Europe is a forerunner for nomad visa options aimed at attracting foreign professionals for extended stays who can boost the economy. It’s no surprise, given the prevalence of remote work has led to a surge in interest in nomad visas that accommodate this modern way of working. Search queries for the term “nomad visa” have skyrocketed, up by an incredible 400% in just the past two years.
European countries offer an attractive blend of historical richness, diverse cultures, and top-tier amenities. This open-armed approach has transformed Europe into a hotspot for remote workers who want to combine productivity with enriching life experiences.
This guide offers a deep dive to evaluate and rank the best countries in Europe for digital nomad visas based on a variety of factors including the ease of obtaining a digital nomad visa, quality of life and lifestyle, workability, entrepreneurial opportunities, and accessibility issues like language, currency, and bureaucracy. Read on to discover the best options for your next work-play adventures.
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Criteria for European countries
Before we dive into the rankings, let’s clarify what a digital nomad visa actually is. In essence, it’s a type of visa that allows individuals to live and work remotely in a foreign country.
Unlike traditional work visas, you don’t need local employment to qualify. It’s a ticket to merging work with wanderlust, and an increasing number of countries are rolling out these visas to attract remote talent. Requirements vary from country to country, but they usually include proof of income from a foreign employer, insurance coverage, and no criminal record.
Now, let’s break down the criteria for evaluating the best nomad visas in Europe:
- Ease of getting a digital nomad visa: How straightforward is the application process? What are the requirements and fees? We’ll explore how easy each country makes it for digital nomads to legally set up shop.
- Ease of remote work: How reliable is the internet? Are there co-working spaces or cafes that cater to digital nomads? We’ll consider the infrastructure that can make or break your remote work experience.
- Lifestyle: This includes everything from cost of living and healthcare to local culture and safety. After all, you want to enjoy your time abroad, not just work through it.
- Accessibility: This covers language barriers, the complexity of the local bureaucracy, tax implications, and other factors that could make your stay more challenging.
📢 All prices are correct at the time of writing.
🇪🇪 Estonia
Estonia was an early country to introduce a digital nomad visa, officially recognizing the remote work lifestyle. This visa allows digital nomads to reside in Estonia for up to a year while working remotely (type D visa).
How to get a digital nomad visa for Estonia
Estonia has a straightforward application process, with clearly outlined requirements like proof of employment, a minimum gross monthly income of €4500, and proof of health insurance. The application fee is around €100, and usually takes two weeks to one month to be processed.
However, applicants do need to apply at their nearest Estonian embassy and pick up the visa from there – which could be limiting.
Overall, the process is transparent and user-friendly, making it easier for digital nomads to legally stay and work in the country.
How is it to work remotely in Estonia?
Estonia has high-quality internet connectivity, even in more rural areas. The capital, Tallinn, has numerous co-working spaces designed to cater to digital nomads, as well as plenty of cafes with fast Wi-Fi. This makes remote working not just possible, but convenient. Yet outside of Tallinn, options are much more limited.
What’s the lifestyle like in Estonia?
Estonia offers a high quality of life with a lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries. It’s notably safe, the healthcare system is robust, and the country is known for its digital governance, which makes bureaucratic tasks easier.
The local culture is rich and less saturated by tourism, making it an enjoyable place for digital nomads. Estonia has some beautiful sites and places of interest, such as the Soomaa National Park, the Rakvere and Narva castles, the Hiiumaa island, and the Lahemaa National Park.
However, Estonia’s climate can be a drawback for those not accustomed to colder, darker winters. Additionally, while the cost of living is reasonable, it may still be high for those coming from countries with a significantly lower cost of living.
How accessible is Estonia for foreigners?
English is widely spoken in Estonia, especially among the younger population and in business settings. The tax system is fairly straightforward – people with an Estonian digital nomad visa don’t have to pay tax in the first 183 days – and the local bureaucracy is designed to be as hassle-free as possible thanks to its digital governance.
