How to Get the Greece Digital Nomad Visa as an Australian

You've thought about it. Probably more than once. The laptop open somewhere with better light, the €3 coffee, the view of something ancient through a window that doesn't belong to you. Greece, specifically. And then the practical part of your brain kicks in: visas, paperwork, whether you can actually do this legally or if you're just going to wing it on tourist entries until someone asks questions.

This guide is the practical part. It's built around the Work From Greece portal (referenced by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs), plus official sources I've cross-checked. Written for Australians who want clarity, not vague encouragement to manifest their Mediterranean dreams.

The short version

The Greece Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Greece. You need to meet a minimum income threshold (€3,500 per month net), provide a stack of documents (proof of work arrangements, funds, insurance, criminal record check, medical certificate), and apply through the Greek consular authority. After a year, you can apply for a residence permit if you want to stay longer.

Who this is actually for

If you're an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you don't need this visa. You have freedom of movement. Close this tab and book your flight.

If you're Australian, you're a non-EU national. The Digital Nomad Visa is your pathway to living in Greece legally while working remotely for clients or employers outside the country.

The eligibility rules that actually matter

Your work must be outside Greece

You cannot work for a Greek employer. You cannot freelance for Greek clients. If all your work is for employers or clients based outside Greece, you're in the right lane.

Your job must be remote-capable

The official framing is work performed through information and communication technology. In practice: a laptop, stable internet, and a role that doesn't require you to physically be somewhere else.

If you're self-employed, your business can't be Greek-registered

Run your own business? It needs to exist outside Greece, and you need to be able to do your job remotely.

The income threshold

This is where people get caught out. The minimum is €3,500 per month after taxes (roughly $6800 AUD) for the main applicant. Bringing family? It goes up. Partner or spouse: €4,200 per month net. Each child adds €525 per month net. So a couple with one kid needs to show €4,725 per month after taxes.

Do the conversion properly, and do it in euros, not AUD. If your income fluctuates, this is where you'll need to be thorough with your documentation.

Documents you'll need

The core bundle is consistent across official guidance, though consulates may ask for extras.

For the digital nomad visa specifically: a declaration letter stating you intend to work remotely in Greece and won't work for Greek employers or provide services to Greek entities; proof of employment or work arrangements outside Greece; proof of sufficient funds and income; and evidence you meet the income threshold.

Standard long-stay visa documents: your national visa application form, a passport that meets EU entry rules, a recent colour photo to ICAO specifications, a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, and travel insurance covering emergency medical care, hospital care, and repatriation.

If you're applying for a residence permit while already in Greece, you'll likely need proof of accommodation too—a lease or purchase contract.

A note from someone who's dealt with Greek admin more times than she'd like: Create one folder called 'Greece Nomad Visa'. Inside it, keep scans of everything. Make a subfolder called 'Translations'. If you end up needing certified translations, you'll be glad you kept things organised.

How to apply from Australia

You'll apply through the Greek consular authority—usually by email or registered mail, depending on your consulate's requirements. Start by checking the Greek Consulate in Melbourne visa page (or your relevant jurisdiction). Confirm their formatting requirements. Submit your application and keep a record of everything you send. Then wait for confirmation and status updates.

Fees and costs

Budget for the visa application fee, administrative fees for each family member, and the residence permit application fee if you go that route later.

Also budget for the costs people forget: translations (if required), police checks, medical certificates, travel insurance for the period you're requesting, and courier or registered post fees.

Processing times

Consulates should confirm receipt and provide status updates within a set period, but approval timelines vary. Don't lock in non-refundable accommodation based on optimism. If you're planning peak season travel, start early. Keep your work commitments flexible for the month you expect a decision.

If you're already in Greece

There's a residence permit pathway for digital nomads already in the country. This route requires proof of accommodation along with the same core documents. Worth exploring if you're there on a tourist entry and want to transition to something longer-term.

Tax residency: do not mess around with this

I need to be very clear here. Greece does not play around with tax. The authorities are serious, the penalties are real, and the system is not something you can navigate alone as a foreigner.

The number people reference is 183 days—stay longer than that in a calendar year and you may trigger tax residency under OECD guidelines. But it's more complicated than a simple day count. Your centre of vital interests, where your income originates, whether you have a permanent home in Greece—all of this factors in.

You cannot DIY Greek tax. You cannot use an app. You cannot figure it out from blog posts. You need a Greek accountant, and you need one you trust. Find someone through recommendations, ideally from other expats or digital nomads who've been through it. Your accountant will handle your tax returns, advise on your obligations, and keep you compliant. This is not optional.

Greece has special tax regimes that may apply to digital nomads, including a flat tax option for foreign-sourced income. Whether you qualify, and whether it's beneficial for your situation, is exactly the kind of thing your accountant needs to assess. Get this sorted early—ideally before you arrive, not after you've been there six months and realise you have a problem.

Actually working from Greece

A visa is one thing. A workable routine is another.

Internet

Don't just ask 'does it have Wi-Fi'. Ask what speeds they usually get, where the router is, what the backup plan is if it drops, and whether mobile coverage is strong enough for hotspotting. This matters more than the view.

Time zones

If you're working with Australian clients, you'll be dealing with a significant time difference. Some people love it—focused work in the morning, beach in the afternoon. Others find split days exhausting. Test it with a two-week stay before committing to three months.

Banking

You might not need a Greek bank account at all, depending on how you're paid and how you manage spending. If you do want one, be ready for documentation requests, and expect requirements to vary by bank. Revolut is great alternative.

Health considerations

Greece's public health system is overseen by EODY (the Hellenic National Public Health Organization). Your visa requires travel insurance covering medical emergencies, but it's worth understanding what public healthcare access looks like too, especially for longer stays.

FAQ’s

Can I apply by email?

Work From Greece indicates you can submit by email or registered mail, depending on your consulate's procedure.

How long is the visa valid?

One year, with the option to apply for a residence permit to extend if you still meet the requirements.

Can I freelance for Greek clients?

No. The digital nomad pathway is specifically for work performed for employers or clients outside Greece.

What if my income fluctuates?

Gather a wider set of evidence: bank statements over several months, contracts, invoices. You want to show stability even if individual months vary.

Do I need a lease before I apply?

For the visa application from outside Greece, requirements vary by consulate. For the residence permit route from within Greece, proof of accommodation is typically required.

Where to next

If you're deciding where to base yourself, my guide to Athens neighbourhoods breaks down where to stay—and what to skip.

Planning the trip from Australia? Here's my travel to Greece from Australia guide with what to book early.

If you're mapping your itinerary, start with my Athens 48 hours guide.