Recently issued law 4825/2021 introduces the Digital Visa for digital nomads, meaning for non-EU citizens, wishing to work remotely from Greece. Non-EU nationals working remotely, either salaried employees, free-lancers or the self-employed, have the right to obtain a 12-month residence permit and to work remotely from Greece for their employers and clients based outside Greece.
A fast “one-stop-shop” procedure has been set up for the digital nomad visa, which is issued within 10 days by the Greek consulate in the country where the applicant resides. The successful applicant should confirm that s/he will remain in Greece to work remotely and will not work for a Greek employer or for clients based in Greece. Furthermore, the applicant should produce an employment or services agreement and demonstrate that s/he will have at least a €3,500 net income per month to cover living expenses throughout the visa term, without using the national social security system.
The digital visa may also be renewed for an additional two (2) year period and be extended to the applicant’s family members, on the condition that they are not employed in Greece and do not carry out any economic activities there.
The new law was introduced to accommodate a market need for a new and more flexible employment environment as an increasing number of professionals opt to work remotely out of Greece to enjoy the good weather, the culture and the laid back lifestyle at an affordable cost of living.
Client Alert 2021-260