Thankfully, Estonia has been a digitalized country for a long time. This makes transitioning into Estonian life much less daunting for digital nomads.
Overall verdict – 9/10
Based on the above criteria, Estonia stands out as a top nomad visa in Europe, especially as an affordable, less-explored, and highly digitized country.
From its pioneering nomad visa program to its digital infrastructure and quality of life, it offers a favorable environment for remote work. However, the country’s harsh climate; with long, cold winters could be challenging for many. Moreover, it being a nascent tech hub means there are more limited networking opportunities.
✨ Looking for tips on how to travel and work together? Check out my guide to combine remote work with travel.
🇵🇹 Portugal
In the past decade, Portugal has seen a surge in popularity among expats and digital nomads, in part due to its golden visa program. As of 2022, Portugal rolled out a digital nomad visa – known as the temporary stay visa – for remote workers. The visa grants a one-year stay with the possibility of extending it. Applicants are required to show proof of a remote job that generates a minimum monthly income of €3,040.
Portugal also offers the D7 Passive Income Visa, another suitable option for digital nomads. However, it’s shorter, at 120 days, after which it can be renewed for a two-year residence permit. To qualify, applicants must prove that you have adequate income from outside Portugal, amounting to at least €8,460 per year for a single individual.
How to get a digital nomad visa for Portugal
The processing time for the application is slower than many others, at 3-4 months. The visa application process largely mirrors the procedures for the D7 Visa.
Applicants need to visit their closest Portuguese embassy and show proof of income (or employment), tax residency, and health insurance. The fee is approx. ~€180, making this option relatively painless for digital nomads.
How is it to work remotely in Portugal?
Portugal has an excellent internet infrastructure, particularly in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto. In recent years, Lisbon has become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in the entire world.
Many cities have a thriving community of co-working spaces and cafes that are perfect for remote work However, this can change as you go into more rural areas where the connectivity might not be as reliable.
What’s the lifestyle like in Portugal?
There’s a reason so many have flocked to Portugal – it’s famed for its quality of life. The warm climate, high levels of safety, friendly locals, and stunning landscapes make it appealing for any digital nomad.
Portugal is renowned for its lakes, lush hiking trails, and breathtaking vistas – from Madeira to the Douro Valley.
Portugal is still affordable, however, the increasing cost of living, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, can be a drawback. The healthcare system is robust but can be slow for non-emergency care.
How accessible is Portugal for foreigners?
Portuguese is the official language and while English is commonly spoken in larger cities and tourist areas, it’s less common in rural areas.
One major incentive is the reduced tax rate; digital nomads on this visa will only be taxed at a 15% rate for the first four years, compared to the standard 25% rate in Portugal.
Overall verdict – 9/10
Portugal stands as a compelling choice for digital nomads, largely due to its specialized visa that makes legal residence straightforward and advantageous from a tax perspective. However, the influx of digital nomads and expats in the past decade has made Portugal less affordable than it once was and may contribute to some local tensions.
Yet, with its rich culture, reliable internet, and co-working spaces, not to mention breathtaking natural wonders are undeniable. Portugal still remains a top-tier option but may be better suited for those with a higher remote income.
🇨🇿 Czechia
As of July 2023, Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic) has entered the digital nomad arena with a specialized visa aimed at highly skilled remote workers. This move aims to address the country’s demand for IT professionals and offers an accelerated route for a long-term stay in the country. This visa makes Czechia an emerging hotspot for digital nomads, particularly those in the tech industry.
How to get a digital nomad visa for Czechia
The visa is currently available to nationals from eight countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, the UK and the US. What’s more, applicants must either have a university degree in a STEM field or three years of IT industry experience.
The application process is quite streamlined, especially compared to previous visas. The fee is ~€104, and visa applications are processed within 45 days. The initial visa is valid for one year, after which you must apply for a residence permit, which grants another two years of stay.
How is it to work remotely in Czechia?
