Europe is home to a fair few popular digital nomad destinations that are just a visa away.

It’s a great place to be a digital nomad for those who love café culture, with a healthy dose of history thrown in. Learn more about the national dishes of the countries listed and the unmissable visitor attractions alongside the more everyday stuff such as rental costs and the price of a loaf of bread or a coffee.

If you’re having doubts about whether it’s for you, it’s important to note that most digital nomads (83 per cent) are self-employed and the other 17 per cent work for a company in a remote capacity.

You’d be far from alone, especially as travelling in and Europe is so easy. If the digital nomad community were a country, it would rank 41 in the world for population size, just after Canada (37,742,154) and Morocco (36,910,560), according to ABrotherAbroad.com. Research cited by TwoTicketsAnywhere.com shows that there are 35m digital nomads worldwide, with UK nomads making up 8 per cent of the total.

Check out these destinations if you fancy getting a digital nomad visa, or visas, in Europe. Each post contains more information about what it’s like to live in that country as well as what to visit and dishes to try. We’ve also supplied basic information such as the name of the visa, how long you can stay and the requirements for your application. Find out more about each visa scheme by clicking through to the general info page listed below the heading or go directly to the application page.

Read more on digital nomad visas

Which countries offer a digital nomad visa? – Interested in becoming a digital nomad but not sure where to go? We look at all of the countries around the world that provide a visa

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https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/londres/en/Paginas/index.aspx

Spain is becoming the hotspot for digital nomads as you can extend your stay for up to five years.

As well as good weather and good food, Spain has a rich culture. Go and see some flamenco, The Alhambra or the world-famous La Garda Familia in Barcelona (as well as Gaudi’s other work). It can be pretty easy to travel between different parts of Spain as the country is well-connected by public transport.

If nothing else, go for the tapas – you might even be given a complimentary dish such as patatas bravas.

The pace of life is generally slower if you live outside of the major cities and remember to factor siesta time into your operations.

Name of visa: Remote work visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – can be extended to five years.

Requirements:

• You must prove that you’re an international worker who wants to settle in Spain
• If you’re earning additional income in Spain, it can’t make up more than 20 per cent of your overall income
• Must have employment record of at least three years and/or have graduated from university
• Must have a health insurance policy for at least one year. If it’s a private policy, it must be with a company authorised to offer insurance in Spain

Minimum salary: Income must be at least 200 per cent of Spain’s minimum income (£22,000 at time of writing)

How to apply: Visit your nearest Spanish consulate or you can start your application in Spain as a tourist. You can fast-track your application to be processed in 20 days rather than three months.

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http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence

Serbia has a lot of great food and scenery. Visit Tara National Park and The Great War Island, then chow down on ćevapi (grilled meat), gibanica (egg and cheese pie made with filo dough), paprikaš (a soup made of paprika). Belgrade Fortress and St Sava Temple are also worth a visit.

There’s a lot of entrepreneurship in Serbia as the start-up costs are low. English is widely spoken too so it’ll be easier to communicate with entrepreneurially-minded people.

Name of visa: Temporary Residence

Length of stay: Up to one year

Can I extend my stay? No

Requirements:

• A valid personal or official passport

• Proof of means of subsistence during the planned temporary residence

• Registration of either short-term or residential address in the Republic of Serbia

• Proof of health insurance during the planned residence

• Proof of prescribed administrative fee payment

• Two photos (35x45mm, color, full face)

• Filled out application form

You’ll also need to register your business and get a self-employment work permit through the Serbian National Employment Service.

Minimum salary: At least $3,500 (£2,830) a month

How to apply: Apply online at http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence

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https://evisa.mae.ro/Home?lang=en-US

Romania is more of an underrated destination for visitors of all kinds, but it’s got plenty to shout about, with lush forests and hills along with history and culture (including Dracula’s Castle). Travel the breadth of the country with a huge mass transit network, but transport is especially efficient and cheap in the capital, Bucharest. Food and drink are cheap too – a loaf of fresh white bread is Lei4.57 (81p).

The people of Romania are very friendly towards expats and visitors, feeding them local delicacies and moonshine.

Name of visa: Long-stay visa (symbol D)

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – can renew for another year

Visa fee: EUR 120 (£107)

Requirements:

• The applicant derives income from a foreign company and is able to work using information or communication technology
• The applicant can also be the owner of a company incorporated outside of Romania and can work remotely
  • Medical insurance with a coverage of at least EUR 30,000 (£26,500) for the entire duration of the stay
• Proof of accommodation in Romania, usually in the form of a rental agreement

Minimum salary: At least three times the average gross monthly income in the country (EUR 3,300, £2,900) for the last six months prior to submitting the visa application and for the entire duration of the stay;

How to apply: Create an account on the Romanian eVisa platform and apply from there. Alternatively, you can go through the foreign ministry website or through the local Romanian Embassy.

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https://portuguese-chamber.org.uk/news/new-one-year-digital-nomad-visa/#:~:text=Officially%20called%20the%20%E2%80%9Cresidence%20visa,in%20the%20EU%20or%20EEA

Portugal has good weather, even better scenery and a relaxed lifestyle to give you time to enjoy it. Check out Benagil Sea Cave and Pena Palace. The World Population Review 2022 places Portugal as third in the world for safest places to live. It’s cheaper to live in Portugal than it is to live in the UK, especially when it comes to food and drink. A cappuccino costs €1.47 (£1.29) and a loaf of fresh white bread costs €1.22 (£1.07).

For digital nomads, Portugal has ‘straightforward residency pathways’ which is a roundabout way of saying that it’s simple to apply for a visa.

Name of visa: Residence visa for the exercise of professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory

Length of stay: One year (temporary visa)

Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to five years (with residency visa)

Requirements:

• Must come from a country not in the EU or EEA
• Must be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal

Minimum salary: Must earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage per month – roughly €2,836 (£2,528)

How to apply: Submit an application at the Portuguese consulate 

See also: A guide to working in the Lisbon tech scene

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https://www.udi.no/en/

Norway is a gorgeous country. Adventurers will love hiking, cycling, rafting, skiing, surfing and wildlife safaris to see whales, moose and puffins.

The northern country continually ranks highly in various tables for good quality of life, with the OECD index citing a high score among Norway’s citizens for happiness and wellbeing. This is partly down to clean drinking water, a low crime rate and a high level of education.

Name of visa: Independent contractor visa / Skilled workers visa

Length of stay: Two years

Can I extend my stay? Yes – up to six years

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Proof of self-employment
• Bank statements proving income
• Contract with at least one Norwegian client
• Address of accommodation
• UDI checklist
• If it’s your own business, it must be your own sole proprietorship – no limited companies

Minimum salary: €35,719 (£31,454)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Norwegian embassy or consulate; or at a police station if in Norway

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https://nomad.residencymalta.gov.mt/

Malta, and its surrounding islands, lend themselves well to a short stay. Get to know Malta and its historical sites and ruins (try Mdina and Barrakka Gardens) then soak up the nightlife. The café culture and scenery mean that you can venture out of your accommodation and work from a coffee shop. Malta is a small island so the bus service will get you around and about fairly easily, reducing the need for a car.

As for entrepreneurs, there’s a great network to tap into on top of low taxes and a favourable business climate for entrepreneurs. You’ll meet a lot of international people, many of whom are entrepreneurs.

Name of visa: Malta Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

• Passport, valid for at least three months after your planned departure, with two blank pages.
• Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines.
• Application form, which can be found on the Residency Malta Agency website.
• Cover letter stating why you want to stay in Malta; and the length of your stay
• Proof of employment
• An up-to-date CV
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking; host invitation – if planning to stay with friends or relatives; confirmation by an organized tour operator; rental agreement
• Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statement from the last six months)
• Medical documents

Minimum salary: €2,700 per month (£2,377)

How to apply: Via email to the Residency Malta Agency

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https://island.is/en/get-long-term-visa-for-remote-workers

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the hot springs are the biggest draw to living to Iceland. Exploring the snow in winter and hiking and scuba diving in the summer, the contrasting seasons open it up to all sorts of outdoor. English is widely spoken and, for digital nomads, there’s no income tax to pay.

Iceland has a lot of space as it’s the least densely populated country in Europe, with 345,000 residents living in an area of 40,000 square, according to Lotus Car Rental. It consistently ranks highly in the World Happiness Report and the Global Peace Index too. However, it has the fifth-highest living expenses in the world. It costs around £1,400 a month to rent a one-bedroom house in an average neighbourhood. However, childcare costs are 4.6 times lower than they are in the UK.

Iceland has a great start-up culture to boot. It ranked fourth place in the World Economic Forum’s World Talent Ranking 2020. It’s judged on investment in home-grown talent and appeal to overseas talent along with the quality of available skills.

