Top European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas in 2025

If you’re looking for a change of pace and have the option to work remotely, Europe is the best place to be.

Over a dozen European countries with digital nomad visas now compete for remote workers. 

They offer tailored visa programs that go far beyond tourist stays. You can have your pick from sun-soaked islands with low income thresholds to business-friendly cities with clear tax rules and long-term pathways.

But digital nomad visas in Europe are not the same everywhere. 

Income requirements can vary, and some programs quietly limit what you can do once you’re there. Things like bringing your family, getting local health coverage, or applying for residency down the line.

What Is a Digital Nomad Visa

A digital nomad visa is a temporary residence permit designed for remote workers. Unlike a tourist visa or Schengen stay, it lets you legally live in a country for 6-24 months (sometimes longer) while working for a non-local employer or your own company.

Here’s what makes a digital nomad visa in Europe different:

What matters most when comparing digital nomad visas in Europe is the details:

• Minimum income requirement: Can you prove you earn enough monthly?
• Tax residency rules: Will you be taxed locally, or are you exempt?
• Application process: Is it done abroad or once you enter the country?
• Processing time: Are you waiting 30 days, or six months?
• Renewability & upgrades: Can this visa become a bridge to long-term residence?
• Family-friendly: Can your spouse and kids come with you on the same permit?

These differences make or break real decisions. 

For example, Estonia’s tech-forward visa has one of the cleanest application processes but won’t help you long-term. Meanwhile, countries like Portugal or Spain offer easier upgrades to residency, but come with more complex considerations.

How to Choose the Right Digital Nomad Visa in Europe

Choosing a digital nomad visa in Europe is as much about where you want to go as it is about where you can realistically stay and thrive as a remote worker. Some countries make it easy on paper but bog you down in paperwork. Others are flexible with income requirements but offer no tax clarity. 

A few strike the right balance, and those are the ones worth considering. Here’s what to look into:

Minimum Income Requirement

Every EU digital nomad visa has a monthly income threshold, typically tied to the host country’s minimum wage or national average. For example:

Proving remote income can be tricky. You’ll often need bank statements, active contracts, and sometimes notarized letters from employers or clients.

Taxation

Some digital nomad visas in Europe explicitly state that you won’t become a tax resident. Others say nothing, which often means the local tax authority will consider you one if you stay longer than 183 days.

For example:

• Portugal had one of the best regimes (the NHR regime), but has shifted towards treating most nomads as tax residents with the new IFICI tax regime.
• Estonia does not tax remote income if you’re employed by a non-Estonian entity and stay under the 183-day threshold.
• Spain taxes you after 183 days but offers the Beckham Law, which can reduce your rate if you apply in time.

So, don’t choose a visa without first understanding its tax treatment. What looks cheap upfront can become expensive fast.

Ease of Application

Some countries let you apply online and issue approvals in a month or less. Others require in-person embassy appointments, physical apostilles, and document translations.

Best-in-class for processing:

• Estonia (fully digital, typically 30-60 days)
• Croatia (application can be submitted online from abroad)
• Iceland (not fast, but process is clear and standardized)

Worst-case scenarios?

• Italy still requires regional labor office approvals and unclear wait times.
• Greece has conflicting instructions between embassies and local authorities.

Visa Duration and Renewal Options

Most digital nomad visas in Europe are valid for 12 months, with the option to renew. But a few stand out:

• Portugal offers a 2-year residence permit from the start, renewable for 3 more years.
• Iceland only allows a 6-month stay, non-renewable.
• Malta allows 1-year stays, renewable annually up to 3 years.

If you want stability, opt for countries that offer multi-year residence and an upgrade path to permanent status.

Bringing Family

Not every visa includes dependents automatically. If you’re relocating with a partner or kids, check:

• Portugal, Greece, Malta, and Spain all allow dependents on the same or linked visa.
• Estonia and Croatia allow dependents but may require separate documentation.
• Iceland does not allow family inclusion on their nomad visa.

