In recent years Greece has been dynamically entering the map of digital nomads. The special visa (Digital Nomad Visa) introduced in 2021, improved infrastructure in major cities and islands, and local hospitality initiatives have made the country one of the attractive options for those working remotely. In the following points, the Greek company ViOS, which operates in Greece with three co-working spaces with a total capacity of 650 people, records the data and challenges.

Presence of digital nomads in Greece in recent years-Areas or cities that stand out

Greece saw a significant rise after the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa (2021) and increased visibility after 2023. In 2022, there were approximately 595 applications from third countries for the Digital Nomad Visa. In 2021 it was just 10. Applications have increased every year since then as Greece has improved its institutional framework and local initiatives to attract nomads.

Focused hubs: Athens and Thessaloniki (infrastructure, international connectivity), Crete (Heraklion, Chania), Syros/Ermoupolis, Kalamata and individual island communities promoting “work from” projects and local housing/work platforms (Global Citizen Solutions data, https://www.syros.gr/, https://punta.app/digital-nomad-guides/kalamata)

The main characteristics and preferences of digital nomads choosing Greece: As a rule, they come from third countries (non-EU/EEA), but there is also interest from Europeans. Average age around 30-40 (millennials dominate), a large percentage have a degree, some significant percentage have a master’s degree. Service areas are IT, digital marketing, design, freelancing and remote roles in startups/scaleups. They prefer to have fast and stable internet connectivity, collaborative workspaces, flexible housing solutions, a sense of community and direct access to natural environments such as the sea and nature. The duration ranges from a few weeks (tourist/trial) to 6-12 months or more for those living with a visa. Visa allows 12 months stay for non-EU/EEA.( DataReportal – Global Digital Insights)

Basic reasons for choosing Greece as a work destination: Key motivations include quality of life (climate, sea, culture), competitive cost of living compared to many western cities, improved digital infrastructure in cities, easy access to islands and experiential activities such as existing communities of digital nomads, collaborative workspaces that bring people together, events, meetups. The nomad visa allows for legal residency, there is a tax regime that is attractive.

Services or infrastructure most important to digital nomads: Priorities for digital nomads are stable fibre/5G internet with additional backup solutions, quality collaborative workspaces (quiet zones, meeting rooms, events space), reliable long-term housing, institutional/tax support, quick access to healthcare and local communities. Collaborative workspaces with wellness/ESG certifications or WELL standards increase attractiveness. Also important is transportation infrastructure/accessibility (e.g. to airports, islands).

Differences between nomads who come for a few weeks and those who stay for months or years: Digital nomads who stay only a few weeks often choose more touristy places, with beautiful landscapes, proximity to activities. Those who stay for months or more than 6-12 months seek better stability in accommodation, tax facilities, more comfortable co-working spaces perhaps and co-living spaces. There is a difference in service consumption: long termers live more locally, choose local shops, public transport, social integration, while short termers are essentially more tourists.

The people who are more transient are more likely to spend more time in the city and less time in the city.
Challenges faced-improvements in support or policy: Main challenges faced by digital nomads are tax residency and declaration ambiguity for those staying more than 183 days, bureaucracy and inconsistency in visa/permit application, and inadequate internet networking/backup on remote islands. Also pressure on housing prices in popular locations, lack of reliable English language service in some services (public, health, immigration). Suggested actions include simplification of procedures (one-stop digital hub), clear tax rules or special schemes for digital nomads, investment in digital infrastructure and targeted incentives/cooperation programmes with municipalities and the private sector. Especially in the tax area, if one becomes a tax resident in Greece (stay > 183 days), one has to declare global income which poses challenges.

Examples of partnerships that have helped the development of the digital nomad ecosystem: Local projects such as “Work From Syros/Kalamata” that bring together accommodation and service offerings, coworking partnerships with tourism operators for hospitality and event packages, and municipal initiatives for pilot infrastructure packages. The integration of WELL/ESG standards in co-working spaces and the promotion of wellness are boosting credibility and demand. At the market level, international data shows strong growth in flex office, an element that favours local partnerships. For example, in addition to the usual conference rooms equipped for video calls, ViOS, which will open a collaborative workspace in Psychiko, offers amenities such as a gym, quiet spaces, a massage room and even a sauna – all of which are in demand by Digital Nomads, who are increasingly demanding in terms of the services they are looking for.

In conclusion, Greece has now gained visibility on the global map of digital nomads, with clear signs of increasing demand. The way forward will be determined by how steadily the infrastructure, institutional framework and local initiatives improve, so that the country remains an attractive choice for those working remotely.