The rise of remote work has opened a world of possibilities for digital nomads – location-independent professionals who can work from anywhere with an internet connection. Europe, with its rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, is a prime destination for these digital adventurers.
Many European countries are now recognizing this trend and offering digital nomad visas, allowing remote workers to live and work legally within their borders.
Europe’s Digital Nomad Visas
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of digital nomad visa options currently available (or soon to be available) in Europe. Packed with essential information like visa length, application fees, and income requirements, it empowers you to find the perfect European country to call your remote work haven.
1. Albania
Albania’s Unique Permit offers stunning nature and affordability. Reside and work for up to one year, renewable for up to five years total. Requires proof of employment outside Albania, local bank account, health insurance, and clean criminal record.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable for up to five years
- Application Fee: Based on reciprocity (check with the Albanian embassy or consulate for details)
- Income Requirement: Estimated €9,800/year
- Official Website: Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Croatia
Sunshine and tax benefits await Croatia’s digital nomad visa. Enjoy a one-year stay with renewal possibilities. Affordable application fee, but requires a €2,500 monthly income and ICT fieldwork (for your own foreign company or as a remote employee for a Croatian company with eligibility).
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable
- Application Fee: Around €60
- Income Requirement: Around €2,500/month
- Official Website: Temporary stay of digital nomads (gov.hr).
3. Cyprus
Cyprus’ digital nomad visa offers Mediterranean beaches and history. Valid for one year with a two-year extension option. Requires €3,500 monthly income and employment with a company outside Cyprus. The family can join but cannot work under this visa.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable for two years
- Application Fee: €70
- Income Requirement: €3,500/month
- Official Website: Digital nomads and family members | (moi.gov.cy).
4. Czech Republic
History buffs and budget-conscious nomads can find their home in the Czech Republic. Their long-term business/freelance license (Zivno Visa) allows up to one year of stay. Ideal for those planning to find freelance work locally in addition to remote work for a foreign company. Requires demonstrating ties to a Czech company.
- Visa Validity: Up to one year
- Application Fee: €200
- Income Requirement: Must have €5,000 in your bank account
- Official Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (gov.cz).
5. Estonia
Their Estonia digital nomad visa allows remote work for foreign companies or freelance work with mostly international clients for up to one year, with a possible six-month extension. Requires a net income of at least €3,500 per month for the preceding six months.
Be aware that staying over six months makes you a tax resident. Estonia also offers “e-residency” for digital access to their e-services for running a company online without residency.
- Visa Validity: One year, extendable by six months
- Application Fee: €100
- Income Requirement: €4,500/month net for the previous 6 months
- Official Website: Digital Nomad Visa vs E-Residency.
6. Finland
Embrace the tranquillity of Finnish nature with their self-employment visa. This option is ideal for non-EU entrepreneurs who are self-employed or run an independent business. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum income requirement and prove sufficient means to support yourself.
- Visa Validity: Six months
- Application Fee: €400
- Income Requirement: €1,220/month
- Official Website: Finnish Immigration Service.
7. Greece
Island hopping and year-round sunshine become your reality with Greece’s digital nomad visa. Valid for one year, with the possibility of extending with a residence permit, this program allows you to live and work remotely in the country. Be prepared to show a monthly income of at least €3,500 and be aware that you cannot work for Greek companies under this scheme.
- Visa Validity: One year, extendable with a residence permit
- Application Fee: €75
- Income Requirement: €3,500/month
- Official Website: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mfa.gr).
8. Hungary
Hungary lures digital nomads with thermal baths, affordability, and their “White Card” visa. This visa allows remote work for non-EU citizens employed outside the country. You’ll need to stay at least 90 days within 180 days and enjoy tax exemption for the first six months. Working for Hungarian companies is not permitted under this scheme.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable
- Application Fee: €110
- Income Requirement: €3,000/month
- Official Website: White Card – residency for digital nomads (bmbah.hu).
9. Iceland
Iceland’s remote work long-term visa caters to high earners with a monthly income exceeding €7,000. This six-month visa is ideal for outdoor explorers seeking a dramatic natural landscape. Be aware that you won’t be considered a tax resident during this time and working for Icelandic employers is not permitted.
- Visa Validity: Six months
- Application Fee: €86
- Income Requirement: €7,075/month
- Official Website: Government of Iceland.
