For many of us we associate Europe with icons like the Eiffel Tower, castles, the Alps, island hopping and the Roman Forum. And we often dream that our brief European vacation could be longer. Well, it can be. You could find yourself living and working in Europe if you qualify for a digital nomad visa of one of the European countries that offer it. Intrigued? If you want to live and work in Europe read on.

There are some 60+ digital nomad destinations currently available around the world with around 20 of these destinations being countries in Europe and Scandinavia. So if you would like to immerse yourself in Europe, there are some diverse countries you could do this in.

A quick note here. If you don’t qualify for a digital nomad visa or don’t work online, check out a working holiday visa as there are a number of countries in Europe and Scandinavia with these. Also, if you are a citizen of a European country and your country is an European Union member, then you can live work and play in Europe. Check out the official EU website for more details.

 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

 

I am presuming if you are reading this you know what a digital nomad visa is, but let me give you a quick recap. A digital nomad visa is a visa that allows remote workers the opportunity to live and work online in another country. 

Digital nomad visas can be called different names. They can be known as freelance visas, remote worker visas, expat visas, online worker visas, and a number of other unique names. But they work similarly – allowing you to live and work online for an extended period in another country.

 

Digital Nomad Visa Regulations

 

Each country has their own regulations you must meet to get the visa. In general you will need to:

• Complete an application online
• Have a valid passport
• Be earning a certain amount of income and provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself
• Have health insurance
• Have no criminal record
• Pay a visa cost

If you qualify for said visa, you can legally live and work for 6+ months in the country. What a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture.

 

Why Live and Work in Europe?

 

Why not live and work in Europe is what you should be asking yourself. If you are chasing a cheaper lifestyle and great food, then a digital nomad visa should be top of your list. Key reasons to choose a European digital nomad visa:

• Affordable Lifestyle. Yep, the cost of living in some European nations, particularly in Eastern Europe is cheaper and can provide a better lifestyle than your own country. This allows a better quality of life. The technical term for this is geoarbitrage.
• Unique Cultural and Adventure Opportunities. This is my favourite part of any visit to Europe. Europe is known for its vibrant cities, natural wonders, Christmas markets and unique food. Living and working in Europe means you can travel extensively, even visiting another country in a day. And immerse yourself in different cultures. But ensure you stick to the Shengen Area Visa Rules.
• Thriving Tech Scene. Many European cities are digital nomad hubs. They have the infrastructure all set up including fast Wi-Fi and co-working spaces and cafes to work in. And there are plenty of digital nomad jobs you can do.
• Proximity and Time Zone. Europe is a great time zone to live in. No getting up in the middle of the night to take a conference call – well, that will depend on where you clients are!

All very good reasons to live and work in Asia as a digital nomad don’t you think?

 

Countries in Europe with a Digital Nomad Visa

 

Europe is a continent covering some 10.18 million km2 (3.93 million sq miles). You will find many countries on this continent and each in their own right deserve a visit. Hell, they are so diverse – different culture, language, foods, landscape, weather and history. They can be classified into the following:

Eastern Europe: Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Republic of Kosovo, Macedonia, Republic of Moldava, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia Republic, Slovenia and Ukraine.
Northern Europe: Scandanavia (Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway, Sweden), the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), and the the United Kingdom.
Southern Europe: Countries close to the Mediterranean Sea, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Greece and Croatia.
Western Europe and Central Europe: Western Europe and Central Europe are the most popular regions in Europe with countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland. 

 

Digital Nomad Visas in Europe + Scandinavia

 

Albania, Albania Long-Stay Visa

 

Albania is a country in Southeastern Europe, located on the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. And now, Albania offers a long-stay visa allowing digital nomads to stay for up to one year. Plus, offers the option to renew and stay longer. Affordable cost of living will probably turn this small European country into a digital nomad hotspot. For more details and to apply online go here:

 

Andorra

 

Andorra’s Economy Minister recently said the government will begin developing digital economy laws to encourage and retain top talent in the technology and e-commerce businesses. However, it has yet to be implemented. According to officials, the new digital nomad legislation would make YouTubers, influencers, and social media administrators legitimate. Because of its low crime rate, Andorra is one of the safest nations to live and work in Europe. Andorra also boasts high-speed Internet and reliable phone connection. Stay tuned on this one.

 

Croatia

 

As of January 2021, Croatia has been issuing digital nomad visas. It is available for different lengths of time, with a maximum of 12 months. You will need to provide proof of self-employment, pass a criminal background check from your home country, provide proof of an accommodation agreement and earn a minimum of €2500 Euro per month. If Croatia is on your radar for an extended stay you can get more details on the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa here.

