Digital nomad visa in Europe: Which countries offer it?

Living and working in Europe has never been easier, thanks to the digital nomad visa for remote workers. Since this type of visa is still relatively new, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the countries that offer it to the requirements, benefits, application process, and key tips to help you get started.

What is a digital nomad visa?

Before diving into the topic of the digital nomad visa in Europe, it’s important to first cover some key points, like what it means to be a digital nomad and the concept behind a digital nomad visa.

A digital nomad visa is essentially a residence permit that allows remote workers to live and work in a foreign country for a set period of time. How long does it last? In Europe, these visas are typically valid for up to one or two years.

Definition of digital nomad

A digital nomad is a professional who works remotely from anywhere in the world, relying only on an internet connection to complete their tasks. This flexibility allows them to travel and live in different places while continuing their work.

A digital nomad is a person who meets the following characteristics:

• They work remotely, from anywhere in the world.
• They use the Internet to carry out their assignments.
• They have the freedom to travel and live in different places.
• They are usually professionals in areas such as: technology, marketing, design, writing or teaching (anyone who can perform their work remotely can be considered a digital nomad).

This lifestyle is incredibly appealing, which is why digital nomadism has grown in popularity in recent years. As a result, millions of people have embraced this way of living, blending work with travel and the opportunity to explore new places.

Countries offering digital nomad visa in Europe

Which countries have a digital nomad visa? In recent years, an increasing number of European countries have started offering visas for remote workers. Below is a list of the main countries that offer this type of visa:

• Germany
• Croatia
• Spain
• Estonia
• Finland
• Georgia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Malta
• Norway
• Portugal
• Czech Republic
• Romania

General requirements for the digital nomad visa in Europe

How can you apply for a digital nomad visa? The requirements differ from country to country. However, some general criteria for qualifying as a digital nomad include:

• Fill out the application form: Filling out the visa application form is a key step, and it’s usually available on the official government website of the country where you plan to apply.
• Identification documents: You must provide your identification documents, such as a passport or national identity card.
• Supporting documents: As part of the application process, you’ll need to provide documents that support your status as a digital nomad, such as a work or freelance contract, proof of income, and documents showing that you have no criminal record.

Requirements to become a digital nomad by country in Europe

As we mentioned before, each country has its own specific requirements for the visa. Here’s an overview of what’s needed for each one:

Requirements to become a digital nomad in Germany

First, you will need to meet some entry requirements:

1. Have a remote or freelance job.
2. Prove an income of no less than 1,400 euros ($1,470) per month.
3. Have a pension plan in case you are over 45 years old (Not applicable for citizens of the Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the United States).
4. Residence or domicile in Germany.
5. Apply for the visa in person.

If you meet the requirements, the following documents will be required:

• Valid passport.
• Biometric photo: Size 35mm x 45 mm.
• Fill out the form “Antrag auf Erteilung eines Aufenthaltstitels”.
• Proof of income.
• Artists and language teachers: Must provide proof of regular income.
• Fee contract.
• Resume or CV.
• Professional licenses.
• Health or life insurance.
• Proof of lease or home purchase.
• Proof of monthly rental costs.

Cost of visa: General 100 euros ($105) / Under 24 years old 22.80 euros ($24)/ Over 24 years old 37 euros ($39).

How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Croatia

To apply for a digital nomad visa in Croatia, you must provide the following:

1. Have valid international health insurance.
2. Must be working with a non-Croatian company.
3. Prove monthly income of 2,700 euros ($2,840).
4. Have a valid passport.
5. Have a rental or purchase contract of property.
6. Submit a document stating that you do not have a criminal record.

Cost of visa: 160 euros ($170).

Requirements to obtain the digital nomad visa in Spain

1. Copy of valid passport.
2. Certificate of census registration.
3. Duly signed visa application form.
4. Proof of employment with the foreign company or companies (minimum of three months prior to application).
5. Have a minimum monthly income of 2,600 euros ($2,735).
6. Remote work authorization letter.
7. Documentation that accredits the terms and conditions under which the professional activity will be carried out remotely.
8. Proof of economic resources.
9. Certificate of criminal record.
10. Have international medical insurance.
11. Declaration of commitment to comply with social security obligations.
12. Original and copy of the accreditation of the qualification or professional experience.

Cost of visa: 100 euros ($105).

How to obtain a digital nomad visa in Estonia

To obtain a visa in Estonia, you must submit the following documents:

1. Proof of being a remote worker of a company outside Estonia or being a partner or shareholder of a foreign company.
2. Identity card and valid passport.
3. 35 x 45 mm photo.
4. Submit a criminal record certificate.
5. Complete the online visa application form (Visa D).
6. Send a motivation letter with the reasons for the visa application.
7. Certificates of payment of taxes and social security, issued by a competent authority issued in the country of residence in recent years.
8. Documents proving monthly income of 4,500 euros ($4,735), specifying amount and origin.
9. Certificates of studies and professional experience.
10. Health insurance policy or insurance valid in Estonia.

