Explore the European countries offering digital nomad visas, covering eligibility, application processes, and living conditions across various countries for remote workers.
As the trend of remote work continues to grow, many European countries are introducing digital nomad visas to attract remote workers and boost their economies.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of all the European nations that offer digital nomad visas, their requirements, and what you can expect when living in these countries as a digital nomad.
Introduction: Overview of Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Digital nomad visas have become increasingly popular as remote work continues to thrive globally. These visas allow individuals to live and work in a foreign country while performing their job duties remotely.
Europe, known for its rich culture, diversity, and high standard of living, offers numerous opportunities for digital nomads to experience new environments while maintaining their work-life balance.
Why Choose Europe for Remote Work?
Europe is an attractive destination for digital nomads for several reasons. Its diverse range of cultures, landscapes, and cities provides a unique experience for remote workers.
Many European countries have introduced digital nomad visas to attract talent and boost their local economies.
Additionally, Europe offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and robust infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to work remotely.
Read also: Requirements for Norway Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility, Income.
List of European Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas.
1. Albania Digital Nomad Visa
Albania’s Digital Nomad Visa is part of the Unique Permit scheme, allowing remote workers to reside for one year, with an option to extend up to five years. It targets digital nomads and freelancers working for foreign clients. The key requirements include proof of foreign employment, a minimum annual income of $9,800, accommodation proof, a local bank account, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. Applications take up to 12 weeks and can be completed online, allowing both global client work and local freelance projects.
2. Andorra Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in November 2023, Andorra’s visa for digital nomads accommodates both self-employed individuals and employees working remotely. Applicants must meet several criteria: approval by the Ministry of the Economy, clean police records, proof of civil status, private medical insurance valid in Andorra, and a minimum income of 3,858.39 € per month. The visa, initially granted for two years, is renewable for extended stays.
3. Austria Digital Nomad Visa
Austria does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, though European citizens may stay for up to three months without a visa. For remote workers seeking a longer stay, Austria offers visas like the Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders, which allows entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Austria. Applicants need to present a valid passport, recent photographs, proof of financial resources, accommodation, and comprehensive insurance.
4. Belgium Digital Nomad Visa
Belgium lacks a formal digital nomad visa but allows EU and US citizens to stay for up to three months. Non-EU nationals can apply for the Professional Card to conduct self-employed activities. This requires demonstrating the project’s relevance to the region, basic management knowledge, and a valid residence permit.
5. Croatia Remote Work Visa
Croatia’s Remote Work Visa enables digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers to live and work in Croatia for up to one year. The requirements include proof of self-employment with a business registered outside Croatia, a minimum monthly salary of $2,765, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and a clear criminal record. Croatia offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with significant price variations depending on the city.
6. Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa
The Czech Republic offers a Digital Nomad Visa for highly skilled remote workers, valid for one year and extendable. Eligible applicants must have a university degree or three years of IT experience, be employed by a foreign company or self-employed, and meet a minimum income threshold of 62,000 CZK monthly. The application fee is 2,500 CZK, processed within 45 days.
7. Denmark Digital Nomad Visa
Denmark does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Remote workers must apply for a temporary Danish residence permit if planning to stay longer than 90 days. This requires proof of purpose, financial stability, accommodation details, and health insurance.
8. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in August 2020, is designed for remote workers wishing to stay for up to a year. To qualify, applicants must own a business registered outside Estonia, perform their work via telecommunications, and have sufficient financial means. The minimum monthly income requirement is 3,504 €, and applicants need valid health insurance.
9. France Digital Nomad Visa
France does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. Instead, remote workers can apply for a Long-Stay Visa or Talent Passport Visa, depending on their situation. The Talent Passport Visa suits highly skilled professionals like entrepreneurs and researchers, valid for up to four years.
10. Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
Georgia’s “Remotely from Georgia” program allows foreigners to work online while living in Georgia for up to a year. Applicants must be freelancers or remote workers with foreign contracts, earn a minimum monthly income of $2,000, and have valid health insurance.
