How To: Freelancing In Greece

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Thinking of Greece automatically conjures up images of sandy beaches, ancient buildings and volcanic islands. It should come as no surprise then that this Southeastern European country is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world – and the perfect place for freelancers who would want to work from abroad. Continue reading to learn how you can freelance from Greece!

  1. Freelancing in Greece
  2. How to work as a freelancer in Greece
    1. Visa
    2. Business name registration
    3. Tax ID number
    4. Business licence requirements
  3. Taxes & VAT
  4. Health insurance
  5. Working in Greece as a digital nomad
Checklist freelancing in Greece

Freelancing in Greece

Greece is quickly rising as a lovable destination for many freelancers and digital nomads. This is mainly in part because of the country’s hospitality, culture and general low cost of living. 

There is also a demand for innovation, startups and new businesses, thanks to the country’s economic rise. 

As of 2020, 33.25 % of people currently employed in Greece are self-employed.

World Bank Data 2021

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How to work as a freelancer in Greece

Working as a freelancer in Greece certainly sounds appealing, but how does one begin the process? Let’s take a look at the requirements down below:

#1 Visa

Unless you’re coming from an EU-EEA member state, you’ll need a Visa to enter Greece.

You must apply for a Greece Schengen Visa. The requirements for this visa depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. For the self-employed, you’ll need the following:

  • A copy of your business license
  • Bank statement of the past 6 months
  • Income Tax Return 

Once you’re in Greece, you’ll need to apply for a residence/work permit. This must be done within 30 days of arriving in the country at the local Dimarchio (Municipal office).

Keep in mind that you’ll need to obtain medical insurance, your tax number (AFM) as well as your social security number (AMKA) before you can apply for the permit.

Why is AMKA necessary in Greece?

The AMKA number is basic for employment and to receive services in Greece such as health care. To obtain this number, you will need to visit the KEP office (Kentro Eksipiretisis Politon – Central Services for Citizens) or you could submit an electronic issuance application on Idika.gr (in Greek).

#2 Business name registration

To operate your freelance business in Greece, you’ll need to firstly register your company name with the regional Chamber of Commerce

Setting up a business in Greece is not complicated but before doing so, you’ll need to decide what kind of company your freelance business will be – natural or legal persons.

Natural refers to sole proprietorship whereas a legal person is a type of legal entity, such as a corporate company.   

#3 Tax ID Number

The AFM tax number or Arithmo Forologiko Mitro, is a unique identification number assigned to individuals in Greece who either wish to work or own property. The process of acquiring this is fairly simple and requires you to go, in person, to the closest tax office near you.

There, you will be required to submit the following documents:

  • Your passport
  • Proof of address
  • A valid visa

#4 Business license requirements

To legally operate your freelance business in Greece, you’ll need to obtain a business license for your specific industry. You can do this by either visiting your local tax office or the Chamber of Commerce.

Taxes & VAT

In Greece, you are subject to paying taxes as a self-employed individual based solely on the income you generate

As a freelancer, you will be required to pay your income tax in advance. This amount will be offset when you submit your annual income report.

The amount you have to pay in taxes as a freelancer in Greece varies depending on your earnings. Percentages range from 18% for freelancers with the lowest income to 45% for monthly earnings over €100,000.

You are exempt from paying taxes in Greece if you pay taxes in another country or you live in Greece less than 183 days/year (you reside officially in another country).

On the other hand, you’ll need to figure out if you are liable to register for VAT in Greece. This would be probably the case if you are a freelancer selling your IT knowledge online.

If your sales revenue is more than €35,000/year, you are liable to register for VAT. You can read more about your obligations to register for VAT at gov.gr.

Health Insurance

Freelancers residing in Greece can either choose to make use of the public healthcare system, known as ESY, or opt for private healthcare. 

Apart from ESY, freelancers living in Greece can benefit from the social security fund called OAEE (Organisation for Self-Employed). This fund is part of the IKA – Greece’s largest social security organization. To apply for OAEE, you will need the following documents:

  • Proof of payments of your last three months’ insurance 
  • 2 recent photographs
  • Passport

If you’re a digital nomad, it may be a good idea to check SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance that provides you with coverage in 175+ countries, no matter where you are living, working, or travelling. This means you will be covered in Greece, but also in Singapore or Mexico if you spend some months there.

freelancermap has partnered up with Safetywing to provide global health coverage for our members around the world with a 40% discount if you sign up through freelancermap.

Only abroad for a couple of weeks? Check their travel nomad insurance instead (sign up for Nomad Insurance before you depart or at any point during your journey abroad):

Working in Greece as a digital nomad 

Since September 2021, Greece is among the few countries offering a digital nomad visa in an attempt to lure already-employed remote workers.

The idea behind this is to allow individuals to live in Greece and work remotely – thereby helping the country increase its revenue for local businesses.

Good to know: Greece is also offering a 50% break in income tax for digital nomads. This is applicable for the first seven years and allows half of your salary to remain tax free.

You can apply for the Greek digital nomad visa at the Greek Embassy (Consulate) in your country of residence. The requirements for the visa:

  • Enough income: 3,500 €/month
  • No employment in Greece
  • Legalities are in place (e.g. you pay taxes required as per your situation)

Freelancing in Greece certainly sounds appealing. Would you rather choose to register your freelance business or apply for a digital nomad visa? Tell us in the comments below!

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Natalia Campana

Natalia is part of the international team at freelancermap. She loves the digital world, social media and meeting different cultures. Before she moved to Germany and joined the freelancermap team she worked in the US, UK and her home country Spain. Now she focuses on helping freelancers and IT professionals to find jobs and clients worldwide at www.freelancermap.com

By Natalia Campana

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