Cost of visa: 100 euros ($105).

Requirements to become a digital nomad in Finland

To apply for the digital nomad visa in Finland, you need the following:

1. Download and print the application form from the Finnish Immigration Service website.
2. Fill in the form and attach the necessary documentation.
3. Submit the application at a Finnish embassy or consulate.
4. Have a valid passport.
5. Have a passport-size photograph.
6. Color photocopies of the passport.
7. Proof of legal residence in the country of application.
8. Show an extract from the trade register or an explanation of why the company is not registered in the Finnish trade register.
9. A detailed description of the company’s business idea.
10. Certificates of professional qualifications.
11. A document showing assets and other income. (Minimum 1,200 euros ($1,262))
12. Copies of signed contracts with customers and partners, if available.

Application fee: 600 euros ($630).

Steps to obtain a digital nomad visa in Georgia

The most notable requirements, in addition to the general documentation requested, are:

1. Own a business that can be run remotely or be a freelance worker.
2. Prove monetary capacity with a minimum income of 2,000 euros ($2,103) per month.
3. Have international health insurance.

In Georgia, the visa application is completely free of charge.

Requirements to become a digital nomad in Greece

1. Have a photocopy of a valid passport.
2. Submit labor certificates proving employment with a foreign company.
3. Proof of valid medical insurance.
4. Original certificate of criminal record.
5. Proof of income over 3,500 euros ($3,680) plus 700 euros ($736) for each family member who depends on you.

The cost of the visa is 75 ($78) euros for the application and 150 euros ($157) for administrative procedures.

Requirements for the digital nomad visa in Hungary

To apply for the visa in Hungary or White Card, you must:

1. Fill in the application form.
2. Submit a passport photo.
3. Provide proof of minimum income of 2,000 euros ($2,100) per month.
4. Have international insurance.
5. Proof of residence or accommodation in Hungary.
6. Proof of a long-distance work contract.

Cost of the white card or nomad visa: 77 euros ($81).

How to apply for the digital nomad visa in Iceland

You can apply by fulfilling the following requirements:

1. Not belong to the EU or the European Economic Area.
2. Have a valid international medical insurance.
3. Have a job with a foreign company other than Iceland.
4. Prove income of at least 6,700 euros ($7,047) per month, or 8,670 euros ($9,119) if you live with your family.
5. Proof of sufficient knowledge of English or Icelandic.
6. Have a copy of a valid passport.
7. Have a passport size photo not older than 6 months.

The application fee is 86 euros ($90).

Applying for a digital nomad visa in Italy

Before applying for the visa, you must submit the following requirements:

1. Photocopy of valid passport.
2. Copy of your identity card.
3. Certificate of application.
4. Proof of bank account showing earnings of at least 8,500 euros ($8,940) per month.
5. Certificate of criminal record.
6. Proof of current medical insurance.
7. Proof of accommodation.
8. Postgraduate education diploma.

Payment will be subject to current consular rates. As of today, it is priced at 116 euros ($122).

Requirements to become a digital nomad in Latvia

1. Copy of passport and two passport size photos.
2. Health insurance covering up to 42,600 euros ($44,800).
3. Certificate of employment or self-employment.
4. Proof of income of 2,858 euros ($3,000) per month.
5. Certificate from the tax authorities specifying self-employment.
6. Proof of accommodation in Latvia.
7. Supporting documents specifying why the applicant wishes to stay in Latvia.

The application process costs 60 euros ($63), but if you want the process to be much faster, the fee is 120 euros ($126).

Obtaining a digital nomad visa in Malta

To obtain the digital nomad visa in Malta, requirements are as follows:

1. Contract or proof of remote worker.
2. Have a salary equal to or greater than 2,700 euros ($2,840).
3. Have a valid passport.
4. Have a valid medical insurance in the EU.
5. Obtain a rental or property contract in Malta.
6. Submit a criminal record certificate.
7. Fill out the application form.
8. Submit a motivation letter specifying the reasons or motives for working in Malta.
9. CV.
10. Bank statements for the last 6 months.
11. Declaration of good health.

The cost of the visa process is 300 euros ($315).

Requirements to be a digital nomad in Norway

• Valid passport.
• Two passport photographs.
• Have an accommodation address in Norway.
• Have a business agreement with a Norwegian client.
• Documents proving Business Established Abroad.
• Educational background.
• Minimum income of 3,000 euros ($3,155) per month.
• Explain CV and work experience.
• Complete the application form.
• Submit the printed and signed UDI checklist.

The application fee is 600 euros ($630).

