With the aim of creating an institution that will contribute to economic development, the Greek legal order has legislatively introduced Digital Nomads as a proposed solution.
The background to this was globalization, the evolution of digital technology, and the changes that have occurred in employment relationships as they have been shaped in the new international labor environment.
It is an institution that, as it is currently provided by law and will be further elaborated below, allows a third-country national to come to Greece even for tourist purposes. During their stay, if they determine that their work needs are met, they may apply for a residence permit.
It primarily concerns third-country nationals who are:
- Employees
- Freelancers
- Self-employed individuals,
and who can work using digital technology without requiring their physical presence.
Another fundamental requirement is that the work performed by them should be provided to an employer whose headquarters are exclusively located abroad. Simultaneously, upon obtaining the relevant residence permit in Greece, they are prohibited from providing their services to an employer based in Greece in any way.
The process of obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa, which can be followed in order to acquire the residence permit in question, is twofold.
- Firstly, the interested citizen has the option to obtain the relevant permit through a national entry visa, which is granted by the Greek consular authority of the place where the interested citizen is legally residing.
- Of course, a requirement is the submission, in addition to the general health and criminal record documents, of payment of the fee amounting to 75 euros, as well as the submission of special documents and papers justifying the existence of the employment relationship, as described.
- As well as the amount of money earned monthly by the interested party, the amount of which should be at least 3,500 euros net, after the payment of all taxes in the country where the work is provided.
The law also allows the interested party to apply to bring their family to Greece, provided that the monthly amount earned is increased by 20% if they wish to bring their spouse and by 15% for each child.
Subsequently, once approved and upon obtaining the relevant national entry visa, the citizen comes to Greece and must submit the relevant documents to the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, along with a related fee of 1,000 euros, in order for their accuracy and completeness to be examined.
From the moment of submission and upon receipt of the certification, the stay is legal for as long as the submitted documents are being examined. Once the examination is completed without any deficiencies found in the documents, the permanent residence permit is issued, which is valid for 2 years.
- The second method of acquisition has been established by the Greek legal order and is in effect today, deviating from the usual process of first obtaining the national visa, aiming to facilitate the procedure.
- Thus, the citizen, having entered Greece legally, may directly submit the documents proving their employment relationship, the income they earn, and the fee of 1,000 euros.
The only difference in this case is that the individual must also submit a lease agreement for accommodation or proof of property purchase in Greece, along with the other documents.
An important parameter for the citizen to be able to renew their residence permit, which is valid for 2 years, is that they must reside in Greece for at least 6 months per year.
It is also important to note that the Greek government has already passed a new law that maintains the possibility of granting this permit to anyone interested and who naturally meets the requirements.
However, it removes the possibility of granting such a permit through the second route, while still maintaining its acquisition through the national entry visa. The law was supposed to come into effect on 01/01/2024, but the start of its implementation has been postponed, and at the moment, its commencement has been voted to take effect from 31/03/2024, without it being known if there will be another change.
Since obtaining a residence permit for Digital Nomads is a process that requires document preparation and guidance for their submission to the Greek consular authority and the ministry, we can assist you in acquiring it, according to what is required and requested based on Greek legislation and procedures.
The article was written by Theodore Kalfas, Legal Advisor at Atlas Consulting.
