Digital nomads
Digital nomadism describes a lifestyle where individuals leverage technology to work remotely, often traveling across various global locations. Central to this lifestyle is the use of the Internet, which allows digital nomads to connect with clients or employers, collaborate with colleagues, and access the essential tools and resources required for their work. As a result, they have the freedom to live and work from any part of the globe, provided there’s a stable internet connection.
Many are drawn to the digital nomad lifestyle because of the flexibility it offers in terms of work schedules. But beyond that, it also presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultures and communities, blending work with exploration.
Typically, digital nomads engage in careers that support independence. They might be freelancers, entrepreneurs, or even employees of organizations that embrace remote work. The term “digital nomad” encompasses a broad range of professions, including, but not limited to: Content creators, like writers or bloggers, Graphic designers and web developers, Software engineers and programmers, Marketers and social media specialists.
Digital nomad visa in Greece
In 2021, Greece introduced the “Digital Nomad Visa,” allowing foreign nationals to live and work remotely in the country. With this initiative, Greece joined other EU nations that offer digital nomad visas to non-EU citizens.
Eligibility Criteria
Any non-EU foreign citizen can apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Greece, provided they meet a minimum net income requirement of €3,500 per month. Applicants must submit proof of employment, confirming that they work for a non-Greek company. Self-employed individuals must outline the nature of their business and demonstrate that their operations are based outside Greece. It’s important to note that self-employed digital nomads cannot register their businesses in Greece. Additionally, applicants must be capable of performing all work duties remotely, using online technologies such as Wi-Fi and laptops.
As mentioned, the applicant must prove a minimum net income of €3,500 per month after tax deductions. To extend the residence permit to family members, additional income is required: 20% more for a spouse and 15% more for each child. For instance, if an individual wants to extend the permit to include their spouse and one child, the minimum required net monthly income would be €4,830.
Application Process
The application fee for the Digital Nomad Visa is €75. If the applicant is not yet in Greece, the application must be submitted to the Greek Embassy in their home country. However, if the applicant is already in Greece, the application must be physically submitted at the Greek Immigration and Asylum Office, which is only located in Athens. Applications are typically reviewed within an average of ten days after submission.
Visa Validity and Renewal
The Digital Nomad Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed by contacting the Athens Immigration Service. To qualify for renewal, the minimum income requirement must be maintained. Note that if the visa holder leaves Greece for a period exceeding six months during the visa’s validity, the visa will become invalid.
Digital nomadism in Greece – tax incentives
In Greece, a person who resides in the country for fewer than 183 days per year is not considered a tax resident. Such individuals are not required to pay Greek income tax on their global income. However, if one stays in Greece for 183 days or more, they become a tax resident and are liable for taxes on worldwide income to the Greek authorities. Thanks to the double taxation treaty between Israel and Greece, digital nomads can offset the amount of tax owed in Greece by the amount they have already paid in Israel.
To maintain the validity of the Digital Nomad Visa, the holder must reside in Greece for more than six months. Consequently, under the tax treaty between the two countries, they will become liable for taxes in Greece rather than Israel. To encourage digital nomadism, Greece offers a substantial incentive: an immediate 50% reduction in the applicable tax rate. This tax incentive highlights Greece’s commitment to attracting and supporting digital nomads .
The launch of the Digital Nomad Visa in Greece demonstrates the country’s openness to new ideas and its readiness to embrace the digital age. Furthermore, the growing network of digital nomads in Greece provides excellent opportunities for collaboration, idea-sharing, and business development, fostering a strong sense of community among its members.
