Greece Digital Nomad Visa 2024 – All You Need to Know

If you stay in Greece for less than six months as a digital nomad, you won’t have to pay taxes. However, if your stay exceeds six months, you will be considered a tax resident and will be required to pay income taxes. Greece has a progressive income tax system:

Monthly income below €12,000 ($13,800 USD) – no income tax
From €12,000 to €16,000 ($13,800 to $18,400 USD) – 18% income tax
From €16,000 to €22,000 ($18,400 to $25,300 USD) – 24% income tax
From €22,000 to €26,000 ($25,300 to $29,900 USD) – 26% income tax
From €26,000 to €32,000 ($29,900 to $36,800 USD) – 32% income tax
From €32,000 to €40,000 ($36,800 to $46,000 USD) – 36% income tax
From €40,000 to €60,000 ($46,000 to $69,000 USD) – 38% income tax
From €60,000 to €100,000 ($69,000 to $115,000 USD) – 40% income tax
Over €100,000 ($115,000 USD) – 45% income tax

Two lounge chairs on a white terrace face the Aegean Sea, with vibrant pink bougainvillea on the right and potted plants in the foreground, capturing the tranquil beauty of a Greek island. Greece Digital Nomad Visa 2024 — The whitewashed buildings have become a signature of Greek island architecture.

50% Greek Tax Break

Starting from January 1, 2021, digital nomads moving their tax residency to Greece can enjoy a 50% reduction in income tax for income from employment and business activities conducted in Greece.

To qualify for this benefit, the individual must:

Not have been a Greek tax resident for five of the six years before transferring tax residence to Greece.
Transfer their tax residence from an EU member state, an EEA country, or a country with a valid tax agreement with Greece.
Be employed by a Greek legal entity or a permanent establishment (PE) of a foreign company in Greece.
Declare their intention to stay in Greece for at least two years.
Apply for the tax deduction at the greek authorities.

Why Choosing Greece as Your Next Destination?

As a kid, my family often vacationed in Greece. I loved the warm weather (especially coming from Germany), the amazing food, and how friendly everyone was. Here are all the great things about Greece:

Rich History and Culture: Greece has countless ancient ruins, museums, and over 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beautiful Scenery: You will surely know the iconic white-washed buildings of Santorini from Instagram, right?! Greece offers stunning and diverse natural beauty. With over 6,000 beautiful islands, of which around 227 are inhabited, there’s always something new to explore.
Affordable Living: Compared to many Western countries, Greece has a relatively low cost of living. On average, you can live comfortably in Greece for around €1,500 to €2,000 ($1,700 to $2,300 USD) per month, including rent, food, and everyday expenses. We’ll talk about this topic later on.
Delicious Cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine is not only tasty but also healthy, and the Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits.
Mild Climate: Greece enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), while winter temperatures typically range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F).
Good Infrastructure: Major cities and popular islands have reliable internet connection, coworking spaces, and good public transportation. Greece’s average internet speed is around 24.92 Mbps, which is enough for most digital nomads’ needs.
Proximity to Europe: Greece’s location makes it easy to travel to other European countries. Frequent flights and ferries connect Greece to many major European destinations, with flight times to most European capitals being under three hours.
Welcoming Community: Greeks are known for their hospitality. The country also has a growing expat and digital nomad community.
Safety and Stability: Greece is considered a safe country with a relatively low crime rate. According to the Global Peace Index, Greece ranks 40th out of 163 countries (as of August 2024).

A view of the Blue Caves in Zakynthos, Greece, with clear blue waters flowing through natural rock arches and formations, creating a mesmerizing coastal landscape. — The Blue Caves were discovered in 1897 by Antonio Komouto, a local Greek adventurer.

Monthly Cost of Living in Greece

Accommodation:

Shared apartment room: €250 – €400 ($290 – $460 USD)
One-bedroom apartment in city center: €450 – €700 ($520 – $810 USD)
One-bedroom apartment outside city center: €350 – €500 ($410 – $580 USD)

Check out the best way to find accommodation in Greece in this article.

Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage):

Monthly for 1 person: €70 – €100 ($80 – $115 USD)

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL):

Monthly: €25 – €35 ($29 – $40 USD)

Typical Daily Expenses (approximations):

Meals:

Inexpensive restaurant meal: €8 – €12 ($9 – $14 USD)
Mid-range restaurant (three-course meal for two): €35 – €50 ($40 – $58 USD)

Transportation:

One-way ticket (local transport): €1.20 – €1.50 ($1.40 – $1.75 USD)
Monthly pass (regular price): €30 – €50 ($35 – $58 USD)

Groceries:

Liter of milk: €1 – €1.20 ($1.15 – $1.40 USD)
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €0.80 – €1 ($0.93 – $1.15 USD)
Dozen eggs: €2.50 – €3 ($2.90 – $3.50 USD)
Local cheese (1kg): €7 – €10 ($8 – $11.50 USD)
Apples (1kg): €1.50 – €2 ($1.75 – $2.30 USD)
Oranges (1kg): €1.20 – €1.80 ($1.40 – $2.10 USD)

Leisure Activities:

Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult: €30 – €50 ($35 – $58 USD)
Cinema, international release, 1 seat: €7 – €10 ($8 – $11.50 USD)

Where to Stay in Greece

Athens

Why: As the capital city, Athens offers a great mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. It has numerous coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and plenty of cafes for working remotely.
Highlights: Coworking spaces like Stone Soup and The Cube, cultural sites such as the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum, and trendy neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Exarchia.

Mediterranean city from above — Athens metropolitan area: Home to approximately 3.15 million people.

Thessaloniki

Why: Greece’s second-largest city is known for its youthful vibe, great food, and cultural festivals. Thessaloniki offers affordable living, a strong expat community, and a good selection of coworking spaces. It’s less hectic than Athens but still provides a dynamic urban experience.
Highlights: Coworking spaces like Coho and OK!Thess, waterfront promenades, rich Byzantine history, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Harbor with sailing boats — The metropolitan area of Thessaloniki spans approximately 1,285 square kilometers (496 square miles).

Chania (Crete)

Why: Chania is perfect for digital nomads seeking a mix of urban life and nature. The city offers beautiful Venetian architecture, a relaxed lifestyle, and stunning nearby beaches. Crete’s reliable internet and growing number of coworking spaces make it an attractive option.
Highlights: Coworking spaces like Workhub, charming Old Town, and access to outdoor activities such as hiking the Samaria Gorge.

Old city by the sea — Evening charm in Chania, Crete.

Heraklion (Crete)

Why: As the capital of Crete, Heraklion offers a bustling city experience with a strong digital nomad community. It has good infrastructure, coworking spaces, and easy access to historical sites and beaches.
Highlights: Coworking spaces like Comeet and CapsuleT, the Palace of Knossos, and vibrant local markets.

People walking on a promenade during sunset — Stunning sunset walk along the waterfront in Heraklion, Crete, with mountains silhouetted against the sky.

Rhodes

Why: Rhodes combines historical charm with modern amenities. The island’s mild climate, beautiful beaches, and numerous historical sites provide a pleasant working and living environment.
Highlights: Coworking spaces like Rhodes Project SCE, medieval Old Town, and plenty of seaside cafes for working.

Old city with church — Charming street in Rhodes during autumn.

Santorini

Why: While more touristy and expensive, Santorini offers breathtaking views and a unique lifestyle. It’s ideal for digital nomads looking for inspiration and a serene work environment. I couldn’t find any co-working spaces in the area.
Highlights: Spectacular sunsets and charming villages like Oia and Fira.

White buildings with blue rooftops — Every influencers dream: The breathtaking view of the iconic white-washed buildings and blue domes of Oia, Santorini, overlooking the Aegean Sea.

Corfu

Why: Corfu is known for its lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s less crowded than other tourist hotspots and offers a slower pace of life, which can be ideal for focused work.
Highlights: Reliable internet, coworking spaces like Regus Corfu, and diverse cultural influences reflected in its architecture and cuisine.

