Freelancer Visa In Greece: The Ultimate Guide

Greece, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is not just a haven for tourists but a dream destination for freelancers worldwide. Planning a freelance trip to Greece? Fret Not! We’ve got your back!

The freelancer visa in Greece offers a unique opportunity to blend work with the Mediterranean lifestyle. This guide is your first step towards navigating the blue waters of Greek bureaucracy, making your dream of working amidst ancient ruins and sun-kissed beaches a reality.

Let’s dive in!

How Does Freelancing Work?

A freelance job is one where a person works for themselves rather than for a company. While freelancers take on contract work for companies and organizations, they are ultimately self-employed.

Freelancers are responsible for all sorts of things that traditional employees are not, such as setting their work hours, keeping track of time spent on different projects, billing clients, and paying their own employment and business taxes.

Freelancers are not considered “employees” by their companies but rather “contractors.”

Freelancing begins with a negotiation between the freelancer and the client. This can either be direct or indirect (via third-party freelance marketplaces).

While some freelancers specialize in a specific field, other freelancers provide a broader range of options. Most freelancing opportunities are posted on websites where digital nomads can choose their desired job or project.

Freelancers can be contractual or project-based and paid by the hour or per project. They can work at their own pace as long as they meet the customer’s requirements and the deadline.

One of the best advantages that freelancing can offer is flexibility.

What Type Of Freelancing Jobs Are There?

Freelancing is in demand because it is profitable and manageable. As opportunities in freelancing grow, so do your chances of learning new skills and building a better career.

Here are the common on-demand jobs in the freelance market.

Mobile App Development

A mobile application developer is a person who designs, creates, and updates applications for mobile devices and tablets. It can be either online or offline application development.

Developers build mobile apps that take advantage of a device’s unique capabilities. For this reason, it is common practice for app developers to collaborate with a user experience designer.

No-code app builder platform is also helping developers to build an app quickly without coding.

Content Writing

Writing for the web is a standard function of content writers, and this includes everything from blog posts to social media posts. Other duties of a content writer are:

Composing blog entries and articles
Writing scripts for films and podcasts
Creating materials for social media platforms

Graphic Design

Graphic design is one of the most popular freelance jobs because business owners often look for new logos and marketing designs.

Graphic designers are becoming even more marketable, given the evolution of the marketing landscape that focuses on digital platforms.

Whether it’s a primary corporate logo or a complicated internet page layout, graphic designs are essential to any marketing strategy.

Social Media Management

In today’s industry, the fastest-growing freelancing position is social media management. With the rise of social media, firms are looking for new ways to engage with their customers online.

Using various tools, social media managers create, publish, and analyze social media profiles on sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Social media management’s primary objective is to control a business’s online presence.

Animation And Video Creation

Animators and video creators are the key players in the film and animation industry and will never go out of demand. They collaborate with creative professionals such as writers, designers, and voice actors.

Many companies also find it helpful to outsource their animation and video creations. That is why freelancing this job is becoming more popular these days.

How To Work As A Freelancer In Greece?

Freelancers in Greece enjoy unprecedented freedom over daily life, and this might be the right choice for you, too. To do this, you will need to understand how to get started while remaining compliant with Greek tax laws and regulations.

This includes registering for a VAT number, sending invoices, and keeping your accounts in order. The paperwork can seem overwhelming, but it can be managed with the right tools to make freelancing in Greece a dream come true.

Greece is actively recruiting people to establish businesses, which may help the country recover from economic blows during previous years.

This can make it one of the most attractive locations for freelancers and digital nomads. Greece is now offering digital nomad visas for freelancers with an established income.

Digital nomad visa applications can be obtained through a Greek Embassy or Consulate within your country.

Consider these benefits when learning how to work as a freelancer in Greece under a digital nomad visa:

Greek laws can be favorable to freelancers: In 2020, the Greek government announced that up to 50 percent of a new freelancer’s income will be exempt from taxes for the first seven years.
Greece is a beautiful country with many natural amenities to enjoy. The rich cultural heritage and Mediterranean climate make it an ideal place to live and work.
Create your ideal balance between work and play by freelancing in Greece.

What Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a travel authorization document that allows remote workers to live and work in Greece. The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is also considered a Digital Visa. Other common names for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa include:

The Greece Remote Work Visa,
The Greece Nomad Visa
The Greece Nomadic Visa
The Greece Digital Nomad Residence Permit

This visa type is commonly called the Greek Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) or Greece Remote Work Visa. However, many people also refer to this type of visa by other names (As seen above).

In September 2021, Greece issued the Digital Nomad Visa under Law 4825/2021, a plan that Greece’s Ministers of Migration and Foreign Affairs agreed upon. The objective is to attract foreign nomads and permanent investors in Greece for remote work.

When applying for your DNV, you will apply for a Greece National Visa (Type D Visa). It allows a stay of up to 12 months and will enable you to live and work in Greece.

Like many other visas, the Greece DNV has specific eligibility requirements you need to meet.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece DNV is more than just a visa available to anyone. You must meet the following eligibility requirements before applying for your new DNV.

It would help if you worked for a company/client outside of Greece.
You must be able to complete your work obligations using information and communication technology like wifi, laptops, etc.
You are not allowed to work for a company registered within Greece.
If self-employed, you must submit confirmation of your business activity, corporate purpose, and business address. Your business cannot be registered in Greece.
You must be able to work remotely.

Who Can Apply For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

The Greece DNV is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to work remotely in Greece. This means only third-country nationals may apply for the DNV.

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and the Schengen Area won’t be able to apply for the Greece DNV.

Citizens from the Schengen Area already enjoy the freedom of movement under the Schengen Agreement. In addition, these nationals enjoy the benefit of working in Greece without the need to apply for a DNV.

How Long Is the Greece Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

Once you’ve successfully obtained your new DNV for remote work, it will be valid for 1 year (12 months).

After that, you can extend your visa for an additional year, totaling a maximum of 2 years.

Where Must You Apply For Your Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Where you apply for your new Greece DNV depends on your current location.

If you’re in Greece

If you’re already in the territory of Greece, you apply at the one-stop service of the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

Remember that you need to apply for your Digital Residence Permit before your initial visa expires (the visa you used to enter Greece).

If you’re outside Greece

If you’re outside Greece, you need to apply for your visa at your local Greece Embassy or Consulate within your home country.

How Much Is The Greece Digital Nomad Visa Fee?

When applying for the Greece DNV, you can expect to pay around €75 for your new visa.

Be mindful that the fee is paid for the services the Greece Embassy/Consulate provides. Therefore, even if your application is unsuccessful, the fee is nonrefundable.

What Is The Processing Time For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

According to Law 4825/2021, once you submit your Greece DNV, you’ll receive feedback within 10 days. After approval, your visa will be issued by the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

The government needs to specify how long it will take for your visa to be issued. You can expect to receive your visa within a month. However, it may take less than 10 days for your DNV to be issued. It all depends on the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

What Are The Financial Requirements For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Remote workers must prove they meet the financial requirements when applying for a Greece DNV.

Main Applicant

The principal applicant must prove a monthly income of at least €3,500.

If the monthly income comes from dependent employment or independent service provision, the €3,500 refers to net income (after tax deductions).

Dependant Applicants

Any dependents can apply for a residency permit when you apply for your DNV. However, the minimum amount increases per dependent who travels with you.

Financial increases for dependents are as follows:

20% for your partner/spouse
15% per child

For example:

If you plan to bring your spouse, the total amount (€3,500) increases by 20%. This equals a total amount of €4,200. Suppose you plan to travel with your spouse and child; you need a minimum of €4,725 per month.

This is the minimum amount after tax.

What Are The Document Requirements For The Greece Digital Nomad Visa?

Here is where things get unclear.

As we mentioned earlier, the Greece DNV is a type of National Visa, specifically the Type D Visa. Therefore, it suggests that you must submit the same documents as the type D Visa.

When examining the law, Law 4825/2021 specifies 4 required documents you need to submit for the Greece DNV. But, it does not state that you must submit the same documents as the Type D Visa. This can cause a lot of confusion.

When you submit your Greece DNV, you must submit the documents mentioned above and the required documents for the Greece Type D Visa.

