Apostolos Leousis, Community Marketer Networker

The Digital Nomads Observatory as part of its effort to create a comprehensive picture of the needs and daily lives of Digital Nomads met Apostolos Leousis, who specializes in Community Marketing and Networking. Apostolos has been involved in the world of entrepreneurship for the past ten years, bringing people together with the goal of creating communities around a product or service. He works in business networking, community marketing, event management, and hosts his own talk show. He created Digital Nomads Thessaly & Central Greece with his friend and partner Panos Karachalios four years ago, which now has approximately 2000 members.

“Perhaps the topic of Digital Nomads has become a bit of a fad, like startups.” he said at the start of our conversation, acknowledging that government involvement was also crucial in the issue becoming more widespread.

After all, it is widely assumed that government officials’ involvement elevates any initiative. History will judge whether this is a positive factor since innovation requires diversity to thrive. “Don’t wait for the Minister to call all the Greek organizations together for an informal meeting where we won’t say anything important and will only be present for the show. The point is that as individuals, we should try to cooperate and take some initiative. We cannot rely solely on the government to act ” Apostolis says. Greeks, he points out, have no clear picture of who digital nomads are because they have focused on the economic benefits they can bring to the country without first conducting a proper mapping of the needs and profiles of those who choose to work remotely. The problem is exacerbated when people in positions of authority who are unfamiliar with the subject are asked to make decisions about digital nomads.

How did the group start, and why did he decide to create an online community that was unfamiliar with Greek reality:

“Initially, the group was aimed at remote workers and developers in the Volos area, as this is where my partner, Panos, and I grew up.” We began by organizing a few meetings with the intention of forming a community of people with similar interests and goals. Then came the pandemic, and everything was put on hold.”

Entrepreneurship necessitates adaptability, which they both recognize, and it is for this reason that they decided to rebrand the group: “Because the term “digital nomads” had not yet been coined, we decided to focus on remote workers. It gradually became part of the team’s philosophy. We focused our efforts on them because we believe they have the potential to establish a new community with a different philosophy, different people, and different skills in the area.” It’s worth noting that their efforts were entirely voluntary and aimed at creating new opportunities. “My interest,” Apostolis says. “It’s more about marketing, management and entrepreneurship, while Panos (Karachalios) is a graphic designer and developer, so we tried to combine the two worlds.”

Digital Nomads Communities: The Greek Reality

photos provided by DN Thessaly & Central Greece and Panos Karachalios

“Greek communities, in general, are not well organized,” Apostolis says. “For example, the digital nomad community in Crete is slightly more organized than the community in Athens. There are few Facebook or Whatsapp groups that occasionally organize meetings, but that’s it. Even co-working spaces, which one might expect to be hotspots for digital nomads, do not fully serve that purpose.”

What causes this disorganization?

“There is no collaboration. Our group has a very good relationship with the Cretan community, but in Athens, for example, I don’t know who is behind the community to contact them and organize a meeting. There are some official bodies, but they do not cooperate with online communities like ours, so there has been no impact in establishing a direct line of communication. The only example of a gathering of everyone involved with digital nomads is the Digital Mobilities Conference, which was held for the first time last year. We, as a group has proposed holding some live events where we could answer questions as they came in; To focus on each region of the territory separately in order to assess existing conditions and needs that must be met, so that we are all on the same wavelength, and then to develop our own strategy to highlight the distinct identity of each area.”

Apostolis confirms from personal experience a Greek pathogenesis that also applies to the issue of digital nomads: when power shifts, priorities, and collaborations change, even if they have potential. “I had made contact with some Americans who had also contributed to the initiative for the Digital Nomads Visa, so a communication channel with government officials was established. There was a willingness to expand cooperation to make it easier for American digital nomads to visit the country, but the conversation ended when the Minister changed.”

Digital Nomads Visa

There are also many unanswered questions regarding the Digital Nomads Visa; Despite the fact that the bill has been passed, many embassies were uninformed of the process for issuing it. Apostolis and his colleagues attempted to find people who had obtained the digital nomads visa to learn more about the process, but were unable to do so due to a lack of sufficient information and bureacracy. As there are so many different parties involved in these cases, the problem becomes more complicated: “What is critical is that many people, potential digital nomads, may have wanted to come to our country during this time but were unable to do so due to a lack of proper information and organization by the state.”

Digital Nomads: Central Greece and Thessaly

When I ask him what are the most common questions he gets as an administrator of a group with about 2000 members, he says, “The most interest is focused on accommodation. There is a misconception that Greece is only worth visiting during the summer, so they are disappointed if they cannot rent a place during the summer months.” It should be drilled into people’s heads that Greece exists all year and can provide unique experiences all year round. ” Greece is also beautiful in winter. Furthermore, during non-tourist seasons, one can experience the authentic Greek daily life. After all, it’s hot in March as well” he adds, and he’s absolutely right.

