The Updated 2023 European Digital Nomad Visa Guide
Countries across Europe are competing to attract remote workers. Find out in our updated 2023 guide which digital nomad visas are available in Europe, how much they cost, and how long you can stay.
7 min read
Ever wanted to break out of the day-to-day monotony and explore the world — for longer than just a two-week vacation? These days, it’s not that far out of reach. Remote work has been on the rise, and there’s good news for digital nomads: Governments across the globe are offering special digital nomad visas and competing to attract talented workers to (at least temporarily) set up shop within their borders.Whether you’re already on the road or you’re curious about becoming a digital nomad, this guide covers the European countries that currently offer digital nomad visas and what basic requirements each country has. Plus, get tips for how to choose your perfect digital nomad destination in Europe. Let’s go!
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Choosing digital nomad-friendly destinations in Europe
Embarking on a journey as a digital nomad in Europe is definitely exciting. But with so many appealing destinations to choose from, it’s worth thinking carefully about your priorities before you commit to your next home — even if you’re not staying long. When selecting your European digital nomad haven, you want to strike the right balance between work and play. Let's delve into five factors to consider.
1. Cost of living and accommodation
Some European countries boast affordable living costs and budget-friendly housing, while others offer a more luxurious lifestyle — with the price tag to match. Check the value of the local currency, rent prices, and the cost of daily essentials like groceries and transportation. Choosing a destination that fits with your budget is crucial to maintaining a sustainable and fun nomadic lifestyle.
2. Internet connectivity and infrastructure
Reliable internet connectivity is a make-or-break consideration for digital nomad living and remote work. European countries vary in how technologically advanced their networks are, and urban centers often have much better coverage than rural areas. Picking locations with well-developed digital infrastructure will have a positive effect on your productivity (and stress levels, too).
3. Safety and security
Feeling safe can be subjective — after all, everyone’s experience is different and each individual person has their own level of risk that they’re comfortable with. Still, researching local crime rates, political stability, and the quality of the healthcare system can help anyone evaluate what they need to feel safe and secure. Consider checking the prices for health insurance, too; in some countries, it’s a mandatory cost. This way, you’ll have peace of mind as you work and explore.
4. Climate and lifestyle
From Mediterranean warmth to crisp Nordic air, Europe has a variety of very unique climates. Want to spend your weekends surfing, hiking, or skiing? Like to linger over dinner al fresco, or prefer to save your social energy for the dance floor? Choosing a destination that fits with your preferences and hobbies will set you up for your dream digital nomad life.
5. Digital nomad communities and networking
Many European countries have built their reputations as hubs for startups and other innovative businesses. The ecosystems of these places offer plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate, for example, through co-working spaces, events and meetups, or online platforms. This way, you can build your local knowledge — and potentially make lasting connections with fellow digital nomads and locals alike.
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Which European countries offer a digital nomad visa?
With the digital nomad trend not showing any signs of slowing down, many European countries have started dedicated visa programs tailored to remote workers. For example, Estonia, known for its pioneering e-Residency program, and Portugal, celebrated for its warmth and friendliness, both created official avenues for digital nomads to live and work for an extended period in their respective countries. As of 2023, many other countries — both in and outside of the European Union — have joined Portugal and Estonia in offering digital nomad visas: Croatia, Georgia, Iceland, Germany, Norway, Spain, Malta, Greece, Romania, Hungary, Cyprus, Italy, and Albania. Here's a quick overview of each European country that offers a digital nomad visa and what the costs and income requirements are.
Digital nomad visas in Albania
Albania has emerged as a popular and affordable destination for digital nomads, especially for those interested in getting off the beaten travel track.
Cost: varies
Visa duration: one year, renewable for an additional year
Necessary income: around $9,800 per year
Digital nomad visas in Croatia
Croatia offers a Digital Nomad Residence Permit, which allows you to live and work in this beautiful Balkan country as a digital nomad.
Cost: $73
Visa duration: from six months to one year
Necessary income: $2,658 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Estonia
Estonia was the first European country to offer an official digital nomad visa. There are two types: a short-stay visa (C-Visa) or a long-stay visa (D-Visa).
Cost: $85
Visa duration: three months
Necessary income: $37,000 per year (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Germany
Germany's digital nomad visa program has been delayed, even though there’s a shortage of highly skilled workers in many industries across the country. A popular alternative is the “Freiberufler” visa, which allows non-EU nationals to work in Germany as a freelancer for three months or more.
Georgia is one of the countries most open to digital nomads and remote workers, allowing 95 nationalities to live and work there.
Cost: Free
Visa duration: one year
Necessary income: $2,000 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Iceland
How about remote working amidst wild horses, active volcanoes, and a lot of snow? Iceland was one of the first Schengen countries to introduce a remote work visa designed specifically for digital nomads.
Cost: $96
Visa duration: six months
Necessary income: $7,763 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Norway
Norway's digital nomad visa allows you to live and work there — but only in Svalbard, an archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
Cost: $632
Visa duration: two years (renewable)
Necessary income: $37,680 per year (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Spain
Spain is the latest country to introduce a digital nomad visa program, with applications opening at the beginning of 2023.
As long as you can provide proof of independent income, Portugal's temporary stay visa is a great option for remote workers.
Cost: around $190
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $2,950 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Malta
Malta has previously offered tourist visas and a one-year visa for longer stays. Now, they’re also offering a digital nomad visa.
Cost: $316
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $2,850 per month
Digital nomad visas in Greece
Greece's digital nomad visa is known to be one of the easiest to apply for and to obtain. Not only that, it guarantees you free travel around the European Union. Some digital nomads might even get a 50% tax reduction.
Cost: $79
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $3,690 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Romania
A popular destination for remote workers from all around the world, Romania offers stunning landscapes and affordable living costs.
Cost: not available
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $3,900 per month (minimum)
Digital nomad visas in Hungary
If you're under 40 and not married, Hungary's White Card, launched in November 2021, might be the perfect option for a longer stay there.
Cost: $116
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $2,110 per month
Digital nomad visas in Cyprus
Cyprus' Digital Nomad Visa Scheme allows nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries to live and work there. However, there's a catch: only a limited number of visas are issued each year (100 in 2021 and 500 in 2022).
Cost: $78
Visa duration: one year (renewable)
Necessary income: $37,000 per year
Digital nomad visas in Italy
Italy's digital nomad visa was finally passed in March 2022. However, this visa will only be available for highly skilled workers with a Master's degree. It hasn't been officially launched yet, so there isn’t much information available yet about the visa.
Cost: not available
Visa duration: one year
Necessary income: not available
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