🇬🇷 Greece visa requirements

Most nationalities get 90 days in any 180-day period in Greece. EU/EEA citizens can stay indefinitely. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and other visa-exempt citizens walk in for those 90 days.

Who Gets In Visa-Free?

If you're from the EU/EEA, you don't need to worry about visas or stay limits. You're free to live and work in Greece indefinitely. For citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and a handful of other countries, Greece is a visa-free destination for short stays. You get 90 days to spend within any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement rules. This means you can hop in and out, but the total days spent in the entire Schengen Area can't exceed 90 days in six months.

For many other countries, particularly in Asia, Africa, and parts of South America, a Schengen visa is required before you arrive. This visa usually allows for a similar 90-day stay within the Schengen zone. There are a few specific countries where you might get a visa on arrival, but this is less common for long stays and often restricted to specific purposes. Always check the latest list from the Greek consulate or embassy in your home country if you're unsure. Don't just assume.

How Long Can You Actually Stay? (And What Happens If You Don't Leave?)

That 90/180-day rule for visa-exempt travellers is the main thing to watch. It’s not 90 days per country; it’s 90 days for the entire Schengen Area. So, if you spent two weeks in France and three weeks in Germany before heading to Greece, you’ve already used up a chunk of your allowance. Keep track of your entry and exit dates. Some border guards are meticulous about checking exit stamps. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and a ban from entering the Schengen Area for several years. While specific fines vary, expect penalties of at least €100 per day of overstay, and potentially much higher. It's not worth the risk.

Working Remotely on a Tourist Stamp? The Grey Area

Here's where it gets tricky. Officially, working while on a tourist visa or the visa-free 90-day allowance is not permitted. Greece, like most European countries, wants you to have a specific work or residence permit if you’re earning money while physically present. However, enforcement for remote workers is often inconsistent. Many digital nomads do work remotely from Greece for months at a time without issue, especially if they aren't obviously "working" in public spaces or attracting attention.

The reality is that unless you're working for a Greek company or engaging in activities that draw the attention of authorities, the focus is usually on immigration compliance (i.e., not overstaying your visa-free period). The risk is that if you are questioned, you could technically be in violation. For longer stays, or if you plan to work more openly, you'd be wise to explore the Digital Nomad Visa or other long-stay options Greece offers, which formalize your status.

Recent Changes and the Digital Nomad Visa

Greece has been actively trying to attract remote workers and digital nomads. The most significant development is the introduction of the Greek Digital Nomad Visa. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Greece for up to 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. To qualify, you typically need to prove you earn at least €3,500 per month net income from sources outside Greece and have health insurance. The application process is generally done online or through consulates abroad.

Beyond the dedicated nomad visa, there haven't been major shifts in the standard Schengen visa rules or visa-free allowances for most nationalities in the last year. Fee structures for Schengen visas can change, so always check the current cost with the relevant consulate. The focus has been on streamlining applications and attracting skilled workers and digital nomads, rather than restricting short-term tourist access.