Inevitably, there are many questions about the internet connection in Volos and throughout Central Greece. “Obviously, the quality has also improved over the years,” Apostolis says, “But where one goes plays a very important role.” The best choice is to go to a co-working space where you know you’ll always have a good signal.”

“Unfortunately, while the group is very active, I have noticed that the members of the community do not interact with each other as much,” he says of the digital nomads’ relationships. “They do not assist one another, and there is little willingness to hang out. On the contrary, the locals are much more approachable. People who have co-working spaces or want to organize a city event are open to meeting these people and making them feel at ease. Even those who do not fully comprehend the concept of being a digital nomad have expressed interest.” Unfortunately, there is currently only good intention, according to Apostolis: “To realize the multidimensional value that digital nomads can add to a place, one must invest time and money. We offer the opportunity to talk extensively about how each interested party can equip their business to meet the needs of digital nomads in the context of the community we’ve created, based on real testimonies. Unfortunately, while digital nomads do not outnumber regular tourists, the benefits they can bring to the community beyond money – shelter, food, and activities – are various.” A perspective that aligns with previous research conducted by the Digital Nomads Observatory, which extensively describes how digital nomads can benefit a community by bringing in their suitcase both the know-how and experience gained from the various images they have been exposed to over the years.

Co-working spaces in Central Greece

photos provided by DN Thessaly & Central Greece and Panos Karachalios

“Co-working spaces, such as Openofficevolos,, exist in Larissa and Volos, but they primarily serve Greeks who have left Athens.” There is an element of nomadism in their profile, but they won’t be moving again in six months, so the term “remote workers” is more accurate. Pelion attracts many, but there is little information about the number or identity of these people, owing to lack of a core around which a community can be built.”

The problems

According to Apostolis, the reasons why Greece is not one of the first choices for Digital Nomads are as follows:

Absence of connecting link: “There is no reference body where the digital nomad can get all of their questions answered. To act as a bridge between Digital Nomads and the destination, an agency similar to a travel agency is required. Although some informational pages have been created in the past, there has been no connection between them, and as a result, many attempts have failed.” he mentions and continues, “Last year several Germans came and we had the opportunity to get to know them, we even managed to build a small community, but this was possible because we were able to get in touch with them through the group and were able to answer any question before their arrival in Volos.”

Lack of promotion: “Many people are unaware that Volos combines both the mountain and the sea, or that Meteora is very close, or that Pelion may be more picturesque, but in Volos one can have access to other amenities and it is a given that they will always have access to means of transportation to visit the surrounding areas.”

Absence of financial incentives: “We need people who will only work on this project; only with the creation of the brand around Digital Nomadism, both internally and externally, so that the relevant bodies could be trained and Greece could become an attractive destination for this special population group. There are, however, no financial incentives for local authorities to invest time in such an endeavor.”

Next Steps

To develop a platform and educational materials: “We should create a platform with everyone’s contribution. Cooperation is a big issue in this country, and I know there are people in Central Greece who want to collaborate, so it’s a shame that it’s not possible, like the conference organized by the Observatory last year. It should be done again, but this time in person if the circumstances permit. We must concentrate more on solving problems than on describing them. To find solutions, we must organize ourselves: why not, for example, create a series of videos in which we will attempt to solve the problems encountered by a digital nomad in Greece: For instance, how do I find a place to live during winter in a city that is primarily a student town, such as Volos? We can ask an expert, a broker to provide us with some guidelines.         

To create a Case Study: “What is important for me is to create, as in all countries, a Case Study: to select a destination based on objective criteria where there will be the appropriate environment with the necessary infrastructure to serve Digital Nomads in collaboration with local and government agencies. Only in this way will digital nomadism flourish in Greece, because visitors will know where to go and who to contact. If this is not accomplished, without a Case Study, nothing will change under the current conditions.”

To targeted cooperate with European countries: Apostolis believes that Germany should be one of the first European countries that Greece should approach in order to build cooperation bridges. “They meet the income criteria to benefit our economy when compared to other countries. Additionally, the climate in Germany makes Greece appear to be a paradise on Earth. This year was one of the coldest and rainiest winters on record.”

Finally, Estonia is a good example for Greece to follow in order to create the right environment to welcome digital nomads: “It has taken many steps to attract digital nomads with legislation that easily allows any European to become a digital citizen of the country,” adding that there is a strong interest in the matter even in Bansko, Bulgaria. “Bansko has a great community that organizes events and festivals. Check it out!” He urges me as we wrap up our conversation, and as I thank him for his time, he replies: “I thank you and you know it’s a huge pleasure when someone tells me that thanks to you I met X and we did this or when they say that thanks to you I met Y and we became friends. Collaboration leads to change.”

Written by Katerina Sachinoglou

They can go backpacking without even having to take time off work! But how do they work from anywhere?

