ㎥ 20–27㎥ — €1,83 (~$1,96) per ㎥ 27–35㎥ — €2,56 (~$2,74) per ㎥ > 35㎥ — €3,20 (~$3,42) 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	1,69 €/l (~1,80 $/l)
Unleaded 95	1,90 €/l (~2,03 $/l)
Unleaded 98	2,05 €/l (~2,19 $/l)
LPG	1,00 €/l (~1,07 $/l)
CNG	1,45 €/l (~1,55 $/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’ll have to purchase the Ath.ena personalized card, and its price is €27 (~$28,95) per month or €300 (~$321,67) per year. 

Then again, if you need a short-term ticket, the best option would be a single ticket that costs €1,20 (~$1,29) and is valid for 90 minutes. 

You can purchase tickets for public transport in any Athens ticket office, ticket machines, or kiosks. 

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 consists only of a bus network, but it is expected that the Thessaloniki metro system will be soon introduced. 

For now, the price of a short-term (3 trips 90 minutes) ticket is €1,30 (~$1,39), while a monthly ticket costs the same as in Athens — €27 (~$28,95) per month. 

If you often travel by bus and prefer an annual ticket, then be prepared to pay €243 (~$262). 

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

Homer, a famous Greek philosopher (not to be confused with the character from the Simpsons, please), said that “wine gives a person fresh strength when they are wearied”. And who are we to oppose that statement? 

If you agree with Homer, then you’d be interested to see the prices of drinks (not only wine, we guess) 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
Beer 0,5 l (~17 fl oz)	~€2,5 (~$2,67)
Coca–Cola 0,33l (~11 fl oz)	~€1,5 (~$1,60)
Juices 0,33l	~€1,5 (~$1,60)
A bottle of good wine	~€25 (~$26,66)
Liquors	€7–€11 (~$7,46–$11,73)

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 come to various restaurants all around the country, and it would be a pity if you do not at least try some of the local fish or seafood specialties.

The price would be from around €15 to even €30 (~$16–$32) 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 in some street food restaurants (as takeaway) for between €8 to €15 (~$8,63–$16,18). 

Of course, you should know that prices in 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

The average monthly desk price in Greek coworking spaces is around €147 (~$156). 

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 it is definitely an aspect where additional work has to be done. 

Expense #7: Internet

The price of the internet varies depending on the type of internet you purchase, and whether you take it with double or triple play (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	€23,1 (~$24,91)
30–100 Mbps fixed internet	€28,05 (~$30,25)
100–200 Mbps fixed internet	€65,64 (~$70,78)

Do digital nomads pay taxes in Greece?

Yes, digital nomads pay taxes in Greece. 

As soon as you have got a digital nomad visa for Greece and a resident permit, you become subject to Greece’s taxation system. 

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, you have the benefit of paying 50% of the tax. In other words, if you annually earn 50,000, you will have to pay 22,5% income taxes 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 in touch with 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 it in the local Internal Revenue Service or Tax Office, we think it is easier to get it if you find a local tax representative who would help you get the AFM. 

When you eventually acquire your AFM, you 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 30th June of the next tax year. 

Again, we strongly recommend that you get in touch with tax consultants from Greece, who are specialized in the taxation system so that you can pay your taxes easier 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 for moving to Greece from the USA and other parts of the world. 

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

Let’s see below! 

Benefit #1: Low crime rate

Greece is a safe country with a low crime rate — 23,7 crimes per 100k inhabitants annually. 

The biggest threat you can face in Greece is pickpocketing. Therefore, be slightly more alert while walking through the streets of bigger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki or tourist hotspots like Zakynthos and Mykonos. 

Be aware that a lot of tourists come to Greece for holidays (in 2019 around 34 million tourists visited Greece) and there are always a few of them looking for trouble. Hence, if you live in a popular city for tourists or a summer resort, watch out not to get into an unwanted conflict. 

Also, protests can happen from time to time in Greece, mostly due to economic reasons. So, watch out not to get involved in them. 

Typically, they are not violent, but there are certain times when they transform into huge riots. 

To sum up, other than pickpocketing and the sporadic loutishness of foreign tourists, there is nothing you should be worried about. 

Benefit #2: Great social life

Have you watched a movie called My Big Fat Greek Wedding? If not, watch it before you move 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 Greece’s coast and enjoy the turquoise and 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 you support the local economy and family-owned restaurants and eat 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 or have to work (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
• Mycenae. 

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

Benefit #3: Moderate cost of living

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. The amount between €2,300 and €2,500 (~$2,465–$2,680) would be enough for a household of 4 members in a bigger city. 

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 costs of living. 

Benefit #4: Good healthcare system

Greece’s healthcare system is in 26th place in the world. It is a very good result, proving that Greece has a good healthcare system, although it has been in the process of reforming since 2010. 

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. 

Also, 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 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 #5: Great weather and air quality

In Greece, there are 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. 

The warmest months are July and August, and at the same time, those are the months when sea temperatures are highest. 

The air quality in Greece is moderate. 

In bigger cities, it is possible for air quality to 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 parts of Greece, the air quality is almost constantly good. 

The biggest contributors to the occasional deterioration of air quality in Greece are common wildfires that are 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 3,8 times higher than what WHO values as good.

Therefore, further improvements are needed in that aspect. 

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

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

Low average speed of internet service 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 7,16 Mbps, while in Spain, for example, it is 124,34 Mbps.