Lifestyle Fit and Nomad Infrastructure

There’s no one-size-fits-all. For beach life and mild winters? Look to Spain, Portugal, or Cyprus. Prefer capital-city coworking hubs and international communities? Try Tallinn, Lisbon, Barcelona, or Berlin.

Fast Wi-Fi, low cost of living, decent public transport, and safety still matter. So does the ability to rent without absurd bureaucracy. Nomads are drawn to:

• Portugal for its laid-back vibe, surf towns, and tech scene
• Croatia for affordability and coastlines
• Spain for weather, culture, and coworking density
• Estonia for digital services and clean admin

Best European Countries with Digital Nomad Visas

Europe is big, and no two places are alike, so here is a breakdown of countries to choose from, what to expect, and what makes each stand out.

Portugal

Portugal’s digital nomad visa is one of the most structured and attractive in Europe, especially for those looking to establish residency. Applicants can choose between a 1-year temporary stay visa or a 2-year residence permit, both built for remote workers earning foreign income. 

With an expat scene, accessible healthcare, and top-tier internet, Portugal offers both lifestyle and legal clarity.

Why Portugal stands out:

• Clear path to long-term residence
• Family reunification allowed
• Strong nomad hubs (Lisbon, Porto, Madeira)
• Western European quality of life at lower cost
  

Malta

Malta was among the first European countries with a digital nomad visa, offering the Nomad Residence Permit starting in 2021. It has an English-speaking environment, mild winters, and highly centralized application process. Though relatively small, Malta offers EU access and competitive tax treatment for remote workers.

Why Malta stands out:

• Entire process handled online via one government agency
• English is an official language
• No local taxes if income is not remitted to Malta
• Island lifestyle with fast international connections
  

Croatia

Croatia’s digital nomad visa, officially a temporary stay permit, is one of the most efficient in the EU. It offers fast online applications and zero tax on foreign income. Though it’s limited to one year with no renewal, many nomads reapply after a short break.

Why Croatia stands out:

• No local taxation on foreign income
• Affordable cost of living
• Schengen access since 2023
• Well-developed expat and remote work communities in Split, Zagreb, and Rijeka
  

Estonia

Estonia was the first EU country to formally introduce a digital nomad visa back in 2020. While the Baltic winters are not for everyone, Estonia appeals to tech professionals and freelancers who want a clean bureaucratic experience and reliable infrastructure. However, this visa is only valid for 1 year and does not allow family inclusion.

Why Estonia stands out:

• Tech-savvy governance with digital-first systems
• Transparent visa process
• Popular among remote employees and solo consultants
• Not suitable for families or those seeking long-term residence
  

Spain

Spain introduced its digital nomad visa in 2023 under the Startup Law, and it quickly became one of the strongest programs in Europe. The visa grants a 3-year residence permit from the start, with access to Spain’s flat-tax regime for foreign workers (the Beckham Law), making it ideal for long-term stability.

Why Spain stands out:

• Long initial visa duration (3 years)
• Beckham Law allows reduced flat tax for 5 years
• Excellent lifestyle options from big cities to islands
• Highly developed remote work hubs and infrastructure
  

Greece

Greece introduced its digital nomad visa in 2021. It’s a top choice for remote workers who want affordable living, good weather, beautiful scenery and a family-friendly setup. While the visa itself is valid for one year, it can be extended into a two-year residence permit.

Why Greece stands out:

• Good for families (clear dependents policy)
• Can transition from a visa to a residence permit
• Access to islands, cities, and a relaxed lifestyle
• Reasonable cost of living
  

Hungary

Hungary launched its White Card in 2022 as a digital nomad visa targeted at solo applicants. It’s straightforward in terms of documentation, but a major caveat is that it does not allow spouses or children to join under the same permit. That said, Hungary offers one of the lowest income thresholds in the EU and has a very affordable cost of living.

