Greece flag europe Updated January 20, 2026

Work Remotely from Greece: Complete Guide

Everything about working remotely from Greece for US/EU companies. Digital Nomad Visa, tax implications, best islands and cities, and timezone considerations for remote workers.

Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026

Greece launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, offering remote workers the opportunity to live in this Mediterranean paradise for up to 12 months with a 50% tax reduction on foreign income. With stunning islands, ancient history, excellent food, and warm weather, Greece is increasingly popular among digital nomads. The key benefits are the favorable tax rate (flat 50% discount), relatively affordable cost of living, and EU location, though island internet can be variable.

Key Facts

Visa Options

Greece offers an attractive Digital Nomad program:

Digital Nomad Visa (Greece DN Visa)

  • Duration: 12 months initially, renewable for up to 2 additional years (3 years total)
  • Cost: €75 application fee + €150 residence permit
  • Processing: 3-4 months from outside Greece, faster if applying from within
  • Requirements:
    • Remote employment with non-Greek company OR self-employment
    • Minimum monthly income: €3,500 (€7,000 if bringing family)
    • Health insurance covering Greece
    • Proof of accommodation
    • Clean criminal record
    • Employment contract or self-employment documentation

Income Proof

  • Employees: Contract + 6-12 months bank statements
  • Freelancers: Client contracts + tax returns + bank statements
  • Business owners: Company registration + proof of remote operations

Application Process

  • Apply at Greek consulate in home country (preferred)
  • OR enter on tourist visa and convert (less predictable timing)
  • Provide apostilled/translated documents
  • Biometric appointment required

Tourist Stay (Schengen)

  • Duration: 90 days in any 180-day period
  • Cost: Free for most nationalities
  • Work allowed: Technically no, gray area for remote work

EU Citizens

  • Free movement rights (no visa needed)
  • Register after 3 months for residence certificate
  • Must prove sufficient funds and health insurance
  • Can work remotely without restrictions

Self-Employment Residence Permit

  • For freelancers wanting full Greek tax residency
  • Requires registering with Greek authorities
  • Standard Greek taxation applies (higher than DN visa rate)

Tax Implications

Greece’s DN visa offers significant tax advantages:

Digital Nomad Visa Tax Benefits

  • 50% flat reduction on income tax for foreign-sourced income
  • Effective tax rate: ~10% (50% of standard 20% rate)
  • Must pay Greek social contributions: ~14-16%
  • Total effective rate: ~24-26% (still favorable)

Standard Greek Tax Rates (for comparison)

  • €0 - €10,000: 9%
  • €10,001 - €20,000: 22%
  • €20,001 - €30,000: 28%
  • €30,001 - €40,000: 36%
  • €40,001+: 44%
  • Plus solidarity contribution: 2.2-10%

DN Visa Tax Process

  • Register with Greek tax office within 30 days
  • Obtain AFM (tax identification number)
  • File annual tax return in Greece
  • 50% reduction applies automatically to foreign employment/business income

Tax Residency

  • You become Greek tax resident with DN visa (183+ days)
  • Must declare worldwide income
  • 50% reduction only applies to foreign-sourced income
  • Any Greek-sourced income taxed at standard rates

VAT

  • Standard VAT: 24%
  • Reduced rates: 13% (some foods, hospitality) and 6% (medicines, books)

Double Taxation Treaties Greece has tax treaties with 50+ countries including US, UK, Canada, and all EU members.

Recommendations

  • DN visa tax rate (~24-26% effective) is competitive vs. other EU countries
  • Keep detailed records of income sources (foreign vs. Greek)
  • Hire Greek accountant familiar with DN visa (€500-1,000/year)
  • File taxes in home country if still required (US citizens, etc.)
  • Understand social contribution requirements
  • Consider whether 3-year renewability makes Greek tax residency worthwhile for your situation

Best Cities and Islands for Remote Work

Athens

  • Pros: Capital city, best coworking infrastructure, international airport, vibrant
  • Cons: Urban sprawl, hot summers, air quality issues, traffic
  • Rent: €600-1,200/month for 1BR apartment
  • Coworking: The Cube Athens, Stone Soup, Mindspace, Koho
  • Internet: Excellent fiber (100-500 Mbps) in most areas
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Largest in Greece, regular meetups, diverse expat community

Thessaloniki

  • Pros: Second city, university town, culture, lower cost than Athens
  • Cons: Less international, colder winters, fewer direct flights
  • Rent: €400-700/month for 1BR apartment
  • Coworking: OK!Thess, IFAB, Found.ation
  • Internet: Good fiber coverage
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Growing, younger vibe, student energy

