Obtaining a Residence Permit and Digital Nomad Visa in Greece: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a digital nomad visa?

The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to reside in Greece while continuing to work for their employers or clients in other countries. This visa allows them to legally reside in the country and enjoy all the benefits of living in Greece.

Benefits of a Digital Nomad Visa

• Free movement  within the Schengen countries.
• The possibility of obtaining a  residence permit and, in the future, citizenship.
• Living with family : spouse and children can live with you.
• There is no need to register your employment  in Greece and pay taxes in the country (unless you live there more than 183 days a year).

Conditions for obtaining a visa

1. Monthly income : You must prove a monthly income of at least €3,500 after taxes.
2. Documents :
   • Employment contract with the employer or contracts with clients.
   • Proof of income (bank statements).
   • Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental agreement or booking confirmation).
3. Medical insurance : A policy covering the entire period of stay in Greece.
4. Application : Completed visa application form.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a visa

1. Prepare documents : Gather all necessary documents, including proof of income, employment contracts and health insurance.
2. Make an appointment : Make an appointment at the Greek Consulate in your country.
3. Submitting an application : Submit your application and all required documents to the consulate.
4. Waiting for a decision : It usually takes between 1 and 3 months for an application to be processed.
5. Obtaining a visa : Once approved, you will receive a visa allowing you to enter Greece.

Important changes in 2024

From 1 January 2024, applications for a digital nomad visa can only be submitted through Greek consular offices and not upon arrival in the country.

Family members of a digital nomad

Digital nomads can bring their spouses and children with them. To do so, the following conditions must be met:

1. Income verification : For a family of two (digital nomad and spouse), the minimum monthly income must be €4,200. For each child, an additional €500 must be added.
2. Documents :
   • Marriage certificate for spouses.
   • Birth certificates for children.
   • Proof of income (bank statements).
   • Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental agreement or booking confirmation).
3. Medical insurance : A policy covering the entire period of stay in Greece for all family members.
4. Application : Completed visa application for each family member.

Step-by-step instructions for family members

1. Preparing documents : Collect all the necessary documents for each family member.
2. Make an appointment : Make an appointment at the Greek Consulate in your country.
3. Submitting an application : Submit your application and all required documents to the consulate.
4. Waiting for a decision : It usually takes between 1 and 3 months for an application to be processed.
5. Obtaining a visa : Once approved, you will receive visas for all family members allowing entry to Greece.

Residence permit based on digital nomad visa

Conditions for obtaining a residence permit

To obtain a residence permit based on a digital nomad visa, the following conditions must be met:

1. Duration of stay : Residing in Greece on a Digital Nomad visa for at least 12 months.
2. Proof of income : Monthly income must remain at least €3,500 after taxes.
3. Documents :
   • Proof of income (bank statements).
   • Proof of accommodation in Greece (rental agreement or booking confirmation).
   • Medical insurance covering the entire period of stay.
4. Application : Completed application for a residence permit.

Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a residence permit

1. Prepare documents : Gather all necessary documents, including proof of income, lease, and health insurance.
2. Make an appointment : Make an appointment with the Greek Immigration Service.
3. Submitting an application : Submit your application and all required documents to the Immigration Office.
4. Waiting for a decision : It usually takes between 1 and 3 months for an application to be processed.
5. Obtaining a residence permit : Once approved, you will receive a residence permit allowing you to legally reside in Greece.

Useful tips

• Plan ahead : The visa and residence permit process can take several months, so start preparing your documents early.
• Consult a lawyer : If you have any questions or concerns, please consult an immigration lawyer.
• Know your local laws : Familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations of Greece to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

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