Why Hungary stands out:

• One of the lowest income requirements
• Central EU location with strong transport links
• Affordable, yet beautiful cities like Budapest and Debrecen
• Only available to single applicants (no dependents)
  

Iceland

Iceland offers a long-term remote work visa for non-EU/EEA nationals. It’s a good fit for high-income earners who want a unique setting. The visa is non-renewable and not ideal for long-term relocation, but it remains attractive for solo workers who want to experience Iceland and live in a safe, stable, and highly developed country for a fixed period.

Why Iceland stands out:

• High standard of living and public safety
• Very limited stay, best for short-term relocation
• High income requirement restricts accessibility
  

Italy

Italy’s digital nomad visa offers beautiful scenery and historical value with some requirements. No criminal record, and a clean tax history, and it’s processed through regional labor offices, which adds complexity and time. However, once you get through the system, it offers the chance to live long-term in one of Europe’s most iconic destinations.

Why Italy stands out:

• Cultural capital and lifestyle appeal
• Visa grants a path to residency
• More suitable for freelancers and consultants with legal/tax support
  

Norway

Norway offers a self-employment visa that functions similarly to a digital nomad visa, but only if you work with Norwegian clients. This makes it narrower than typical nomad visas, but still viable for some freelancers and consultants. The cost of living is high, but so is the quality of life, and applicants who meet the strict income and client-location criteria, will get to enjoy Norway’s stunning nature, safety and culture.

Why Norway stands out:

• Secure, high-functioning society
• Long initial visa duration with renewals possible
• Only suitable if you serve at least one Norwegian client
  

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic doesn’t technically offer a digital nomad visa, but its Zivno visa (freelance trade license) has long been used by remote workers. It’s ideal for people who can register for permitted trade licenses (IT, education, marketing, etc.). The process is bureaucratic but manageable with legal help. This visa provides a renewable 1-year stay and can lead to long-term residence.

Why Czech Republic stands out:

• Proven freelancer-friendly setup
• Low cost of living in cities like Brno and Prague
• Viable for long-term EU stay
  

Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most business-friendly European countries with digital nomad visas. With 300+ days of sunshine, widespread English use, and no tax obligations for most remote workers, Cyprus is becoming a serious option for solo workers and remote employees looking to live in the EU without the EU-level tax stress.

Why Cyprus stands out:

• Strong expat infrastructure in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca
• No local tax liability under 183 days
• English widely spoken and used in contracts
  

Germany

Germany doesn’t offer a formal EU digital nomad visa, but its freelance visa (Freiberufler) effectively functions like one. It’s especially popular among creatives, tech professionals, and consultants. Unlike most digital nomad visas in Europe, this permit involves registration with the local tax office and requires proof of local demand for your services.

Why Germany stands out:

• Strongest economy among digital nomad visas in Europe
• Long visa duration and clear upgrade path to permanent residency
• Best for freelancers with German or EU clients
  

Romania

Romania offers history, culture, and one of the fastest internet infrastructures in Europe. This makes it attractive for solo freelancers and remote employees in IT, design, or media. While the country isn’t always top of mind when considering digital nomad visas that Europe offers, it’s one of the most practical choices.

Why Romania stands out:

• Excellent broadband speeds and coworking availability in Bucharest and Cluj
• Very affordable cost of living
  

Georgia

Georgia isn’t part of the EU, but it stands out on any list of digital nomad visas Europe offers due to its liberal entry policy and tax perks. With its Remotely from Georgia program, citizens of over 90 countries can stay for up to one year without a visa. While not a formal EU digital nomad visa, it operates as one, and requires no consulate visits or detailed paperwork to get started.

Why Georgia stands out:

• No visa required for up to 365 days for most Western passport holders
• Simple online registration if applying under the formal nomad program
• Foreign income is not taxed under 183 days
  

Latvia

Latvia launched its digital nomad visa in 2022, targeting non-EU remote employees and freelancers working for companies registered in OECD countries. As one of the more low-profile EU digital nomad visa programs, it offers a stable legal route into the Schengen Zone, with relatively modest documentation requirements and a solid quality of life in cities like Riga.

