So, you’ve started your new remote job, finally found a bank that is not going to penalize you with horrendous international exchange fees, and have all the software that you need to kill it at your first job.
Congratulations! You are officially joining the ranks of the Digital Nomads! (AkA Remote Workers who travel)
But now, you get to ask the fun question… Where should I go? You may be wondering why we decided to focus on digital nomad visas in Europe. And if you scrutinize the list even further, you will notice that I focused on EU countries. There are numerous reasons that Europe is advantageous for digital nomads, including internet infrastructure, but it’s primarily for three reasons.
- European Union countries are some of the first to create specific digital nomad visas. A lot of the countries offer clear instructions on how to avoid entering the country illegally, if your intent is to stay for a longer period of time. Plus, with this being a legal way to enter into a country, this is a good way to (hopefully) encourage digital nomads to think about the cities they visit, and how their location impacts the local residents!
- The EU is a bloc, and it contains the Schengen Zone. The free flow of traffic from Greece to Germany, or Iceland to Ireland, means you will be able to enter one country and visit another without any restrictions. This is the crux of being a digital nomad. (If you apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Serbia, this is only good in Serbia. Plus, you still need to apply through the ETIAS system.) This might vary from location to location. For example, on a one-year visa in Greece, you need to reside in Greece for at least six months out of the year. However, I think you get the purpose.
- The travel section of this website primarily focuses on Europe.
With this all in mind, let’s talk about some general requirements for each country, before we get into the 10 countries in Europe that offer a digital nomad visa, along with the cost of each destination, and the important question… Do I pay taxes when I am a Digital Nomad?
Table of Contents
General Requirements for Digital Nomad Visas
While reviewing the government websites, there were five questions that were generally asked and needed to be proved for ALL digital nomads.
- You must be a foreign citizen, with a clean criminal record in any country, AND you must not be located within the country you are applying to.
Occasionally, the language mentioned that the immigration officer will examine the last travel date in-country, too. So, make sure you space out (probably at least sixty days) your last visit to the Schengen Zone and your visa application.
Additionally, a lot of the language suggested reaching out to your local embassy or consulate. Depending on the temperment of your case officer, it may or may not matter if you begin the process outside of your home country..
- Prove that your clients (or employer) is not based in the country.
If you work for a large, publicly-traded entity such as Allianz (Germany), there is a greater likelihood that your visa will be rejected. To them, they view the employee as a sponsored worker, so numerous countries will recommend that you apply for a sponsored worker’s visa. (If you are from the United States, this is similar to the H-1B, visa.)
This definitely means that most of these options are geared towards freelancers, rather than the 9-5, stable-employment types.
- Prove that you only need digital technology (and that you can provide your own) to work and make money
A very detailed job description along with building a remote-first resume that describes what you do is integral for your success. Out of all the sections, this will be the most difficult category to prove. One person may know that you are a photographer, and they know that you only need a camera and laptop. Meanwhile, others might have questions about Freelance Marketing Directors, and if you intend to work with clients in XYZ country.
- Health Insurance
Every country on this list will expect you to plan for health insurance. It does vary if they expect you to pay-into state health insurance or make you research and purchase international health insurance prior to your arrival. Out of everything, this will be the most important category to research, as it is the easiest to deny.
That’s a lot of work, can’t I just work and not tell anyone?
Probably so. However, these visas extend your time in various countries beyond the typical tourist visa. Some are even Golden Visas to permanent residency, too.
Nordic Countries
Iceland
For some strange reason, everyone has heard about this strange country in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that comes by the name “Iceland.”
Maybe the reason it is so popular is because of the traveler-friendly stop-over program through IcelandAir, something to do about the nice people that welcome you, some people think it’s the jaw-dropping landscapes, and I think it’s the combination of everything above!
But have you ever thought about living there?
- Cost = $4,000-$5,000 per month
It’s hard to estimate an exact budget for a trip to Iceland, as I have seen travelers spend around $70 per day and $700 per day. Plus, relying on crowd-sourced data during a period of inflation is rather unpredictable. During my time on the island, I was spending about $140 per day. (That includes a car rental, sleeping in the car, diesel, and food.)
On average, a small apartment in Reykjavík is going to cost between $1,500-$2,000. Expect to spend about $2,000 on fuel (diesel), dinner, miscellaneous, and groceries. (Shop at Bonus & Costco in Reykjavík.) And plan to spend even more money if you intend to participate in any guided tourism activities.
- Length
The Digital Nomad Visa (aka Long-Term Visa for Remote Work) in Iceland is one of the shortest on this list, as the entire length is only between 90-180 days. Additionally, you cannot apply for this visa while you are physically in the country.
