An increasing number of countries recognise the potential benefits of attracting digital nomads, those independent high-earning professionals who work remotely and internationally. And while many may still think of Costa Rica or Bali as the best digital nomad destinations, the situation is changing. Even Europe, for expats, has traditionally been hard to settle in. However, it is opening up and is now home to some of the best countries for digital nomads globally. If you work remotely and are considering relocating to Europe, read on to learn why some European countries are worth looking at.
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First, note that not all European states offer specific digital nomad visas, but some have similar arrangements in place. Availability of digital nomad visa regimes in the European Union / European Economic Area
| Available | Not available |
|---|---|
| Croatia | Austria |
| Cyprus | Belgium |
| Czech Republic | Bulgaria |
| Estonia | Finland |
| Greece | France |
| Hungary | Germany |
| Iceland | Ireland |
| Italy | Lithuania |
| Latvia | Luxembourg |
| Malta | Netherlands |
| Norway | Poland |
| Portugal | Slovakia |
| Romania | Slovenia |
| Spain | Sweden |
Note that the following countries in Europe are not EU/EEA members:
- Switzerland
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City.
When exploring potential options, check the financial requirements, namely the required minimum salary and bank balance, and how your income will be taxed. For example, in Greece, there are no tax preferences for digital nomads, while in Croatia, they are tax-exempt. It's also worth checking whether there is a double tax treaty with your home country. Researching such matters in advance will help you avoid 'unexpected' expenses, and if you have a family back home who needs your support, ensure you have the means.
Now, let us take a closer look at some of the best countries in Europe for digital nomads.
Croatia
Incredibly beautiful, safe, and rich in history, Croatia has been a magnet for expats who prefer a peaceful, slow-paced life by the sea. Joining the Schengen area last year made Croatia among Europe's best countries for digital nomads.
The income requirements for remote workers are comparatively low, around €2,540 a month. At the same time, the visa is granted for a maximum of one year without extension (but you can apply for a new visa six months after the expiry of the previous one). Unlike in other digital nomad places, but in a truly Mediterranean fashion, the bureaucracy might be challenging at times. As might the internet connection because the average broadband speed in Croatia is just above 100 Mbps.
Croatian visas do not allow working with local clients. However, income is exempt from double taxation if a treaty is in place – Croatia has several dozens of those.
Malta and Cyprus
If you dream of living by the Mediterranean Sea away from urban hustle, consider Malta one of the top destinations for digital nomads. It is not the cheapest place to live, but the income threshold for expats is €2,700, lower than in many other countries with digital nomad visas. Furthermore, remote workers based in Malta are exempt from income tax.
Malta is a very convenient nomad country since English is the official language. Thanks to its small size, everything is within reach—even if you live in a 'remote' area. It also has 5G and adequate internet speeds at about 190 Mbps.
Even though for some, Malta might lack the energy of big digital nomad cities around the world, it offers a variety of natural and man-made wonders, from breathtaking rocky shores to impressive Mediaeval castles, so that one never gets bored exploring those.
Suppose you find Malta too small for your tastes. In that case, there is another Mediterranean island country with a digital nomad visa regime, Cyprus. It is a beautiful and safe place with fantastic nature, enjoyable climate, and finger-licking food (Profee is based there, so we know!) English is widely used, and people are kind and hospitable. It is one of the top destinations for digital nomads with families. However, there is a quota of 500 visas, which, as of January 2024, has been reached. The income threshold is €3,500, plus you need to be physically present to apply for a visa as a digital nomad.
Norway and Iceland
Have you been touring exotic digital nomad cities around the world and gotten a bit tired of the 'sea-sun-sand' format? If your answer is yes, look no further than Norway, especially the Svalbard archipelago, which is midway between Norway and the North Pole.
There is a common misconception that Svalbard is Norway's only digital nomad place. Indeed, self-employed expats can stay in Svalbard indefinitely if they are okay with living in the Arctic. However, there is a special visa regime in mainland Norway as well. Unlike in many other countries with digital nomad visas, there is a requirement to have a contract with a Norwegian client.
