Digital Nomads in Europe: A Complete Living Guide

Welcome to the guide for a digital nomad in Europe, here you’ll find the most relevant information about the advantages of being a digital nomad in this region. You’ll also find out which European countries offer a special visa for digital nomads, which route is ideal for entering Europe and recommendations during your stay. Of course also what’s the approximate cost as a digital nomad in Europe depending on the destination you choose. 

Benefits of living as a digital nomad in Europe

Europe is a diverse continent full of opportunities, especially for digital nomads seeking work-life balance. Below, we’ll explore some of the key advantages that make Europe a preferred destination:

Best quality of life for digital nomads

Europe is known for offering an exceptional quality of life. From access to health care to a safe environment, most European countries excel in offering favourable living conditions.

• Health system: Many countries in Europe have high quality public health systems, accessible even to foreigners. Private options are varied and allow quick and efficient access to medical services.
• Security: In general, Europe has a low crime rate compared to other regions, which gives peace of mind to those who decide to settle temporarily in one of its cities.
• Balanced lifestyle: In European culture, a good work-life balance is prioritised, allowing digital nomads to use their free time to explore and enjoy their surroundings without compromising their productivity.

Easy access to transport and connectivity in Europe

The European continent has one of the most advanced and accessible transport networks in the world, facilitating travel between countries and cities.

• Train network: Europe is famous for its high-speed trains, which connect various cities and countries efficiently. This allows digital nomads to move quickly between destinations, even on international journeys.
• Air connectivity: Europe is home to some of the world’s busiest airports, with direct connections to all continents. Low-cost airlines allow travellers to get around at very affordable prices.
• Mobility within the European Union: Thanks to agreements such as the Schengen Area, citizens of certain countries can move freely between multiple European nations, facilitating the exploration of different cultures without additional barriers.

Affordable prices in key European cities

While some European cities can be expensive, there are many affordable options on the continent, especially in Eastern Europe.

• Affordable cities: Countries such as Portugal, Hungary, and Poland offer vibrant and culturally rich cities with a much lower cost of living than other European capitals. This allows digital nomads to live comfortably without a large budget.
• Diversity of accommodation options: Europe offers everything from city centre flats to more rural and affordable housing options, allowing digital nomads to choose according to their preferences and budgets.
• Balanced cost of living: While some cities such as Paris or London may have a high cost of living, others, such as Lisbon, Budapest and Krakow, offer an excellent quality of life at moderate prices, ideal for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle.

Plenty of places to visit and experience as a digital nomad in Europe

Europe is a continent full of history, art and culture. Digital nomads have a wide range of iconic places to explore at their leisure.

• World Heritage Sites: Europe has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Alhambra in Spain and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. These sites are an opportunity to immerse yourself in European history and culture.
• Cultural diversity: Each country, and in many cases each region within a single European country, offers a unique culture. From flamenco in Spain to opera in Italy, digital nomads can experience a wide variety of cultural expressions.
• Nature and landscapes: Europe has a diverse geography that includes mountains, beaches, rivers and lakes, ideal for outdoor activities. The Alps, Norwegian fjords and Mediterranean beaches are just some of the natural attractions available.

Extensive technology infrastructure and workspaces for a digital nomad in Europe

Europe has a high-quality infrastructure for remote work, including fast internet and modern co-working spaces.

• Internet connectivity: Most European cities offer high-speed internet, which facilitates seamless connection for remote work.
• Co-working spaces: There are hundreds of co-working spaces across the continent, especially in cities such as Berlin, Lisbon and Amsterdam.
• Support for the digital economy: Many European governments promote policies to attract digital professionals, including specific visas for digital nomads, tax incentives and an open attitude towards those who wish to settle temporarily in the country.

Which countries in Europe have a digital nomad visa?

Europe offers several options for digital nomads thanks to remote work visa policies. Some countries have implemented visas specially designed to attract foreign workers seeking temporary residence while working remotely. This initiative allows digital nomads to settle in places with excellent infrastructure and enjoy rich cultural experiences without the need to acquire a conventional work visa. In Europe, the countries currently offering specific visas for digital nomads are: Germany, Estonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Norway, Spain, Malta, Iceland, Greece, and Hungary.

Each of these nations has different requirements and conditions for obtaining these visas, such as proof of monthly income, valid health insurance and, in some cases, payment of an application fee. These programmes are ideal for those who wish to live in Europe for an extended period of time without breaking local immigration laws.

Top destinations in Europe for digital nomads

Europe has many attractive destinations for digital nomads, each offering its own charm and advantages. Here are some of the most popular destinations among the remote working community:

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon has become one of the top destinations for digital nomads due to its mild climate, moderate cost of living and vibrant cultural life. The city has an excellent co-working infrastructure and is known for its hospitality towards the digital community. Lisbon offers the advantage of having one of the most accessible visas for digital nomads in Europe, making temporary residence easy.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is famous for its creative atmosphere and cultural offerings, making it ideal for digital nomads looking for a cosmopolitan experience. The city has multiple co-working spaces, international communities and a robust internet infrastructure. Its modern and multicultural atmosphere makes it an attractive place for those who want a city full of innovation and nightlife.

Tallinn, Estonia

Estonia is one of the pioneers in offering specific visas for digital nomads, and its capital Tallinn is a popular destination for those looking to live and work remotely in Europe. Tallinn combines the charm of its medieval old town with an advanced technological infrastructure, making it an excellent starting point for digital nomads.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a city with a large community of digital nomads. Its warm climate, proximity to the beach and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal choice. Barcelona offers a wide variety of co-working spaces, events for digital professionals and a well-connected infrastructure that facilitates remote working. The city is also famous for its vibrant cultural life and gastronomy, offering an enriching experience for those who decide to settle here temporarily.

