- The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed companies to offer full-time remote work. This has opened up new opportunities for those seeking the digital nomad lifestyle.
- Several European countries are launching digital nomad visas to welcome foreign remote workers.

12-10-2022
Remote employment isn’t just for digital nomads anymore. The COVID-19 epidemic resulted in an increase in remote employment roles in enterprises across Europe and the world.
Nations all around the world have responded to the change and are introducing new visas geared exclusively for remote workers. Several European nations currently provide EU digital nomad visas.
Visas for digital nomads enable remote employees to work autonomously for short or long periods of time overseas.
These experts are able to carry their jobs with them wherever they go. They usually simply require a laptop and an internet connection.
This page contains helpful information about digital nomad visas in Europe, including:
- What an EU digital nomad visa is and how it works
- How to become eligible for a remote work visa in Europe and abroad
- What countries have a digital nomad visa scheme and which ones will implement one soon
WHAT IS A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?
People who can work from anywhere in the globe are frequently confused about what they must do to work lawfully. Remote employees are typically unable to get a regular work visa, which needs a contract with a local employer and/or an invitation letter.
Furthermore, a tourist visa is frequently insufficient since the worker may wish to stay in the nation for a longer period of time than a tourist visa permits. Even individuals who do not require a visa to visit Europe may only stay for a limited duration.
As a result of these factors, a number of nations have begun to provide digital nomad visas for Europe. This sort of visa permits remote employees to lawfully remain in Europe and work.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA VS. TOURIST VISA
The key distinction between a tourist visa and a digital nomad visa is the length of stay in the nation.
Tourist visas are normally valid for up to three months, but digital nomad visas are valid for one year or more.
Foreigners who want to undertake remote work while on vacation in Europe can do it with a tourist visa or visa-free if they are from a visa-exempt nation.
The ETIAS permit for Europe will be required for short, visa-free visits in the Schengen Area beginning in November 2023.
Remote workers only require a digital nomad visa if they want to remain longer than the period allowed by a tourist visa. In this instance, they must fulfil the conditions for a digital nomad visa, which typically include proof of finances.
It is critical to understand that neither a digital nomad visa nor a tourist visa allow the holder to work for a local firm. Non-EU people must have a national work permit or an EU Blue Card to work in Europe (if eligible).
HOW DO DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS WORK?
Each nation that issues digital nomad visas has its unique set of norms and rules. Some enable qualified persons to apply simply online, while others require them to apply through an embassy or consulate.
Remote workers should research their target country’s digital nomad visa regulations and application process. Diplomatic posts will be able to give information and advice on available work and nomad visas.
A digital nomad visa application often requires:
- An eligible and valid passport
- Proof of a steady remote income
Many nations that issue digital nomad visas may also charge an application fee.
Travelers should always check to see whether they require any additional documentation, such as medical insurance, immunisation certificates, or any other EU vaccine health requirements.
VISAS FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: ELIGIBILITY
Applicants for digital nomad visas must often demonstrate that they are remote workers.
They may be required to demonstrate that they can financially sustain themselves for the duration of their stay. This is accomplished by submitting financial records such as bank statements and receipts.
However, even if they can demonstrate that they work remotely, not everyone is qualified for a digital nomad visa.
Other criteria that influence eligibility include:
- Nationality of the applicant
- Visitor’s visa history
- Whether the applicant is considered a threat to the security or health of the country of destination
Before applying, remote employees should check their eligibility.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS IN EUROPE
Digital nomads are a relatively new occupation. Countries all across the world have spent time figuring out how to include them into their visa regulations. Many countries are currently enacting particular laws and visas for them.
Europe is at the forefront of this transformation. EU nations want to recruit these specialists as well as the economic benefits they frequently offer.
Check out the details for each nation that provides an EU digital nomad visa below.
CROATIA’S NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA PROGRAMME
As part of its ‘Croatia your new office’ promotion, Croatia established a new visa scheme for digital nomads in 2021. Proof of remote employment, a sufficient yearly income, health insurance, security background checks, and a rent contract are all required.
The digital nomad residency permit comes with tax breaks and a one-year validity term.
Applicants can apply for a digital nomad visa in Croatia online. The normal processing period is roughly 20 days from the moment the application is submitted.
Holders of a Digital Nomad Residence Permit must register with the local authorities upon arriving in Croatia. They must disclose their Croatian address and, if necessary, update it throughout their stay. Close relatives of the visa holder may also visit Croatia.
CZECH REPUBLIC: TRADE LICENCE
The Czech Republic provides a special business visa (zivno visa or zivnostenské opravneni, which translates as ‘trade licence’) to digital nomads from outside the EU.
It may only be obtained in person at a Czech consulate or embassy. Processing durations range from 90 to 120 days, which is much longer than for tourist visas.
An qualifying trade licence, sufficient cash in a bank account, health insurance, and evidence of lodging for at least one year are all required for a visa.
The application procedure involves an embassy immigration interview, during which the consular staff will inquire about the applicant’s business, lodging, and travel plans, as well as their reasons for choosing the Czech Republic for remote work.
ESTONIA’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
Estonia was the first to embrace change by establishing an e-residency programme for international online businesses. It introduced a digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote employees in June 2020.
The Estonia digital nomad visa permits foreign citizens to work in the country for up to a year in a remote job for a foreign employer or for their own firm registered overseas.
