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 test Article 5C eligibility

Transfer tax residence through AADE and keep the immigration permit separate from the tax election. Article 5C is available only for qualifying employment with a Greek entity or Greek permanent establishment, or an individual business activity started in Greece. Apply through myAADE: for work or business starting on or before July 2, the same-year deadline is year-end; for a start after July 2, the deadline is the end of the following year for that following year.

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.
• Assuming the visa itself grants Article 5C. The tax regime has a separate employer/business test and start-date-based application timetable.