Digital Nomad Visas in European Countries

Nations all over the world are launching new visas specifically designed for remote workers. EU digital nomad visas are now available for several European countries.

Visas for digital nomads allow remote workers to spend short or extended periods of time abroad working independently.

This article includes useful information on digital nomad visas in Europe, such as:

WHAT IS A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?

Usually, remote workers cannot apply for a traditional work visa. For a work visa, you need a contract with a local company and/or an invitation letter.

A tourist visa may not be suitable either. Some countries do not allow you to do any work, including remote work, with a tourist visa. You might also want to stay in the country for longer than a tourist visa allows.

Even those who do not need a visa to travel to Europe can only stay for a short period of time. This might not be enough if you want to carry on working from a distance.

For these reasons, a number of countries have started to introduce digital nomad visas for Europe. This type of visa allows remote workers to stay in Europe and work legally.

CAN I GET A JOB IN EUROPE AS A DIGITAL NOMAD?

No, you can only work remotely for your job in your home country if you have a digital nomad visa. To be employed by a company in Europe, non-EU citizens need a national work permit or EU Blue Card (if eligible).

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA VS. TOURIST VISA

Key differences include:

Digital nomad visa

Tourist visa

Many countries do not have a digital nomad visa at all. It might be possible to work remotely on a tourist visa, or visa-free if you do not need a visa to enter the country.

From 2026 , the ETIAS authorisation for Europe will be required for short, visa-free stays in the Schengen Area. If you’re thinking of working remotely in a Schengen country, you’ll need to register.

HOW DO DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS WORK?

You usually apply for a digital nomad visa through the country’s embassy or consulate. For example, if you want to work remotely from Italy, go to the nearest Italian embassy to apply.

Some countries may have online applications available.

A digital nomad visa applicant usually needs:

Travellers should always check whether they need additional documents such as medical insurance, vaccine certificates, or any other European vaccine health requirements.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA?

Digital nomad visa applicants usually have to prove that they are remote workers.

You may need to show you can support yourself financially for the entire stay. This can be done by providing financial documents such as bank statements and receipts.

Eligibility also depends on several other factors, such as:

You can contact your nearest embassy to check your eligibility before applying.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS IN EUROPE

Digital nomads are a relatively recent phenomenon. Countries around the world have taken time working out how to include them in their visa policies. Many nations are now implementing specific rules and visas for them.

Europe is at the forefront of this change. EU countries hope to attract these professionals and benefit from the economic boost which they often bring.

Check the information below for each country that offers an EU digital nomad visa.

CROATIA’S NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA PROGRAMME

Croatia launched a new visa programme for digital nomads in 2021, as part of its ‘Croatia your new office’ campaign. Requirements include:

The digital nomad residence permit includes tax exemptions and a validity period of up to 1 year.

You can request your digital nomad visa for Croatia online. The standard processing time is approximately 20 days from the date of submitting the application.

CZECH REPUBLIC: TRADE LICENCE

The Czech Republic offers a special business visa (zivno visa or zivnostenské opravneni, which means ‘trade licence’) that digital nomads from outside the EU can benefit from.

It must be requested in person at a Czech consulate or embassy. Processing times are significantly longer than those for tourist visas, from 90 to 120 days.

The visa requirements include:

The application process includes an embassy immigration interview, during which the consular staff will ask you about:

ESTONIA'S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Estonia was the first to adapt to change and implement an e-residency programme for foreign online freelancers and remote workers.

The Estonia digital nomad visa allows foreign nationals to work in the country for up to 1 year for either:

Applicants must earn at least €3,504 per month, but they will not have to pay taxes for the first 183 days.

Applications can be submitted through Estonian embassies and consulates abroad and are reviewed within 30 days.

DIGITAL NOMAD FREELANCE VISAS IN GERMANY

In Europe, the first nation to create a freelance visa was Germany. There are 2 types of freelance visas (also called freiberufler visas):

Digital nomads must register with the German tax office and submit a series of documents such as:

Freelancers must have clients based in Germany.

GREECE’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA NOW AVAILABLE

The new digital nomad visa for Greece is valid for a period of up to 12 months. Before the visa expires, the holder can apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit to stay longer.

To be eligible for Greece’s digital nomad visa, the applicant must provide evidence of sufficient funds (€3,500 per month).

The Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnautakis, hopes that the Greek digital nomad visa will boost the island’s "Work from Paradise" initiative. Work on extending the 5G network to encompass the whole island has already begun to entice digital nomads to come to Crete.

DIGITAL NOMAD PERMIT FOR HUNGARY: WHITE CARD

Hungary has recently introduced a new residency permit for digital nomads – the White Card. The policy allows foreigners to live in Hungary and still work for an overseas company.

The White Card will allow the holder to stay in Hungary for up to 1 year, with the option to extend it for another year.

WORKING IN ICELAND WITH A DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

The digital nomad visa for Iceland allows foreign citizens to work remotely in Iceland for foreign companies long-term.

The visa is intended to be used for stays longer than 6 months.

Digital nomads will be able to take their families to Iceland with them without the need of Icelandic IDs.

To obtain the Icelandic digital nomad visa, applicants must provide:

ITALY’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

As of 2024, Italy has a digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers.

To qualify, you’ll need:

The Italian digital nomad visa allows you to stay for up to one (1) year and can be extended if you wish to stay longer.

To apply for this visa, make an appointment at an Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

NOMAD RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR MALTA

The digital nomad visa for Malta is issued for 1 year and can be renewed. Applications are open for people who can continue in their current jobs whilst residing in Malta for a year.

Malta was the first EU country to have a nationwide 5G network. In addition, English is one of the official languages of Malta, making it a convenient option for English-speaking digital nomads.

To apply for a digital nomad visa for Malta, travellers must:

PORTUGAL DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Portugal has designed a temporary resident visa that can be used by freelancers and entrepreneurs.

It allows its holder to stay in the country for longer than 1 year and can be extended. Unlike others mentioned in this page, this remote work visa can be used as a pathway to permanent residency.

The local government in Madeira launched the Madeira Digital Nomads project. Participants will be able to:

ROMANIA'S NEW DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

The Romanian Senate has started implementing a new digital nomad visa. The government hopes to attract around 2,000 remote workers annually.

Applications for Romania’s digital nomad visa must be made at a Romanian Embassy. Applicants need to provide:

The minimum required revenue to get a digital nomad visa for Romania is approximately €3,500, or three times the average Romanian salary.

SPAIN DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Spain has introduced a digital nomad visa that allows people to stay and work remotely. The visa is originally valid for 12 months, and can then be renewed for up to 5 years.

Applicants must be non-EU nationals working for non-Spanish companies. You must prove that you:

NORWAY’S DIGITAL NOMAD VISA FOR SVALBARD

A non-EU state, but a member of the Schengen Area, Norway has a unique visa for digital nomads who wish to relocate to the Svalbard islands. Norway’s digital nomad visa remains valid for the rest of your life.

There is also the Independent Contractor visa, which is designed for self-employed individuals who are working on a project for a Norwegian business.

BEST PLACES FOR REMOTE WORK IN THE EU

Some of the most convenient cities for digital nomads are in Europe. This is based on broadband speed, cost of living, crime rates, and other factors.

Schengen Area cities regarded as the best places for remote work include: