Digital Nomads Greece – Greece Digital Nomad Visa

This digital nomads Greece guide explains all you need to know about moving to Greece and the Greece digital nomad visa.

Welcome to the land of ancient wonders, crystal-clear waters, and sun-kissed islands—Greece, a captivating Mediterranean paradise that not only boasts a rich history and breathtaking landscapes but also offers a haven for those seeking a flexible and adventurous lifestyle.

If you’ve ever dreamt of blending work with exploration, becoming a digital nomad in Greece might just be the perfect choice. Picture yourself typing away on your laptop from a cozy seaside café, surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore. In this blog, we’ll delve into the allure of being a digital nomad in Greece, from its vibrant culture and warm hospitality to its vibrant coworking spaces and endless opportunities for exploration.

Get ready to embark on a journey where work and wanderlust harmoniously intertwine as we unveil the secrets of this captivating Mediterranean haven where more and more digital nomads are moving to – hello, Greece. Areas such as the capital, Athens, and Thessaloniki, in the North, and some of the islands offer favorable conditions for digital nomads to stay and work in Greece.

 

Legal Aspects That Digital Nomads In Greece Should Consider

At the end of 2020, Greece’s Parliament passed a new law that caught the attention of digital nomads from every corner of the planet. This new law allows digital nomads to reduce their income tax by half, thus putting Greece among the most favorable places for digital nomads to live.

Practically speaking, this new law claims that newly settled foreigners will pay only half their income tax in the upcoming seven years.

The visa is relevant for both employed and self-employed entrepreneurs, under the condition that they have not been tax residents of Greece in the past. 

What Does The Country Have To Offer?

A combination of health safety and eventual fairly good health services, easy internet access, and financial conditions encourage moving to the country. Health services are pretty good in Greece, and there are also very convenient private health insurance plans accessible for nomads.

Access to Internet

WiFi, one of the essential goodies digital nomads need practically to survive, can have its up and downs in the country, mainly if you settle on the islands. In Greece, WiFi speeds aren’t always incredible, especially when it comes to uploading speeds; download speeds are pretty good instead! Internet access might be the painful point on the list, but the services are improving, and you’ll find it easy to work online almost anywhere in Greece.

Coworking Spaces In Greece

Major cities in the country offer well-equipped coworking spaces, which have quickly become work hubs where digital nomads from different countries meet and socialize. These are some of the most important coworking spaces in Athens.

Overall Rating Of Greece As A Digital Nomad Destination

In terms of what the country has to offer, these are some of the pros you will find when deciding if Greece can become your next base as a digital nomad; they are both related to the general quality of life and work conditions:

Favorable conditions attracting digital nomads worldwide have given life to a robust digital nomad community. Let’s now see the different aspects digital nomads should consider when moving to Greece.

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Cost Of Living In Greece

The country has a different cost of living standards depending on the place you decide to settle; prices will definitely not be the same on an expensive island like Santorini if compared to Athens, for instance.

If you give budget high importance, then go for bigger areas such as Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, or Heraklion.

Cost Of Accommodation In Greece

The most important expense will be accommodation. However, it tends to be affordable in most areas and on many islands. Prices for a studio apartment in places not in the heart of touristic destinations range from 250 to 400 euros per month.

Also, be aware of when your contract starts; if you look for accommodation between May and August, you will definitely pay higher fees. Wait until the season is over to find better deals.

Cost Of Food In Greece

When it comes to food, the cost can be deemed on the cheaper side; however, it all depends on your options.

Greece is generally affordable. However, it’s a good idea to look for budget supermarkets (such as Lidl) and farmer’s markets to make a difference.

Prices are generally consistent, so it’s easier to set a fixed monthly budget for your food needs. You will be fine if you’re not eating out every day of the week.

A typical meal can range from 10 to 15 euros, sometimes less, sometimes more, depending on the location. While water is very affordable, wine and soft drinks can be expensive.

What To Consider While Living In Greece

Digital nomads have a kind of flexibility that allows them to organize their working time to travel more and not depending on a given location, so travel expenses can be a good incentive when deciding to move to Greece.

Having the time to travel the country can be a very rewarding activity when living in Greece. There are so many destinations to pick from that a lifetime of travel wouldn’t seem to be enough.

Island hopping is a favorite travel style in Greece. Ferries make it easy to go from one island to another with a relatively low budget, especially if you travel off-season.

Many islands are not really big, so they can easily explore renting a bike or using public transport when available.

Buying A Car

To explore more remote places or bigger islands, you can hire a car, a motorbike, or even buy a decent car for about 1500 to 3000 euros.

That money can get you a car that’s safe enough to get on the road and explore. The used-car market is a big thing in Greece, and you will indeed find a bargain that fits your needs.

Once you’ve got your car, remember that there’s an annual road tax to pay, which basically depends on the size of your engine, as well as car insurance which can be pretty affordable if compared to other European standards (between 100 to 200 per year for a used car).

Greece Expat Communities

There are several expat communities scattered all over the country. They gather in groups, have meet-ups, discuss business and partnerships, have fun, and more.

They are easy to find on social media platforms like this group for expats on Facebook. Also, here for the LGBTQIA community. Others you can look up are Americans in Greece, Americans in Crete, and Brits in Crete.

Mainland Cities & Islands For Digital Nomads

Some popular destinations within Greece are where you can find other expats and the infrastructure needed to work remotely. 

Weather In Greece

Probably among the main reasons to choose Greece as a permanent place to live in the fantastic weather, the country boasts almost all year round.

The country is generally dry and enjoys pleasant temperatures. Winters are short and not extremely cold, either.

Summers can be scorching, but if you’re living on an island or not far from the coast, you can easily plan a break from work by heading to the nearest beach for a refreshing swim.

Lifestyle In Greece

Greece is pretty much an informal country with a laid-back vibe, no matter the time of the year. That does not mean that Greeks don’t work or work less; it’s just a different philosophy in which a relaxing pace do life is more important than having things done with urgency.

This might sometimes look like it takes ages for things to be accomplished. Things do happen, only that they do it in Greek time!

Greek Food

Food in Greece is incredibly simple, healthy… and tasty! Dishes include plenty of seasonal vegetables, and olive oil is the primary and most crucial ingredient. It’s not difficult at all to follow healthy eating habits in the country.

Get your Greek food guide here.

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Documents And Requirements To Live In Greece

Visa And Salary Requirements

Work Visa

A type D visa (or National Visa) for work must be obtained for any non-EU national planning to stay in Greece for more than 90 days and work in the country.

This visa must always be obtained before arriving in Greece from the Greek Embassy or Consular Section in the applicant’s country of residence.

The national long-stay D visa allows you to enter and stay in Greece for more than three months. It can also be issued for study, academic research, and participation in cultural, scientific, and religious events other than employment. This visa is not an exclusive visa for work reasons.

Other Things To Consider Before Moving To Greece

It’s not hard to move to Greece, not as it can be to move to other countries, especially if you come from Europe; however, it implies a good dose of bureaucratic things and permits to sort out that can sometimes prove overwhelming.

A good lawyer or accountant can always be helpful when planning to stay for a long time. There are many of them specializing in residence permits, and most of them speak English. Fees are not super high, either.

In any case, and as far as residence permits it concerns, always check the official sites for updated and accurate information.