So, let’s take a look at the documents required according to Law 4825/2021:

A Declaration Letter

This will be the most important document of your DNV application.

You need to state that you plan to apply for the Greece DNV and work remotely in Greece.

Within your declaration, you must include that you won’t work for a company registered in Greece for your stay. Furthermore, you must add all relevant details about your job/company and that you meet the financial requirements.

Think of it as a cover letter.

Proof Of Employment

You need to prove that you’re a digital nomad planning to do remote work in Greece. There are a few documents that you can provide.

An employment contract that proves you have a job outside of Greece,
And a letter from your employer stating that you can complete your work obligations using information technology.

Keep in mind that your employment contract must be valid for the duration of your Greece DNV.

If you own your own company outside of Greece:

Your company license and registration number
Your company name
Field of activity
Corporate purpose
Any other relevant documents that prove you own a company registered outside Greece.

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

As previously mentioned, you need to meet the minimum financial requirements of the Greece DNV.

You can provide the following documents to prove financial sufficiency:

Most recent bank statements
Company account statements
An employment contract stating your salary
Any other relevant document that proves your monthly income

Digital Nomad Visa Tax In Greece

Tax is a crucial deciding factor for any Digital Nomad planning to live abroad. Unfortunately, Law 4825/2021 does not specify any tax regulations or exemptions for a Digital Nomads Visa.

According to the Income Taxation Code (Law 4172/2013) (ITC), if you’re a tax resident in Greece, you’re subject to pay tax on the income you receive in both Greece and abroad (earned within a tax year).

“When am I considered a tax resident of Greece?”

Suppose you reside in Greece for more than 183 days (consecutively) in 12 months. In that case, you’re regarded as a tax resident of Greece. The 183 days are counted from the first day you arrive in Greece.

This only applies if you visit Greece solely for tourist, medicinal, therapeutic, or similar personal reasons and stay for less than 365 days, including brief visits abroad.

In addition to what we just mentioned, you’re considered a tax resident if you decide to:

maintain permanent residency in Greece,
maintain your physical home in Greece,
maintain any other interests such as personal or financial relationships (such as a work contract, even if you work outside Greece, i.e., remote working)

Because a Greece Digital Nomad Visa is issued for a validity of 1 year (with a possible visa extension), we can assume that Digital Nomads will be liable to pay tax in Greece for any income generated within Greece and abroad.

How To Register To Work As A Freelancer In Greece?

Foreigners must understand how to register to work legally as freelancers in Greece. Registration is necessary to meet your legal obligations and tax liabilities under Greek law.

There are many issues to consider, so start by considering your business name.

Give yourself enough time to really come up with the right business name. Remember, once you choose and register a business name, you will have to live with this decision for years.

Once you have a business name, you need to register as a freelancer in Greece:

Go to the Chamber of Commerce in your region and ask for a registration application.
Select the type of business entity for your company.
Gather your documents and apply for a Tax ID number at your local tax office. You may need a passport, birth certificate, proof of address, and visa if you’re not an EU citizen.
Register your business, then check with the Chamber of Commerce to see if you need any license to operate in Greece.

Insurance And Pension For Freelancers In Greece

Business insurance and pension plans are integral to any long-term planning. Freelancers interested in conducting business in Greece might evade this issue initially; however, the topic will likely come up at some point.

The IKA, a public company known as the Social Insurance Institute, administers a national health insurance program.

Applications for the social security card called AMKA can be made at an IKA location. Freelancers can also purchase private insurance in Greece.

Pensions for freelancers are subjected to a complex set of rules determined by the type of work or occupation, date of entry into the labor force and other factors.

This can make it difficult to determine how your pension rate will be calculated with any precision. However, you can estimate the amount based on the general pension rates in Greece, which are around 20 percent.

Conclusion

As we conclude our guide to securing a freelancer visa in Greece, remember that this is more than just a visa application process; it’s the beginning of an epic adventure. With the right paperwork and a dash of Hellenic spirit, you’re setting the stage for a life where work meets pleasure in the land of gods and heroes.

So, gather your documents, embrace the warmth of Greek hospitality, and get ready to transform your work life into a Mediterranean dream.

Freelance Odyssey!

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