EU Digital Nomad Visa – Live and Work in Europe Legally

If your job only requires a laptop, a good Wi-Fi connection, and your creative mind, there’s no reason to stay anchored to one location. 

You have the freedom to work from anywhere, and you should embrace it!

For digital nomads, those in remote work, freelancing, or running a business on the go, Europe is one of the best places to be. With a great quality of life, a variety of cultures, and solid infrastructure, it provides the perfect environment for remote living and working.

Thanks to the popularity of remote work, many EU countries now offer specialized digital nomad visas. Obtaining it can simplify legal residency, provide tax advantages, and opens doors to potential citizenship opportunities.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa in Europe is a special type of residency permit designed for remote workers, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads whose income comes from outside the country where they plan to live. It’s a legal solution allowing digital nomads to reside and work in Europe without being employed by a local company.

Unlike traditional work visas, a digital nomad visa in Europe recognizes that your employment or self-employment takes place remotely and outside the host nation. This unique arrangement means you can legally live in a European country without directly competing with local workers.

In Europe, a digital nomad visa typically allows you to stay in the host country for periods ranging from several months to a couple of years, and it is often renewable. This can be your gateway to residency, long-term settlement, and, depending on the host nation’s regulations, even citizenship opportunities.

Securing a digital nomad visa in the EU can come with enticing financial rewards, such as tax benefits. Some European countries offer special tax policies for digital nomads, meaning you can enjoy the lifestyle you’ve dreamed of while also making a financially sound choice.

Benefits of Digital Nomad Visas in Europe

One of the most attractive perks of obtaining a digital nomad visa in Europe is the freedom to easily explore not just your chosen country but virtually the entire European Union. 

When you obtain a residency in one EU country, you will also have unrestricted access to all 27 countries within Europe’s Schengen Area. You can enjoy a sunny beach in Portugal one week and go skiing in Switzerland the next, all without the hassle of travel permits.

With remote work on the rise, more than a dozen European countries with digital nomad visas offer tailored residency programs for remote workers. 

Estonia, known for its advanced digital infrastructure, provides e-Residency, which allows digital nomads to manage their businesses entirely online, even remotely signing contracts and handling taxes digitally. 

Croatia hosts digital nomad villages like the one in Zadar, which features dedicated accommodation, coworking spaces, and social events exclusively for remote workers. 

Portugal, especially Lisbon and Madeira, actively supports nomads through thriving communities, budget-friendly coworking hubs, and plenty of meetups that make it easy to network.

Financially speaking, the incentives can be substantial. Some European countries are offering tax breaks to attract remote workers. These tax incentives can be a huge draw for nomads looking to save on taxes while enjoying the freedom of working in Europe.

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Residency scheme provides remote workers with favorable tax rates on foreign-earned income for up to a decade. Likewise, Greece offers remote workers a substantial tax reduction, cutting their income tax by 50%.

The diversity of culture, history, climate, and pace of life across Europe means there’s something for everyone; you just need to find the destination that resonates the most with you.

Best European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Among the numerous European countries with digital nomad visas, a handful have created conditions that can make the choice easier for you. These destinations have the right mix of long-term stability, tax incentives, and community that supports your work as well as your well-being. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re just planning a few years abroad or hoping for a permanent place to stay; these countries make it easier to feel at home.

Portugal

Portugal has become a favorite for a lot of people: travelers, expats, and now, digital nomads. The mix of ocean views, walkable cities, laid-back living, and great weather is hard to beat. Whether you’re walking through Lisbon’s hills, grabbing a glass of wine in Porto, or spending a few months in Madeira, you get the feeling that life there moves at a slower, more livable pace.

For digital nomads, Portugal checks a lot of boxes. The Internet is reliable, coworking spaces are easy to find, and there’s a growing remote work scene in cities big and small.

Portugal Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Croatia

Croatia has a lot going for it: stunning coastline, historic towns, clear blue water, and more than a thousand islands scattered along the Adriatic. Towns like Dubrovnik and Split mix history with a relaxed, seaside atmosphere that’s hard to beat.

It’s also become a strong option for digital nomads. Cities like Zadar and Dubrovnik have leaned into the remote work trend, building coworking spots, hosting community events, and launching dedicated nomad villages. 

The visa process is relatively smooth, and there’s a growing number of expats and nomads who’ve already made Croatia home.

Croatia Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Estonia

Estonia is one of those places where old and new actually work well together. Tallinn, the capital, is full of medieval streets and centuries-old buildings, but it’s also one of the most digitally advanced cities in Europe. 

You’ll find fast Internet everywhere, a strong startup scene, and a government that’s made nearly everything accessible online.

For digital nomads, especially those in tech, Estonia really stands out. Its e-Residency program lets you start and run a business remotely without ever needing to live there full time. It’s a smart setup for freelancers, founders, or anyone who wants a simple way to manage work across borders.

Estonia Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Spain

Spain has long been a favorite for people drawn to its mix of loud cities, coastal living, and rich cultural life. Whether you’re in the streets of Barcelona, grabbing tapas in Madrid, or catching a sunset in Valencia, Spain’s charm is hard to beat. And if big cities aren’t your thing, Spain’s countryside and coastlines offer plenty of space to slow down.

For remote workers, Spain offers more than a great lifestyle. There’s strong infrastructure, solid healthcare, and one of the more appealing tax structures for foreigners, thanks to the Beckham Law. 

The growing community of digital nomads, especially in places like Valencia and Málaga, makes it easy to find your footing socially and professionally.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Greece

Greece is one of those countries that draws people in with history, but makes them stay for the pace of life. Athens is full of energy and ancient landmarks, while the islands, like Crete or Santorini, offer slower rhythms, stunning views, and sun-soaked days. The culture is warm and social, and the cost of living is still relatively low compared to much of Europe.