Naxos

Why: Naxos offers a more laid-back island experience with beautiful beaches and a charming town. It’s less touristy than Mykonos or Santorini, providing a peaceful environment for work.
Highlights: Affordable accommodations, reliable internet, and outdoor activities like windsurfing and hiking.

Paros

Why: Paros is becoming increasingly popular among digital nomads for its relaxed vibe, beautiful scenery, and growing infrastructure. The island offers a mix of traditional charm and modern conveniences.
Highlights: Cafes with good internet (no co-working spaces yet), picturesque villages, and excellent beaches.

Patras

Why: Patras is one of Greece’s largest cities, offering a blend of urban amenities and proximity to nature. It’s a hub for events and festivals, providing plenty of social opportunities.
Highlights: Affordable cost of living, reliable internet, and cultural events like the famous Patras Carnival.

What is the Greek Culture Like?

Greek culture is a blend of ancient history, vibrant traditions, and modern flair. It’s lively, colorful, and full of amazing food! Here’s a peek into what makes Greece so special.

Community and Family: Family is at the heart of Greek culture. Greeks are very family-oriented, and social life often revolves around family gatherings and meals.

Food and Dining: Greek cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and a central part of social life. You’ll find dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and an array of mezes (small dishes) that are perfect for sharing.

Hospitality: Known as “filoxenia,” Greek hospitality is legendary. Greeks are known for being incredibly welcoming and generous to guests.

Festivals and Celebrations: Greece loves a good celebration. From religious festivals to local village parties, there’s always something to celebrate. Music, dancing, and food are key elements of these festivities.

Coffee Culture: Coffee is a big deal in Greece. Greek coffee is strong and thick, and drinking it is a social activity.

Art and History: From the Acropolis in Athens to the ruins of Delphi, the country is full of historical sites. Modern Greek culture also has a vibrant art scene, with contemporary galleries and lots of street art.

Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral to Greek culture. Traditional music features instruments like the bouzouki, and folk dances are performed at festivals and celebrations.

Language: The Greek language has a long history and is an important part of the culture. Even though many Greeks speak English, learning a few Greek phrases can go a long way in connecting with locals. I’ve added 40 essentials greek phrases below.

Religion: The Greek Orthodox Church plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Greece. Many of the country’s holidays and traditions are rooted in religious practices.

A night view of the village of Oia in Santorini, Greece, with its white-washed buildings illuminated against a backdrop of a starry sky, creating a magical and serene atmosphere. — Santorini is an attractive destination and receives approximately 5.5 million tourists annually.

40 Essential Phrases in Greek

Yia – Hello
Kalimera – Good morning
Kalispera – Good evening
Antio or Yia sas – Goodbye (Antio is more formal, Yia sas is casual)
Parakalo – Please
Efharisto – Thank you
Ne – Yes
Ohi – No
Signomi – Excuse me
Borite na me voithisete? – Can you help me?
Pou ine i toualeta? – Where is the bathroom?
Poso kostizi? – How much is this?
Poli akrivo – That’s too expensive
Nero – Water
Allo ena, parakalo – One more, please
Logariasmo, parakalo – Check, please (when you are ready to pay at a restaurant)
Pigenete me edo, parakalo – Take me here, please (useful in taxis)
Ti ine afto? – What is this?
Den milao Ellinika – I don’t speak Greek
Kali mera – Have a good day
Den katalaveno – I don’t understand
Mporis na milisis…? – Can you speak…? (add “Anglika” for English, “Germanika” for German, etc.)
Pinao – I’m hungry
Dipsao – I’m thirsty
Parakalo – You’re welcome (response to thank you)
Pos se lene? – What’s your name?
Me lene… – My name is…
Hero poli – Nice to meet you
Pos iste? – How are you?
Ime kala, efharisto – I’m fine, thank you
Poso diarkei? – How long does it take?
Mporo na to paro apo edo? – Can I get this here?
Iparhi sindesi? – Is there a connection? (often used for internet or transport)
Iparhi ekptosi? – Is there a discount?
Kaleste tin astynomia! – Call the police!
Ine konta? – Is it close?
Ine makria? – Is it far?
Stin igia mas! – Cheers! (to toast when drinking)
Klisto – Closed
Anihto – Open