Working remotely from a café in Lisbon or a seaside flat in Malta is no longer just a dream. Several European countries now offer digital nomad visas, which let remote workers live there legally for a year or more while working for clients or employers abroad. Here are eight European countries with digital nomad visas, what they require, and how to choose.
Requirements and income thresholds change regularly, often every year. The figures below are approximate. Always check the official government website or consulate before you apply.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a residence permit for people who work remotely for employers or clients based outside the country. Unlike a tourist stay, which is usually limited to 90 days in the Schengen Area, a nomad visa lets you stay for a year or more, and sometimes renew.
What to Look For
- Income requirement: Most countries require a minimum monthly income, usually between about €2,500 and €4,500.
- Length of stay and renewals: Some visas last one year, others up to several years with renewals.
- Taxes: Staying more than 183 days often makes you a tax resident. Some countries offer tax incentives for newcomers.
- Family: Check whether your partner and children can join you.
- Documents: Expect to provide proof of income, a work contract or client list, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
8 European Countries With Digital Nomad Visas
Spain
Spain's digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to a year from a consulate, or up to three years if applying from within Spain, with renewals possible. The income requirement is linked to the Spanish minimum wage, roughly €2,700–2,800 per month for a single applicant. Spain also has a special tax regime for some newcomers.
Stay connected: Spain eSIM
Portugal
Portugal offers a temporary stay visa for remote work and a residence visa for longer stays. The income requirement is around four times the Portuguese minimum wage, roughly €3,500 per month. Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira have big remote worker communities.
Greece
Greece's digital nomad visa lets remote workers stay for one year, with the option of a two-year residence permit. The income requirement is around €3,500 per month.
Malta
Malta's Nomad Residence Permit is valid for one year and renewable. The income requirement is around €42,000 per year. English is an official language, which makes daily life easy.
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Cyprus
Cyprus offers a one-year digital nomad visa, renewable for two more years, with an income requirement of around €3,500 net per month. Sunshine and a relaxed pace of life are big draws.
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Estonia
Estonia was one of the first countries to create a digital nomad visa. It allows a stay of up to one year, with a high income requirement of around €4,500 gross per month. Estonia is famously digital, with fast internet and e-government services.
Stay connected: Estonia eSIM
Hungary
Hungary's White Card is a residence permit for remote workers, valid for one year and renewable once. The income requirement is around €3,000 per month. Budapest is affordable and well connected.
Stay connected: Hungary eSIM
Romania
Romania offers a digital nomad visa for up to one year, renewable, with an income requirement of around three times the average Romanian gross salary. It is one of the cheapest places to live in the EU, with fast internet.
How to Choose a Digital Nomad Destination
- Cost of living: Romania, Hungary, and Portugal outside Lisbon are cheaper; Malta and Estonia are pricier.
- Time zone: Most of these countries are one or two hours ahead of the UK, which suits work with European clients.
- Community: Lisbon, Madeira, Barcelona, Valencia, and Athens have large nomad communities and coworking spaces.
- Climate: Southern Europe offers the most sunshine. See where is hot in December in Europe.
Staying Connected as a Digital Nomad
Reliable data is essential for remote work. An eSIM lets you get online the moment you land, while you set up a local contract or as a backup when coworking Wi-Fi fails. The egoViet Europe eSIM covers 33 countries, including all eight above, so you can keep working while you travel between them. Learn what an eSIM is and how to use your eSIM as a hotspot for your laptop.
FAQs: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Which European country has the easiest digital nomad visa?
It depends on your income and nationality. Spain, Portugal, Malta, and Greece are popular for their clear processes and established nomad communities.
How much do you need to earn for a digital nomad visa in Europe?
Most countries require around €2,500 to €4,500 per month, depending on the country. Requirements change, so check official sources.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Europe?
Often, if you stay more than 183 days in a year you become a tax resident. Some countries offer special regimes. Get advice from a tax professional.
Can I bring my family on a digital nomad visa?
Many countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Greece, allow family members to join you, usually with a higher income requirement.