Why Latvia stands out:

• Access to the Schengen Area
• Clear eligibility for OECD-based workers
• Low barrier for freelancers with verified contracts
  

Choosing the Right EU Digital Nomad Visa: Best by Category

With so many digital nomad visas Europe now offers, narrowing it down comes down to your budget, speed, family plans, and long-term goals. 

Here’s how the top European countries with digital nomad visas stack up by some key criteria:

Easiest Digital Nomad Visa in Europe

If speed and simplicity are your top priorities, a few European countries with digital nomad visas stand out for their streamlined application processes. 

Croatia is one of the most efficient, offering a fully online application with a decision in about 30 days. Malta centralizes everything through its Residency Malta Agency, which makes the process surprisingly painless, especially compared to other Mediterranean destinations. 

Estonia, true to its digital government reputation, keeps paperwork minimal and turnaround fast. Meanwhile, Georgia remains the simplest of all: citizens from over 90 countries can enter without a visa and stay up to one year, no consulate visit required.

Cheapest Digital Nomad Visa Europe Offers

Not everyone earns huge salaries, and fortunately, not all digital nomad visas in Europe require them. Georgia has one of the lowest thresholds at ~€1,850 per month with minimal paperwork. Spain and Italy follow close behind, both hovering around €2,500 per month, making them among the most accessible in Western Europe. Hungary remains competitive with a €3,000 requirement for its White Card, though it’s limited to solo applicants. 

Best EU Digital Nomad Visa for Families

When relocating with a spouse or kids, some EU digital nomad visa programs clearly go the extra mile. Portugal offers a structured path for family reunification, and the long-term residence permit makes it ideal for raising a family. 

Spain also welcomes dependents under the same permit, and with its flat-tax Beckham Law, it can be financially favorable for high earners. Greece calculates additional income requirements per family member but has a transparent system in place. 

Romania and Malta both allow dependents with relatively light documentation, making them attractive for digital nomad families who want to enjoy Europe.

Best Long-Term Residency Potential

If you’re not just passing through but planning to settle down, a few digital nomad visas Europe offers can serve as serious stepping stones to permanent residency or even citizenship. 

Portugal leads in this category with its renewable two-year residence permit that counts toward the five-year minimum for permanent residence. Spain’s three-year permit starts strong and is fully renewable, and it can eventually transition into long-term residence. Germany’s freelance visa is well-respected and opens the door to settlement for those who build a solid tax and income history. 

The Czech Republic and Greece also allow for renewals that accumulate toward permanent residence, making them a good choice for those looking at the bigger picture.

Thinking Long-Term? Bitizenship Can Help You Stay in Portugal for Good

For many digital nomads, the original plan is to stay for a year or two, until Portugal makes a more permanent impression. If you’ve already fallen in love with the country’s lifestyle, healthcare, and tax advantages, you might be wondering: Is Portugal a good place to retire? 

Yes, and a digital nomad visa is just one of the options to gain residency and not particularly suited for retirees.

Here’s where Bitizenship comes in.

We focus exclusively on helping clients secure residency by investment in Portugal and they can eventually apply for European citizenship by investment, specifically through Portugal’s Golden Visa program. 

We manage the entire process via a fully compliant crypto-based route. Through the Unbound Fund, which qualifies under Portugal’s current Golden Visa rules, we guide investors step-by-step toward permanent residency and eventual citizenship.

Our team handles everything: from onboarding and fund coordination to legal structuring, immigration paperwork, and connecting you with licensed lawyers and tax advisors in Portugal. 

More importantly, we stay involved through the entire journey, until you’ve unlocked the full benefits of EU mobility, long-term security, and cross-border freedom.

If your plan is to gain a visa quickly with no commitments, Bitizenship offers a well-supported, fully legal pathway that goes far beyond remote work.

Final Thoughts

Europe has never been more open to remote workers. If you want a full relocation or you’re just testing the waters for a year, the right digital nomad visa in Europe can give you the legal clarity you need to make it work. 

You can experience a new kind of lifestyle and learn something along the way. And, with the right plan and the right partners, if you’re thinking long-term, the freedom to live and work legally in Europe is closer than ever.

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.