- Visa Application Fee
The Long-Term Visa for remote workers in Iceland costs 12,200 ISK, which is approximately 90 USD.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Budget Backpackers beware, you will not be eligible for this one, as Iceland’s visa cost a horrendous amount of money. You will need to confirm that your income from remote will correspond to 1,000,000 ISK ($7,000) per month!
- Do I Pay Taxes?
No, but you are required to purchase International Health Insurance. (Thankfully, we wrote a piece explaining some insurance options for your time there!)
- Where do I apply?
https://island.is/en/get-long-term-visa-for-remote-workers
Finland
Another Nordic country that offers a digital nomad visa in Europe, Finland is going to be a bit tricky in applying to.
“Technically” you will be applying for a start-up entrepreneur visa or entrepreneur visa. The great thing? This is actually a way to get EU residency, as these visas have the possibility to be extended beyond the first year or two.
The down side? This visa is going to take time to be processed, and it is going to have a significant administrative burden on your part. These include profitability calculations (It doesn’t specify if a simple PnL sheet will do, or if you will need to show an IASB-formatted spreadsheet, etc, etc.)
Like Iceland, you can not already be present in the country when you apply for the start-up entrepreneur visa.
- Cost = $3,000 – $4,000 per month
The cost of living in Finland is going to vary depending on if you live in the city center, or outside in the “suburbs.” Plus, the further North you travel up to, the more expensive it is. I expect you to spend around $1,500 for an apartment in Helsinki, and that cost could be for a one-bedroom in the center.
Expect to spend about $400-$500 on food per month, and that is just the price of groceries. Between meals at $15-20 per person, higher fuel charges, it’s easy to see how $4,000 is going to be spent.
- Length
The entrepreneur visa in Finland is actually one of the longest on the list, as it could vary between one or two years depending on the approval. (If you can show multiple years of profit, they are much more likely to give you a two-year visa.) Then, you have the possibility to extend beyond that!
- Visa Application Fee
The Start-Up entrepreneur visa application cost 350 euro. And the entrepreneur visa cost 490 euro.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
$1,400 per month (But probably a lot more.)
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes, as this is a regular visa under law, you will be paying everything that a citizen will pay.
- Where do I apply?
Baltic
Estonia
Of all the countries on this list, Estonia is one of the most tech-friendly. However, due to its location, it is also one of the most difficult to travel from. (There are a few budget airlines, however.) But again, because it isn’t as tourist-focused as other parts of Europe, it doesn’t have the same number of tourists and allows for a local feel.
- Cost = $1,400 – $2,700 per month
Most people are going to be in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. A well connected city, it looks stunning all times of the year. During the summer, expect it to be cooler than most other parts, and the winters are cold.
Thankfully, the costs are more reasonable compared to others. An apartment should cost between 800-1200 dollars per month. Food prices will be similar to Helsinki, too. About 4-500 dollars per month on groceries, between $15-20 per person for each meal.
- Length
The length of the Digital Nomad Visa is going to be a year. What’s fascinating is that Estonia clearly lays out the stipulations for work. “ [The Digital Nomad Visa is] For an employer registered abroad, or as a freelancer for clients mostly abroad.”
However, there is no path to residency with this program. From reviewing, it appears that they would like to work towards creating a digital nomad visa to resident pipeline, but this does not exist at this time. At the conclusion of your visa, you may extend for an additional six months. However, you cannot stay longer than 548 days in a 730 day timeframe,.
The typical Schengen rules apply for this visa. (90/180)
- Visa Application Fee
The cost for the Digital Nomad Visa is 100 euro.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Looking into this, the Estonian government will expect you to make at least 4,500 euro per month, consistently. They do not expect you to have twelve months of income saved, but rather show the ability to consistently pay your bills.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes. Anyone who stays in Estonia more than 183 days per 12 month period is required to pay taxes.
- Where do I apply?
After filling out a rather lengthy form, you will need to visit your local Estonian Embassy or Consulate. If one does not exist in your country, you will need to travel and schedule an appointment.
How Remote Work Helps Employers
Looking to hire globally? Or maybe an employee proposed switching to a remote position? You wonder about salary and what tax strategies exist?
10 European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (EU)
What are ten places in Europe that you can move to, today?
Central Europe
Germany
Germany, more specifically Berlin, have been digital nomad hubs in Europe for a little close to a decade now. Full of reasonable (but rapidly rising) rents, great public transportation, lively nightlife, and the beergarten scene (if that’s your thing), I really do believe Berlin is one of the best cities in the world.
