International governments have quickly caught on to the shift from “work from home” to “work from anywhere,” and digital nomad visas are a new norm and there are now over 35 different remote working visas available globally. Almost one-third of the digital nomad visas introduced are available in Europe, giving remote workers more opportunities to find a new home among cozy cobbled streets, historic mountain ranges, and beautiful beaches.

From Croatia and the Czech Republic to Romania and Spain, these are the 13 European digital nomad visas that remote workers can apply for today.  

READ MORE: 8 Must-Visit Digital Nomad Destinations for 2023

Croatia

Until Jan 1, 2023, Croatia was a favorite spot of digital nomads looking to spend time outside of the Schengen Zone. The most popular Schengen visa offers visitors a maximum stay of 90 days out of 180 before tourists are required to leave the area. Just across the sea from Italy, Croatia was the perfect location for digital nomads to recharge their Schengen Visa, as they could wait for 90s and then quickly hop back over to countries like Spain, Germany, Italy, or anything else in the Schengen Zone.

Unluckily for non-Schengen members, Croatia is now Schengen, joining together with 26 other nations to form a unified area that shares entry/exit requirements. However, remote workers can still explore Zagreb, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik inside a full year of travel if they apply for the Croatian digital nomad visa.

READ MORE: The Best Digital Nomad Destinations in Croatia

Czech Republic

Remote workers can spend a minimum of six months and as long as a year with the Czech digital nomad visa, known officially as the “Zivnostenske opravneni” visa. Thankfully, the visa does come with a commonly used and easier-to-pronounce “Zivno” visa nickname.

Prague forms the major digital nomad hub in the Czech Republic with the capital city often cited as both a fantastic Christmas destination and a top beginner destination for digital nomads. The city may be a fairytale destination for a year of remote work, but the visa is not attained without a little difficulty. Digital nomads must first view the list of approved industries and obtain a trade license before they can apply for the “Zivno”. This is in addition to the minimum financial criteria that must be met by all applicants. 

Estonia

Tucked away between Finland, Russia, and Latvia, Estonia is a small country that has earned a favorable reputation among digital nomads for its high-speed internet and welcoming policies.

The Estonian digital nomad visa was launched back in August 2020 with news of its launch spreading like wildfire among remote workers and digital nomad communities. The pioneering stance offered a 365-day stay in the country for qualifying digital nomads with visitors able to choose one of two different visa types: one for 90-day stays and another for yearlong stays.

Georgia

Uniquely positioned at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Asia, Georgia has transformed into somewhat of a remote work hub in recent years, in no small part due to the Georgian digital nomad visa. 

The remote work project is open to nationals from 95 countries (including both the United States and European Union members) and allows digital nomads and their families to spend a maximum of 365 days living and working from Georgia. A short list of criteria must be satisfied for a successful application process (including a minimum income requirement). However, the criteria are noted as being somewhat relaxed compared with other European digital nomad visas—making the country an attractive prospect for many nomads.

READ MORE: The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Tbilisi

Germany

Germany, although it does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, does offer a non-remote work-focused visa that is the perfect fit for digital nomads. 

The German freelancer visa (known as the Freiberufler) can be used for both traditional and remote workers), visitors can spend as long as three years (with the additional option to renew) in Germany. Digital nomads may apply for either the freelancer visa or the Self-Employed visa (Selbständiger) providing that the criteria are met for either choice. The German digital nomad visa alternatives may prove a better solution for some applicants, although, with strict requirements, not all will qualify for the official documentation. 

Greece

With the Greek digital nomad visa, applicants can spend as long as 12 months there with the option to renew for a further year providing that all qualifying criteria are still satisfied. Successful applicants must prove a minimum monthly income, and provide proof of remote work, and health insurance to claim their digital nomad visa.

The islands may be idyllic, but there are some concerns surrounding the spotty internet connections for online workers. If it’s Zoom calls and large downloads that you need to work with—it’s best to check for the top internet speeds before renting properties long-term.  

Hungary

Hungary attracts many nomads because accommodation is affordable, the capital city beautiful, and the food hearty and incredible. And with the country keen to attract young professionals to the city, the Hungarian visa is one of the more unique European digital nomad visas because its targeted at singles under 40 and the minimum income requirement is comparatively low. To apply, you’ll need an address, proof of health insurance, and a lack of dependents traveling alongside you.

Iceland

With its rugged landscape, epic volcanoes, black sand beaches, and proximity to the northern lights, Iceland is one of the top destinations for serious adventure lovers. However, it's also a notoriously expensive country and the digital nomad visa has a high income requirement that might not be suitable for nomads just starting.

Iceland’s digital nomad visa allows stays of only 180 days and hopeful applicants must satisfy the following requirements: a minimum monthly income of 1,000,000 ISK (or 1,300,000 ISK when planning a trip with a partner), citizenship outside of the EU/EEA/EFTA, and the ability to travel to Iceland without a Schengen visa are just some of the hoops that you’ll have to jump through

Malta

Located between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago famed for its Roman history, blue waters, and its status as a tax haven. The Malta digital nomad visa, known officially as the Nomad Residency Permit, offers a full year for digital nomads (and their families) to get to know the island. There is no additional cost when applying as a group—a benefit that is rarely expected in the world of remote working visas. 

Norway

The Scandinavian country of Norway, located to the West of Sweden and Finland, is one of the most beautiful European countries offering a visa for digital nomads. Although Norway does not offer a specific digital nomad visa, it does offer an independent contractor visa, perfect for a location-independent lifestyle. There are a handful of requirements that must be adhered to by applicants when obtaining the visa (including a contract with a Norwegian client) that can make things a little trickier. At the same time, it's one of the most stunning nature destinations in all of Europe, the extra admin is more than worth it to visit Norway for up to two years. 

Portugal

The Portuguese digital nomad visa is one of the most popular digital nomad visas in Europe, and for good reason. From top to bottom, the country offers the best bang for your buck anywhere in Europe and digital nomads are flocking there. This digital nomad visa is one of the easiest in Europe to qualify for and with so many nomads visiting the major cities, the infrastructure for a remote working lifestyle is very much up and running. 

READ MORE: The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Lisbon

Romania

The Romanian remote working visa, offered to digital nomads for 12 months, has some of the most lenient requirements. However, applicants must provide proof of income that is 3x the national average (€3,300). The capital city of Bucharest is, without contest, the most popular destination for digital nomads with a heavy focus on technology startups and entrepreneurs based in the city. 

Spain

Despite the lack of available visas, Spain has long been a top choice among digital nomads looking to live and work as either an expat or a nomad on a tourist visa. After teasing us in 2022, the Spanish digital nomad visa has finally launched, offering remote workers the opportunity to live and work in Spain for a maximum 12-month period. This is one that many have been waiting for and, providing that all requirements are met, the Spanish digital nomad visa permits nomads to earn up to 20% of their income from Spanish clients. 

READ MORE:

• How to Get a Digital Nomad Visa
• The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Madrid
• The Best Digital Nomad Neighborhoods in Barcelona

European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

The long list of digital nomad visas is always changing with a new visa seemingly offered every week. For guidance, additional information, and a full step-by-step breakdown of the application process for each nomad visa, check out the individual digital nomad visa guides available at Nurall.