Greece Visa Guide 2026

Greece Visa Overview 2026

Greece operates under the Schengen Area visa policy. The Digital Nomad Visa launched September 2021 is the standard remote-worker path. The Golden Visa threshold for real estate increased significantly in September 2024.

The Schengen 90/180 Rule

Citizens of 60+ visa-free countries can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. Free. The 90 days are cumulative across all 27 Schengen countries.

ETIAS Coming Q4 2026

EU ETIAS scheduled for Q4 2026 rollout. EUR 7. Valid for 3 years.

Greek Digital Nomad Visa

Launched September 2021. EUR 3,500/month income from a foreign employer or remote-work contract. Cannot work for a Greek employer. EUR 75 application + EUR 150 residence card. Initial 1-year visa renewable up to 5 years.

Apply at Greek consulate in your country of citizenship. Processing 10-30 business days. Required documents: passport with 6+ months validity, application form, recent photo, financial proof (3 months of bank statements showing EUR 3,500+/month income), employment contract or remote-work arrangement proof, criminal background check, private health insurance covering Greece, accommodation address in Greece.

The visa includes spouse and minor children. Eligible for the 50 percent income tax reduction for the first 7 years if relocating Greek tax residency.

50 Percent Tax Reduction

Greece offers a 50 percent income tax reduction for new Greek tax residents for the first 7 years (under Law 27/2020). Available to anyone relocating their tax residency to Greece who hasn't been a Greek tax resident in the previous 7 of 8 years. Significantly reduces effective tax burden for high-earning Digital Nomad Visa holders.

The reduction applies to Greek-source income only (not foreign-source income); the practical impact is for visa holders whose work income is classified as Greek-source for tax purposes after relocating. Election required within the first tax year.

Golden Visa (Updated 2024)

Greece raised the Golden Visa real estate investment threshold in September 2024:

• EUR 800,000: properties in major Athens, Thessaloniki, and the major Greek islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, Mykonos, Santorini, Paros)
• EUR 400,000: properties in less popular regions, inland areas, and smaller islands
• EUR 250,000: property restoration projects (preserving historic buildings)

5-year residency with renewal. Path to Greek citizenship after 7 years of residency. EUR 2,000 application fee plus the investment. The 2024 threshold increases significantly reduced popularity of the Golden Visa; the Digital Nomad Visa at much lower cost is now the standard path for non-investor remote workers.

Practical Notes

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is mfa.gr. The Greek Immigration Service site is ypes.gr. The Digital Nomad Visa application processes through the Greek consulate and the local immigration office in Greece for the residence permit conversion.

Greek tax-residency rules apply to anyone in Greece 183+ days per year. The Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete digital nomad communities are active and growing; many use local accounting services for tax compliance (around EUR 50-100/month). The 5-year Digital Nomad Visa cap allows transition to permanent residency through different visa classes.