Name of visa: Long-term visa for remote work

Length of stay: Six months

Can I extend my stay? No – you can re-apply after 12 months

Requirements:

• Passport, valid for three more months after your visa expires
• Iceland digital nomad visa application form
• Proof of visa payment amount of €88 (ISK 12,200) (£77.47)
• One passport-sized photo – cannot be older than six months and must follow the Schengen visa photo requirements
• Health insurance for the entire length of your stay in Iceland.
• A letter from your employer proving that you will be working remotely for a foreign employer or performing self-employed work
• Clean criminal record

Minimum salary: €7,300 per year (£6,427)

How to apply: Via postage to the Directorate of Immigration in Kópavogur, or in person

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http://www.bmbah.hu/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1714&Itemid=2100&lang=en

Hungary’s relatively low cost of living makes it an ideal country to reside in as a digital nomad. According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom flat in the city centre costs £366 a month. There are decent transport connections throughout the country, especially in Budapest.

It has a lot of significant cultural landmarks such as the parliament building, Buda Castle and The River Danube. It also has the greatest number of thermal springs in the world.

Enjoy wine in Tokaj, one of Hungary’s most well-known wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional food largely consists of meat and dairy, with a soup to start – and of course, a spot of goulash.

Name of visa: White Card residence permit

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

• Passport, valid for at least six months after the visa expires
• Completed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos following Schengen guidelines
• Proof that you will work remotely for a company registered outside Hungary
• Proof of health insurance for your entire stay in Hungary, covering medical costs
• Proof of accommodation

Minimum salary: €2,000 per month (£1,760)

How to apply: Via an appointment at your nearest Hungarian embassy or consulate

See also: A guide to working in the Budapest tech scene

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https://uk-gr.gvcworld.eu/en

Moussaka, souvlaki, olives – there’s some great Greek food in and around the islands. But Greece is also the birthplace of philosophy and western medicine. Visit the National Art Gallery, the Acropolis Museum, the National Observatory of Athens and any of the hundreds of other galleries in Greece.

If you’re looking to save money while you work in another country, Greece has a low cost of living. According to Numbeo, a fresh loaf of white bread averages at €1.06 (93p), a one-way ticket on public transport costs €1.20 (£1.05) and a fitness club membership costs €37.91 (£33.29).

Name of visa: Greece digital nomad visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

• Passport, valid for at least six months after your return date, with two blank pages.
• Application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• A cover letter of declaration, stating the reason for your stay in Greece
• Proof of employment, stating work as a digital nomad
• A clean criminal record
• Proof of accommodation in Greece
• Proof of health insurance
• A return flight ticket
• A medical certificate

Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,081)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate

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https://www.germany-visa.org/freelance-visa/#2

Germany has efficient public transport, world-famous dishes and festivals. Going outside of the cities, you’ve got loads of areas of natural beauty to explore, with 16 national parks, including The Black Forest National Park. Travelling around by bicycle is common, so get used to being on two wheels.

It’s another nation who are more environmentally conscious, with governmental policy protecting forests and other green areas. Like Estonia, the water quality is excellent and the rivers and lakes are super clean. Germany is dog-friendly too. They’re allowed in most places, including shopping malls and restaurants.

Germans are efficient: stuff works and runs on time, essentially. If you’re a stickler for rules and punctuality, this is your destination.

Name of visa: Two types of Freelancer Visa: Visa for freelance employment (Freiberufler) and Visa for self-employment (Selbständiger)

Length of stay: Three months

Can I extend my stay? Yes

Requirements:

• Completed national entry visa application form
• Valid passport
• Two recently taken biometric photographs.
• Public or private health or travel insurance
• Recommendation letters from the previous employer
• An up-to-date CV
• Portfolio of previous work
• Professional authorisation, if planning to practice a profession that requires prior experience in the field, e.g. medicine or law
• Certificates of former education
• Enough financial means, demonstrated through bank statements
• Profit/loss statement from intended freelance activity
• Evidence of a freelance plan.
• At least two letters of commitment from future customers/employers, showing their intent to employ you when you enter Germany

Minimum salary: €9,000 per year (£7,926)

How to apply: Via appointment with your nearest German embassy

See also: A guide to working in the Berlin tech scene

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Digital Nomad Visa vs E-Residency | Eligibility & How to Apply (e-resident.gov.ee)

If you’re looking for more of the quieter life, Estonia is a good place to settle for a while. It’s popular for outdoor pursuits, with a lot of parks and waterfalls. As a nation they’re pretty eco-conscious and it’ll be no surprise that the air quality is high. English is widely spoken and it’s an entrepreneurial nation, with more start-ups per capita than any other country. The country is very tech-focused and digitally driven, being the birthplace of Skype and Wise. Even the forest has 4G.