 

Cyprus

 

The Digital Nomad Visa Scheme is Cyprus’s official digital nomad visa program. Under this visa, non-EU and non-EEA people may visit Cyprus for three months. The digital nomad visa for Cyprus promotes the nation as a remote IT worker option. This program seeks to attract Digital nomads to help the Cyprus economy. Cyprus provides one-year digital nomad permits that are renewable. Visas for digital nomads must be renewed one month before they expire. Nicosia’s Civil Registry and Migration Department accept papers and €70 application fees. Learn more about Visa information for digital nomads in Cyprus here.

 

Czech Republic, Czech Republic Freelancer Visa (Zivno)

 

The Czech Republic digital nomad visa is called Zivnostenske opravneni or Zivno for short. It is actually a long-term business visa for freelancers and valid for a year but there is the option to extend the visa. While working online your could explore many quaint villages, hike in the mountains or enjoy the capital city, Prague. With low cost living and fast wifi, the Czech Republic may be the destination for you. Read more on the requirements to get the Zivno and how to apply by contacting your nearest embassy or consulate of Czech Republic working in your home country.

 

Estonia, Estonia Remote Work Visa

 

Estonia is a Northern European country bordered by Latvia in the south and Russia to the East. And there is plenty of north and western coastline that borders the Baltic Sea. It may not be the Caribbean but there is plenty of ocean to enjoy. There are also many towns including the Baroque inspired capital Tallinn. One of the most popular digital nomad hotspots after Bali. Since 2014 Estonia has been running an e-residency program to attract entrepreneurs. 

From 1 August 2020 Estonia launched a digital nomad visa that allows a stay to live and work for up to 12 months. It is aimed at freelancers and other self-employed foreigners who work remotely for a company or work online for themselves. If you are looking for a base in Europe that offers cheap living, then Estonia may be the place for you. Read more about The Republic of Estonia Digital Nomad Visa here.

 

Georgia, Georgia Freelance Visa

 

Georgia is a small country between Europe and Asia. It was formerly part of the Soviet Republic. If you look at a map it has a coastline that borders the Black Sea and borders with Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Georgia is also home to the Caucasus Mountains and its capital, Tbilisi, is known for its maze-like, cobblestone streets. It is a great country to base yourself for travelling as it is found midpoint between Europe and Asia. Tbilisi in particular is a great international hub with direct flights linking other European and Asian cities.

Georgia has introduced a digital nomad visa to attract remote workers. Therefore, if you are interested in Georgia’s coastal charms or living in a village with snow-capped mountains then setting up in Georgia may be for you. Added to the 6 months or more living in Georgia the visa lets you enjoy up to 90 days of travel throughout Europe’s Schengen Area. Read more and register your interest for the Digital Nomad Visa here.

 

Germany, Germany Freelance Visa

 

Germany, located in central Europe is a great place to set up to work remotely. The freelance visa, ‘Freiberufler’, meaning ‘liberal profession’ only lasts for three months, but you may be able to convert that into a residency permit, extending to three years. 

There are many cities or typical German towns like Berlin and Munich you can find accommodation and immerse yourself in the local culture. Beer and pretzels anyone! And Germany is a great base for future travels throughout Europe. One thing I love about living and working in Germany is English is widely spoken. To find out the eligibility criteria get The German Freelancers ‘freiberufler’ Visa details here. You could also consider the Germany Working Holiday Visa.

 

Greece

 

Greece has long been a wonderful place for holiday makers who love to island hop. Its appeal has grown even more to remote workers after the introduction of the digital nomad visa in September 2021. The attractiveness of Greece originates from the country’s image as a peaceful and safe environment for telecommuting. Any non-EU citizen who is self-employed or has a dependent employee may apply for a digital nomad visa for Greece. The digital nomad visa is valid for one year and may be renewed for another two. You must apply for a residence permit to stay longer than a year after your visa expires. Applicants are notified of the status of their application within ten business days. In Greece, applying for a Digital Nomad Visa costs €75. You must apply for the visa in person at your closest Greek embassy or consulate.

 

Hungary, Hungary White Card

 

Digital Nomads have long been visiting Hungary and enjoying everything the capital city of Budapest has to offer. And now Hungary has introduced a long-term stay visa, known as the ‘White Card’ for those digital nomads from non-EU countries. If you are from an EU country you will be able to live and work in Hungary, get more details at www.europea.eu. Get more details on Hungary’s White Card at your nearest Hungary Consulate.

 

Iceland, Long Term Visa

 

Iceland is a hot destination right now – think fjords, national parks, waterfalls and volcanos. Many people are visiting to see the Northern Lights and to swim between the North American and European tectonic plates. But Iceland has plenty more to offer, particularly now with its own long-term visa for remote workers and digital nomads. It is one of the shortest digital nomad visas, up to 6 months, available. You must earn at least 1,000,000 ISK per year to qualify for the visa. If this one is of interest, find out more about the application process here.

 

Italy, Italy Digital Nomad Visa

 

Given the country’s abundance of fashionable co-working spaces, excellent food, even more, fantastic coffee, and cheap cost of living, it’s no surprise that Italy has become one of the best countries for digital nomads. The Italian government approved new laws on March 28 2022 allowing remote workers and digital nomads to acquire a special visa. If you are not a European citizen but wish to live in Italy for a few years, you should apply for an Italian Digital Nomad Visa. This visa comes with a number of benefits, and you may remain in the country for up to five years. More information on the Italian Digital Nomad Visa may be found here.

 

Latvia

 

Latvia is a popular destination for digital nomads looking for a scenic European country. Its lovely woodlands and lakes entice digital nomads. In February 2022, Latvia approved a draft digital nomad visa with final approval soon. The Latvian digital nomad visa will allow remote workers and freelancers to stay in Latvia for one year, and it may be renewed. After two years, bearers of digital nomad visas may apply for permanent residency in Latvia. After five years, digital nomads may apply for Latvian citizenship. This allows them to get an EU passport. EU passport holders may visit all 26 Schengen Area countries without a visa! Learn more about the Latvian digital nomad visa here.

 

Malta, Malta Digital Nomad Visa

 

Malta has recently launched its own Digital Nomad Residence Permit targeting remote workers from outside the EU. It is an island in the Mediterranean and has long attracted digital nomads due to its Mediterranean island lifestyle. Other attractions are the internet infrastructure, it’s ease to visit other European countries and English is widely spoken. There are some catches to qualify for the visa. Applicants must have gross monthly income of €2,700 Euro, proof of travel/health insurance, background verification check and a valid property rental agreement in Malta. Once all this is met, you can live, work and play in Malta for up to one year. Worth the effort I say!

 

Montenegro

 

Montenegro has only existed as an independent country since 2006 when it proclaimed independence from Serbia. This country has a lot to offer digital nomads and remote workers and Non-EU citizens may apply for the digital nomad visa. The digital nomad visa is valid for two years and may be extended if needed. The visa application procedure takes around 30 days. For more details and how to apply for the Montenegro digital nomad visa contact your nearest Montenegro consulate.

Read my guide to Montenegro for digital nomads and remote workers here.

 

Norway, Norway Residence Permit

 

Norway has a couple of visa options for digital nomads. If you are happy to relocate to the Svalard area you don’t need a visa at all! It is the only place in the world that doesn’t require a visa. Svalbard is an archipelago between the North Pole and mainland Norway. A very expensive place to live and work so you will need to be a high-earning digital nomad and able to support yourself for your stay. Norway also has a digital nomad visa known as the Independent Contractor Visa. It is designed for anyone who is self-employed and working on a Norwegian business project. Obtain details on the Norwegian visas here.

 

Portugal, Portugal Freelance Visa

 

Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches and football players. Oh, and it has a visa program that offers temporary residence for independent workers – Portugal Freelance Visa. One problem though, applications must demonstrate that their skills are needed in the country. You also have to register as a freelancer and the application process is lengthier than some of the others but a lot say the lifestyle of living and working in Portugal is well worth the effort. If you are a digital nomad and looking to live in Portugal for a while you will be interested in the newly introduced D8 Portugal Digital Nomad Visa Program.

READ MORE: Guide to living and working in Portugal as a digital nomad

 

Romania, Romania Digital Nomad Visa

 

Romania is one of the most recent nations to offer a digital nomad visa being introduced on December 21, 2021. The digital nomad visa in Romania operates similarly to visas in other European digital nomad destinations. The program is only available to digital nomads, defined as “foreigners who are hired with an employment contract by a firm registered outside Romania or who own a company registered outside Romania and may operate as an employee or inside the company remotely” by Romanian authorities – that’s a mouth full! The visa is valid for a year and enables visitors to remain in the nation without requiring other permits or visas. If internationals continue to achieve the minimum standards, their digital nomad visa may be extended for another 12 months. Discover more about digital nomad visas in Romania here.

 

Spain, Spain Digital Nomad Visa

 

If Spain is on your agenda, then the self-employment work visa will allow you to live and work in Spain for up to a year. A year will allow you to continue working online and enjoy all what Spain has to offer. From beaches, the beautiful architecture to tapas and Sangria, there is so much to enjoy. Maybe learn the Flamenco! Whatever if attracting you to Spain at least you know Spain has the Self-employment Work Visa. Read more about the Spain Self-employment Work Visa here.

READ MORE: Living and Working in Spain as a digital nomad

 

Where to Live when You Move to Europe

 

Initially you will want some short-term accommodation until you find somewhere long-term to live. Check out Booking.com for short-term accommodation in a hostel or hotel. You could also consider house and pet sitting opportunities at Trusted Housesitters. Having a couple of weeks in short-term accommodation will help you to get your bearings and allow you to set up your tech gear to continue your online work.

 

Don’t Work Online or Don’t Qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa?

 

Not everyone works online and not everyone qualifies for a digital nomad visa. And that doesn’t mean you can’t live and work abroad. There are other visas available that allow you to move abroad or help you travel full-time.

 

Are you ready to discover Europe on a digital nomad visa?