However, living in this country is.. Bureaucratic.
There are two different options for staying in Germany, and you should not even mention anything called the digital nomad visa
Instead, it is called the freelancer or Freiberufler and there is also the Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur selbstständigen. (Roughly Translates to Resident for Self-Employement.) visas.
Most people are going to apply for the Freiberufler, but this does require a university degree in the liberal professions.
- Cost = $2,000 – $2,500 per month in Berlin. About $3,000- $4,000 in Munich and Bavaria, and southwest Germany in states like Baden-Wurttemberg, and about $1,700-$2,300 for other places (not including Frankfurt) such as Hamburg and Leipzig. East Germany is cheaper than West Germany.
Germany is going to be tricky to prepare for, as the cost will vary wildly across the state. There is the tendency that cities are more expensive, but this is not always the case. Southeastern Germany is exponentially more expensive, but it is still cheaper than neighboring Switzerland.
From my experience, I expect to spend about three to four hundred dollars per month on groceries, but this is you exclusively shop at Aldi and Lidl. Otherwise, Edeka and Rewe (I prefer Rewe due to their excellent bread sections.) are excellent supermarkets in the American-mold. If you are coming from England, Sainburys is similar to Rewe, and M&S is closer to Edeka without the clothing
With meals now being between twenty and thirty dollars per person, higher-than average fuel prices, and expensive rent, I personally see how I could spend $4,000 USD in a month.
- Length
Alright, here is where it gets crazy. Do not enter Germany on a tourist visa. When you apply for the Freiberufler visa, this sometimes is actually only a short-stay visa. After arriving, finding a place to live, and you start working remotely, you have about ninety days for the freelancer resident visa process. Then, depending on whether you like it enough and they approve, it can be anywhere from three years after numerous extensions or none.
From there, you might be able to apply for a residence visa. But it’s not guaranteed, either.
- Visa Application Fee
The visa application is 100 euro.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
I have seen a variety of income requirements for the Freiberufler application, but it seems that the income must be at least 12,000 euro, annually. I expect it to be a bit more, and you should probably show a gross income of between 20-30,000 euro.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
You will need to pay taxes.
- Where do I apply?
Local German Embassy Or Immigration Office in Germany. Make sure to research all of the various documents you need beforehand.
- Other Notes- Age
If you are above the age of forty-five, you will need to start thinking about a pension plan. (Retirement account). There are certain minimums by the time you reach the early 60s, such as almost 200,000 euro.
- Other Notes Pt. 2- Paperwork
There is going to be a lot of paperwork for this visa, and if you make one mistake, expect the entire process to re-start.
Hungary
Hungary is a solid destination with a low cost-of-living, fast internet, relatively inexpensive food and drink scene, but also due to its central location to the rest of Europe. By taking advantage of Hungary’s white card, even though you still fall under the 90/180 rule, you should be able to explore most of central Europe.
- Cost = $1,100- $1,400 per month
Of course, the most expensive place to live in Hungary will be Budapest. And the more expensive areas will be in the city center. However, I really don’t expect anyone to spend more than $800 per month for an apartment. Utilities are somewhat cheap in Hungary, too.
Groceries should be rather reasonable, I would hope. Depending on your lifestyle, probably no more than three hundred to four hundred dollars for groceries. And meals should cost between $10-$15. (Less if you are outside of of the touristy areas)
- Length
The White Card is valid for a maximum of one year. However, it may be extended for one additional year with a fee. The 90/18 rule is going to continue for this visa. Additionally, you cannot bring family members with you. This is for an individual.
- Visa Application Fee
The White Card in Hungary is one of the most expensive visas I have seen. The Hungarian service fee cost about 110 euro. However, if you are denied, the appeal costs an additional 160 euro. Then, there is all of the consular fees/
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Of all the visas on this list, Hungary requires a bit more money than most. Your gross income must be at least 2,000 euro per month. Additionally, they will ask for more than one form of proof. This might look like a tax certificate or income statements.
Additionally, they appear strict about the timeline. This cannot be a new job, and you must show consistent employment.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes, anyone who resides in Hungary for more than six months will have to pay taxes. Health insurance is required, too.
- Where do I apply?
You will not be able to be in Hungary during this process. Additionally, this visa is in two-parts. The first is the intent to move there, and then the second is the thirty-day paperwork. You can find more information on the Government of Hungary’s website.
