pole of attraction digital nomads, that is, third-country nationals who offer their services remotely, Greece seeks to become. Provisions for discussion and adoption of the immigration code in parliament they do not differ from the provisions of Law 4825/2021. However, since they are part of a single text with all issued permits (for example, to members of creative teams, etc.) and residence permits, digital nomads have the opportunity to use the provisions Immigration Codefor example, to change the category of a residence permit.

In any case, Greece’s “bet” is to attract at least a small part of the estimated number of 35 million workers – based on various surveys – around the world who do not have … a permanent work address. Not without reason, as according to an earlier study by the MIT Enterprise Forum, Greece would benefit from 1.6 billion euros if it attracted 100,000 people in just six months. digital nomads. It is estimated that at least one in two digital nomads hail from the United States of America, and according to research from Instant Offices, that number will reach 1 billion by 2035.

Stable income

According to the provisions of the Immigration Code, in order for a third-country national who is employed or self-employed to obtain a residence permit for an initial period of one year, he must, among other things, provide evidence that he has a stable income to cover their living expenses during their stay in Greece, without burdening the national social security system. The minimum amount of monthly required resources-net income is determined in the amount of 3,500 euros, while their presence is confirmed either by a contract for the performance of work or a project, or by a bank account. This amount, which for employees corresponds to net income after necessary taxes, is increased by 20% and 15% for spouse and each child, respectively.

Greece would benefit €1.6 billion if it attracted 100,000 digital nomads in just six months.

While in Greece, the spouse or civil partner and family members of the breadwinner are not allowed to provide employment or engage in any form of economic activity in the country. It is also possible to extend the validity of the residence permit for two years.

Change category

The Immigration Code defines the conditions for granting a residence permit for up to one year to third-country nationals who are members of creative groups. However, the maximum period of validity is limited to three months for intellectual creators (authors, etc.) who are third-country nationals and wish to enter the country. Digital nomads have the possibility, based on the Immigration Code, to change the category of residence permit for family reasons, for example, if they enter into a marriage or cohabitation agreement with the Greeks.

The digital nomad status was used by the South Aegean region, which, in cooperation with Cisco, hosts 20 employees of an American technology company in Rhodes for three months, until May 31. According to foreign studies, seven out of ten nomadic workers live an average of three to six months in the same area and work less than 40 hours a week.

The essential conditions for attracting digital nomads are the speed and cost of the Internet connection, as well as the size of the rent. While Greece still has a long way to go in terms of broadband improvement, in terms of cost of living and rental levels, it remains competitive with many foreign countries and America, which is the main origin of the labor force. from a distance.