Greece is an easy country to travel to and from, and as an EU member state, it allows short-term visa-free travel for residents of other EU states (Schengen zone) as well as some visa-free travel for some non-EU countries. Alternatively, as a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a digital nomad visa which allows you to stay for up to a year in Greece to work remotely.
Greece is a place of fascinating natural and architectural beauty, and a lot of freelancers travel to the country for a great selection of picturesque locations to work from. Greece offers a stable internet connection, especially in big cities, as well as coworking spaces and free Wi-Fi in cafés and coffee shops.
Greece is an all-year-round holiday destination. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, pebbled beaches, and one of the world's healthiest cuisines, the country provides a unique atmosphere that many nomads are willing to explore.
A Greek digital nomad visa is valid for one year and is a great option for Non-EU nationals if you want to work remotely in Greece while fully enjoying the 250 days of sun and exploring the country and the islands.
To qualify for the Greek digital nomad visa, you have to meet these requirements, such as:
Good to know:
The fee for the Greek digital nomad visa is €75. To apply, you have to submit your required documents (as listed above) at the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence. To do this, you have to book an appointment on the Greek Embassy or Consulate's website so that you can submit your documents in person.
Athens is the capital of Greece and a large metropolitan area. The city is a mix of modernity and history in almost everything — its architecture, cuisine, and lifestyle. Athens has the highest internet speed in Greece, so if it's the fast network you are after, Athens is the best choice. Still, working from the city known as 'the birthplace of Western civilization' is an experience in itself.
One of Greece's highlights is the country's iconic islands — some well-known for their views of snow-white buildings with the backdrop of the deep blue sea and others for the turquoise waters, the food delicacies, and the never-ending party vibes. Despite the growing interest, the islands have managed to preserve their rustic charm and local identity and are a special place to work while getting inspired by some of Europe's most breathtaking views.
Good to know:
If you decide to work from one of Greece's smaller islands, the best time of the year for your stay is between May and September. From October to April the smaller islands are very peaceful, and the weather conditions may not allow for travel by sea. Also note that in case of an emergency, you may have to be transported via helicopter to a hospital in Athens or another big city on the mainland.
The average download speed in Athens is 10Mbps, and it goes down the further you venture away from the capital. With that, you will easily find free Wi-Fi access in the many coffee shops, and there is always the option of getting a 3G or 4F dongle from one of the local providers to ensure stable connectivity wherever you go.
Coworking culture in Greece is still in the budding stage. In Athens, you will find several popular coworking offices, while in smaller towns, you may need to settle for working in a coffee shop.
Impact Hub, Karaiskaki 28
Foundation, Evristheos 2
Orange Grove, Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou 5
Spaces-Ermou, Ermou, Ermou 56, Αthens, 105 63 (open 24hrs)
Stone Soup, har. Trikoupi 18, 5th Floor, Athens, 106 79
Coho, co-working home, 29A, Ptolemeon Street, Thessaloniki, 546 30
Regus, coworking space & office rentals, Vasileos Irakleiou 53 & Charles Diehl, Thessaloniki, 546 23 (open 24hrs)
There are not many official coworking spaces on the islands. However, there are boutique hotels, hostels, and cafés that are particularly popular among freelancers.
Office 12, Michael Iliadi 12, Heraklion, 71409, Crete
Birds Bay, Avlaki, Petra, 81109, Lesvos
Akrotiri Lounge Café, Agios Stefanos, 49081, Corfu
Looking for the perfect mix of office space and accommodation? Greece for Nomads is a great website that provides an updated list of co-working spaces, cafés, accommodations and retreats throughout the Greek mainland and islands. What's more, the website has guides for specific cities, regions and islands so you can have the best idea of the place that you want to go to as a digital nomad.
Working in Greece is like having an office in a museum. The country is brimming with historical sights such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and many others. A relaxing beach time is guaranteed on the islands, and the Elafonisi in southwest Crete is one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe.
Useful links:
Map of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Greece