Czechia (Czech Republic)
Within Czechia, there is no specific digital nomad visa. Instead, it is a temporary, one-year visa with the ability to extend. Because of this, you are going to be treated much more closely to a business for taxation purposes and such. However, this visa is accompanied with typical EU travel. (No 90/180)
- Cost = $1,500 – $2,000 per month
In the last ten years, costs in Prague have rapidly increased. (Especially for lodging) However, the outskirts, from what I read and hear, are much cheaper. Given the country is well-connected, you might be able to halve your living costs if you are willing to find someplace in the countryside and take the bus into the city.
The rest of the food prices are similar to Hungary. However, dining at restaurants will be more expensive.
- Length
Unfortunately, this visa is only about a year long. You can extend, however, for one additional year. Or you may begin the process of long-term residence permit. That being said, there is a likelihood that this will be denied.
I highly recommend beginning your extension paperwork sixty days before your visa ends. After all, you will need to re-gather your paperwork.
- Visa Application Fee
The entrepreneur visa is one of the most expensive on this list, and it costs about 5,000 CZK. This is about $250.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Thankfully, applicants who are under the entrepreneurship visa have lower requirements for the net worth. However, you should have at least 50x 3130 CZK. As of 2023, this is about $7500.
You probably should show a total income of at least $1500 per month, gross, too.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes
- Where do I apply?
The process is very much treated like a full-immigration visa. You will need to fill out paperwork, attend at your local consulate, and require mounds of documentation. Additionally, there will be more to do after you arrive. You can find more information about the entrepreneurship visa on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website. Expect to hear a decision between 90-120 days after you begin your process.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean countries of Europe have been the leaders in many regards for digital nomad visas in the 2020s. A lot of the options started occurring as a result of spurring economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the region faces many challenges (i.e. Greece)
Out of all places in Europe, the remote worker scene in this area invites interesting conversations. After all, the relatively affluent population moving to these small towns is often accompanied by increases in rent or the decrease in housing for locals and conversions to short-term stays. Additionally, the Mediterranean countries are some of the easiest pathways to Schengen residency.
Spain
One of the new-ish countries in Europe to offer a digital nomad visa, Spain officially announced their vision of a remote-work visa in January of 2023. Because this is, we have extremely clear guidelines for this.
In order to qualify for the digital nomad visa, you must
- Be a citizen of a non-EU country.
- Be employed by a non-Spanish company (companies for freelancers) for at least three months. The company must be at least one year old.
- Provide proof that shows your job can be completed remotely.
- Make at least 200% of the minimum wage.
- Degree
- No Arrests
- Cost = $2,000 – $2,500 per month
Thankfully, the cost of Spain is extremely affordable, even in cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. Apartments can be about 1,100 euro for a one-bedroom within Madrid, and it is cheaper in the outskirts or if you decide to rent a studio.
Groceries, and especially produce, are extremely cheap. It does depend if you eat meat for every meal, but you can reasonably spend 300 dollars per month on groceries and live. Meals will be between $10-200.
- Length
The length of the visa is only one year. However, you can extend into a residence visa, and then apply for permanent residency afterwards.
- Visa Application Fee
The visa cost is rather reasonable at around 80 euro.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
This will be set at 200% of the country’s minimum wage. As such, it will change yearly with inflation.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes, but it is lowered to a 15% rate.
- Where do I apply?
Spain advises you to actually be in the country, then apply for the visa. This will reduce processing times that generally take a couple of months. The official law (in Spanish) can be found here.
Italy
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa was officially signed into law in 2022. However, the guidance remains murky. I expect the entry requirements to be similar to the self-employment visa:
- Valid Health Insurance
- Proof of Stable Income, which should equate to at least $20,000
- A couple of months for processing times.
Also, for some odd reason, I expect the first year or two of this visa to take a very, very long time to process. (Expect 2+ months). From what I have seen,
- Cost = $2,000 – $3,000 per month in Milan and the North; $1-$2,000 in the South. Could probably spend less than 1,000 euro if needed.
The cost of Italy is going to vary widely from North to South. However, you will need to be in a city such as Rome, Milan, or Palermo for better internet access. Meals in Milan can cost about $20 a plate, while in Sicily will cost about $10. Thankfully, Italy is one of the countries where the lifestyle promotes cheap activities (walking around and the such).
- Length
The Digital Nomad visa should last for about a year, and this is just about the right amount of time to explore the country in depth. However, I don’t expect this visa to lead to residency.
- Visa Application Fee
There is the application fee and visa issuance fee if approved. Expect to pay around $150.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
A minimum salary of at least 8500 Euros is required. A salary of 20,000 euro or more should help you get approved.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Probably so, and you are going to have to have insurance.
- Where do I apply?
