If you are one of those adventurers who would like to work flexibly and from anywhere in the world, exploring different places and cultures, then the Digital Nomad Visa in Europe is for you. Find out what they are, what the requirements are when issuing them, which European countries provide such visas and what you should know before moving to the respective countries.
What are Digital Nomad Visas in Europe?
Digital Nomad Visas allow holders to live in a country while working remotely for a foreign company (not based in that country). They are also intended for freelancers, entrepreneurs and the self-employed. With remote working becoming normal and even preferred, Digital Nomad Visas are an excellent option for those who love travelling, cultural diversity, and a dynamic daily life. Among the factors driving countries to offer Digital Nomad Visas are the change in attitudes towards the work environment in the wake of the pandemic, the brain drain, and the decline in tourism revenues (again a consequence of the pandemic). The most common occupations practised by digital nomads are in fields such as:
- Graphic design
- Online content creation
- Digital marketing
- Project management
- Software product development
- Data management
- IT industry
- Translation
- Online customer service
When issuing a Digital Nomad Visa, you should consider aspects including:
- The source of income: This must be a company based in a country other than the one you are applying for.
- Minimum income: Each country requires you to have a certain minimum income to approve your visa.
- Visa validity: Depending on the country, the document is usually valid within a year or two after it is issued. In some countries (such as Spain), the expiry date of the visa is higher: 3 to 5 years.
- Health insurance and a clean criminal record: Among the conditions for getting a Digital Nomad Visa in Europe is that you have health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Digital Nomad Visas in Europe: Requirements and Issuing Process
When it comes to issuing visas for digital nomads in Europe, the following steps are available:
Filling in an application form: Depending on the requirements of each country, it is filled in online (then printed and signed) or on site at the respective consulate.
Consultation at the embassy or consulate: An interview is conducted, and the necessary documents are submitted
Preparation of required documents: In addition to preparing an application form, applying for a visa also involves filling in (or submitting) additional documents: passport, passport photographs, proof that you have health insurance, proof of your source of income (or amount of income), proof that you work remotely (contract, permit, client list), birth certificate, CV and additional certificates. You may need to have some of the documents translated or certified.
Submitting the documents: Once you have filled in the necessary documents, you will be interviewed, and you may have to pay a fee. It usually takes a month for a Digital Nomad Visa to be issued. The validity of the document is one to two years. In some countries, the visa is paid for, while in others it is free, in order to attract more workers.
European Countries to Work in With a Digital Nomad Visa
European countries issuing visas for digital nomads by 2024 are Andorra, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Estonia, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Montenegro, Czech Republic, Spain. And here are the best countries for issuing visas for digital nomads in Europe:
Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia
The country is among the best countries in Europe to find a job. The minimum income you should have to get a digital nomad visa is €2,540. The visa is valid for one year, and one among its advantages is that you can extend its validity by an additional six months. In fact, the country is one of the most financially accessible in Europe, with the number of digital nomads working in Croatia increasing in recent years, with nearly 5,000 digital nomads arriving every month. Popular for its beautiful nature, unique coastline, safety and rich cultural heritage, the country offers excellent living conditions. Among the most promising cities are the capital Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Split. Among the advantages of Croatia is that your family can also obtain a residence permit. For this, you need to certify your income and provide a marriage certificate and birth certificate (if moving with children).
Digital Nomad Visa in Spain
Visas for digital nomads in Spain are valid for 3 to 5 years and the minimum monthly income you need to have is 2,520 euros. The Digital Nomad Visas are specifically aimed at arrivals from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area. The visa would allow you to move with your family to the country, as well as travel freely within Schengen. A key requirement for a visa to Spain is that you must be a graduate or have at least three years of work experience. When it comes to the cost of living in Spain, traditionally costs are higher in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre would cost you around €1,000 a month, while a flat in the suburbs would cost around €800. Household bills for one person are estimated at around €150 and food costs at around 300. Internet would cost you between €30 and €50 a month. Spanish people are known for their hospitality and warm attitude and are relaxed and flexible in their working routine - an excellent prerequisite for working remotely in the country.
Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal
The validity of the digital nomad visa in Portugal is 2 years and can be extended up to 5 years. The minimum income you should receive per month working remotely in the country is 3,040 euros. An important condition is that you have a Portuguese Tax Identification Number, certifying that you pay taxes to the state. To be granted a visa, you must be a national of a country outside the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. The advantages of living in Portugal include the warm climate and beautiful scenery, making the country a favourite for outdoor enthusiasts. Portugal's cultural heritage is rich, influenced by its former colonisers Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. Life is affordable, a variety of accommodation options are available, there are several shared spaces to work in, and the locals are more than welcoming. The country encourages entrepreneurship by facilitating the visa process for digital nomads, allowing them to relocate with their families.
Digital Nomad Visa in Germany
Known for its art community, multiculturalism, perfect infrastructure and prosperous economy, Germany is also among the countries preferred by digital nomads. In fact, as of 2023, the country does not have an official Digital Nomad Visa, but several other alternatives are available. In 2023, Germany adopted the so-called "Skilled Immigration Act", which aims to attract workers from outside the EU by issuing a so-called "Chancenkarte" or "opportunity card". The requirements for an opportunity card include being under 35 years of age, holding a bachelor's degree or a vocational diploma, having at least 3 years of professional experience and being fluent in German (i.e. certifying that you have resided in Germany). Another alternative to the opportunity card is the freelance visa. It is suitable for artists, writers, translators, teachers, doctors, etc. Some of the requirements related to the freelancer visa are:
- To certify an annual income of at least 9,000 euros
- Provide references from clients interested in your services
- Have a registered address in the country
Digital Nomad Visa in Estonia
The minimum monthly income required for a digital nomad visa in Estonia is 4,500 euros. The validity of the document is one year, the issuing process takes one month, and the application is done online. Visa requirements include:
- Ability to work remotely, regardless of location
- Have an employment contract with an employer located in a country outside Estonia, have your own business (registered outside Estonia), or work freelance for clients outside Estonia
With a highly developed IT industry, the country stimulates the entry of workers employed in professional fields such as software development, digital marketing, and technology research. Startup culture favours entrepreneurs, offering the opportunity to create successful business contacts. The working life in the country is characterized by flexibility, a high level of digitalization, pragmatism and independence in terms of the workplace. Of particular importance is the work-life balance. The healthcare system in Estonia is described as excellent, there are some opportunities for outdoor activities, and while they love their privacy, locals won't refuse to help.
Digital Nomad Visa in Greece
The warm Mediterranean climate, the hospitality of the locals and the attractiveness of the country in terms of tourism are among our first associations when it comes to Greece. The country is among the most promising countries for Digital Nomad Visas in Europe. Introduced in 2021, the visas allow residents of countries outside the EU and the European Economic Area to work remotely in the country for a year. Among the perks of the Greek digital nomad visa is that you can relocate with your family. Advantages of staying in the country include the low cost of living, the unique scenery, the diverse cuisine, and the attitude of the locals who are sure to make you feel at home.
Digital Nomad Visa in Hungary
The expiry date of the digital nomad visa (or so-called "white card") is one year (extendable up to 2 years) and the minimum monthly income you should receive is €2,000. The visa is intended for those coming from outside the EU. Unlike most European countries, Hungary only issues individual visas for digital nomads, i.e. you are not allowed to move with your family members. The country's rich history, unique architecture and abundance of picturesque cities and national parks are among the advantages that would tip the scales in Hungary's favour when choosing a suitable destination for digital nomads in Europe. There are also some work-friendly cafes and shared spaces available in the country. Life is affordable, safety is satisfactory.
The Digital Nomad Visas in Europe are a great way to rediscover not only your work habits, but also the cultures, traditions and sights of different countries on the Old Continent. Life as a digital nomad also involves the process of moving to a new home. Although it may seem difficult and tiring at first glance (especially when we're talking about relocating abroad), the expertise of the right professionals could make the process much easier, providing answers to key questions and saving you time, stress and effort. The experts at Movega Removals, a company with a proven track record in overseas relocation services, will advise you in the best way. Contact us via our contact form or via the chatbot feature available on our website.