The best apps for digital nomads keep them going while taking care of everything from schedules to travel itineraries and socializing. If you’re a digital nomad who has just begun your journey, or if you aspire to be one, you should clear up some space on your phone and download some of the apps listed below.

With the right Digital Nomads Apps, you’ll never feel down.

Workfrom

Workfrom is a real-time online cafe platform where people can meet to focus, be productive, and work remotely. But how does this relate to Digital Nomads?

There is a misconception about the “Work From Home” model; the reality is that WFH should be rephrased as: “Not Work From The Office” since it’s possible to work from cafes, restaurants, hotels, and even beaches! Workfrom provides users with information about the best bars, cafes, and restaurants around the world, as well as insights about prices, Wi-Fi signals, the vibe of the place, and many other factors, making the decision about “Today’s Office” easier and more enjoyable than ever. Searching for each piece of information individually can be time-consuming, and a digital nomad has no time to spend staring at a screen:

Stop wasting time digging up, and download the Workfrom app.

Fairytrail

Fairytrail’s mission is to reduce loneliness among remote workers by assisting them in exploring the world with someone they like. If a relationship blossoms, it’s relatively easy to be together because you both work remotely. However, a good fairytale includes friends, this is why the app brings single digital nomads together for group adventures. There is a $3 entrance fee. Sounds fair if one takes into account the entrance we pay in nightclubs or parking or using public restrooms. Now, imagine a club full of people sharing the same mindset as you, but coming from a different cultures.

You don’t need to dress up (yet), just download the Fairytrail app.

Asana

Asana is a popular project management app for digital nomads and remote workers. Asana centralizes everything from to-do lists and group discussions to reminders and more. This enables users to keep track of projects and their progress from start to finish. It can be quite useful for organizing travel documentation or a whole team. Even though nothing lasts forever, the Asana Basic option claims to be free indefinitely:Team up and have a backup with the Asana app.

Mint

Mint is one of the best budgeting apps for digital nomads. Before tracking their spending, users can connect their bank accounts. Receive notifications when they go over their budget and keep track of all their travel, lodging, and other bills in one place! It’s incredible to be able to be in different places around the world while keeping everything else in one place. The app is completely free to use and allows you to check your credit score at any time!

Being a digital nomad, now feels like it’s mint to be!

Seven

Working and exploring might consume the majority of a digital nomad’s time in their new home.

However, if you want to try every local recipe guilt-free and walk down every picturesque lane without getting drained, it might be a good idea to include some exercise in your day. Seven is a good addition to your must-have app list because it can assist you with 7-minute workouts! What makes Seven stand out is the fact you can set your own fitness goals and timetable. Because the workouts are only 7 minutes long every day, they are simple to implement, and you can also plan your next set of workouts by reviewing your most recent workouts.

Warm up and then download the Seven app.

We live in an age of options: just as there are numerous countries for you to visit, there are also numerous applications for you to explore and find the most suitable one, and if you need any assistance along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out. Our mission in Digital Nomads Observatory is to support everyone who wishes to delve into this new lifestyle!

Written by Katerina Sachinoglou

They have all chosen to travel the world while working remotely and live a nomadic lifestyle.

Interviews with digital nomads provide insight into this alternative way of life and could serve as a guide for anyone interested in pursuing a nomadic lifestyle. We, while trying to create a more complete image of digital nomads’ mindset, searched for answers to the following question:

How do they decide on their next stop?

Living in a Covid world for two years has undoubtedly influenced some of the criteria, digital nomads take into consideration when choosing their destination. “Where will let you in, and what are the covid restrictions? Before that, though it may be other opportunities I’ve heard about or knowing people in certain countries.” Michael, a writer from the USA mentioned, while Mark from England said that his choice was inspired by a game he used to play that “fully mapped out ancient Greece, including the island of Naxos, where I am now”. He fell in love with the main character of the game called Kassandra. He completed the game after about 100 hours, then put another 100 hours in because he didn’t want to leave her – nor Greece.

The length of stay in a location varies greatly from case to case, with Christina, a kayak enthusiast, planning her move three months in advance but being open to changing her plans if she believes a place has more stories to provide and corners to be explored.

Expectedly, immigration policies, in general, influence Digital Nomads’ decisions, with Brexit making the life of the British more challenging “…wherever possible we want to ensure any work we do is legal in regards to work visas and taxes. Brexit has made that harder since we are no longer EU citizens.” While the American remote workers are in a more fortuitous position: “As a US Passport holder, I can enter most countries for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa or permit” Christina mentioned, who sold everything she owned in May 2019 and started traveling abroad full time, and many aligned with her perspective.

While, language isn’t a big deal for expats since they can always get by “If I’m in a tourist area, there are enough people speaking English.” said Christina, the expected cost of living it is, in determining the destination country. To balance their expenses, some of the digital nomads choose to stay in very expensive countries for a shorter period of time or alternate between more and less expensive places; They can move to a country with a higher cost of living after staying in one with a lower cost for a while, and it will balance out by the end of the year. The key here is to create an annual budget and then stick to it.

