Greece
Sea, sunshine and ancient history, with a digital nomad visa and generous tax breaks for newcomers.
Greece
Digimad score
7.8
Very good
Best for Long stay + Islands
About
Greece is much more than a summer holiday. Athens is a big, lively capital with a growing startup scene, Thessaloniki is a relaxed student city with excellent food, and Chania on Crete offers island life with real year-round services. The digital nomad visa and a 50% income tax break for people who move their tax residence make long stays attractive. Summers are very hot and busy, so many remote workers prefer spring and autumn, and the island lifestyle slows down noticeably in winter.
Greece at a glance
Internet
Connections are good in cities, with Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova as the main providers. Fibre is expanding quickly but many homes still use VDSL, so check the actual speed. Mobile 4G and 5G coverage is strong, including on most islands.
Monthly budget
$1,700/mo comfortable, $1,100 lean
Best months
Mediterranean
Community
Medium nomad density, fair English
Key points
The digital nomad visa covers remote workers earning EUR 3,500 a month net
Newcomers who move their tax residence can get a 50% income tax exemption for seven years
Athens, Thessaloniki and Chania offer very different sizes and seasons
Essentials
Capital
Athens
Currency
EUR
Languages
Greek
Visa paths
3
Visa options
Cities in Greece
Athens★ 7.5A big, buzzing capital where ancient ruins meet street art, rooftop bars and sea breezes.2 districts
Chania★ 7.8Venetian harbour town on Crete with beaches, mountains and year-round services.
Thessaloniki★ 7.5Relaxed waterfront city with a big student population and some of Greece's best food.2 districtsCost of living
USD
Lean
$1,100/mo
Shared housing, local food
Comfortable
$1,700/mo
Private one-bed, coworking
Premium
$2,800/mo
Central, frequent dining
Local currency
EUR
Rent is the biggest cost, especially in central Athens and on islands in summer. Eating out at a taverna, buying fresh produce at the weekly laiki market and using public transport all remain affordable.
Internet & connectivity
Fixed line
Not verified
Mobile
Not verified
eSIM
Supported
Reliability
GoodPublic Wi-Fi
FairPower stability
GoodConnections are good in cities, with Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova as the main providers. Fibre is expanding quickly but many homes still use VDSL, so check the actual speed. Mobile 4G and 5G coverage is strong, including on most islands.
Nomad community
Nomad density
MediumEnglish
FairMeeting people
Coworking spaces in Athens and Thessaloniki host events, and remote-work groups organise meetups and island trips. In smaller towns the community is seasonal.
A friendly welcome and good English among younger people and in tourism. Outside the cities and for administration, some Greek helps a lot.
Safety
Emergency 112
At night
GoodSolo female
GoodPetty crime
GoodCommon scams
Taxi overcharging, bars that inflate the bill after a friendly invitation, and pickpockets on the Athens metro
Greece is safe overall, with low violent crime. Watch your belongings on crowded transport and at tourist sites, and take summer heat and wildfire warnings seriously.
Healthcare
Pharmacies
GoodPublic system
The public system (ESY) is available to residents registered with EOPYY. Public hospitals are often crowded, so most newcomers use private care for routine visits.
Private care
Large private hospitals such as Hygeia and Metropolitan in Athens, and private clinics in every city, offer quick appointments and English-speaking doctors.
Insurance
The digital nomad visa requires health insurance covering hospital and medical care in Greece. On islands, check that evacuation to a mainland hospital is included.
Getting around
Walkability
GoodPublic transport
FairAthens has a metro, tram and suburban railway; elsewhere, KTEL coaches link the cities. Ferries and domestic flights connect the islands, with fewer departures in winter.
Climate & seasons
Mediterranean
Long, hot, dry summers, often with heatwaves, and mild, wetter winters. Northern Greece and inland areas are colder in winter, while Crete stays milder.
All ratings
Getting in
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens move freely. Around 60 visa-exempt nationalities get 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Remote workers earning EUR 3,500 a month net can use the digital nomad visa, which must now be applied for at a consulate before travelling.
Tax
Income tax
—
Territorial system
No
Foreign income
Greek tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, generally after 183 days in a 12-month period.
For nomads
People who transfer their tax residence to Greece and work there can claim a 50% income tax exemption for seven years, subject to conditions. Get advice early, as the rules on eligibility are strict.
Informational only, not tax advice. Confirm with a qualified adviser before relying on it.
Practicalities
Timezone
Europe/Athens
Drives on
Right
Plug types
Payments
Cards are widely accepted and businesses are required to offer card payment. Small tavernas and kiosks still like cash, and always ask for your receipt.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up in cafés and taxis, and leave around 5 to 10% in restaurants.
Banking
You need an AFM (Greek tax number) to rent a home, open a bank account or sign utility contracts. Opening a local account is easier once you have a residence permit.
Watch out for
Summer heatwaves above 40°C and wildfires are now regular, and islands quieten down in winter
Sources
published- Geography and destination overviewWikipedia2026-10-07
- National destination informationNational tourism board2026-10-07
Last reviewed 2026-10-07