Greece Alters Digital Nomad Visa Process, Restricts In-Country Applications

Greece has announced a change in its Digital Nomad Visa application process, effective January 1, 2024.

The new policy no longer allows in-country applications, requiring applicants to apply through Greek consular posts in their country of citizenship or residence. The Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in Greece for companies or clients outside the country. The eligibility criteria include citizenship from non-European Union countries, proof of working as digital nomads, a valid employment contract registered outside Greece, and a minimum monthly salary of €3,500. In 2022, Greece saw a significant increase in applications, with Russians leading the way, but the shift in the application process is set to impact the growing trend of digital nomads choosing Greece as their destination.

The change aims to streamline the application process and manage the increasing number of applicants. In 2021, only 10 people applied for the Digital Nomad Visa, while the number surged to 595 in 2022. The first two months of 2023 witnessed 70 applications, demonstrating the sustained interest in Greece as a digital nomad hub.

A study by the "MIT Enterprise Forum" suggests that Greece could potentially benefit over €1.6 billion annually by attracting 100,000 digital nomads, contributing significantly to the economy. The Digital Nomad Visa, initially valid for one year, can be extended up to three years, and those planning to stay longer must apply for a residence permit before their visa expires.

Greece joins several other countries, including Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Malta, Romania, the Netherlands, and Norway, in offering Digital Nomad Visa programs to attract remote workers and boost economic growth.

By fLEXI tEAM