Greece offers a national digital nomad visa that leads to a renewable two-year residence permit, plus a tax incentive for people who move their tax residence there. In February 2026 the application route changed: you can no longer arrive as a tourist and apply from inside the country. This guide covers the rules as reported in 2026, what to prepare and what to check with your consulate.
| Visa name | Digital Nomad Visa (national type D) and residence permit |
| Income requirement | €3,500 per month from remote work |
| Duration | Visa valid 12 months, then a 2-year residence permit, renewable |
| Schengen access | Yes, as a resident |
| Where to apply | A Greek consulate in your country of residence |
| Processing time | Officially 10 working days, often 1 to 3 months in practice |
| Citizenship pathway | Long-term EU residence possible after 5 years of continuous legal residence |
What Changed in 2026
Under Law 5275/2026, in force from February 2026, in-country applications for the digital nomad visa are no longer accepted. You now apply for the one-year type D visa at a Greek consulate before travelling, then convert to the two-year residence permit after you arrive. If you are already in Greece on a short Schengen stay and planned to convert, you will probably need to leave and apply through your home-country consulate. The income threshold and the tax incentive were reported as unchanged. Allow several months for the process.
Income Requirements
The reported threshold is €3,500 a month for the main applicant. Reports differ on whether this is net or gross, so ask your consulate which they use. Family members add to the requirement: about 20% more for a spouse and about 15% more for each child. A couple with one child would need roughly €4,700 a month.
Who Qualifies
- Non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients based outside Greece
- Employees with a contract, or self-employed people with a documented client base
- Applicants who can show stable income at or above the threshold
You cannot take employment with a Greek company or serve Greek clients as your main work on this visa.
Documents
Your consulate publishes its own list, which governs. Expect to provide:
- Passport with at least six months of validity beyond your stay
- Completed application form and photos
- Proof of remote work for non-Greek entities
- Proof of income
- Private health insurance valid in Greece for the full stay (many consulates ask for at least €30,000 of cover)
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
- Visa fee receipt, plus translations and apostilles where required
Costs
The reported costs are roughly €75 for the visa application (it varies by post) and €1,000 for the residence permit once you are in Greece, with about €150 for each additional dependant. Add the cost of insurance, translations and apostilles.
Step-by-Step Process
- Check the income threshold and your consulate’s document list.
- Buy health insurance that meets the consulate’s minimum.
- Gather, translate and apostille your documents.
- Apply for the type D visa at the Greek consulate in your country of residence.
- Travel to Greece within the visa’s validity.
- Apply for the two-year residence permit in Greece and renew every two years while you still qualify.
Tax
Greece has a tax incentive for people who move their tax residence to the country. As reported in 2026, it offers a 50% reduction in income tax on earnings for up to seven years, provided you were not a Greek tax resident in at least five of the previous six years. Standard Greek income tax is progressive. Details change, and the benefit depends on your personal circumstances, so get advice from a Greek tax professional before you rely on it. Your home country may also still claim tax.
Common Mistakes
- Arriving as a tourist and planning to apply from inside Greece, which is no longer possible.
- Assuming the 50% tax reduction applies automatically.
- Underestimating processing time at busy consulates.
- Forgetting that spouses and children raise the income requirement.
Where to Live
Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete are the usual nomad bases. Read our destinations hub for city guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply from inside Greece? Not since February 2026, as reported. Apply at a consulate first.
How long does the permit last? The visa lasts 12 months, and the residence permit lasts two years and is renewable.
Does it lead to citizenship? Not directly. Five years of continuous legal residence may allow long-term EU residence.
These figures come from secondary sources checked in 2026 and may change. Confirm everything with the Greek consulate or the official Greek visa portal before you apply.
Related: All digital nomad visas | Spain Digital Nomad Visa | Digital nomad tax guide