Zagreb, Croatia

Croatia has gained popularity among digital nomads thanks to its recent visa programme for remote workers. Zagreb, the capital, combines a modern atmosphere with a relatively affordable cost of living. From here, digital nomads can easily explore other Croatian cities and enjoy the coastal scenery. Zagreb offers an adequate digital infrastructure and a growing network of co-working spaces.

Athens, Greece

Athens is another attractive destination for digital nomads, especially for its Mediterranean climate, rich history and welcoming atmosphere. The city has affordable accommodation options and a good technology infrastructure, which facilitates remote working. Greece’s digital nomad visa allows remote workers to reside in the country, exploring its landscapes and culture while pursuing their work activities.

Reykjavik, Iceland

For those looking for a more unique experience, Reykjavik offers a special visa for digital nomads that allows remote workers to enjoy Iceland’s breathtaking nature while working remotely. Despite its high cost of living, Iceland has an exceptional quality of life and a unique nature that makes it a special destination.

How to enter and change countries in Europe?

To enter Europe and move freely between countries, digital nomads need to consider several important factors, such as visas, health insurance and travel plans. Here are some tips on how to make your entry and travel within Europe efficient:

Getting visas and health insurance: Being a digital nomad in Europe

If you’re a citizen of a country outside the European Union or the Schengen Area, you may need to apply for a visa. The good news is that the Schengen visa allows entry to 26 European countries on a single visa, albeit with a limited stay of 90 days in a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay in a single country for a longer period of time, it’s recommended to investigate whether that country offers a digital nomad visa or a long-term visa that allows residency while working remotely.

Recommended route to explore as a digital nomad in Europe

One of Europe’s advantages is its excellent transport network, which makes it easy to explore different countries in a single trip. If you’re planning to move between several cities, you can start with the cities that offer the easiest access and cheapest transport options:

1. Start in a country with good air connections: Cities such as Lisbon, Berlin, or Paris often have direct international flights at affordable prices. You can start in any of these cities and from there, use low-cost flights or high-speed trains to move between countries.
2. Explore Eastern Europe: After touring the major cities, you could visit Eastern Europe, where living costs are more affordable and you’ll find charming cities such as Budapest, Prague and Warsaw. These destinations offer a good quality of life, a vibrant cultural scene and co-working.
3. Finish in southern Europe: Finally, you can head to southern Europe, to cities such as Athens, Barcelona or Naples, to enjoy the warm weather and proximity to the beach. These destinations offer a relaxing experience and are perfect for recharging your batteries.

Recommendations for moving between countries in Europe

Moving between countries in Europe is easy thanks to the variety of transport options. Here are some practical recommendations:

• Low-cost flights: Europe has low-cost airlines that make it possible to move quickly between countries at affordable prices. However, be sure to check baggage policies, as some budget fares don’t include large suitcases.
• High-speed trains: Trains are a convenient and practical option for short and medium distances, as well as providing connections between several capitals. The Eurail pass is an excellent option for those who want to move around multiple countries without hassle.
• Shared transport and buses: Platforms such as BlaBlaCar and bus companies such as FlixBus offer cheap and convenient options for travelling by road and exploring rural or less connected areas.

What is the cost of living as a digital nomad in Europe?

The cost of living in Europe varies significantly between countries and cities. Digital nomads can find affordable options in parts of Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, Poland and Romania, while the cost of living is considerably higher in cities such as Paris, London or Reykjavik.

On average, the cost of living for a digital nomad in Europe is between €700 ($730.05) and €2,500 ($2,607.30) per month. This range depends on the destination, lifestyle and type of accommodation they choose. Here are some examples of the cost of living in different European cities:

• Eastern Europe: In cities such as Krakow, Warsaw or Bucharest, the monthly cost of living can be around €700 ($730.05) to €1,200 ($1,251.51). Accommodation and basic services are inexpensive compared to Western Europe, and the lifestyle is generally affordable.
• Western Europe: In cities such as Berlin, Lisbon or Madrid, the monthly cost of living can be €1,200 ($1,251.51) to €1,800 ($1,877.26). Costs vary according to neighbourhood and lifestyle, but in general these cities offer a balance between quality and price.
• Nordic Europe and more expensive cities: Countries such as Norway and Iceland, as well as cities such as Paris and London, have a high cost of living, easily exceeding €2,000 ($2,085.84) per month. Accommodation, food and transport are often expensive, so it’s ideal to have a higher budget to enjoy these locations without inconvenience.

In terms of length of stay, digital nomads can take advantage of the flexibility offered by digital nomad visas in several European countries, allowing them to stay legally for longer periods, from six months to a year or even longer. This is ideal for those looking to settle in one city and explore Europe from there. For those entering on a Schengen visa, the stay is limited to 90 days in a 180-day period, ideal for those who plan to travel to several countries in less time.

How to manage tax payments in Europe?

The issue of taxation is crucial for digital nomads planning to reside in Europe. Each European country has its own tax regulations, and in many cases, income earned abroad is not taxed unless a minimum period of residence is met. However, if you plan to stay more than six months in a single country, you may be considered a tax resident in that country, which means complying with its tax laws.

It’s recommended to consult the tax regulations of each country beforehand and to consider specialist advice. Double taxation treaties exist between several European countries and other nations, which help to avoid double taxation. In many cases, you may be able to file and pay tax only in your home country or in the country where you spend most of the year.

To make this task easier, on the blog you’ll find more information on how to paying taxes as a digital nomad.In this article you’ll get a better understanding of how to manage your tax obligations according to your particular situation.

Frequently Asked Questions about digital nomads in Europe

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