Alykes Potamou, 3rd Klm Paleokastritsa National Road, Corfu, 49100, Greece
In September 2021 the Creek government implemente a law regulating the relocation and residence of digital nomads. But there was not many details up until March 2022. Partly because of the pandemic, but primarily because no one seriously assessed its reality. Other immigration programs in Greece were still more interesting for applicants. Now everything has changed.
An applicant who is able to confirm his monthly income of € 3,500 over the past year can apply for a residence permit in Greece under this program. If a spouse wants to get a residence permit at the same time, the amount increases by 20%, and by another 15% for each child.
It turns out that a family of four must confirm a monthly income of €5,250. But our experience shows that the Greek authorities are ready to consider appeals with a slightly smaller amount.
The applicant must also submit a bank statement, a valid employment contract and a lease agreement. Initially, such a residence permit is issued for two years.
First. The applicant's account must have an amount sufficient, according to the authorities, for a 1-year residence in Greece. The best option is about €60,000.
Second. Some operations take place in the previous months on the account. Not necessarily related to monthly income generation.
The status of a digital nomad does not define a specific list of professions. The main thing is that the applicant can work remotely. Marketing, education, journalism, programming – any activity that is conducted online and does not require physical presence in the office falls under the law.
The employment contract submitted by the applicant must be indefinite otherwise there may be a discrepancy between the terms of the contract and the residence permit. It is important that the applicant is not tied to a specific place of work. The inspectors will definitely pay attention to these statements. But the most valuable thing is that the Greek authorities do not conduct strict cross-checks of the financial part of the agreement.
The document may initially be in your language, the translation into Greek is done on the spot. The contract in English does not require translation at all. If the owner of the company applies for a residence permit, they submit the constituent documents together with the application.
To obtain a residence permit, you need a valid lease agreement. No one forbids changing the place of living after getting a residence permit. But future living expenses still need to be taken into account.
You should also consider a force majeure situation: for example, if you want to issue a document, you are now living in a hotel. We will help you quickly choose an option for rent.
Where, how, and to whom are the documents for obtaining a residence permit transferred
Residence permits for digital nomads are issued only at the Greek Ministry of Migration in Athens. As you can see, the list of necessary documents is small. Another thing is that there are some nuances when preparing documents and submitting an application. A lawyer solves such issues.
The applicant comes to Greece with any Schengen visa (if necessary). The border must be crossed legally, and the applicant's stay in the country should not exceed 90 days. You give bipmetric data and fingerprints fot a residence permit.
True, this program also works. It's just that the Greek authorities are not too willing to arrange such a residence in a current situation.
Their logic is simple: a wealthy person with an incomprehensible past is a much more "toxic" figure from a political point of view than an applicant with an understandable present. A digital nomad – an online specialist - is safe and valuable for the country development.
Learn more about residence permits and real estate in Greece
Alykes Potamou, 3rd Klm Paleokastritsa National Road, Corfu, 49100, Greece