Also, some other reports claim that internet services and digital quality of life in Greece are, in fact, worst in the EU. Namely, Greece took the last place of all EU countries in the Digital Quality of Life Index created by Surfshark. 

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

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

Due to all of the aforementioned data, we recommend you take as fast internet as you can purchase, 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. Furthermore, that is 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. 

While we researched the materials for this guide, we noticed that, for example, a plethora of government e-service websites were not yet translated well enough to be understandable to people who did not speak Greek. Namely, some pages are in Greek, while some are in English.

That 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 52nd 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 that 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 45.03 Mbps/median upload speed 7.83 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €1,500 (~$1,607) per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €700–€1000 (~$744–$1,063) per month 

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 around 16,000 tourists visit Acropolis every day. Not a small number, isn’t it? 

Furthermore, with some new 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 €1500 (~$1,617) per month. 

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. 

We recommend you 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 178 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 64.23 Mbps/median upload speed 14.44 Mbps

Average cost of living: Around €1,300 (~$1,376) per month (with rent, utilities, groceries, and public transport fee)

Average cost of rent: €600–€800 (~$638–$847) per month 

Biggest advantage: Relatively low-cost of living 

Biggest drawback: Public transport 

Thessaloniki is the capital city 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.

Regarding the cost of living, it is lower than in Athens. If you live alone, around €1,300 (~$1,376) per month will cover the basic expenses. 

For example, you can find a beautiful 1-bedroom apartment in Thessaloniki for as much as €700 (~$744) and lower. Also, the amount you spend on groceries should be at least €40 (~$42,3) per week.

The main problem with Thessaloniki is its public transport because there is only one type of transportation for now — buses. However, we hope the metro will be finished within the stipulated deadline by the end of 2023. 

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 77 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: €450 (~$478) per month 

Biggest advantage: City’s energy 

Biggest drawback: Lack of coworking spaces

Patras is not known for its beauty, but 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 — the city 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 things 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 (~$478). 

In Patras, you can go everywhere on foot, but still, if you want, you can use their well-organized public transport system. 

Furthermore, you can use some bus lines to get to nearby villages and settlements that might be good destinations for weekend excursions. 

The bus tickets for one ride are €1,2 (~$1,27) and €1,5 (~$1,59), depending on the city zones you want to go to. On the other hand, monthly tickets are €55 (~$58,25) and €72 (~$76,26). 

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 2 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 45 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: €500 (~$531) per month 

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful cities in Greece 

Biggest drawback: No coworking spaces

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 (~$12,71) 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 €500 (~$531). 

But, why would you spend too much time inside if there is a beautiful 18 km-long sand beach? The beach is 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 want to work in coworking spaces in Rethymno, we have bad news, there are no workspaces there currently, believe it or not! 

There is a coworking lounge in one of Rethymno’s hotels, but unfortunately no big hubs or offices. 

However, there is a coworking space called Workhub in the nearest city — Chania (Google rating of 5.0 from 159 reviews). It is around 60 km away from Rethymno, so whenever you feel that you need a little office atmosphere, you can go there by car or regular ferry/intercity bus. 

Mykonos — One of the most expensive 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: €2,500 (~$2,647) per month 

Biggest advantage: One of the most beautiful cities in Greece 

Biggest drawback: No coworking spaces 

Mykonos is 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 €2,500 (~$2,659) per month. Furthermore, do not be surprised if you see that some near-the-sea apartments in Mykonos are rented for €20,000 (~$21,182) or €30,000 (~$31,773). 

If you want to go out, be prepared to pay at least around €25 (~$26,81) per meal. On the other hand, prices of a portion of seafood specialties, for example, can be even around €150 (~$161,18).

The prices in shops are also higher, so you’ll need around €50–€60 (~$53,73–$64,47) for groceries per week if you live alone. 

Mykonos is well-known for its crazy nightlife, but of course, clubs and bars there are reserved for people with deeper pockets.

Since Mykonos is an island in the Aegean Sea, it has its ports and airport, so it is well-connected with other parts of Greece.

Overall, we recommend Mykonos to digital nomads who have a lot of money 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 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 calculations or hesitations. If you come from a cultural background where it isn’t common to be so direct, this trait of Greeks 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 if you want to pay in some smaller tavernas, markets, or cafes, you will have to do so in cash. 

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: Learn more about the working hours of shops

The working day of an average Greek shop is split into two periods:

• 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 aforementioned 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 17 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 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. 
• E-Ktel is the main intercity bus transportation company in Crete. 

Conclusion: A country with great history invites digital nomads to ensure a great common future

Since the 21st century is a time when many professionals are driven by wanderlust, Greek authorities have created a law that will attract them. 

The Greece digital nomad visa law is good, and pretty transparent, but has a pretty high-income requirement that not many digital nomads will meet. However, those who meet it will get a chance to enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 

To conclude, although the heading of this conclusion sounds like a political slogan, the situation really is like that. We hope that digital nomads who come to Greece will know to cherish its beauty and history and use a Greek digital nomad visa in the best possible way — for the mutual benefit of them and this amazing country. 

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 Q2 of 2023, 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 March 7, 2023, from https://www.iqair.com/greece 
• National visas. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visa-types/national-visas.html
• Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/blue-card/greece_en
• Statistics Explained. (n.d.). Statistics explained. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php?title=Electricity_price_statistics#Electricity_prices_for_household_consumers 
• Statistics Explained. (n.d.). Statistics explained. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Natural_gas_price_statistics 
• OECD. (n.d.). Greece. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from https://www.oecd.org/greece/