Applicants must earn at least €3,504 per month, however for the first 183 days, they are exempt from paying taxes.
Applications are accepted at Estonian embassies and consulates across the world and are processed within 30 days.
DIGITAL NOMAD FREELANCE VISAS IN GERMANY
Germany was the first country in Europe to adopt a freelancing visa. Freelance visas (also known as freiberufler visas) are divided into two categories: those for artists and those for other professionals.
Digital nomads must register with the German tax office and provide a number of papers, including their portfolio, bank statements, and, in some situations, proof of skill. Clients in Germany are required for freelancers.
GREECE’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA NOW AVAILABLE
The new digital nomad visa for Greece is available for up to a year. Before the visa expires, the person may apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit in order to extend their stay.
To be qualified for a digital nomad visa in Greece, the applicant must provide proof of sufficient finances (€3,500 per month).
Stavros Arnautakis, the Governor of Crete, expects that the Greek digital nomad visa would help the island’s “Work from Paradise” campaign. To tempt digital nomads to visit Crete, work on expanding the 5G network to cover the entire island has already begun.
DIGITAL NOMAD PERMIT FOR HUNGARY: WHITE CARD
Hungary has just created the White Card, a new residence card for digital nomads. The regulation permits foreigners to live in Hungary while working for an international corporation.
The White Card entitles the possessor to stay in Hungary for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for an additional year.
WORKING IN ICELAND WITH A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
The digital nomad visa for Iceland permits international people to work remotely for foreign enterprises in Iceland on a long-term basis. The visa is meant for stays of more than six months.
Digital nomads will be able to bring their family to Iceland without the necessity for Icelandic identification.
Applicants for the Icelandic digital nomad visa must present proof of job, adequate cash, and health insurance coverage.
ITALY’S SELF-EMPLOYMENT VISA
New tax incentives introduced in January 2020 mean that more digital nomads are choosing to work from Italy. The number has further increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Freelancers who set up legal residency in Italy are now offered 70% detaxation of all income they generate in the country.
While the Italian visa for digital nomads is currently on hold until the end of 2022, non-EU nationals who wish to work remotely from Italy are able to apply for a self-employment visa.
This visa type is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, but it is also possible to obtain an extension once it expires.
To apply for this visa, it is necessary to make an appointment at an Italian embassy or consulate in the traveller’s country of residence.
A range of supporting documents is required, including proof of suitable accommodation in Italy, and evidence of availability of income.
NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR MALTA
The Malta digital nomad visa is valid for one year and can be renewed. Applications are now being accepted for persons who can continue working in their existing occupations while living in Malta for a year.
Malta was the first country in the European Union to establish a national 5G network. Furthermore, English is one of Malta’s official languages, making it an appealing alternative for English-speaking digital nomads.
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Malta, travellers must provide confirmation of complete COVID-19 immunisation and purchase health insurance.
To qualify for a digital nomad visa in Malta, visitors must earn at least €2,700 gross per month and pay a fee of €300.
DIGITAL NOMAD VISA FOR PORTUGAL
Portugal has created a temporary residency visa for freelancers and businesses.
It permits the possessor to stay in the nation for more than a year and can be extended. Unlike the others listed on this website, this remote work visa can lead to permanent residency.
Madeira’s municipal government established the Madeira Digital Nomads project. Participants will be able to dwell in Ponta do Sol’s Nomad Village in either independent villas or hotel accommodations, and will have access to free Wi-Fi, coworking stations, and special events.
ROMANIA’S NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
The Romanian Senate has begun issuing a new digital nomad visa. The government intends to attract 2,000 remote employees every year.
Digital nomad visa applications must be made at a Romanian Embassy. Applicants must submit evidence of employment, medical insurance, and information on recent earnings.
The minimum necessary income for a digital nomad visa in Romania is around €3,500, which is three times the average Romanian salary.
PLANS FOR SPAIN’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA
Spain intends to implement a digital nomad visa that would allow people to remain and work in the country for up to six months without having to register.
Spain’s digital nomad visa should help recruit more international employees to the country, particularly to depopulated rural areas.
NORWAY’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA FOR SVALBARD
Norway, a non-EU member of the Schengen Area, provides a special visa for digital nomads wishing to migrate to the Svalbard islands. The digital nomad visa in Norway is valid for the duration of the traveller’s life.
The Independent Contractor visa is also available for self-employed persons working on a project for a Norwegian company.
BEST PLACES FOR REMOTE WORK IN THE EU
Six of the top eight most convenient cities for digital nomads are located in Europe. This is determined by factors such as broadband speed, cost of living, crime rates, and others.
The order is as follows:
- Madrid, Spain
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Prague, Czech Republic
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Berlin, Germany
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Beijing, China
- Zagreb, Croatia
NON-EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS
Outside of Europe, some countries are implementing visas to meet the demands of remote workers. These are some examples:
- Anguilla
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cape Verde
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dubai
- Georgia
- Indonesia
- Mexico
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Thailand
Regional plans for digital nomads exist in certain countries.
Some US states are also adopting the digital nomad lifestyle. Oklahoma, Alabama, and Vermont have all implemented programmes to entice US residents who can work remotely to migrate to their respective territories.
Furthermore, the Western Cape provincial government supports a digital nomad visa for the Cape Town area. This would allow overseas professionals to reside in South Africa’s capital while continuing to work for their business back home.