Can You Get Permanent Residency in Greece with a Digital Nomad Visa?

Last Updated on 9 November 2024 by Brittany
permanent residency in greece

The Greece digital nomad visa is one of the most popular visas for remote workers who wish to relocate to Europe. One of the most attractive benefits of the digital nomad visa is that it can lead to permanent residency in Greece

With more than 40 countries offering digital nomad visas that allow remote workers and their family members to relocate abroad, only a select few have a pathway to permanent residency in the country. 

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to moving and living abroad while working remotely, then look no further than the Greece digital nomad visa! Remote workers can include their spouses and dependent children on their visa applications and may be eligible for permanent residency in Greece after five years of living there.

In this article, we’ll explore how remote workers can get permanent residency in Greece with the digital nomad visa and the eligibility requirements. 

permanent residency in greece

What is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Before we dive into how to get permanent residency in Greece with the digital nomad visa, we first need to explain exactly what it is. 

Greece officially launched its digital nomad visa in 2021, welcoming remote workers and their immediate family members to live in the country. 

There are two visa term options when it comes to applying for the Greece digital nomad visa:

  1. Applicants may apply for a 12-month non-renewable digital nomad visa 
  2. Applicants may apply for a 2-year renewable residence permit 👈 (this leads to permanent residency in Greece!)

If you decide to stay for more than one year, you will simply apply for a temporary residence permit in Greece before your digital nomad visa expires. 

There are two ways to apply for the digital nomad visa! 

If you wish to just apply for the 12-month digital nomad visa or require an entry visa to the Schengen Area, then you must submit your application to a Greek consulate in your country of residence. After arriving in Greece, you may apply for a renewable residence permit. 

If you know that you want to stay longer than one year and can enter Greece without an entry visa, then you may apply directly for a two-year residence permit as a tourist. 

It is important to mention that if you apply for the residence permit, you will become  a tax resident in Greece and must stay in the country for at least 183 days out of the year to retain your residency. 

Greece Digital Nomad Visa Eligibility Requirements

Okay, so we know what the Greece digital nomad visa is now. But do you meet the eligibility requirements to apply for it?

To be eligible for Greece’s digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visa
  • Income of at least 3,500€/month after tax – You must meet the minimum income requirement
    • Earn 4,200€/month if bringing a spouse
    • Earn 4,830€/month if bringing a spouse and one dependent
    • 15% increase in the income requirement with each dependent
  • Work Remotely – You must work remotely for a company, clients, or own a business established outside of Greece
  • Clean Criminal Record – A certified copy of your criminal record from your home country (if applying from outside of Greece)
  • International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage in Greece for the duration of your visa
  • Certified Health Check – You must obtain a medical certificate from a physician stating you are in good health
  • Address of Accommodations – You must submit the address where you will be living while in Greece 

If you can fulfill the above requirements, then you might be eligible to apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa! Request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to further verify your eligibility by completing the form above. 

permanent residency in greece

Can You Get Permanent Residency in Greece with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes! You can get permanent residency in Greece with the digital nomad visa as long as you apply for the two-year renewable residence permit and live in the country full-time for five consecutive years

Permanent Residency in Greece Eligibility Requirements

It takes more than just living in Greece for five years to become eligible for permanent residency in Greece. You must meet the following criteria:

  • Lived full-time in Greece for 5 years with a temporary residence permit
  • Meet the minimum stay requirement
  • Paid taxes as a resident of Greece
  • Prove financial stability
  • Have no serious criminal convictions in Greece

If you meet these requirements, then you apply for permanent residency in Greece by submitting an application to the Greek authorities. 

permanent residency in greece

Is There a Minimum Stay Requirement to Get Permanent Residency in Greece?

Yes, there is a minimum stay requirement to get permanent residency in Greece. You may not leave Greece for more than a total of ten months during the five-year period you lived there as a temporary resident. 

permanent residency in greece

Do You Have to Speak Greek to Get Permanent Residency in Greece?

No, it is not a requirement to know the Greek language to get permanent residency in Greece – but it can definitely help make your life easier! 

You only have to pass a Greek language test if you decide to apply for citizenship through naturalization. 

passports - permanent residency in greece
via Unsplash

Can You Get Citizenship in Greece with the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, after 12 years of living in Greece, you may apply for citizenship through naturalization. 

You will have to pass Greek language and civics exams as well. 

permanent residency in greece

Will You Owe Taxes as a Resident in Greece?

Yes, if you apply for a residence permit (even just the two-year permit as a digital nomad), you will become a tax resident. 

The good news is that Greece has a favorable tax incentive for foreigners living in the country that deducts owed taxes by 50% for the first seven years of living there!

permanent residency in greece
via Unsplash

Get on a Pathway to Permanent Residency in Greece with Nomads Embassy

Are you ready to start a brand new chapter in one of the most beautiful countries in the world? 

Then consider applying for Greece’s digital nomad visa and put yourself on a path to permanent residency in Greece today! 

You and your immediate family members can soon be eligible for permanent residency and even citizenship in Greece when you apply for the digital nomad visa. 

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads is here to help! 

We have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist our members with their digital nomad visa and residence permit applications with our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Services
Want to talk to our immigration lawyer today? Complete our free eligibility assessment by filling out the form in this article to get started!

Brittany
Content created by
Brittany
When I’m not writing and teaching people how to achieve a location-independent lifestyle, you can find me globetrotting, experiencing new cultures, and working on my amateur photography skills.
At Nomads Embassy, we independently test and review digital nomad services and provide detailed insights on digital nomad visa applications and requirements using a detailed, multi-step methodology. When you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our editorial process and read our full disclosure.
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