In a recent study conducted by the global human resources platform WorkMotion, Athens has emerged as one of the world’s 20 most accessible and appealing cities for remote workers. The Greek capital secured the 17th spot out of 85 cities across the globe, placing ahead of Wellington (18th) and Bangkok (19th) but trailing Budapest (15th) and Oslo (16th). The top of the list is dominated by Barcelona, closely followed by Dubai, Prague, Madrid, and Melbourne.
WorkMotion’s research encompasses a range of factors, including the presence of an institutional framework for remote work visas, infrastructure quality (including collaborative spaces, internet speed, and public services), overall security, accessibility to healthcare, real estate availability, transportation options, taxation and social security contributions, cost of living (rent and basic necessities like food and energy), and housing affordability.
According to the study titled “The Cities Best Facilitating Remote Work: Workation 2023,” Athens has established itself as an attractive destination for remote workers seeking a balance between work and leisure, especially in a post-pandemic context. This trend is commonly referred to as “workation.” The Greek capital boasts an appealing visitor’s experience, encompassing lifestyle aspects like sightseeing and nightlife. It excels in the quality and affordability of transportation, making it a favourable destination for digital nomads. Furthermore, the introduction of the digital nomad visa in 2021 has had a positive impact, and Athens is praised for its reasonable housing costs and affordable basic necessities.
The study found that Athens offers relatively affordable housing options, ranking 22nd out of 85 global cities. Additionally, it placed 20th in terms of food affordability. It’s essential to note that this ranking includes cities with considerably higher living costs, such as San Francisco and Melbourne. However, taxation and social security remain areas of concern for remote workers, with Athens ranking 63rd in this regard.
The recognition of Athens as a remote work-friendly destination underscores the city’s potential to attract digital nomads and professionals seeking a blend of work and leisure in a vibrant and culturally rich urban environment.