Must Read: Best European Cities For Digital Nomads
10. Italy
Laid-back living and breathtaking scenery await in Italy with their new digital nomad visa. Launched in April 2024, it requires health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of tax compliance in Italy before applying.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable
- Application Fee: €116
- Income Requirement: €28,000/year
- Official Website: Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
11. Latvia
Keep an eye on Latvia’s digital nomad visa program, currently undergoing legislative changes. Aimed at remote workers and freelancers with outside companies, the program promises a one-year residency with a possible second-year renewal. Income requirements are not finalized, but applicants must be citizens or residents of an OECD country.
- Visa Validity: One year, potentially renewable for a second year (legislation pending)
- Application Fee: To be confirmed
- Income Requirement: At least €2,858/month (expected)
- Official Website: Latvian Government.
12. Malta
Mild winters and island life beckon with Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit. This one-year visa is available for non-EU remote workers and freelancers working for companies outside the country. While some initial complications arose regarding tax exemptions, these are being addressed by Maltese authorities.
Malta also offers a Startup Residence Scheme for those seeking a more permanent residence. Launched in 2023, this program grants a three-year residence permit to third-country nationals who invest at least €25,000 in the country. Successful businesses can extend their stay for five years and potentially lead to long-term residency.
- Visa Validity: One year
- Application Fee: €300
- Income Requirement: €2,700/month
- Official Website: Nomad Residence Permit (gov.mt).
13. Montenegro
Montenegro is set to become a digital nomad haven with their upcoming program. Announced in 2021, the program is expected to launch applications sometime in 2024, allowing stays of up to four years with potential tax breaks. This is a great option for budget-conscious adventurers.
- Visa Validity: Up to two years, renewable for another two (applications opening in 2024)
- Application Fee: €67
- Income Requirement: Around €1,400/month
- Official Website: Programme for Attracting Digital Nomads (www.gov.me)
14. Norway
Mountain adventures and working with local businesses are yours with Norway’s residence permit and independent contractor visa. Ideal for non-EU digital nomads who have at least one Norwegian client. Be prepared to pay local taxes under this scheme, which allows stays of up to two years.
- Visa Validity: Up to two years
- Application Fee: €600
- Income Requirement: €3,000/month
- Official website: Norwegian Immigration Authority
15. Portugal
Portugal’s D7 visa, popular for its relaxed lifestyle, doesn’t require employment proof. Demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,280 from pensions, investments, or other passive sources. This visa allows you to reside in Portugal for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years, leading to permanent residency.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable for up to five years
- Application Fee: €72
- Income Requirement: €3,280/month
- Official Website: General Information – National Visas (mne.gov.pt).
16. Romania
Romania recently joined the Schengen Area in April 2024, making it an even more attractive option for digital nomads. Their visa for self-employed persons allows you to live and work remotely in the country for one year. To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate a business plan, professional experience, and a minimum monthly income of €3,950.
- Visa Validity: One year
- Application Fee: €120
- Income Requirement: €3,950/month
- Official Website: Romanian Government.
17. Spain
Spain’s new digital nomad visa, expected in 2024, has generated excitement. The program is anticipated to cater to remote workers with stays of up to five years and a possible income requirement of around €2,334/month.
- Visa Validity: One year, with the possibility of renewal for up to five years (legislation pending)
- Application Fee: To be confirmed
- Income Requirement: Around €2,334/month (expected)
- Official Website: Digital Nomad Visa (exteriores.gob.es)
18. Türkiye
Embrace Turkish history and culture with their visa for freelance work and remote working. This one-year visa, with a possibility of renewal, allows remote work for a company outside of Türkiye. The minimum income requirement is expected to be around €2,800/month, with the application process still under development.
- Visa Validity: One year, renewable
- Application Fee: To be confirmed
- Income Requirement: Around €2,800/month (expected)
- Official Website: Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Important Note
Visa information can change, so it’s always recommended to double-check the official government website of your chosen destination before applying.
Ready to Work Remotely from Europe?
With a variety of visa options and stunning locations to choose from, Europe presents an exciting opportunity for digital nomads. By carefully considering your budget, desired lifestyle, and income requirements, you can find the perfect European country to call your remote work haven.
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