Safety had an impact on Jacob’s decision, an international business advisor from Australia who started testing the full digital nomad life back in 2019 after his daughter was born “So far we have focused on countries we feel safe and familiar with, which has meant Europe and some other Commonwealth / English Speaking countries.”

Safety can also be part of the beauty by emphasizing the purity and authenticity of the destination and the local community: “The Greek people are amazing… the keys are in the motorbikes. And they’re just left there with the keys. And it’s like, that feels good. That’s safe. You know when you’re with good people when they can leave their keys in their cars and motorbikes overnight. So wonderful…” said Mark who was located in Naxos at the time of our talk.

Weather is also an important factor to take into account. Digital nomads do tend to stick to warmer climates but will occasionally spend time somewhere colder. Warmer places are preferred because they allow more freedom to explore the area, as Christina said: “I do not zig-zag across the globe. I have been hanging around Central and South America, and the Caribbean for now. Then in March 2022, I will take a cruise from Brazil to Spain to relocate to Europe. I plan to stay on that side of the world for several years.” However, it is not only the weather that has an impact, but also the season. When discussing his stay in Greece, Mark stated that he prefers places where there are few tourists; According to him, if someone wants to become a digital nomad on a Greek island, autumn is an ideal time because the weather is still great but the places aren’t as crowded, so “you can experience the real rive of the place rather than the crazy touristic one.”

After delving into digital nomads’ mindset one might realize that a driving factor for choosing a place as their home is not only the commodities that accompany it but rather the people and the opportunity of being part of their routine:

“But I don’t travel the world to hang out with people like me, so it’s nice to communicate with locals – and there are few joys greater than the local café owner who remembers my order and is happy to chat with my broken attempts at the local language, or meeting someone randomly and then being invited to join their friends for a night out,” Jacob mentioned, while Mark, who has lived in Thailand for 13 years and now enjoys his time on Naxos, emphasized that locals do not recognize that “money is being left on the table” as the British say, and that they should take advantage of the good fortune of living in a place that can provide such unique experiences:

“I came here to be woken up at 6 am by the stupid chicken and the barking dog because you know I’m going to go get some food for that dog. I’m going to make friends and I will never forget those experiences. And (locals should) understand that people like me and so many likely me, this is the experiences we want.”

Ultimately, one could argue that at the heart of a digital nomad’s philosophy there is a hunger for the unknown: They are craving new experiences, perspectives, and stories and countries like Greece should focus more on how to provide a 360° experience of Greek reality.

Written by Katerina Sachinoglou

Countries and local communities could benefit greatly from Digital Nomad Visas

Without taking local jobs, digital nomads invest their time and money in the local economy and build knowledge bridges with locals— a win-win situation for all the parties involved. During the Covid-19 pandemic, several countries began offering special visas to digital nomads: Tropical destinations (Costa Rica, Mexico, and Ecuador), island escapes (St. Lucia, Barbados, and Seychelles), and winter getaways (Estonia, Iceland, and Norway) are now available, while several European Union members, as well as many Southeast Asian countries, have expanded their existing short-term work visas to accommodate remote workers. Visa programs are usually around $1,000 and exempt visa holders from paying local income tax for stays ranging from six months to two years. Income and employment requirements are also in place to ensure that visa holders can support themselves without working in the local economy.

Temporary fix for immigration policy issues and a boost to the airline industry

Firstly, these visas serve as a temporary solution to immigration policy issues and visa delays around the world. Remote workers faced long visa wait times, rising rejection rates, and a high level of uncertainty even before the Covid-19 crisis. The pandemic exacerbated these problems by adding travel restrictions from Covid-19 hotspots, embassy closures overseas, and even longer processing times for all visa types to the list of obstacles.

A boost for Airlines

A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to travel to countries all over the world for a period of six to twelve months. The geographic mobility of this population could boost business travel in the short to medium term, giving the airline industry a much-needed breathing space.

A source of knowledge

Digital nomads have the potential to act as catalysts for cross-regional knowledge and resource flows, benefiting themselves, their organizations, and their host countries. Short-term travel and even short periods of colocation with geographically distant colleagues, according to literature, can help individuals access information and resources that can help grow new ideas and projects. Furthermore, local inventors engage in “knowledge recombination,” could blend their existing knowledge with that of migrants. Digital Nomads not only “import” knowledge from their home countries, resulting in more patenting; they actually increase patenting in the same technologies that their home countries might excel at.

Entrepreneurship mindset

Ultimately, digital nomads may play a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship and the development of global technology clusters. Even a few months of foreign entrepreneurs huddling in a shared space can spark new connections and new businesses. A typical example is Chile and a government-sponsored incubator program named Start-Up Chile in which 280 start-ups were invited to spend time in the country.

