Digital Nomad Visas for European Countries
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Have the past few years left you wanting a change from your daily life? Would you like to live somewhere with a slower pace of life and a lower cost of living? Perhaps you may enjoy spending some time in one of the many beautiful European countries.
From better quality foods and friendly locals, to safety and leisurely opportunities, there are many reasons you may enjoy living in a European country. And with the rise in popularity of digital nomad visas it is now easier than ever to make your dream a reality!
Here are 11 digital nomad visas for European countries:
Croatia
With a warm Mediterranean climate, over 1,000 islands and a long cost, Croatia is a beautiful place to live inexpensively. Depending on the city you move to, you could live comfortably on $1,000 per month, after all the median income is only $1,028. However, if you wish to move to Croatia under a digital nomad visa, you will need to show proof on income or savings. For a single person you will need HRK 17,822.50 (around $2,375) per month or HRK 213,870.00 (around $28, 465) in a savings account. You can find more information about additional requirements and the application costs here. This residence permit is valid for 12 months. After expiration you must leave Croatia for a minimum of 6 months before you can reapply again.
Czech Republic
Located in central Europe, Czech Republic has a continental climate and stunning landscapes. It could also make a perfect place to base yourself if you wish to travel to neighbouring countries. Unlike Croatia, you don’t need to have as much money to reside in the Czech Republic long term. To qualify for the long-term entrepreneurship visa, you will have to provide proof of at least 149,000 CZK (around $6,050) in savings. Additionally, this visa can be renewed, allowing you to stay longer than 12 months at a time. For more information regarding the application process and requirements, visit this website.
Estonia
As one of the most technologically advanced European countries, Estonia is also one of the first to offer a digital nomad visa. The upside to the Estonian residency is that they offer one of the easiest and fastest applications out there. In addition, you can also set up a company in Estonia without travelling or living there. However, for the digital nomad visa they require a relatively high monthly income of €3,504 gross. Furthermore, the cost of living is also higher compared to central/ eastern European countries. This makes Estonia not the best place for those looking to move abroad for the sole purpose of saving money. Moreover, this visa also expires after 12 months and isn’t renewable. If you want more info, you can find it here.
France
France does not have a digital nomad visa, but they can issue long-term visitor visas for those who wish to stay longer than 90 days. The documents you need to apply for this visa will depend on your citizenship status. Depending on your type of visa, you may need to show proof of as much as €120 per day of stay. You can find more information here.
Georgia
A scenic, safe country with delicious wine and organic produce, Georgia may be the perfect place for those interested in a slower way of life. Georgia is also among the first countries to come up with a digital nomad visa. Also known as Remotely from Georgia, this visa lasts for 12 months. You will need to provide proof that you earn at least $2,000 per month or have $24,000 or more in savings. And the best part is that once you become a resident and spend at least 180 days in Georgia, you only pay 1% taxes on income under $155,000! Visit this website for more information on visas for Georgia.
Germany
Germany is perfectly located for those who wish to relocate for the purpose of travelling more frequently. The country is well connected with a system of trains and airports that service both local and international destinations. The residency permit for self-employed foreign nationals allows you to live and work from Germany for up to 3 years with possibility for extension. To qualify, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself. The exact amount, however, depends on a case by case basis. You can find more information here.
Greece
Greece is a great country to work remotely, save on your living expenses, travel, and enjoy an overall healthier way of life. The Greece Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is a 12 month residency permit that can be extended by an additional 2 years. This allows you to live and work within Greece, but you cannot work for a company registered in Greece. You must also provide proof of monthly income of at least €3,500 and proof of employment through a work contract. Thus this visa may not be the best option for freelancers. Additionally, this visa is quite new and you can only apply for it through your local Greek embassy for the time being.
Hungary
Hungary offers a safe and relaxed lifestyle, with a low cost of living. The White Card is a residency program that lasts 12 months and can be extended by an additional 12 months. Similarly to the Greek visa, the Hungarian White Card requires you to be employed for a company outside of Hungary. This program may not be the best for freelancers, unless you start your own company and hire yourself. But if you qualify and wish to apply, you can find more information here. You will need to prove you earned a minimum monthly income of at least €2,000 for the last 6 months prior to application.
Portugal
Portugal is a country with a warm climate, scenic landscapes, and a long coast line. It also has a large community of expats, and despite its recent popularity, the cost of living is still lower compared to most western countries. In addition, Portugal is perfectly located if you wish to travel frequently between North America and Europe. There are a couple of visa options depending on your type of work. You can find more info here. Furthermore, you only need to show proof of €600/ month in income, which can come from multiple sources, including pension.
Romania
With beautiful landscapes, friendly people and one of the lowest costs of living in Europe, Romania makes a great place to spend a few years. Their newly released digital nomad visa was introduced to attract talented individuals to move to Romania and help the economy recover following the pandemic. As a result, you must show proof of income over the last 6 months of at least €3,700/ month. This is rather high, however the cost of living is much lower and you certainly won’t be spending so much (unless you want to). The visa is valid for 12 months and it can be renewed for another 12 months as long as you continue to meet the qualifying criteria.
Spain
A beautiful Mediterranean country with diverse scenery, Spain offers you the possibility to enjoy a wide range of lifestyles with varying costs of living. As of right now, there are two options if you wish to move to Spain. You can either go as a retired, non-working person, or a self-employed individual. The Non-Lucrative visa requires you show proof of at least €26,000 in funds to sustain yourself and you cannot work in Spain. If you wish to work, you can apply for the Self-Employment Work visa. However, you will be required to set up a business in Spain and make tax payments. You can find more info here.
Some Important Things to Keep in Mind
Now here are some important things to keep in mind in regards to these 11 digital nomad visas for European countries:
Most of these visas and residency permits require you purchase your own private health insurance for the entire duration of your stay.
The main reason these visas exist is to help the local economies. You are expected to spend money on eating out, shopping, and other leisurely activities. For this reason, the minimum income/ savings requirements are significantly higher than the minimum you would actually need to live modestly.
Sometimes you are required to show proof of accommodation before entering the country, so make sure to check all requirements or you could be denied entry.
Additionally, most of these visas apply only to citizens of countries outside of the EU. There are easier-to-obtain residency permits for EU citizens who wish to reside in other EU countries.