For digital nomads, Greece brings something else to the table: generous tax breaks. If you qualify, you could cut your income tax in half for up to seven years. 

Add in solid Internet, affordable accommodation, and plenty of coworking options, and it’s easy to see why more remote workers are planting roots here.

Greece Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Malta

Malta, an English-speaking Mediterranean island nation, seems to have it all: historical beauty, stunning beaches, and a welcoming international community. Cities such as Valletta and Sliema will pull you in with their historical architecture, beautiful harbors, and sunny weather.

For remote workers, Malta checks the practical boxes. It offers a nomad visa specifically for non-EU citizens, and the fact that you won’t be taxed on foreign income is a major plus. 

And with good Wi-Fi, a bunch of coworking spots, and affordable rent, if you avoid the tourist-heavy areas, you’ve got a simple, low-friction place to work and live.

Malta Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Germany

Germany offers high-functioning infrastructure and cultural depth that makes it one of the most reliable places to base yourself as a remote worker. Germany’s big cities are easy to live in and even easier to work from. 

There’s solid infrastructure, a strong economy, and no shortage of things happening, whether you’re freelancing, building a business, or just need a steady base with good coffee and fast Wi-Fi.

Germany’s freelancer visa is one of the more comprehensive programs in Europe. It’s not the quickest or simplest to apply for, but the benefits are clear: excellent healthcare, a strong economy, and an international network of professionals.

Germany Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Hungary

Hungary isn’t usually the first place people think of, but maybe it should be. Budapest especially has a way of pulling you in; it’s affordable, full of personality, and easy to feel at home in. 

You’ll find old bathhouses and faded cafés next to startup hubs and coworking spots, and the city stays alive long after the workday ends, with many places to unwind and parties to attend.

Hungary’s “White Card” digital nomad visa makes it possible to stay legally while working remotely, and it comes with a major benefit: no local taxes on foreign income. 

The city’s cost of living is low, the Internet is fast, and it’s easy to blend into the growing remote work community. It’s an especially great choice if you want Europe without the Western European price tag.

Hungary Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic offers the kind of timeless appeal people dream about, with castles, cobblestone streets, and skyline views filled with spires. Prague, in particular, balances its fairy-tale looks with a modern edge. The city is walkable, lively, and more affordable than many other European capitals.

For freelancers and digital nomads, Prague has one of the more established expat communities. 

Coworking spaces are easy to find, the Internet is reliable, and there’s a social scene for every niche. While the visa process can be a bit paperwork-heavy, once you’re in, it’s a smooth place to live and work.

Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Latvia

Latvia has a quiet appeal; it’s peaceful, green, and easy to navigate. Riga, the capital, has a laid-back feel with a good mix of modern living and historical charm. The cost of living is reasonable, public transport is excellent, and you’re never far from a forest or the sea.

For remote workers, Latvia’s digital nomad visa is pretty straightforward. 

The application process is clear, the Internet is fast, and coworking spots are available throughout the city. If you’re looking for a calmer base with good access to the rest of Europe, Latvia is a solid, underrated option.

Latvia Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Cyprus

Cyprus offers you an island lifestyle with modern conveniences. You’ll find beach towns with strong character, urban centers like Nicosia and Limassol that stay busy year-round, and an expat-friendly atmosphere where English is widely spoken. 

The climate is one of the best in Europe, and the food, shaped by both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions, adds real depth to everyday life.

For digital nomads, Cyprus makes a strong case. The visa is built specifically for remote workers, the tax system is favorable for foreign income, and the growing network of coworking spaces makes it easy to stay productive.

Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa – Essential Information

Why is Portugal the Best Choice for a Digital Nomad Visa in Europe?

Portugal consistently ranks as the top choice for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Europe, and for good reason. It combines affordable living, exceptional quality of life, beautiful weather, and stunning coastal and urban landscapes. Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira are known for thriving international communities, extensive coworking spaces, and strong Internet connectivity.

Moreover, Portugal’s IFICI tax regime makes it uniquely attractive for professionals, significantly reducing your tax burden on both Portugal and foreign-sourced income for up to a decade. This is a new tax regime in Portugal, a little bit different from its ancestor NHR, with a main focus on tax benefits for research and innovation.

With a clear pathway from residency to citizenship after five years, Portugal offers stability, long-term planning benefits, and access to visa-free travel across 27 EU countries. Investing in Portugal through programs like the Golden Visa provides a straightforward route toward permanent European residency and citizenship, making it ideal for digital nomads aiming for greater freedom and mobility.

How Bitizenship Simplifies Your Residency Process in Portugal

Getting your residency in Portugal doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you’re working with a team that knows the process inside out. At Bitizenship, we specialize in helping digital nomads and entrepreneurs navigate residency programs in Portugal with clarity and confidence.

We’ll guide you through your options, handle the legal paperwork with help from our trusted local partners, and make sure you understand how Portugal’s tax system works, especially if you’re earning income from abroad. 

If you’re thinking beyond temporary residency, we also help clients invest in Portugal Golden Visa programs, offering a pathway to long-term residency that can lead to citizenship after five years. By doing this, you get the chance to truly enrich your nomadic lifestyle and get access to 27 countries in the Schengen area.

With over 110 successful residency applications and years of experience in the Portuguese market, we’ve helped clients turn complex processes into clear, manageable steps so they can focus on settling in and building the life they want in Portugal.

FAQ About Digital Nomad Visa in Europe

Ale is the co-founder of Bitizenship. He cares about the craft of building quality products that make life better for people. He writes about these topics, as well as freedom, wealth, and global mobility, in a newsletter read by thousands of modern citizens.