Digital Nomad Visa vs Residence Permit in Greece: How to Choose the Right Path
- Kyveli Zahou
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
Greece’s rich culture, island-hopping lifestyle, and relatively affordable cost of living have turned it into a dream destination for remote workers. If you’re thinking about living and working from Greece as a digital nomad, you’ll quickly run into two main options: the Greece digital nomad visa and the digital nomad residence permit in Greece. Both let you live in Greece while working remotely for non-Greek employers or clients, but they differ in how long you can stay, how flexible they are, and how “settled” you want your life in Greece to be.
In this guide, we’ll break down how the Greece digital nomad visa works, what the digital nomad residence permit offers, and how to decide which option fits your plans, whether you’re testing Greece for a year or setting it up as your long-term base.
Quick Comparison: Digital Nomad Visa vs. Residence Permit
The digital nomad visa offers short-term flexibility for remote workers, while the digital nomad residence permit is suited for those seeking a longer stay. Here’s a quick comparison:
Digital Nomad Visa: Valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed annually at a Greek consulate or extended for two years with an application for the digital nomad residence permit.
Digital Nomad Residence Permit: Ideal for longer-term residency, renewable, and can be applied for within Greece if you’re already in the country under the 90/180-day Schengen rule, a uniform visa type C, or a digital nomad visa type D.
Let’s dive into the details of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Digital Nomad Visa vs Residence Permit: How to Decide in 3 Questions
Still unsure whether the digital nomad visa or the digital nomad residence permit in Greece is right for you? Instead of getting lost in legal terms, start with these three simple questions. Your answers will usually point you clearly in one direction.
1. How long do you realistically want to stay in Greece?
Up to 12 months, with no firm long-term plan yet →The digital nomad visa is usually the most convenient option. It lets you live and work remotely from Greece for a year while you decide whether you want to stay longer.
More than a year, with Greece as your main base →The digital nomad residence permit tends to be the better fit. It is valid for two years, renewable, and better suited for people who see Greece as a long-term home rather than a temporary adventure.
2. Are you bringing a partner or family with you?
Solo move or short-term stay →The digital nomad visa often provides enough flexibility if you’re testing the waters alone or as a couple without clear long-term plans.
Moving with a spouse and/or children →The digital nomad residence permit is generally more attractive. It offers more stability for dependents, and its longer validity makes it easier to plan schooling, housing, and everyday life as a family—provided you meet the higher income threshold.
3. How much effort are you willing to invest in the process?
You prefer a simpler, consulate-based process to get started →Applying for the digital nomad visa through a Greek consulate or embassy is often the most straightforward first step. Once granted, you can enter Greece legally and experience life there before committing.
You’re ready to handle a more involved residence process for long-term benefits →If you are already in Greece under lawful entry (such as the 90/180-day Schengen rule, a type C visa, or a digital nomad visa type D), applying for the digital nomad residence permit can be worthwhile. It may involve more documentation, but it provides greater long-term security.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Greece?
The digital nomad visa (national visa type D) is designed for remote workers who want to stay in Greece temporarily while working for non-Greek companies or clients. This visa allows you to live in Greece for up to a year and is a straightforward solution for those seeking flexibility without a long-term commitment.
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
Temporary Stay with Flexibility: Stay in Greece for up to 12 months, with the option to re-apply annually.
Remote Work-Only: You can work for foreign employers or clients, but not for Greek companies.
Potential Tax Benefits: Depending on your tax residency status and the duration of your stay, you may not be subject to Greek taxes on worldwide income. Consult a tax advisor for specifics.
Convertible to a Residence Permit: Before it expires, the digital nomad visa can be converted to a two-year digital nomad residence permit, allowing you to stay longer without leaving Greece.
Eligibility Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for Greece’s digital nomad visa, you’ll need:
Proof of Employment or Business Activity: Evidence of an employment contract, service agreement, or contracts with foreign clients.
Minimum Monthly Income: At least €3,500 per month after taxes. This requirement increases by 20% for a spouse and 15% for each child.
Declaration of Intent: A signed statement indicating your intent to live in Greece under the digital nomad visa for remote work.
Travel Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance that covers you in Greece.
Clean Criminal Record: A background check from your home country.
Health Certificate: Assurance of good health and absence of certain diseases.
Ideal For:
The digital nomad visa is ideal if:
You’re planning a temporary stay in Greece (up to 1 year).
You want a simple, flexible solution for living in Greece.
You’re not ready for a long-term commitment but want to explore Greek culture and lifestyle.
What is the Digital Nomad Residence Permit?
The digital nomad residence permit is a more permanent option for remote workers who wish to stay in Greece beyond the initial one-year period of the digital nomad visa. Typically, remote workers first enter Greece with a visa waiver, a uniform entry visa (type C), or a national entry visa (type D) for digital nomads, then apply for the residence permit to extend their stay.
