As of July 2021, there were 24 regions offering Digital Nomad Visas or programs for temporary remote workers and digital nomads.
It was predicted more than 20 years ago by Japanese technologist Tsugio Makimoto that countries would launch digital nomad visas to attract remote workers from around the globe. Makimoto wrote that remote working would force nations “to compete for citizens,” and that digital nomad-ism would cause “decreases in materialism and nationalism.”
His prediction is coming true, and I fully anticipate many more governments to open their borders to these “citizens of the world” who can work remotely from their computers in the future years.
Here are eleven countries in Europe offering digital nomad visas:
1. Croatia
Croatia has begun awarding digital nomad visas as of January 2021. The visa is available for a variety of time periods, with a maximum of 12 months. According to what I’ve read, you must be physically present in Croatia to apply for this long-term residency visa; you cannot apply from elsewhere.
Principal Requirements
Proof of self-employment or the capacity to work remotely is required (written statement, employment agreement, client contracts, etc)
A monthly income or savings of at least €2500 EURO is required.
You must pass a criminal background check in your own country.
Proof of lodging/rental agreement
Obtain travel/health insurance that is valid for the duration of your trip.
Visa Application Requirements
Get an OIB identification number.
Fill out the online application located here.
(2) Photographs for passports
Pay the application cost of 590 kuna plus tax stamps of 35 kuna.
2. Czech Republic
Spend your weekends touring this Central European country’s ancient cities and mountains, and work remotely throughout the week thanks to their fast internet connection! The Czech Republic provides a freelancer visa known as the Zivno. It is valid for a year and can be extended. It’s a little more difficult than the other visas on our list, but it’s feasible.
Principal Requirements
You hold a trade license for one of the occupations mentioned below.
Proof of residence for at least a year
Proof that you have at least €5,587 in your bank account (per person)
Local taxes amount to around 1,800 K ($80 USD) every month.
Visa Application Requirements
It’s usually a good idea to employ an agency to assist you
Compile the following list of needed documents
Make an appointment with a Czech embassy to obtain a long-term visa
Pay the €100 visa cost
3. Estonia
Estonia was the first country to establish an e-residency scheme, which permits overseas entrepreneurs to open an online firm in the EU. Then, in June 2020, they will also make available a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa, which would allow foreigners to live in the nation while working remotely.
Principal Requirements
You are the owner of a location independent business (and/or)
You work for a corporation situated outside of Estonia and work remotely.
For the previous six months, you have earned at least €3504 each month.
Visa Application Requirements
Fill out the online application form, sign it, and book an appointment to submit it in person at your nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate.
There are two types of digital nomad visas: Type C (short stay) and Type D (long stay), which cost €80 and €100, respectively.
4. Germany
The Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit is Germany’s own unique freelancing visa. It is a residence permit that permits international freelancers and self-employed individuals to remain in Germany for a period of six months to three years. One disadvantage is that getting this visa authorized might take 3-4 months. Furthermore, knowing someone who speaks German or who knows someone who does will be quite beneficial.
Principal Requirements
You’ll need a German address
Proof of medical insurance
Evidence of financial self-sufficiency
Work with clients in Germany. They want to see that you’re offering services that will benefit the local economy
Visa Application Requirements
Gather all necessary documentation
Obtain a residency permit in Germany
Make an appointment with the immigration office
Pay the €100 visa cost
5. Hungary
Hungary, particularly its capital city of Budapest, has long been a favored destination for digital nomads. With their new “White Card” — a unique 1-year long digital nomad residency scheme – they’ve made it even simpler to stay long-term.
Principal Requirements
Only third-country nationals are eligible to apply, not EU citizens
You are not permitted to work for a Hungarian corporation
Financial self-sufficiency. Must have a monthly salary of at least €2000
The white card is valid for one year and can be renewed for another year
The White Card does not grant automatic residence to family members
Visa Application Requirements
The government has yet to disclose information on how to apply for a White Card as of January 2022.
6. Iceland
Iceland now has its own long-stay visa for digital nomads and remote workers! T here is so much to see and do there. Landscapes that appear to have been created from your wildest fantasies.
The long-term visa in Iceland is only valid for six months, making it one of the shortest digital nomad visas available. If you apply while already in the European Schengen Area, your visa will be valid for only 90 days.
So you can’t go to Europe for three months and then try to acquire a special visa to remain for another six months on top of that.
