How to Apply for the Greece Digital Nomad Visa

The Greece Type-Z application runs through two sequential stages: consular visa issue outside Greece, then residence permit inside Greece. Statutory decision time is 10 days; real-world total from start to residence permit is typically 4–8 months.

Step 1 — Obtain AFM (Greek tax number)

The AFM is required for several downstream steps — opening a bank account, signing a lease, registering address. Non-residents obtain it through a Greek tax representative (lawyer or accountant). Cost: €80–150 one-off plus ongoing representation until you reside in Greece.

Step 2 — Open a Greek bank account

Traditional banks (Piraeus, Alpha, Eurobank, NBG) and challenger options accept non-residents with AFM. Greek banks are stricter about anti-money-laundering documentation than their US or Portuguese counterparts — expect detailed source-of-funds questions. Fund the account with recent income evidence to strengthen the file.

Step 3 — Secure accommodation

Consulates want proof of housing in Greece. Options:

• Long-term lease via Spitogatos, XE.gr — cheapest, requires in-person viewing usually.
• Mid-term furnished rental via Flatio, Spotahome, Airbnb monthly — 20–40% premium but simpler to arrange remotely.
• Notarized hosting declaration from a Greek friend or relative — acceptable but occasionally scrutinized.

Step 4 — Gather and apostille documents

Criminal records from every country of residence in the past 5 years, apostilled under the Hague Convention. Translations into Greek by a certified translator (Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes approved list). Start 6–8 weeks before consulate appointment.

Step 5 — Purchase health insurance

Must cover Greece for the duration of stay with minimum €30,000 medical and repatriation coverage. International policies (Safetywing, Cigna, Allianz) and Greek providers both work.

Step 6 — Book consulate appointment

At the Greek consulate with jurisdiction over your legal residence. Slots are released in batches; major consulates (New York, London, Sydney) are booked 6–12 weeks out; smaller posts are sometimes quicker. Bring €75 fee.

Step 7 — Attend consular interview

Submit originals plus two copies of every document. Interview is typically short and focuses on confirming foreign income source and remote-work status. Greek consular officers are sometimes sceptical of freelancers with irregular income; clean 3-month bank statements help.

Step 8 — Wait for visa sticker

Statutory 10 business days; realistic 2–6 months depending on consulate. You will be notified by email when the visa is ready for pickup or mailing.

Step 9 — Enter Greece and register with Aliens Office

The Type-Z visa is valid for 12 months and single-entry. Within 90 days of arrival, register at the local Aliens' Office (Γραφείο Αλλοδαπών) to convert the visa into a 2-year residence permit. Documentation re-presented: passport, visa, AFM, AMKA (social security number — can be obtained at arrival), accommodation proof, insurance, biometric photos. Fee: €150.

Step 10 — Register for tax and (optionally) the 50% regime

Within 60 days of becoming Greek tax resident, file with AADE to confirm tax residency and (if eligible) opt into the 50% reduction regime by July 31 of the year following your residency change. This is when your Greek accountant earns their fee.

Timeline at a glance

Common mistakes

• Missing apostille on criminal record — immediate reject.
• Income inconsistency — one low month triggers rejection.
• Single-client self-employment — sometimes fails the legitimacy check.
• Missing the 90-day Aliens Office window after arrival — visa becomes invalid.
• Not filing the 50% regime election by July 31 of the following year — loses the tax benefit for that year.