Key Benefits of the Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Long-Term Stability: The residence permit is valid for two years and renewable, allowing you to stay in Greece for several years.
In-Country Application and Renewal: You can apply for and renew the residence permit within Greece, either by entering on a short-stay Schengen visa, a digital nomad visa, or under the 90/180-day rule.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: With renewals, the residence permit can serve as a pathway to more permanent residency options.
Family-Friendly: The digital nomad residence permit is easier for bringing family members and offers stability for dependents.
Eligibility Requirements for the Digital Nomad Residence Permit
To apply for the digital nomad residence permit, you’ll need:
Proof of Remote Employment: You must work for a non-Greek employer or clients.
Minimum Monthly Income: At least €3,500 per month, with an increase for dependents.
Long-Term Accommodation: Proof of a rental lease or property ownership in Greece.
Health Insurance Policy: Comprehensive health insurance.
Financial Documentation: Bank statements or other proof of financial stability may be required.
For more detailed information, check out this guide from ExpatLaw Greece.
Ideal For:
The residence permit is best for digital nomads who:
See Greece as a long-term base.
Want a more permanent solution that can include family members.
Are interested in a potential pathway to long-term residency.
Choosing Between the Digital Nomad Visa and Residence Permit
When to Choose the Digital Nomad Visa
The digital nomad visa is your best bet if:
You’re planning a short-term stay to explore Greece (1 year).
You want a simple, flexible option without a long-term commitment.
You’re testing out Greece as a potential base without fully settling down.
When to Opt for the Digital Nomad Residence Permit
The residence permit is the right choice if:
You’re committed to living in Greece for several years or even longer.
You want a stable, semi-permanent solution that can accommodate your family.
You’d prefer to avoid navigating consular bureaucracy by applying directly within Greece after entering under visa waiver status, the 90/180-day Schengen rule, or with a digital nomad visa type D.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Fits Your Lifestyle?
Choosing between the digital nomad visa and the digital nomad residence permit in Greece depends on your goals. For a short-term adventure, the digital nomad visa offers a flexible way to live in Greece for up to a year. If you’re ready to make Greece a long-term home, the residence permit provides stability and family-friendly options for extended stays.
Greece is an incredible destination for remote workers, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. Whether you’re here for a year or planning to put down roots, there’s a path to make your Greek dream a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I work for a Greek company with the digital nomad visa or residence permit?
No, both options are designed for remote workers employed by companies outside of Greece. Working for a Greek employer is not permitted under these visas.
2. Do digital nomads in Greece pay Greek taxes?
Generally, if you stay in Greece for fewer than 183 days in a year, you may avoid Greek taxes. Staying longer could make you a tax resident. Consult a tax advisor for clarification.
3. Can I bring family members with me?
Yes, but you’ll need to meet additional income requirements. The residence permit is generally more accommodating for family members than the digital nomad visa.
4. How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa or residence permit?
Processing times vary. The digital nomad visa typically takes a few weeks after a consular appointment, while the residence permit process in Greece can provide temporary confirmation within 15 days, with the final decision taking a few months.
Living and working in Greece as a digital nomad is an incredible opportunity. By choosing the right visa or permit, you can enjoy everything this Mediterranean paradise has to offer while staying fully compliant with Greek immigration laws.
5. the Greece digital nomad visa better than staying on a tourist visa for remote work?
In most cases, yes. A tourist or short-stay Schengen visa is not designed for long-term remote work from Greece, even if many digital nomads use it that way. The Greece digital nomad visa is specifically intended for remote workers who want to live in the country legally while working for non-Greek employers. It offers clearer legal status, a longer stay, and the possibility to switch to a digital nomad residence permit if you decide to stay longer. Always check the latest rules and discuss your situation with a legal advisor before choosing a route.
6. How do I choose between the digital nomad visa and the digital nomad residence permit in Greece?
Start by considering three things: how long you want to stay, whether you’re moving alone or with family, and how committed you are to making Greece your long-term base. If you want to stay up to a year and keep things flexible, the digital nomad visa is usually enough. If you plan to stay for several years, bring dependents, and turn Greece into your main home, the digital nomad residence permit is usually more suitable, provided you meet the income and documentation requirements. Many people begin with the visa and later transition to the residence permit once they are sure Greece is the right fit.
Discover the ease of relocating with Expat Law by your side. Whether you’re exploring a short-term adventure with the digital nomad visa or setting down roots through the digital nomad residence permit, our dedicated team is here to streamline the process. Trust us to handle the complexities while you focus on the excitement of your move.
Email kyveli@expatlaw.gr or contact us directly at +306945551914 to discuss your options. At Expat Law, we’re committed to making your transition to Greece smooth, seamless, and stress-free—your journey to a new beginning starts here. Let us lead the way.