Principal Requirements
You must be the owner of your own location independent firm or work remotely for a company based outside of Iceland
Show proof of your (self-)employment
Display a monthly salary of at least 1,000,000 ISK (about $7,763 USD) or 1,300,000 ISK for a pair
Proof of Iceland travel/health insurance coverage
Visa Application Requirements
Fill out the application form
Pay the processing charge of 7800 ISK
7. Malta
Malta has developed its own Digital Nomad Residence Permit, which is aimed at remote workers from outside the European Union. For years, the Mediterranean island of Malta has enticed digital nomads with its sunny island lifestyle, widespread English, and robust internet infrastructure (including nationwide 5G service).
It’s also close to continental Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, so travelers will have plenty of opportunity to get out and explore the area.
Applicants must demonstrate their ability to operate remotely through the internet in order to qualify for Malta’s one-year Nomad Residence Permit.
Principal Requirements
You must work for an employer registered in a foreign nation, conduct business as a shareholder or partner for a company registered in a foreign country, or provide freelancing or consulting services to customers with permanent installations in a foreign country
Applicants must have a gross monthly income of at least €2,700 EURO
Proof of travel/health insurance coverage for your stay in Malta is required
In Malta, you must have a legal rental or purchase agreement
You must pass a background check
Visa Application Requirements
Fill out the Application Form
Pay the administrative cost of €300 EURO
8. Norway
Norway has been in the headlines a lot recently, with its strong social democratic government, prosperity, natural beauty, and progressive populace being praised as a Scandinavian paradise.
Many overseas digital nomads and remote workers would welcome the opportunity to relocate to Norway. With Norway’s Independent Contractor visa, people can stay for up to two years.
Principal Requirements
To work on a project for a company in Norway, you must be self-employed and have a contract
To work in your field, you must have the necessary qualifications
Evidence of lodging in Norway
Demonstrate a yearly income of at least €35,719 before taxes
Visa Application Requirements
Collect the papers indicated on the website of Norway’s Directorate of Immigration
Fill out the application and deliver it to the Norwegian Embassy nearest you
Pay the visa application fee of around €600
9. Portugal
For independent workers and entrepreneurs, Portugal offers a one-year temporary resident visa (D7 passive income visa) as well as a residence permit that may be renewed for up to five years. You can seek for permanent residency after 5 years.
You will be awarded a residency card, the Ttulo de Residência, as a foreign visa holder and resident. In Portugal, this is your official identification. With the establishment of their Digital Nomads Village, the lovely Portuguese island of Madeira has become a remote worker hotspot.
Principal Requirements
Proof of property revenue, proof of company ownership, or proof of financial resources are all acceptable.
You have a monthly income of at least €600 EURO.
Proof of private travel/health insurance is required.
Submit to a criminal history check.
Visa Application Requirements
Gather the necessary papers, print, and fill out the application form
Make an appointment with the Portuguese consulate in your area.
Pay the visa charge of €83 EUR and the residence permit fee of €72 EUR.
10. Spain
Spain has a Non-Lucrative Visa that permits foreigners to stay in the country for at least a year and is renewable. It’s a favorite of many location independent people due to its inexpensive cost of living and mix of beaches, mountains, and relaxing lifestyle. On this visa, however, you are not permitted to “work” because they are searching for persons who are “retired” and self-sufficient.
Principal Requirements
Show evidence that you can sustain yourself financially by having at least €2151 in investments or retirement income every month, or by having €25,816 in savings
Proof of private health insurance in Spain
Obtain a background check from the police or the FBI
Obtain a Certificate of Good Health from a physician
Visa Application Requirements
You must submit your application in person at the nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy
All of your paperwork must be translated and certified in your native nation.
Sign a sworn statement in front of a Notary declaring you will not work while in Spain.
Pay the $140 USD visa application cost.
11. Georgia
Because of the severe reduction in tourism caused by the Coronavirus outbreak, Georgia is one of the most recent countries to issue a digital nomad visa dubbed “Remotely from Georgia” to assist boost their economy. If you’re a remote worker, why not ride out the pandemic by working from a nation recognized for its low cost of living, vibrant towns, and breathtaking mountain scenery?
Principal Requirements
You are the owner of a location independent business (and/or)
You work at a firm based outside of Georgia and work remotely.
You must demonstrate your financial ability to pay taxes while in Georgia.
You have a monthly income of at least $2000.
You must be quarantined for 14 days.
Purchase six-month travel insurance.
Visa Application Requirements
Complete the online application form