With a strong focus on attracting IT professionals, it’s no surprise that the country offers reliable internet and co-working spaces. Prague, in particular, is a hub for remote work, with numerous co-working options and a well-connected public transportation system. However, this might not be the case in other parts of the country, limiting your options if you prefer to work from various locations within the country.
What’s the lifestyle like in Czechia?
Affordable living costs, high safety, and a rich cultural scene make the Czech Republic, especially its capital, Prague, an attractive destination for digital nomads. The country offers an array of museums, galleries, parks, and nightlife to keep you entertained.
How accessible is Czechia for foreigners?
Language is likely the largest barrier for digital nomads, as Czech is the predominant language and English is not as widely spoken compared to other European countries. However, the country’s bureaucratic processes have been simplified for digital nomad visa holders, streamlining the experience.
Tax implications depend on whether you stay for more than 183 days in a year and may vary based on your home country’s double taxation rules.
Overall verdict – 7/10
Czechia’s newly launched digital nomad visa shows promise but comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the upside, the visa offers a relatively quick path to a long-term stay, which suggests the country is keen to build a community of skilled remote workers. The cost of living is reasonable, especially compared to other Western European countries, and the quality of life is high.
However, the newness of the visa means there might be kinks yet to be worked out, and its availability is restricted to nationals from only eight countries. Additionally, applicants face several requirements, including having a degree in a STEM field or equivalent work experience in IT, and meeting a minimum income threshold.
Overall, while the Czech Republic’s digital nomad visa could be a great option for tech professionals, it may not be accessible or ideal for everyone.
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🇪🇸 Spain
Later to the digital nomad trend, Spain joined other European countries when its new scheme launched in early 2023, with the aim to boost the nation’s tech sector. This visa allows non-EU nationals who work for non-Spanish companies to live and work in Spain for 12 months, with the ability to renew for up to five years.
How to get a digital nomad visa for Spain
Spain’s digital nomad visa costs ~€80 and comes with several requirements. First, the income threshold is set at €28,000 per year. Applicants must be able to prove their work experience, have worked remotely for at least a year, as well as the ability to work for their company with a secure contract in Spain. Their business must also have existed for a minimum of one year.
Freelancers have a little more leeway, with up to 20% of their income allowed to come from Spanish clients. Like most other visas, applicants need to visit their closest Spanish embassy or consulate to apply.
The process can be complicated, particularly if you’re not self-employed, as your employer may have to pay additional social security fees. Yet it’s fast – applications take up to 45 days.
How is it to work remotely in Spain?
Spain offers reliable high-speed internet and numerous co-working spaces, particularly in the larger cities. Cafés and public spaces with Wi-Fi are plentiful, making remote work accessible. The country also has a growing tech scene, which means more networking opportunities for digital nomads in the tech industry.
What’s the lifestyle like in Spain?
As well as its glorious weather and beaches, Spain offers a rich cultural experience, with its famous food, music, and festivals. The healthcare system is excellent, though it might be a good idea to have additional private health insurance.
While the cost of living can vary, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are relatively more expensive than other regions. Safety is generally not a major concern, although petty crimes like pickpocketing are notably common in larger cities.
How accessible is Spain for foreigners?
Due to its popularity and long history of tourism, English is well understood. However, knowing at least some basic Spanish can help navigate local bureaucracy, which can be complex.
Taxation is another important consideration – those with the visa can enjoy a generous reduced rate of 24% up to €600,000. Spain has double taxation agreements with many countries, but you’ll still need to be mindful of tax liabilities both in Spain and your home country.
Overall verdict – 7/10
Spain’s digital nomad visa offers a promising, though somewhat complicated, pathway for non-EU nationals to enjoy living and working in the country for an extended period. The lifestyle benefits are clear, with a healthy outdoorsy lifestyle, a rich cultural scene, good healthcare, and ample opportunities for remote work.
However, the somewhat stringent requirements, potential legal fees, and complexities related to social security could make the application process challenging. Overall, if you meet the criteria and are willing to navigate the bureaucratic hurdles, Spain could be a highly rewarding destination for digital nomads.