Takeaway

It is crystal clear that digital nomads, and remote workers in general, can benefit any economy by spending money, facilitating collaboration, and stimulating innovation. Countries all over the world are vying for remote talent. It is time for Greece to jump on board — or risk falling behind. Taking this into account, the country should prioritize the development of co-living spaces. Coworking space providers should take advantage of the country’s advantageous position to bridge the gap between business and leisure travel.

Sources:

Novet, J. (2021, May 5). Google relaxes remote work plan, will let 20% of employees telecommute. CNBC; CNBC.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/05/google-relaxes-remote-work-plan-will-let-20percent-of-employees-telecommute.html

How “Digital Nomad” Visas Can Boost Local Economies. (2022, May 27). Harvard Business Review.

https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-digital-nomad-visas-can-boost-local-economies

Written by Katerina Sachinoglou

How can digital nomads get a remote job on their field?

Knowing where and what job opportunities to search for is the first step to begin experiencing the digital nomad life.

The list of professions that can be done completely remotely are ever increasing, making digital nomads lives all the easier regarding that. For this reason, our team has decided to compile a list of job positions that can be done completely remotely. We will also provide the most helpful websites where you can find them. Below you will find a list with the 15 professions most suitable to the digital nomads’ lifestyle.

Virtual Assistant

First on our list is the position of a virtual assistant. This role is perfect for beginners wishing to start their career and live as digital nomads. In this role employees need to complete simple tasks (e.g., administrative tasks, email responses etc.) for a single or multiple employers based on their preference. It is an excellent way to start your career and gain valuable experience.

Transcribing

Another easy to start with job that can be done in any place in the world is transcribing. Basically, it requires good listening skills and fast typing. While it can become dull quickly, it is a simple way to earn money working remotely while earning some work experience. Ideal for beginners.

Writer

By its nature one of the most independent jobs requiring a quiet place, inspiration and a good connection to the internet. Communicating with clients online, they can easily discuss and work on various projects. Digital nomads hoping to be employed as writers can choose from a wide range of relevant roles based on their preferences. These include ghost writers, copywriters, documentation writers, technical writers etc.

Translators/Editors

Another job position that can easily be done from anywhere in the world is translation and/or editing. Digital nomads can either select to work as freelancers taking on translation/editing projects according to their availability or be employed by a company and work remotely.

Social Media Roles

For this specific job position you might need training or previous experience employed for a company and managing their Social Media accounts. There’s a wide range of jobs regarding Social Media, both for larger or smaller companies. Depending on their experience and skills digital nomads can be employed as Social Media Specialists, Managers, Content Specialists, Designers, Performance Analysts etc. It can easily be done from any place in the world with good network connection. However, based on the employer or company employed to active presence during the most active social media hours might be required.

Online Survey Takers

One field that has risen in demand of employees is in Online Surveys. Again, a job well-suited for beginners and digital nomads. Those interested simply need to create an account in SurveyJunkies.com and will soon be receiving requests to participate in paid surveys.

Video Production

Videos whether sort or long are a huge part of our daily lives. An where there is market there is a need for creators. Video editors are responsible for editing or creating video from scratch in long and short form. With the appropriate training and skill set, digital nomads can easily be employed either as freelancers or not and work from anywhere in the globe. It will be required, however, that they have good technical equipment. There is wide variety of content as well they can choose from, ranging from commercial to informational and instructional.

Cryptocurrency Trading

With the sudden boom of Bitcoin, which was followed by the democratization of Cryptocurrencies, crypto trading has been on an all-time high. Adding to that the fact that the cryptocurrency market is lot more predictable than the stock market, it makes it easier to learn. Digital nomads can with a few lessons and a lot of monitoring and learning start trading cryptocurrencies whether it is for themselves or on behalf of others. Like the other positions above, great hardware and network connection are required.

E-commerce Business

Running an e-commerce can be effortlessly done from anywhere in the world with the appropriate equipment and network connection. Digital nomads can as business owners or employees manage online sales, shipments, website requests, email contacts and cataloguing. Starting a business from scratch will require the necessary funds to set up a future prosperous business.

Website design

This is another role that can be done remotely. Website designers don’t necessarily need to have professional training or knowledge of HTML or any other programming language. There are many website building providers that make website design look easy. A few example providers include WordPress, Wix, and Magenta. Digital monads wishing to work in website design should carefully follow the tutorials and guides provided by their chosen vendor and they can start designing websites.

Digital Marketing

Digital Marketeers can operate from any place provided they have a steady connection. This working field occupies millions of people worldwide now that the digital experiences have exploded. Digital nomads can choose from a wide range of roles from Performance Marketing, Content Marketing, Advertising, Email Marketing to as mentioned above Social Media Marketing. In addition, they can select a company they are passionate about since every organization is in need of Marketeers.

