There are lots of reasons why remote workers are considering the digital nomad’s visa Greece. In the wake of the Global Pandemic, Greece and other countries are throwing the doors open to encourage digital nomads. With the global trend of remote working firmly established, digital nomadism is here to stay in a big way. Subsequently, this has many professionals young and not so old reimagining their way of life.
Looking at more than just a holiday in the Mediterranean, some are exchanging a mere holiday for a permanent sea change. Greece is proactively trying to cater for the new trend and perhaps snag some new talent along the way.
Why are European countries catering for this new trend?
Many countries that depended on tourism as a major source of income for their economies have started enacting policies for this new trend. Hit heavily with a decimated tourist trade, during the pandemic, these countries have rolled out the red carpet. With a swath of incentives from Permanent Residency to tax incentives. Croatia is another example of a European country that has begun measures to entice the nomads.
Both Croatia and Greece have made substantial moves in the reduction of taxes as an incentive. Croatia making their digital nomad’s tax-exempt, with Greece reducing their tax rate by 50%. (It is to be pointed out that this is Greeces’ tax rate, not your current tax domicile. It’s strongly advised that you work that out with our accountant). Greece’s current tax rate is 44%. So a 50% reduction in tax over 7 years is appealing to many.
How hard is a digital nomad visa Greece to apply for?
If the English perfected bureaucracy it was the Greeks who invented it. After living in Greece for a few years, you come to know that pushing papers is a national pastime. There are reports that digital nomad visa processing is taking time. So be prepared for months of processing. Hiring a lawyer to assist you in your application is strongly advisable.
WHY DIGITAL NOMADS ARE EYEING GREECE.
What are you asking? Does Greece have the infrastructure to accommodate digital nomads? The short answer is yes. Greece has the infrastructure required for digital nomads to perform their work with ease. To clarify, if you are on one of the smaller islands working by tethering to a mobile phone, tutoring over Skype may not work as you would like. You may be surprised too.
Greece certainly has the infrastructure to accommodate digital nomads. With companies like Vios providing truly world-class working environments for professionals and digital nomads in Athen.
When it comes to beautiful weather, for most of the year, it’s second to none. Whether it’s the mountains or the beaches you desire, Greece will dazzle you. There truly is nothing like a balmy summer night, drinking wine under the Mediterranean sky while reclining at a taverna with friends.
There are so many adventures to be had in Greece.
Is it better for digital nomads in Athens or the islands?
So is it better to live in the big cities of Athens, Thessaloniki to the north or Patras to the west? Or is it better to position yourself in one of the many Islands? Some things to take into account are the price of accommodation in the high season and low season. The price of accommodation will vary considerably between the two. The popular islands such as Santorini, Mykonos etc. are going to cost you far more than the less popular islands. In regards to the cities, Athens has a shortage of accommodation due to the popular Airbnbgame.
Rents in Athens will cost you about 350 to 500 Euros per month and is dependant on availability. The popular islands will cost the same during the low season and far more in the high season. The less popular islands will see a price of 150 to 250 Euros in the low season and whatever you can negotiate in the high season.
Internet speed is also of major importance for digital nomads considering Greece. The smaller less known islands and villages will have slower internet speeds than the major cities and popular islands. The major cities will typically see speeds of 100 to 200 MBS. The fewer internet providers offer 50 MBS for 26 Euro per month and 100 MBS for 32 Euros per month. This is comparable to most developed countries. With 5G available in the larger cities and the more popular islands.
Striking the balance between the two is up to you. It’s recommended that you consult digital nomad communities online on Facebook and Reddit before you choose.