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🇬🇷 Greece
A cradle of history and known for its paradisiacal beaches and islands, Greece launched its digital nomad visa in 2021, aiming to capitalize on the growing trend of post-COVID remote work. The visa allows digital nomads to live and work in Greece for up to one year, providing they meet certain requirements.
How to get a digital nomad visa for Greece
The application process for Greece’s digital nomad visa is fairly straightforward, but there are still some requirements to meet. Applicants must provide proof of employment with a foreign company or as a freelancer with foreign clients. They must apply at their nearest Greek embassy or consulate.
A minimum monthly income of €3,500 is required to be eligible for the visa, which is higher than many other options. . In terms of fees, the visa application costs are relatively modest, but the process might require additional costs such as translations and legal fees, depending on the individual circumstances. A benefit is that processing is rapid, only taking two weeks, and sometimes a little more.
How is it to work remotely in Greece?
Internet connectivity in Greece is generally reliable, especially in urban areas and popular islands, though it may be less so in remote regions. Various co-working spaces are available in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, and many cafes are also work-friendly. Power outlets and high-speed internet are generally not hard to find, making remote work quite feasible.
What’s the lifestyle like in Greece?
Greece is renowned for its healthy diet, high work-life balance, and low cost of living. This offers an enviable lifestyle for digital nomads. The country boasts a lavish history, stunning landscapes, and exceptional cuisine.
Healthcare is generally good, though it can vary by location, and safety is typically not a major concern in most areas. The people are friendly, and the Mediterranean climate means lots of outdoor living.
How accessible is Greece for foreigners?
While the level of English proficiency is relatively high in Greece, language can still be a big barrier, especially when dealing with bureaucratic processes. Speaking of bureaucracy, Greece is known for its complex administrative procedures, which can be a hurdle for foreigners trying to navigate the system.
Taxation is another area where you may encounter challenges. The tax rate for digital nomads is competitive – a 50% tax break if you commit to staying in the country for two years minimum. Yet, the intricacies of the Greek tax system can be difficult to grasp without professional guidance.
Overall verdict – 8/10
Greece’s digital nomad visa offers a promising blend of lifestyle and work conveniences for remote professionals. The application process is fairly straightforward and fast, with fewer restrictions on digital nomads.
The country boasts a rich cultural history, stunning natural landscapes, and a Mediterranean climate. This makes it an attractive destination for those looking to blend work and leisure.
However, the complex local bureaucracy and somewhat complicated tax system could present challenges for newcomers. Overall, Greece offers a compelling package for digital nomads willing to navigate some administrative hurdles.
✨ Looking for other destinations? Check out my ultimate guide to Latin America digital nomad visas.
Best nomad visas in Europe – final verdict
When considering various nomad visas in Europe, Portugal seems to offer the most balanced and attractive package. These factors include ease of obtaining a visa, lifestyle, remote work infrastructure, and accessibility. The country provides a relatively straightforward application process for its digital nomad visa and offers attractive tax incentives. The country also boasts a high quality of life, reliable internet, and language accessibility.
On the other hand, for those keen on an up-and-coming tech hub, Estonia presents itself as an intriguing choice. Known for its digital-first society, Estonia offers an efficient visa application and is actively investing in its technological infrastructure.
Its capital, Tallinn, is a rising star in the startup world, offering numerous networking opportunities. Yes, the climate may be colder and the cost of living slightly higher compared to some Southern European countries. Yet Estonia compensates with its unique blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge digital lifestyle.
Best nomad visas in Europe – conclusion
The rise of remote work has catalyzed a global interest in digital nomad visas, a trend especially strong in Europe. Countries like Estonia, Portugal, Czechia, Spain, and Greece have each rolled out their own versions of the digital nomad visa, tailored to attract a broad range of remote workers with varying needs and preferences.
Europe’s proactive approach to accommodating and attracting digital nomads makes it one of the most compelling regions for remote workers who are seeking a balance between work and life, set against the backdrop of rich history, diverse cultures, high safety levels, and generally robust infrastructures.
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