Europe on your terms: mastering Digital Nomad visas for remote work

With remote work being more popular nowadays, the concept of office spaces has expanded beyond traditional cubicles. This era of digital nomadism has transcended physical boundaries, allowing professionals to work from anywhere—as long as there’s internet.

The Instagram life has also given us a way to peek into the lives of people who have learned that work and travel can be combined. There’s a graphic designer working from a charming cafe in Paris while having a croissant, a writer at a hip co-working space in Lisbon, or a digital marketer taking a day off at a beach in Spain.

As the demand for flexible work arrangements surges, several European countries have introduced Digital Nomad Visas, opening their doors to those with a laptop and the travel big.

In this guide, we'll embark on a journey through the realm of European Digital Nomad Visas, uncovering the opportunities, challenges, and freedom they offer to those who are ready to call the world their workplace.

Portugal: for those who crave a blend of old-world charm and digital horizons

For good reason, Portugal has rapidly emerged as a haven for digital nomads. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a delightful mix of historic charm and modern amenities, while coastal towns like Ericeira are surrounded by many beaches and surf spots that are considered world-class.

Aside from those beautiful spots, Portugal is also considered one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe. In fact, it’s 50 percent cheaper than living in the United States! This affordable cost of living, a low crime rate, good public transport, and a temperate climate have attracted a massive number of digital nomads—16,000 are already located in Lisbon alone.

Maybe it’s also the appeal of those delicious pastel de natas or Portuguese egg tarts?‍

Digital Nomad Visa Details and Requirements:

• Applicants must be self-employed, a freelancer, remote worker, or solo entrepreneur over the age of 18 and with no criminal record
• Must make four times the national minimum wage (around €3,040) a month
• You must have proof of accommodation in Portugal and health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• A short-stay or temporary visa lets you stay in Portugal for less than a year, plus it’s renewable. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a residency visa that is valid for four months and lets you apply to become a resident in Portugal
• You can also apply for your spouse, financially dependent children under thirty, or parents, but the monthly minimum income will increase.

Estonia: for the startup geeks who are naturally innovative

Estonia is actually the first country to introduce a digital nomad visa. Talk about forward-thinking, right? Its capital, Tallinn, is also a hub for many start-ups, with an array of coworking spaces and networking events.

You’ll also get a mix of medieval charm, modern infrastructure of buildings, and plenty of beautiful natural sights, like forests and lakes. The cost of living here is reasonable (again, better than in the US), and you’ll also be able to access neighboring European countries.

In short, Estonia is the place to be if you’re looking for a harmonious blend of work, culture, and adventure!‍

Digital Nomad Nomad Visa Details and Requirements:

• You need to be at least 18 years old.
• You need to have one of the following: an active employment contract with a company that’s not in Estonia; a business that you own and is registered abroad; a freelancing contract or agreement with clients that are not Estonia-based.
• You have to show that you’re earning a minimum income of  €3,500 to €4,500 before tax deductions and proof that you’ve been earning that much for the past six months.
• Depending on your choice of visa, you can be allowed to stay for less than 90 days up to 1 year.
  

Georgia: for the nature-loving and wine-loving nomads

Georgia, which is located at the intersection of Europe and Asia, is famous for Vardzia (a 12th-century cave monastery dating to the 12th century) the beautiful beaches of the Black Sea coast, and Kakheti (Georgia’s most important wine-growing region.)

But more importantly, its capital, Tbilisi, is rich in history with maze-like alleyways, sulfur baths, and a growing number of co-working spaces and high-speed Internet. And did we mention that Georgia already has a “Remotely from Georgia” program? It allows you and other digital nomads to live and work in Georgia visa-free for up to a year!

Living here for a time will help you enjoy the hustle of urban life and nature’s beauty—and is more than affordable enough for you to even indulge in Georgian culinary delights like khachapuri and khinkali without breaking the bank.‍

Digital Nomad Nomad Visa Details and Requirements:

• You must be a citizen of one of these 95 countries.
• You should have a monthly income of at least $2,000 or have proof that you have $24,000 in savings.
• Health insurance valid for at least six months is required.
• Proof of remote work.
• The application doesn’t cost anything; for the first 183 days, you won’t pay any taxes. However, after that, you become a tax resident, and you’ll be required to pay 20%.
• Your digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year, extendable, and even possible to convert to a permanent residency.

Czech Republic: for those who want a bohemian lifestyle

Want to work in a country where you can relax with a lot of beer after work? The Czech Republic is your go-to country. After all, it’s the birthplace of Pilsner—and beer here is pretty cheap.

Of course, beer isn’t the only appeal of working here. Its capital, Prague, boasts cobbled streets, gothic cathedrals, and many other historical sites that beautifully work together with vibrant cafes, state-of-the-art co-working spaces, and reliable internet. With history meeting modernity in every corner, you’ll get a stimulating environment for both work and exploration.

The countryside also has castles, forests, and thermal spas. They’re all reachable with an efficient public transport system. And don’t worry—living here lets you have a European lifestyle without a hefty price tag!‍

Digital Nomad Nomad Visa Details and Requirements:

• You must be older than 18 years old and have a flexible job that lets you work anywhere.
• You must also have an online resume, a business plan explaining your work function per step, a website establishing your work and services, and a business card.
• For the application, present two passport photos taken within the last six months, a bank statement that shows you have at least approximately €5,084), a Zino trade license, proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay, and health insurance.
• You can stay for six months all the way to a year.

Greece: for those who craves ancient inspirations and working with stunning views

Greece is well-known for various stories about Greek gods, but it’s not a myth that Greece is suitable for digital nomads! It’s actually already the 13th most popular digital nomad destination for summer. Staying in its capital, Athens, puts you in the proximity of ancient ruins, iconic landmarks, modern co-working spaces, hip coffee shops, and lightning-fast internet you’d think it came from Zeus!

You’ll also be able to experience the cliffs of Meteora, the tranquil beaches of Crete, and the cobblestone streets in Santorini. In short, Greece offers a feast for the eyes—and with various activities such as festivals and outdoor cinemas and nearby spots for weekend getaways or post-work relaxation spots, you’ll never have a dull moment.‍

Digital Nomad Nomad Visa Details and Requirements:

• You must be a non-EU citizen who can prove that you are a digital nomad who can work anywhere. You must also have a contract with a company not based in Greece.
• Your monthly salary must be at least €3,500.
• You are allowed to apply for your family as well.
• This visa allows you to stay in Greece for one year and can be renewed every two years as long as you meet the eligibility.

This is your sign to find your “European home away from home”

Ready to swap that office chair for your European era? Before you do that, check if your potential client has the services of an Employer of Record (EOR) for an easier experience starting your digital nomad adventure. If not, you can always reach out to our team to learn more about making the transition.

Finally, being a digital nomad can be a whole whirlwind of emotions at the start, but once you’re sipping that Portuguese wine or hiking up a Georgian mountain—you'll know it's all worth it!