Greece introduced a digital nomad’s visa over the summer for those seeking to live and work in the country for employers based abroad.

The visa is drawing strong interest with many professionals eager to combine the lifestyle offered by the country with their ability to work remotely.

The visa process is handled by Greek consular authorities in the country where the applicant resides. Applicants already located in Greece can apply for the visa at the Migration Ministry.

Remote workers will, however, need to be able to provide proof of employment and monthly income of at least 3,500 euros, based on the rules set out by the Greek government.

EY Greece has provided some useful tips on the more technical details related to the process in Q and A’s listed below that can also be accessed here. 

What is the status provided by the Digital Nomad Visa?

Holders of a Digital Nomad Visa have the right of legal residence within the Greek Territory, with no access right to Greek dependent employment or business activity in Greece whatsoever.

Who is eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa?

Third country (non-EU) nationals who are either dependent employees or self-employed persons, working remotely with employers or clients outside Greece using Information and Communication Technologies (digital nomads).

Which authority is competent for the issuance of the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greek consular authority of the place of the main residence of the applicant is competent to issue a Digital Nomad Visa, by applying a fast track process.

The Digital Nomad residence permit is issued by the competent authority of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

What is the basic requirement for the issuance of a Digital Nomad Visa?

In order to be eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa, the applicant is required (among others prerequisites) to provide evidence that he/she has sufficient resources, as a stable income, to cover his/her living expenses during his/her stay in the country, without burdening the national social welfare system. The amount of sufficient resources is set at three and a half thousand (3,500) euros per month.

If the applicant’s resources derive from dependent employment or independent provision of services, the above minimum amount refers to the net income, after payment of the required taxes in the country where the employment or services are provided.

The above amount is increased by twenty percent (20%) for the spouse or cohabitant and by fifteen percent (15%) for each child. Additionally, the applicant is required to provide documentation proving that he/she is a dependent employee or self-employed person working remotely with employers or clients outside Greece, covering the validity period of the Digital Nomad Visa.

I am already in Greece, am I eligible for a Digital Nomad Visa?

A third-country citizen, as well as members of his/her family, who meet the conditions to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa and have already entered the Greek 

Territories either with a uniform type of visa or under a visa waiver regime, have the opportunity, within the period of validity of their existing Visa, to apply to the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum for the issuance of a Digital Nomad residence permit.

In this case, they shall also be required to submit documentation proving their residence address in Greece.

Are family members eligible for a Visa?

Family members are eligible for an individual visa, valid for the same period as the digital nomad visa, which does not provide a right of employment or professional activity in Greece.

How long is a Digital Nomad Visa valid?

A Digital Nomad Visa is valid for a period of up to 12 months. If the third-country national estimates that he/she shall continue to be eligible following that period, then prior to the expiration of the Visa he/she may apply for the issuance of a Digital Nomad residence permit, with a 2-year period of validity (with the option of renewal). In that case, also, family members are eligible.

This article was first published here.

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.