With a population of 1.3m people, Estonia is a very spacious country which is ideal for families.

Estonians aren’t a people for small talk and they’re punctual.

Name of visa: Two types: Type C Digital Nomad Visa and Type D Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: Type C: 90 days; Type D: One year

Can I extend my stay? No – new applications must be made while in Estonia

Requirements:

• Passport, valid for at least three months after the return date – must have two blank pages.
• Application form – can be submitted online here: Viisa eeltaotlemise vormi avaleht (vm.ee)
• Two passport-sized photos, in line with the Schengen visa photo criteria.
• Work contract
• Letter from your employer, stating that you can work remotely
• Proof of sufficient financial means. (bank statements issued in the last six months)
• Proof of accommodation in Estonia – can be a rental agreement or temporary accommodation such as a hotel
• Proof of health insurance valid for the entire length of your stay, covering €30,000 (£26,425)

Minimum salary: Not stated

How to apply: At an Estonian embassy; at a Police and Border Guard office in Estonia; or at a VFS office

See also: A guide to working in the Tallinn tech scene

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Digital Nomad in Czech Republic

Home to 16 UNESCO world heritage sites, Czech Republic is a great spot for lovers of history and architecture. Coupled with affordable living costs and internationally-renowned beer, this could be a top temporary home.

It has a strong economy compared to other European countries and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU. Eating out is cheap, as are groceries. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant will set you back just shy of £30 and a loaf of fresh white bread is £1.18. A domestic beer is £1.67.

You’ll never be stuck for things to do as there are lots of expats and community interest groups. Otherwise, take advantage of the nightlife scene, especially in Prague, where they have cave bars which are in literal caves underground. For something a little more refined, the country has a great classical music scene, with plenty of orchestras and concert halls.

You can easily get trains to neighbouring countries and even if you’re staying in CR, it has an excellent public transport system. Unlike other European nations, Czechs are punctual so if that’s your inclination, consider the Czech Republic.

Name of visa: Czech Digital Nomad Visa

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes, but you must first extend your trading licence

Requirements:

• Passport – valid for a minimum of six months after your return date
• Application form, which can be downloaded from the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, here: https://www.mzv.cz/public/45/84/57/525242_423344_zov_EN.pdf
• Two identity photos, taken within the last six months
• Proof of enough financial means – at least €5,061 (£4,458) in your bank account
• Zino trade licence
• Proof of accommodation for your entire length of stay in the Czech Republic
• Clean criminal record
• Health insurance that covers at least €60,000 (£52,852) of your medical expenses in the Czech Republic

Minimum salary: Not stated

How to apply: Via an appointment at the nearest Czech embassy – approval usually takes three to six months

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CIVIL REGISTRY AND MIGRATION DEPARTMENT – Migration Section (moi.gov.cy)

Of course, Cyprus is known for its seafood and halloumi cheese, but it also has a buzzing café culture and a more relaxed way of life. Be sure to check out vineyards and wineries in the Pitsilia region. The whole town of Paphos has World Heritage status.

Cyprus has a large expat community from different parts of the world. They can give you guidance to help you settle in. The pace of life, as mentioned, is a lot slower, characterised by sigá-sigá (meaning slowly slowly). If that’s not enough to tempt you, there are 320 days of sunshine per year and the country has low taxes relative to the UK.

Name of visa: Digital Nomad Visa Scheme

Length of stay: One year

Can I extend my stay? Yes – subject to re-submission of required documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, at least one month before the residence permit expires

Requirements:

• Passport – valid for at least three months after arrival in Cyprus
• Two passport-sized photos, following the Schengen visa photo requirements.
• Completed, signed and notarised application form
• Proof of remote work (work contract or other business document)
• Proof of income. (bank statements or payslips)
• An up-to-date CV
• Letter of intent
• Proof of €30,000 in health and accident insurance available during your entire stay
• Address of accommodation
• Clean criminal record

Minimum salary: €3,500 per month (£3,082)

How to apply: For the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa you will have to set up an appointment at their nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate.

See also: A guide to working in the Nicosia tech scene

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