Another distinction is the cost of the visa application. While most digital nomad destinations in Europe charge between €100 and €200, in Norway, it is €600. The applicant must earn at least €3,000 a month and pay a 22% income tax in Norway if staying there for more than 183 days. On the other hand, where else can you admire the northern lights during a coffee break?
Well, actually, there is another digital nomad destination like that: Iceland. But even if neither the climate nor the country's remoteness is a problem for you, keep in mind that the maximum stay on the visa is only 180 days. The applicant must earn at least €6,700 a month because Iceland, in general, is not an exceptionally affordable destination.
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Portugal
Similarly to Spain, Portugal is one of the best countries for digital nomads, and it attracts many expats from Latin America thanks to the common language and strong cultural ties. Besides, what puts Portugal among the best digital nomad destinations are its endless Atlantic beaches, delicious food, exquisite colonial architecture, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with Lisbon being one of the liveliest digital nomad cities around the world. The country also has a comparatively low cost of living and offers a high quality of life and – importantly – stable internet connection with speeds over 200 Mbps.
Still, Portugal wants its remotely working expats to be financially secure. It imposes a relatively high monthly income threshold of over €3,000. In addition, a visa applicant must show a bank balance of about €36,500. Having spent more than the standard 183 days in the country, one becomes its tax resident (the first €25,076 are exempt, and then the rates are between 37% and 48%). There is a special Non-Habitual Resident status that offers reduced income tax rates, but its scope of application is limited.
Romania
Located in eastern Europe, Romania has been steadily working its way up to one of the best digital nomad destinations in the EU. If you can prove a monthly income of €3,700 or more in the last six months, getting a visa will be easy and fast since the application is done online and processed within two weeks. The visa is granted for one year and can be extended for another year.
One of the best things about Romania is its low cost of living compared to other digital nomad countries. An individual may get along there for as little as €800-€1,000 a month, including rent. For many digital nomads, this ensures their financial stability and enables them to support their loved ones back home.
Romania also boasts the fastest internet connection in the region, with download speeds exceeding 260 Mbps for fixed connections and 64 Mbps for mobile internet. That alone puts it among the top destinations for digital nomads in Europe.
Another huge benefit is that foreign remote workers based in Romania are exempt from income tax as long as they pay taxes in their home country.
Romania's excellent connectivity offers great opportunities to travel across Europe. However, remember that it is not part of the Schengen area. Within the EU, a Romanian residence permit allows visa-free travel only to Bulgaria and Cyprus; a separate visa is required for the rest of the countries.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of beautiful places to discover within the country. Romania offers a variety of pastimes, from skiing in the Carpathian Mountains to sunbathing on its Black Sea shores, with many sightseeing gems in between – an ideal (digital) nomad country.
Spain
Spain is among the best countries for digital nomads, and there are many reasons for that! The climate, the food, the nature, and all those things make it a major tourist attraction. But there are also a few more practical features. For example, the income threshold is only €2,234 a month or €28,000 a year, which is lower than in other digital nomad destinations in Europe. In addition, digital nomads are allowed to earn as much as 20% of their income from local clients.
There is also a possibility of turning your digital nomad stay into a permanent Spanish residence after you have spent five years there. The absence of the language barrier makes Spain one of the best countries for digital nomads for Spanish-speaking Latin Americans looking for opportunities to settle down in Europe.
Anyone who spends more than 183 days in the country is considered a tax resident, and the standard income tax rate is 24%. However, Spain offers favourable tax treatment to expats working remotely, as many other countries with digital nomad visas do. During the first four years in Spain, income is taxed at a reduced rate of 15% if it is less than €600,000 a year. This is a great opportunity to save money for those who need to support their families back home. Spain also has double tax treaties with over 90 countries. If you are from one of those and pay taxes there, your income won't be taxed in Spain.
While living in Spain, you surely will be travelling extensively across the country, home to some world-known landmarks, museums, beaches, and so on. In addition, Spanish visa holders can freely travel across the Schengen area, a major factor for those looking for top destinations for digital nomads. And thanks to Spain's well-developed internet infrastructure, you should be fine staying connected.
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Regardless of your tastes and preferences, you will certainly find an ideal nomad country in Europe. And if at some point you would like your family or friends to visit, you can always send them some money for the trip – and do it with Profee for the fastest, cheapest, and the most convenient experience.
