Greece's Digital Nomad Visa

Launched in 2021, Greece's Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in Greece while working for non-Greek employers. It's become one of Europe's most popular nomad visas.

Quick Comparison

FeatureDigital Nomad VisaRetirement Options

Who qualifiesRemote workersPensioners, investors Income requirement€3,500+/month€2,000+/month (varies) Work allowedYes, remote onlyNo (pension income only) Initial duration1 year1-2 years RenewableYes, up to 3 yearsYes Path to permanent residencyLimitedYes (Golden Visa) Tax benefits50% tax reduction for 7 years7% flat tax on pensions Family includedNoYes (most options)

Digital Nomad Visa: Detailed

Requirements

- Work remotely for a non-Greek company (or own non-Greek business) - Minimum income: €3,500/month (after tax) - Health insurance covering Greece - Clean criminal record - Accommodation in Greece

Application Process

1. Apply at Greek consulate in your home country

2. Submit employment contract, income proof, insurance

3. Receive visa (processing: 1-2 months)

4. Enter Greece and apply for residence permit

Tax Benefits

Digital nomads can opt for a special tax regime: - 50% tax reduction on Greek-source income for 7 years - Must not have been Greek tax resident for 5 of last 6 years - Must relocate from an EU/EEA country or tax treaty country

Limitations

- Cannot work for Greek employers - Cannot access Greek public healthcare (must have private insurance) - Family members need separate visas - No direct path to permanent residency

Retirement Options: Detailed

Golden Visa

- €250,000+ property investment - 5-year renewable residency - Includes family - No minimum stay - No work allowed

Financially Independent Person

- Prove €2,000+/month passive income - 2-year renewable residency - Family included - Cannot work

7% Tax Regime

- Not a visa — a tax status - Requires Greek tax residency (183+ days) - 7% flat tax on foreign pensions - Massive savings for pensioners

Can You Transition from Nomad to Retiree?

Yes, and many do. Common paths:

Path 1: Nomad → Property Owner → Golden Visa

1. Arrive on Digital Nomad Visa

2. Fall in love with Greece, buy property

3. Apply for Golden Visa

4. Retire, live on pension + property

Path 2: Nomad → Tax Resident → 7% Regime

1. Work remotely on Digital Nomad Visa

2. Eventually retire

3. Maintain Greek tax residency

4. Apply for 7% regime on pension income

Path 3: Nomad → Business Owner

1. Start a Greek business

2. Switch to business owner visa

3. Eventually retire in Greece

Which is Right for You?

Choose Digital Nomad Visa if:

- You're still working remotely - You earn €3,500+/month - You want to test Greece before committing - You're not ready to buy property - You want flexibility

Choose Retirement Options if:

- You're retired or near retirement - You have pension income - You want tax benefits (7% regime) - You want permanent residency path - You want to include family

Consider Both if:

- You're semi-retired, working part-time - You want to test Greece before full retirement - You have both employment and pension income - You want maximum flexibility

Tax Considerations

Digital Nomad Tax

- Taxed on worldwide income if Greek tax resident (183+ days) - Can opt for 50% reduction on Greek-source income - Complex for those with multiple income sources

Retiree Tax

- 7% flat tax on foreign pensions (if eligible) - Standard progressive rates on other income - Much simpler for pensioners

Healthcare

Digital Nomads

- Must have private health insurance - Cannot access EFKA public system - Budget €1,500-€3,000/year for insurance

Retirees (Tax Residents)

- Can register for EFKA public healthcare - Much cheaper (€100-€200/month contribution) - Can supplement with private insurance

Our Recommendation

For most people approaching retirement:

1. If still working: Start with Digital Nomad Visa to test Greece

2. Plan your transition: Buy property, establish connections

3. When ready to retire: Switch to Golden Visa or tax residency

4. Apply for 7% regime: Maximize your pension tax savings

How We Help

We assist clients at every stage: - Digital nomad considering Greece → We help you explore - Ready to buy property → Our property search service - Transitioning to retirement → Visa and tax residency support - Fully retired → Ongoing support and tax filing

Book a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Greek Digital Nomad Visa vs Retirement: What's the Difference?