In a setback for remote employees in search of stunning workspaces, Greece will no longer consider digital nomad visa applications from individuals already residing within the country. This update in the visa policy will take effect from January 1, 2024.
With its digital nomad visa, Greece offers an idyllic package featuring picturesque islands and beaches, allowing remote employees to legally stay in the country for a year (with an extension option of three years) while working for companies or clients outside Greece.
Greece tweaks digital nomad visa requirements for foreign professionals
Under the updated rules, foreign nationals must apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa from their country of citizenship or residence. The application processing period and document requirements will vary from country to country. To be eligible for this digital nomad visa, applicants must be citizens of non-EU nations and meet various requirements, including proving their status as digital nomads, having a valid work contract registered outside Greece, and earning at least Euro 3,500 (THB 132,798) per month. To explore the complete list of requirements for the Greece digital nomad visa application, click here.
Greece is steadily ascending the hot list of digital nomad destinations. According to Ekathimerini, Greece welcomed 595 digital nomads in 2022, compared to only 10 in 2021. Remofirst even included Greece in its ‘Best Countries For Digital Nomads In 2023’ list. The birthplace of the Olympic Games and home to over 2000 islands, Greece is undoubtedly a promising option for remote employees. Earlier this year, the MIT Enterprise Forum released research stating that if Greece attracts 100,000 digital nomads annually with an average stay of six months, the country will reap profits of over Euro 1.6 billion. This amount roughly equals the revenue generated by 2.5 million visitors staying in Greece for a week.
It’s no surprise that the Ministry of Tourism in Greece launched the digital nomad visa scheme in multiple locations, including Ermoupolis, Heraklion, and Kalamata. Several other countries, such as the Netherlands, Norway, Malta, Croatia, Cyprus, Hungary, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, and Romania, have also introduced digital nomad visas.
(Feature Image Credit: Izabela23/Shutterstock)
Related: Digital Nomads, This Is The Most Affordable Country For You To Work From!