Crete (Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno)

  • Pros: Largest island, year-round mild climate, beaches + mountains, authentic
  • Cons: Island isolation, ferry-dependent for some destinations, car helpful
  • Rent: €500-900/month depending on city/season
  • Coworking: Crete CoWorking (Chania), limited in smaller towns
  • Internet: Good in cities, variable in villages
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Growing especially in Chania, seasonal

Rhodes

  • Pros: Beautiful medieval town, warm climate, international airport
  • Cons: Very touristy in summer, sleepy in winter, expensive peak season
  • Rent: €500-1,000/month (higher Jun-Sep)
  • Coworking: Rhodes Business Incubator, limited options
  • Internet: Good in Rhodes Town, adequate elsewhere
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Small but welcoming, very seasonal

Corfu

  • Pros: Lush green island, Venetian influence, international community
  • Cons: Rainy winters, touristy, limited coworking
  • Rent: €500-900/month
  • Coworking: Very limited, mostly cafes
  • Internet: Adequate in town, spotty in rural areas
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Small, mostly summer

Santorini

  • Pros: Iconic scenery, romantic, excellent for short stays
  • Cons: Extremely expensive, overcrowded in summer, tiny off-season, limited practical infrastructure
  • Rent: €800-2,000/month (if you can find long-term)
  • Coworking: None (not designed for long-term living)
  • Internet: Variable
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Not recommended for extended stays

Naxos

  • Pros: Beautiful beaches, authentic, less touristy than Santorini/Mykonos, affordable
  • Cons: Small island, limited coworking, seasonal businesses
  • Rent: €400-700/month
  • Coworking: None, work from cafes/accommodation
  • Internet: Improving but check before committing
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Tiny but growing

Paros

  • Pros: Central Cyclades location, charming, good ferry connections
  • Cons: Small, touristy in summer, very quiet in winter
  • Rent: €500-800/month
  • Coworking: Minimal
  • Internet: Adequate in main towns
  • Digital Nomad Scene: Emerging, very small

Timezone Overlap

Greece (Eastern European Time) offers good overlap:

For EU Companies

  • Excellent alignment: 1 hour ahead of Central Europe (CET)
  • 9 AM CET = 10 AM EET
  • Perfect for Western Europe clients/employers

For UK Companies

  • 2 hours ahead (GMT)
  • 9 AM GMT = 11 AM EET
  • Very good overlap for afternoon collaboration

For US Companies

  • East Coast (EST): 7 hours ahead
    • 9 AM EST = 4 PM EET (afternoon overlap)
    • Need to work afternoons/evenings for good overlap
    • 3-11 PM EET = full US East Coast day
  • West Coast (PST): 10 hours ahead
    • 9 AM PST = 7 PM EET
    • Very challenging, requires late-night work
    • Better suited for async work

For Middle East/Asia

  • Good overlap with Middle East (1-3 hours ahead)
  • Challenging for Asia-Pacific (6-10 hours ahead)

Advantages

  • Ideal for European companies
  • Workable for US East Coast with afternoon/evening hours
  • Strategic location between Europe and Middle East

Cost of Living

Monthly Budget (Single Person)

Athens

  • Accommodation: €600-1,200 (1BR apartment)
  • Food: €300-500 (groceries + dining out)
  • Transport: €30 (monthly public transport pass)
  • Coworking: €150-300
  • Utilities: €100-150 (sometimes included)
  • Mobile: €15-30
  • Entertainment: €150-250
  • Total: €1,345-2,460 (~$1,460-2,680 USD)

Islands (General)

  • Accommodation: €500-1,000 (higher in summer, Santorini/Mykonos much more)
  • Food: €350-550 (higher on small islands)
  • Transport: €50-150 (car/scooter rental often needed)
  • Coworking: €0-200 (limited availability)
  • Utilities: €80-120
  • Mobile: €15-25
  • Entertainment: €100-200
  • Total: €1,095-2,245 (~$1,190-2,440 USD)

Thessaloniki

  • Accommodation: €400-700
  • Food: €250-400
  • Transport: €25-40
  • Coworking: €100-250
  • Utilities: €80-120
  • Mobile: €15-25
  • Entertainment: €100-200
  • Total: €970-1,735 (~$1,055-1,890 USD)

Money-Saving Tips

  • Avoid islands in July-August (peak season 2-3x prices)
  • Shop at local laiki (street markets) for fresh produce
  • Eat at tavernas, avoid tourist restaurants
  • October-April rates are 30-50% lower on islands
  • Use Skroutz.gr for price comparisons
  • Monthly accommodation is much cheaper than weekly