Teacher

Another role that was moved solely online for many months over the past two years is teaching. There is an ever increase in demand of students wanting to be taught online to accommodate their schedule. Digital nomads with teaching degrees in any subject can take advantage of online teacher recruiting platforms such as GoStudent.com that connect students with teachers from anywhere in the world about any subject. While teaching is certainly not an easy job, it is one that can easily be done by digital nomads. And with the ever-expanding capabilities offered by online teaching platforms it can almost feel like being in a regular class.

Customer Service Representative

Great Customer Service is the number one priority for many customer-facing companies, and it can be done equally successfully from home. Provided that digital nomads are given adequate equipment, training and love helping people they can become excellent Customer Service Representatives unbounded by the typical workplace premises.

Data Entry

The third in our list entry-level job suited for beginners is Data Entry. This is one of the learn on the job positions where digital nomads interested in the position will be trained according to the companies’ data entry system. On the one hand, it is great position for those wishing to start working on a company while experiencing the digital nomad lifestyle. On the other hand, data entry can become dull after a certain time, if there are no other fluctuating responsibilities accompanying the role.

Illustrator/Graphic Designer

For the creative types that are fascinated with designing images and any other type of content from the start Graphic design is perfect. Due to the job position’s nature, that require the digital nomads to work many hours on creating, editing and design a piece on their computer it allows for distanced working. Thus, it can be done from anywhere in the world the digital nomad settles in.

However, Illustration can be challenging occupation that requires great familiarity with programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator etc. It also necessitates a continuous communication with other coworkers or clients, if self-employed, and therefore fast internet connection.

Where to find open job positions?

If you are interested in being a freelancer, the following websites are great for find project-based jobs.

• Freelancer.com
• Fiver.com
• Upwork.com
• Flexjobs.com
• Indeed.com
• Talent.Hubstaff.com

Digital nomads need only set up their profile and begin taking tasks.

There are of course websites for freelancers working in specific fields like the ones mentioned above for Online Survey takers and teachers. Each of these websites has both benefits and negatives for uses. What however is important to note is that digital nomads must pay extra attention in setting up their profiles and polishing their communication skills as there is great competition. Then the road is open for them to both have the job of their dreams and live the nomadic life.

Written by Dimitrios Alexopoulos Tsoras

 Fast internet connection

An important chapter in this process is having a fast internet connection, with the most popular sites being a cafe or a hotel lobby. This is because public Wi-Fi in these locations is usually quite fast.

Also, there are a couple of different ways to find fast wifi. One of them is to ask the local group of ​​digital nomads on social media, or to use a crowdsourcing service to locate wifi like wifimap.io. You can also check nomadlist.com to see the recommended coffee shops in each city. Finally, a good service to find a fast public wifi is the website https://workfrom.co/. This application is a crowdsource service, where users can enter a number of functions of different public wifi connections.

These are some important tips for those who want to work connected to reliable and fast wireless Wi-Fi. However, it would be good to take into account other factors, such as the operating hours, but also the plug you need to charge your laptop. In this way, if you have provided to know all this information, you will not waste valuable time from your work and you will be able to enjoy the new reality in your life undisturbed.

Energy sockets

You have to be careful if there are energy plugs available, but also if the table you choose to sit has nearly or not. If there are no sockets, then you should have a full battery on your laptop and stay in the cafe for a few hours.

Opening hours

Ask about the opening hours of the coffee store and then order your coffee to start work. Otherwise, if you realize that it closes in a few hours, you will be disappointed and you will leave your obligations suddenly.

Lighting

Prefer places lit by natural sunlight. This will help you to have the maximum efficiency at work, while at the same time, you will be able to relax, without strain in your eyes. Also, working in a well-lit environment is more likely to avoid the feeling of drowsiness.

Comfort & noise

If you plan to work for many hours in one place, then comfort and quiet are two characteristics that you must pay attention to. You can choose places without loud music. A good way to avoid noise is to wear headphones, which block and eliminate external noise, so you can work smoothly.

Cοffee shop’s policy

It is a good idea to know in advance if there is a specific policy on the place, such as minimum expenses, if there is a limit to your time spent there or if the place can only be used by certain people, such as hotel guests in the case of lobbies.

Atmosphere

If you are in a place that is calm and harmonious, you will be able to work more productively, while otherwise, spending your time in a place with a bad atmosphere, you will not be able to deliver your daily tasks.

 Quality and price of food

In most public places you will need to buy something to be “allowed” to work there. Let’s start with the quality of food and drinks. If you plan to visit this coffee store often, it will be good to pay attention to both the price and the quality of the snacks that you will choose to eat.

Privacy

I would suggest looking for places where the tables are quite far apart and places without a lot of people, if you want to call and work without being afraid that someone will hear or read something you do not want.

Written by Athanasia Grammoustianou

Or is it? According to a recent study conducted by MBO Partners, there is a huge increase of over two million new digital nomads in 2019-2020. The huge influx of mobile workers could be a risk for the companies that hire them.

