by Maria Ve

 

 

Who can work remotely in Greece? Is it worth? Is it easy?

 

Our ministers claim that it is, taking into consideration the opportunities of the new digital era. Greece offers an open invitation to anyone that wishes to work in the mother country of great philosophers, history and amazing events. At the same time, our country promises to the international community, a once in a lifetime experience in their new “Greek office”, resulting surely in a win-win situation.

 

It is believed that new people arriving in Greece could help increase the country’s GDP, can be a driver for sustainable tourism development but also assist in creating an ambassadors network for the country, since digital nomads know the destinations in depth and are extremely fond of them. People just adore the sun and the sea that are provided lavishly in Greece. 

 

Studies show that the number of digital nomads who seek to come individually to our country during the winter period is increasing day by day. While temperatures fall in most European countries, emigration, even for a while, seems now like a good idea.

 

Crete, Rhodes, Pelion and Athens are at the center of interest, according to Work From Greece, Marketing Greece's special platform. The Airbnb solution becomes extremely popular, since booking a hotel for long periods of time increases the cost of accommodation.

 

Why work from Greece

 

The Greek minister of Tourism is making efforts to attract “energetic” tourists in Greece in the coming months, that is, mainly for Northern Europeans who, due to high energy prices, will prefer to spend time in the South. As he said recently, “We welcome ‘Digital Nomads’ 12 months of the year, our friends in Northern Europe, who wish to come to Greece in the winter, should know that.

 

But, except the intention, most important are the special privileges given by the government to help people who choose our country as a destination.

 

The ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the ministry of Immigration and Asylum, have lounged the “Blue Carpet policy” for digital nomads, by creating a special visa, that concerns people who want to settle in our country to work with just their laptops. These are people of high-income, who produce, operate and contribute to the global economy.

 

Digital nomads (applies to non-EU citizens), based on the government's legislative initiative to grant a 12-month renewable visa, will quickly overcome paperwork problems, as consular authorities must respond within 10 days to request them without further procedures. Furthermore, under certain conditions, family members of digital nomads will be able to settle with them in the country.

 

According to deputy Foreign Minister, Greece is among the first three European countries (along with Croatia and Estonia) that have created an institutional framework for attracting digital nomads.

 

Another tool is “The Rebrain Greece” platform that was created by the Greek Ministry of Labour. It is literally an interface mechanism between highly skilled workers abroad and businesses operating in Greece. The group has over 15,000 members and provides advice together with other useful information. 

 

At the same time, focusing on this new tourist product, the Greek ministry of Digital Governance has announced positive developments that will make it easier for digital nomads to come to Greece to work and even create a company. The establishment of an individual business through Gov.gr will become a reality while the services included will also be translated in English.

 

Other than that, a comprehensive legislative framework for the provision of tax incentives has been created, aiming in attracting new tax residents. The main thing is that those who choose our country in order to carry out an individual business activity, can have a tax deduction of 50% of what they would normally pay.

 

We shouldn’t forget to mention that Greece is provided with technological infrastructure, good internet connectivity and appropriate digital environment. Due to the innovative GR-Eco islands program starting from Halki, with the help of telecommunications that integrates the development of 5G infrastructure and broadband networks, Greek islands constitute attractive destinations for digital nomads.

 

In any case, with energy prices soaring and heating costs being a major concern, moving to warmer climates should be taken seriously into consideration and for many reasons, Greece still remains a wonderful place to live.