Τhe provision of article 11 of L. 4825/2021 (hereinafter referred to as the new Law), entitled “Reform of deportation and return procedures for third country nationals, attraction of investors and digital nomads, residence permit issues and procedures for granting international protection and other provisions under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and the Ministry of Citizen Protection and other urgent provisions”, introduces digital nomads in our domestic law for the first time. As reflected in the Explanatory Memorandum of the new Law, by attracting digital nomads on favorable terms, i.e., third-country nationals, self-employed/freelance professionals and employees, the new digital era is being exploited, as they will be able to provide their work using digital technology and media that substitute their physical presence. It is stressed that these provisions will have a direct economic impact on Greek society.

In particular, the new Law provides for the granting of national entry visas to self-employed, freelance, or employed third-country nationals who work remotely using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with employers or customers outside Greece (digital nomads) for a period of up to twelve (12) months. The digital nomads commit themselves with an affidavit that they will not in any way provide any work or services or work to an employer with a registered office or branch in Greece.

Furthermore, the new Law sets out the required supporting documents and evidence to ensure that the above persons have full health insurance in Greece during the period of validity of the national entry visa, that they have sufficient resources and will not be a burden on the national social welfare system as well as the amount of the national visa fee. In addition, the possibility to be accompanied by their family members is provided.

Provided that the relevant conditions continue to apply, the applicant may, during the period of validity of the above National Entry Visa, apply for and obtain a residence permit for a period of two years, renewable every two years. This application shall be submitted to the one-stop service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. However, this permit does not confer the right to dependent work or independent economic activity of any kind in Greece, both for the applicant and for his/her spouse and family members.

Finally, notwithstanding the above, a third-country citizen, as well as his/her family members, who meet the requirements for obtaining a National Entry Visa and have entered the Greek territory either with a uniform visa or with a visa exemption status, have the possibility, within the period of validity, to submit to the one-stop service of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum an application for the issuance of the said residence permit. In this case, applicants shall also submit a lease agreement of a residence or a notarial deed for the purchase of real estate in the Greek territory.