The average demographic of a remote worker

Virtual Vocations notes that in a study of its remote work corps, most employees have a higher education degree. This category includes Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Xers. The Internet plays an important role in this development, as there is no age or experience limit for remote workers. In addition, a significant proportion of people take advantage of distance work opportunities.

One of the most important issues that employees working in a company have to face is their stay in an office. This is because the employees who are permanently “stuck” in an office, in the long run lose all motivation for development. The pandemic contributed significantly to workers stopping working in a small space. The goal was to allow fewer employees in a closed office environment. However, as the borders reopened and the restrictions were lifted, many of these employees realized that they could work anywhere in the world, because everything was done remotely anyway. The telecommuting revolution changed the lives of many corporate employees.

Better standards of living

Many workers prefer to live in places where the cost of living is more affordable. In a city like New York, the cost of living is many times higher than in a more rural setting like Colorado. Similar situations have occurred in third world countries with lower cost of living than the United States. While this may benefit the employee, it can have unintended consequences for the company.

Shutting down the remote work trend

At the beginning of the pandemic, companies were particularly happy that employees could work remotely. As a result, many companies do not manage their employees with a consistent strategy. This is why most companies now require employees to be in their office one or more days a week, making this practice impossible for digital nomads. The remarkable result of this change was a huge wave of redundancies.

Agreements had to be signed with many of the employees, especially those that the companies did not have to lose. These agreements were mainly temporary and concerned their working situation but also the place where they are allowed to move, but there is no commitment. As a result, businesses are not as protected as they would like to be if the government in those areas decides to change its approach to companies hiring digital nomads.

Alternative approaches

One of the most successful approaches to the issue of digital nomads is the search for freelancers. Freelance job postings have increased significantly since the pandemic and many company employees are choosing to become self-employed. One of the most important advantages of this category is that you do not have to pay taxes for it. Freelancers are usually considered independent and are therefore responsible for filing their own tax returns.

Another approach is to create a customized digital nomad strategy, targeting employees working remotely around the world. Formalizing these agreements through written regulations provides the company with a level of protection if the employee does something that affects the employer. It can also avoid the need for fake receipts to substantiate tax payments in international sectors. These agreements require determining which individuals within the organization are digital nomads and where they will travel. Companies must ensure the well-being of their employees and invest as much as possible in their skills.

Written by Athanasia Grammoustianou

Immigration

According to the new provisions of the Greek Immigration Code, third-country nationals (i.e. outside the EU / EEA) who are self-employed or dependent workers, who work remotely using technologies and communications with employers or clients outside Greece, i.e. nomadic children, you can not apply for a visa for Greece, valid for up to 12 months. Applicants may be accompanied by family members.

At the same time, it is particularly important to mention that the digital nomadic visa does not provide the right to dependent work or independent business activities in Greece. In practice, this means that digital nomadic visa holders can only provide services to employers and / or clients established outside Greece.

Visa

The digital nomadic visa is issued by the Greek consular authority of the applicant’s place of origin or main place of residence, under an expedited procedure. In particular, the competent consular authority is obliged to respond within 10 days of the relevant request and, provided that complete documentation has been submitted, to complete the visa application process at a meeting.

The applicant must document that he will provide remote work to clients or employers outside Greece. In addition, the applicant is required to provide evidence that he has sufficient resources as a stable income to cover his living expenses during his stay in Greece. The amount sufficient is set at € 3,500 per month. If the aforementioned adequate resources come from dependent employment, service provision or contracting work, the above minimum amount relates to net income after payment of the required taxes in the country where the employment or services are provided. The above minimum amount is increased by 20% for the spouse or roommate and by 15% for each child.

If the holder of the digital nomadic visa estimates that they will remain in Greece after the expiration of its validity period, they can apply for a corresponding residence permit, if the conditions for the issuance of the digital legal visa continue to apply. The respective residence permit is issued by the competent authority of the Greek Ministry of Immigration and can be renewed for a period of two years, for each renewal. The main applicant’s family members can also issue a corresponding residence permit. However, in both cases, the respective residence permits do not provide the right to dependent work or independent business activity in Greece.

Taxation & digital nomads in Greece

According to the Income Tax Code (Law 4172/2013) (KFE), taxpayers who have their tax residence in Greece, are taxed in Greece for their taxation that arises both in Greece and abroad (i.e. global income) acquired within the tax year.

A tax resident of Greece is considered a natural person if he maintains his permanent or main residence in Greece or his usual residence or the center of his vital interests, i.e. his personal and financial ties. According to the current legal provisions, taking into account that the original digital legal visa can be issued for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension, each time the digital legal visa is subject to tax in Greece for import. arising abroad, if their stay in Greece exceeds the limits set by the ITC.

The Greek tax authorities have not provided in the present clarifications on whether the respective legal provisions will be amended in order to replace the holders of the digital nomadic visa from being considered tax residents of Greece.