11. Germany Digital Nomad Visa
Germany offers a Freelancer Visa, also known as the “Freiberufler Visa,” for self-employed individuals and freelancers. Applicants need a university degree or equivalent, health insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and demonstrate that their work benefits the German economy.
12. Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2021, Greece’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for up to a year, with a 75 € application fee. Requirements include a valid passport, cover letter, proof of remote work, accommodation, health insurance, and a minimum monthly income of 3,500 €.
13. Hungary Digital Nomad Visa
The Hungary Digital Nomad Visa, known as the White Card, offers a fully online application process. It permits a stay of up to a year, extendable by another 12 months. Eligibility requires proof of remote work, a monthly income equivalent to twice Hungary’s minimum wage, and adequate health insurance.
14. Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Iceland provides a residence permit for remote workers, valid for up to six months. If applied for within the Schengen area, it is only valid for 90 days. Applicants must prove remote work status, earn a monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK, and have health insurance. Iceland is known for its high cost of living.
15. Ireland Digital Nomad Visa
Ireland does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. Options include the Short-Stay ‘C’ Visa for up to 90 days or the Stamp 0 Visa for those with sufficient income from remote work outside Ireland. The Start-Up Entrepreneur Program (STEP) is also available for those establishing a business.
16. Italy Digital Nomad Visa
Italy introduced its digital nomad visa in August 2021, allowing remote workers to stay for up to a year. Requirements include proof of remote work, a minimum monthly income of 2,500 €, adequate funds, and health insurance. Costs vary significantly between cities.
17. Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
Latvia’s digital nomad visa, available since September 2020, allows remote workers to stay for a year with an option to extend. Requirements include proof of remote work, a monthly income of 2,875 €, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
18. Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Malta offers a digital nomad visa with a high fee of 300 €. Requirements include a minimum monthly income of 2,700 €, health insurance, proof of accommodation, a medical certificate, and a clear criminal record. Malta is known for its sunny weather and moderate living costs.
19. Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa
Montenegro recently introduced a digital nomad visa allowing non-EU citizens to stay for up to two years, with an option to renew. Applicants need a valid passport, health insurance, accommodation proof, employment or self-employment evidence, and a clear criminal record.
20. Netherlands Digital Nomad Visa
The Netherlands does not offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can apply for a long-stay visa if their work benefits the Dutch economy, assessed based on personal experience, business plan, and added value.
21. Norway Remote Work Visa
Norway’s “Independent Contractor Visa” allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Norway. Applicants must show proof of employment or self-employment, meet a minimum income requirement, and have accommodation proof. The application fee is approximately 600 €, and the visa is valid for two years.
22. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa, or D7 Visa, allows remote workers to stay for up to a year while working remotely. Applicants must have a valid bank account, a minimum income of 3,280 €, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and a clear criminal record.
23. Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Romania’s digital nomad visa, launched in December 2021, offers remote workers a stay of up to a year, renewable once. Applicants must have a minimum income of 3,300 €, health insurance, and a clear criminal record. Romania is attractive for its low living costs.
24. Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s digital nomad visa, introduced in 2023, permits stays of up to five years. Requirements include a university degree or three years of experience, a minimum income of 2,100 €, and adequate health insurance. Spain’s living costs vary widely by city.
25. Sweden Digital Nomad Visa
Sweden does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Non-EU citizens must have Swedish clients to qualify for a work permit or apply for a self-employment visa, which requires proof of business experience, language skills, and sufficient funds.
26. United Kingdom Digital Nomad Visa
The UK does not provide a specific digital nomad visa. However, the updated Standard Visitor visa permits remote work related to overseas employment for up to six months, with options to apply for long-term visas for longer stays.
Conclusion: Summary of Options and Final Thoughts
Europe offers a wide range of opportunities for digital nomads, each country providing unique benefits and requirements. From Albania’s flexible Unique Permit scheme to Andorra’s high-income requirement visa, remote workers have multiple options to choose from.
With excellent infrastructure, rich cultural diversity, and various living standards, Europe remains a top choice for digital nomads seeking a blend of work and adventure. As the digital nomad trend grows, more European countries may introduce or refine their visa offerings to attract global talent.
