🇬🇷 Greece: Digital Nomad Visa to Citizenship

EU PASSPORT · Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2021)

Greece's digital nomad visa (launched 2021) counts toward the 7-year naturalization requirement. Greece offers a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income and a 50% income tax reduction for new residents.

Overview

Greece launched its digital nomad visa in 2021, allowing remote workers to live in Greece for up to 2 years. After 7 years of legal residence, you qualify for Greek citizenship — and therefore EU citizenship. Greece has introduced significant tax incentives for new residents: a 7% flat tax on foreign pension income and a 50% income tax reduction on Greek-source income for the first 7 years. Athens is a rapidly growing digital nomad hub, and the Greek islands offer unparalleled quality of life.

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1: Apply for Digital Nomad Visa at Greek consulate — Greek consulate · 4–8 weeks · €75 + legal fees
2. 2: Arrive in Greece and register with local municipality (Δήμος) — Greece · 1–2 weeks · Minimal
3. 3: Obtain AFM (tax number) and open Greek bank account — Greece · 1–2 weeks · Minimal
4. 4: Maintain residence for 7 years — renew permit annually — Greece · 7 years · €200–€400/year
5. 5: Apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years — Greece · 12–24 months · €200–€400
6. 6: Pass Greek language test (B1 level) and civics test — Greece · Preparation time varies · $200–$400
7. 7: Receive Greek passport — EU citizenship — Greece · 2–4 weeks · €50–€70

Advantages

• EU passport — live and work in all 27 EU member states
• 7% flat tax on foreign pension income for new residents
• 50% income tax reduction on Greek-source income for 7 years
• Athens is a rapidly growing digital nomad hub
• Greek islands — unparalleled quality of life
• Rich history and culture
• Dual citizenship allowed
• Relatively affordable cost of living outside of tourist areas

Considerations

• 7-year timeline
• Greek language test (B1 level) required — Greek is a difficult language
• 183 days/year minimum presence requirement
• Bureaucracy is notoriously slow
• Economic instability (though improving significantly since 2015)

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Proof of remote work income (€3,500+/month)
• Employment contract or proof of self-employment
• Criminal background check
• Health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Greek language certificate B1 (for citizenship)

Tax Considerations

Greece has introduced two special tax regimes for new residents: (1) 7% flat tax on foreign pension income for retirees who transfer tax residence to Greece; (2) 50% income tax reduction on Greek-source income for new residents who have not been Greek tax residents for the previous 5 years. These regimes last for 7 years. Greece also has a lump-sum tax regime for high-net-worth individuals (€100,000/year flat tax).

Frequently Asked Questions

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