Risk of permanent installation

According to the ITC, a permanent establishment is the specific place of business through which the entity carries out all or part of its business activities. Furthermore, if a person acts on behalf of the entity and is authorized to enter into agreements on its behalf, then the entity is deemed to have its permanent establishment in Greece in respect of the business activities undertaken by such person on its behalf, with the exception of those activities that I define as exceptions to the ITC.

Depending on the circumstances, there is a significant risk that a digital prefecture will “trigger” a permanent establishment in Greece for the company in which it works or which it represents.

Written by Athanasia Grammoustianou

More specifically, the signing of an agreement & cooperation was discussed, in order to provide data on transactions between the Ministry of Tourism and Visa. Visa will be able to send up to 3% of its staff annually to Greece and thus the country will be able to be a destination for remote work for Visa executives.

In fact, Digital Nomads initiative of the Ministry of Tourism has started as a pilot in the first phase in the cities of Ermoupolis, Heraklion and Kalamata, while similar initiatives have been undertaken by Marketing Greece.

According to indications, for the last five years, Αthens holds the third and fastest growth rate worldwide, which makes it the most popular destination for digital nomads. Through the conclusion of this agreement, the Ministry of Tourism managed to ensure the acquisition of valuable data on tourism development in Greece. Visa will deliver twelve months worth of data collected from standalone tables with the total analysis of the expenses which is made completed through Visa cards.

These tables will be updated by Visa for three consecutive years, while the company will promote Greece as a destination to its international cardholders
and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism will develop a website, which will be essentially a travel platform for achieving this goal.

According to statements by the Minister of Tourism, Vassilis Kikilias: “Tourism is an important part of the country’s GDP and a leading sector in terms of investment, it is important to formulate a policy based on data. In this regard, we welcome our cooperation with Visa as it will significantly enhance our policy-making capabilities for tourism product design. ”

Finally, he mentioned that these data are a tool that will help us to target our markets more accurately, to identify opportunities and to better organize our strategy for the promotion of the country.

Written by Athanasia Grammoustianou

Announced in the summer of 2021, Greece now welcomes digital nomads to live in the country, giving them the opportunity to stay there for up to two years, if they meet the requirements. After all, Greece is a favorite destination for  summer holidays, but now, digital nomads will enjoy the country as employees.

If you want to wake up and see the sea on one of the beautiful islands of Greece or to learn about the ancient Greek history, it is time to explore the places of this country. You can also live in Athens, one of the cheapest cities for digital nomads to live in Europe.

Digital nomads visa in Greece is valid for one year. However, you may renew it for a second year if you believe you still meet the eligibility requirements. Be sure to do this before your visa expires, though.

As Greece is part of the Schengen countries, visa holders will have visa-free access to 26 European countries. It is important to note that you must spend at least six months in Greece for the duration of your visa.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

The digital nomadic visa is for digital nomads who wish to live in a foreign country for a short period of time. These visas usually last from six months to two years. It is ideal for freelancers with clients in their country of origin, entrepreneurs with companies established in another country and employees employed in a company outside the country where they hold this visa.

Each country has different rules and requirements for a digital nomads visa. Sometimes the holder is required to pay local taxes while others are exempt. It’s important to know these rules before applying for a visa.

Required documents

As with any digital nomadic visa, certain conditions must be met before you can apply for it. The prerequisite documents are the following:

• Valid passport
• Income at least € 3,500 / month
• Remote proof of work – Documents proving that you have income through remote work
• Proof of Income – You will need to provide bank statements, employment contracts or statements
• Clear criminal history – Certified copy of your criminal record from your country
• Proof of health insurance – You must have health insurance coverage in Greece for the duration of your visa
• Certified health check – You must get a medical certificate from a doctor stating that you are healthy
• Accommodation Address – You must submit the address where you will stay while you are in Greece

Steps to apply

It’s a fairly simple process to apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa. It can be done in person or online and has a fairly quick turnaround time.

Step 1: Gather the documents

The easiest way to start the application process is to gather all the necessary documents in advance. Make sure you keep copies of these documents when you submit them to the Greek consulate.

Step 2: Apply

Once you have collected the documents, you can submit the application in person. You can schedule an appointment with the nearest Greek consulate.

There is also an application fee of 75 € plus a management fee of 150 € that you must pay.

Step 3: Wait for approval

Applicants will be notified by the Greek Ministry of Immigration and Asylum within ten days if their visa is accepted or rejected.

Step 4: Register for a Residence Permit

Once the process is completed, you will need to register for a residency permit when you arrive in Greece.  You will need your residence permit, either a booking confirmation or a rental residence, your visa and your passport.

You must find the nearest Aliens and Immigration Department of the Decentralized Administration office in your area of ​​residence to submit your documents immediately upon arrival in the country.

And then, you are ready to live in beautiful Greece!

Written by Athanasia Grammoustianou