Compared to Other Destinations

  • Cheaper than Portugal, Spain (major cities)
  • Similar to Croatia
  • More expensive than Bulgaria, Romania
  • Athens cheaper than Paris, Rome, Barcelona

Digital Nomad Visa Application Checklist

  1. 1
    Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay)
  2. 2
    Completed visa application form (from Greek consulate)
  3. 3
    Proof of remote employment or self-employment
  4. 4
    Bank statements (6-12 months showing €3,500+/month)
  5. 5
    Health insurance valid in Greece (€30,000+ coverage)
  6. 6
    Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, hotel, or letter of intent)
  7. 7
    Criminal background check (apostilled, translated to Greek)
  8. 8
    Passport-size photos (as specified)
  9. 9
    Application fee payment (€75)
  10. 10
    Cover letter explaining remote work and why Greece
  11. 11
    Employment contract (employees) or business registration (self-employed)
  12. 12
    Tax returns (for freelancers/business owners)
  13. 13
    Book appointment at Greek consulate in home country
  14. 14
    Wait 3-4 months for processing (varies by consulate)
  15. 15
    Collect residence permit upon arrival (€150 fee)
  16. 16
    Register with tax office within 30 days of arrival (obtain AFM)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew the Digital Nomad Visa after 12 months?

Yes! Unlike many DN visas, Greece allows renewal for up to 2 additional years (3 years total). You must continue meeting income requirements and maintain valid health insurance. This makes Greece attractive for longer-term remote work arrangements while benefiting from the 50% tax reduction.

What's the actual tax I'll pay on the DN visa?

With the 50% reduction on foreign income, you'll pay approximately 10% income tax (50% of the ~20% standard rate for most digital nomad incomes) plus ~14-16% social contributions. Total effective rate: 24-26%. This is competitive with other EU DN programs. You'll need to file annual Greek tax returns and work with a local accountant.

Is internet reliable enough on the Greek islands?

It varies significantly. Major islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) and main towns have good fiber/4G coverage (50-100 Mbps). Smaller islands and rural areas can be spotty. ALWAYS verify internet speed with landlords before booking. Bring a 4G backup device. Athens and Thessaloniki have excellent, reliable internet. For critical work, test before committing long-term.

Should I base myself in Athens or the islands?

Athens if you need: reliable internet, coworking community, year-round infrastructure, easier access to other countries. Islands if you prioritize: beach lifestyle, slower pace, natural beauty, lower stress. Many nomads split time: winter in Athens (Nov-Mar), summer on islands (Apr-Oct). Consider Crete for best of both worlds.

Do I need to speak Greek?

Not essential but helpful. English is widely spoken in Athens, tourist areas, and by younger Greeks. You'll struggle more in rural areas and with older generations. Learn basic phrases (hello, thank you, please) for daily life. Restaurants and services in tourist zones are very English-friendly. Government offices may require translators.

How does Greece compare to Portugal for digital nomads?

Greece offers: better weather, more affordable (outside Santorini/Mykonos), favorable tax rate with DN visa, less saturated nomad scene. Portugal offers: better internet reliability, more developed DN infrastructure, Atlantic vs Mediterranean vibe, easier bureaucracy. Greece is better for island lovers and those seeking less-crowded DN destinations; Portugal for those prioritizing infrastructure and established communities.

What are the downsides of the Greek DN visa?

Main challenges: (1) Slow bureaucracy and application processing, (2) Must become Greek tax resident (can't avoid as in some DN visas), (3) Social contributions add to tax burden, (4) Variable internet on islands, (5) Seasonal business closures on islands in winter, (6) Language barrier for official matters. Despite these, the 3-year renewability and favorable tax rate make it attractive for many.

Last updated:
Put this into practice
Tax Residency CalculatorCalculate your tax residency status
Check your tax residency status
Cost of Living ComparisonCompare living costs between cities
Compare living costs side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Greece for a US company?

Yes, you can work remotely from Greece for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Greece.

Do I need a visa to work remotely from Greece?

It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Greece visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.

What's the cost of living for remote workers in Greece?

The cost of living in Greece is moderate, with monthly budgets of $2,000-3,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.

Does Greece have a digital nomad visa?

Check the visa section above for Greece's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.

What are the best cities for remote work in Greece?

The best cities for remote workers in Greece typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.

Working Remotely from Greece?

Get visa updates, tax tips, and remote work news for Greece and beyond.