Requirements for the digital nomad visa in Portugal

You must submit the following requirements:

1. Statement from the employer proving the employment relationship.
2. Proof of monthly income over 3,280 euros ($3,450) (4 times the Portuguese minimum wage).
3. Fill out the temporary visa application form.
4. Valid passport or travel document.
5. Two passport-type photographs.
6. Travel insurance valid in Portugal.
7. Document that proves fiscal residence.
8. Apostilled criminal record certificate.
9. Ticket or airplane ticket that proves the return to the country of origin or residence.
10. Bank statements proving economic means of subsistence.

The cost of the visa process is 90 euros ($95).

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What do I need to be a digital nomad in the Czech Republic?

You need to meet the following requirements:

1. Be self-employed or freelance.
2. Have a valid passport that has been processed within the last 10 years and has at least 2 blank pages.
3. Commercial license for self-employment in the Czech Republic.
4. Proof of accommodation.
5. You must have at least 5,650 euros ($5,940) in your account.
6. Proof of criminal record.
7. Medical insurance.
8. Fill out the visa application form in Czech.

Visa fee: 220 euros ($230) / Business license application fee: 41 euros ($43).

Requirements for the digital nomad visa in Romania

The requirements are:

1. Prove to have full-time employment with a previous minimum duration of 3 years.
2. Have a monthly income of at least 3,700 euros ($3,890).
3. No criminal record.
4. Have medical insurance.
5. Have a place of residence in the country.
6. Proof of permanent employment with a company outside Romania, or otherwise be the owner of the company.
7. Submit a motivation letter stating why you want to work in Romania.
8. Fill out the application form.
9. Return airline ticket to the country of origin.

The cost has not yet been confirmed by the government.

Advantages and benefits of the digital nomad visa in Europe

There are many advantages and benefits that you can obtain with the digital nomad visa in Europe. Among the specific advantages we have:

• The possibility of living and working in Europe: This will not only allow you to experience its vibrant culture, history, and diversity, but also give you the opportunity to live in a place with a high standard of living, great healthcare, quality education, and excellent public transportation.
• Access to social security: Most European countries have a social security system that provides their citizens and residents with good healthcare, pension access, and other social benefits.
• Ease of travel: Digital nomads with this type of visa can travel freely across Europe without needing additional visas, allowing them to explore the continent and experience various cultures.
• Improve language skills: You’ll have the opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills, which will be a valuable asset for your professional career.
• Gain professional contacts: Europe is a major hub for business and industry, offering great opportunities to make important connections.
• Live unique experiences: By experiencing new cultures, you’ll learn about their customs, which will help you make friends from all over the world and broaden your perspective.

Comparison of the best digital nomad visas in Europe

Employment rights and tax duties of the digital nomad visa holder

The employment rights of digital nomads in Europe vary from country to country. Generally, they include:

• Right to a fair wage.
• Safe working conditions.
• Right to social protection.

As for tax duties, they are also diverse, since they depend on the country of residence. Among the duties we can include:

• Income declaration: Digital nomads must declare all their income, whether earned in the country or abroad.
• Payment of taxes: Taxes must be paid on income, which will be in accordance with the country’s tax regulations.
• Social security contributions: Digital nomads are required to contribute to social security in order to access the country’s social benefits.
• Wealth taxes: Depending on the situation, they may be required to pay taxes on their assets (property, vehicles, or investments).

Note: Before applying for the visa, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the labor rights and tax responsibilities that may apply in the country where you plan to live and work.

Travel insurance recommendations for digital nomads

Working remotely from any location comes with potential health and safety risks, so having travel insurance to protect you is essential. Before selecting a plan, we suggest considering factors like:

• Duration of the trip.
• Countries or destination country.
• Activities you want to do.
• Specific coverage determined by the country to which you wish to apply.

Generally, a travel insurance for digital nomads should cover at least the following cases:

• Medical assistance and hospitalization.
• Medical repatriation: Covers repatriation expenses in case you need to be transferred to your home country for medical reasons.
• Trip cancellation: Covers cancellation costs of your trip due to illness, accident or cancellation of the flight.

In addition to the basic coverages, you may be interested in the following:

• Loss or theft of baggage.
• Liability: In case you cause damages to third parties during your trip.
• Legal assistance: Expenses in case you need representation during your trip.

Practical tips for obtaining a digital nomad visa in Europe

Getting a digital nomad visa in Europe can be a complex process, so we’ve put together a helpful guide with tips to help you succeed:

1. Research the requirements of the country in which you wish to live.
2. Prepare all necessary documents: It’s important to gather all these documents in advance to avoid any delays in the application process.
3. Fill out the application carefully: Be sure to read the instructions carefully and provide all required information.
4. Start the application process early, especially if you want to live in a country with high application demand.
5. Be honest in your application.

If you’re unsure about anything, you can contact an immigration agency for help. They can guide you through the process, from understanding the requirements to preparing your documents.

Frequently asked questions about the digital nomad visa in Europe

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