You will need to contact your local embassy or consulate. These visas (if I understand the news) will be regulated under resident visas, which means they will be limited.
Portugal
Portugal’s golden visa is probably one of the easiest to obtain in the world. However, unfortunately, there is no magical digital nomad visa. Previously, people have used the passive-income visa strategy, but now more are relying on the new, temporary-stay visa.
- Cost = $1,300 – $1,700 per month
Portugal is also more expensive than in the past. In general, the prices remain the same as Spain. 800 or so for an apartment. (A really nice one in the city with utilities) Groceries will be less than average, however.
- Length
The entrepreneur visa in Finland is actually one of the longest on the list, as it could vary between one or two years depending on the approval. (If you can show multiple years of profit, they are much more likely to give you a two-year visa.) Then, you have the possibility to extend beyond that! This visa is much more hear
- Visa Application Fee
The visa will cost between 75 and 90 euro.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Portugal requires the applicant to have at least four times the minimum state salary, and they must be able to prove they have been making it for at least three months. Right now, that is about $3500.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
Yes, you will pay a reduced rate of 15% for the first four-years of any Portuguese residency. After your fifth year, and if you apply for permanent residency, you will begin to be taxed at a higher rate.
- Where do I apply?
You can find more information on the general information page of the Portuguese Government’s website.
Greece
Greece is a bit tricky to recommend for digital nomads. Although it is very beautiful, and if you are a content creator/influencer, you need to do it once. Internet problems can exist in both Athens (and especially on the islands.)
Yes, simple things such as browsing the internet will be okay. However, when it came to Facetiming or uploading YouTube videos, this was different. I think it took about two hours to just upload a ten-minute video on Crete. If you are staying on Paros, Naxos or others, it might be even more difficult.
This all being said. Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is in-fact a digital nomad visa. Meaning the legislation is tailored to you.
- Cost = $1,500-$2,000 per month on islands; $1,000-$1,500 on mainland
For Digital Nomads, one of the best locations on the Greek Islands will be Crete. I prefer Rethymno over Chania (pronounced hahn-yuh), but Rethymno skews younger with the college. I expected to spend around 1,500 dollars per month. But if you use the ferry system for any reason, it will exponentially increase. Food on the islands averages $20 per meal. However, groceries can be cheaper. The more expensive items are fruit, vegetables, and meat.
The mainland (outside of Athens) is much, much cheaper. You could probably spend half the amount, if you needed to.
- Length
The entrepreneur visa in Greece is only for one year. (12 Month). However, it is extendable for one additional year. You will need to spend at least six months annually in Greece.
- Visa Application Fee
The visa costs about 75 euro. However, expect to spend about $120-$150 for administrative expenses, too.
- Income Requirement/Net Worth
Income requirements for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa is a bit steep, coming in at about 3500 euro per month. With this high cost (about $4,000), to me, it’s very evident whom Greek authorities are trying to attract.
- Do I Pay Taxes?
I rarely found taxes mentioned through the Greek website. (Which is typical….) However, I lean towards the assumption that, “Yes, you will need to pay taxes.” Health Insurance will be required, too.
- Where do I apply?
You should contact your local Greek embassy or consulate for more information. Additionally, the Greek government’s website is: https://www.mfa.gr/index.html
Other Things to Consider
Prior to moving, I feel like it’s important to review various responsibilities in your home country, too.
- Taxes (for Americans)
First up, let’s talk about taxes. I will discuss the American taxation system, as it is the one confusing system I am most intune with.
The United States is one of the few countries where taxation is based on citizenship, rather than domicile in the past year. There are numerous exclusions such as the foreign earned income exclusion (if you lived in another country), if you have international partners, the foreign tax credit (if you paid taxes in another country but it lacks a reciprocal agreement with the USA), and there are a few others. Hiring an accountant that specializes in complicated, international scenarios could save you thousands.
The program that you will need to be cognizant of is the foreign earned income exclusion. To qualify, you will need to spend (and have documentation) at least 330 full-days outside of the continental United States. It may seem like a lot, but the amount that you will be able to deduct is over $100,000. The Foreign Income exclusion changes every year with inflation.
- Family and Other Commitments
I know that time is of the essence, but does it make sense to wait six months before you travel. Do you have a second-cousin’s wedding coming up? Is it almost the holiday season, and can you
wait for a couple of months to continue saving (and avoid the expensive, holiday travel.)
In Conclusion
There’s always more to think about such as how to meet people when you are traveling and trying to figure out some passive income streams while you are on the road. But those are just a few countries that offer a way to move to Europe! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!