European countries that issue special visas for remote workers

Do you want to move to Europe? EuroNews tells you in which countries you can get a digital nomad visa for remote work.

Photo: iStock.com/Cunaplus_M.Faba

Digital nomad, sometimes called a remote worker visa, a digital nomad visa (a person working remotely who regularly travels to different places), gives the right to live and work in a specific country for an extended period of time.

After the pandemic, many of us have the opportunity to work anywhere.

Countries from Croatia to Spain are making it easier to obtain a temporary residence permit if the applicant works for a foreign company.

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Not only does this help support the off-season economy in tourist destinations, but it also gives non-EU citizens peace of mind and the ability to legally work remotely. How to find companies in the USA that issue work visas, read our article.

Digital nomad visas help host countries combat other problems, from brain drain to aging populations.

If you want to move to Europe, work remotely and gain the right to travel within the Schengen area, digital nomad will help you with this.

Some of the visas listed below were specifically designed for remote workers, while others are pre-existing visas. They are tailored for people who want to work while traveling.

Albania

For lovers of stunning nature and low cost of living.

Valid term of a visa: one year, renewable for up to five years.

Application Fee: based on reciprocity (i.e., taking into account the fees that another country charges US citizens for similar categories of visas).

Income Requirements: approximately $10 per year.

Digital nomads can apply for a residence permit in Albania. This will allow them to stay and work there for up to one year. The so-called unique permit, introduced at the beginning of 2022, can be extended up to five times in a row.

Remote workers must provide proof of an employment contract with a company outside the country that allows them to work remotely. They must also have: a local bank account, a housing contract, health insurance, no criminal record, and proof of funds for their own maintenance.

Croatia

For lovers of the sun and the absence of tax problems.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension.

Application Fee: about $60.

Income Requirements: about $2 per month.

In 2021, Croatia introduced a one-year residence permit for digital travelers. The scheme is open to citizens of non-EU/EEA countries. They must work in the communications technology sector, either through their own company registered abroad or as a remote employee of a company outside Croatia.

Provided that a tourist visa is not required to enter Croatia, remote workers can apply for a one-year residence permit upon arrival.

Close family members can also apply for temporary residence.

Remote workers are currently not subject to income taxes.

Cyprus

For lovers of Mediterranean beaches and ancient history.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension for two years.
Application Fee: $ 75.

Income Requirements: $3 per month.

Open to non-EU nationals, the Cyprus Remote Work Visa was introduced in 2021 with a limit of 100 travelers. In 2022, the government increased this maximum to 500 visas.

To be eligible, you must work for an employer registered outside Cyprus.

Digital nomads are allowed to take their families with them, however these people are not allowed to work in Cyprus.

Czech Republic

For lovers of affordable living and fairytale castles.

Valid term of a visa: up to one year.

Application fee: $ 212.

Income Requirement: You should have $5000 in your bank account.

Remote workers can apply for a long-term business license or freelance license in the Czech Republic. Colloquially known as the Zivno visa (short for Zivnostenske opravneni, or trade permit), it is intended for non-EU citizens who work as freelancers or run their own businesses.

Estonia

For lovers of digital infrastructure.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension for six months.

Application Fee: $ 106.

Income Requirements: $4 per month.

In the summer of 2020, Estonia introduced its digital nomad visa. It allows people who work remotely for foreign companies or freelancers with clients mainly abroad to stay in Estonia for up to one year. You can apply for an additional six-month visa after your existing one expires.

Applicants must earn at least $3 per month for the six months prior to applying.

If you stay in Estonia for more than six months, you will receive tax residency and will be subject to local taxes.

The country offers "e-residency". It provides remote entrepreneurs with digital access to Estonian electronic services without requiring residency. It can be used to manage a company online, access banking services and declare taxes in Estonia without actually living there.

Finland

For lovers of untouched nature in the happiest country in the world.

Valid term of a visa: six months.

Application Fee: $ 425.

Required Income: $1 per month.

The Finland visa is open to non-EU entrepreneurs who are self-employed or have an independent business. Applicants must meet minimum income requirements and prove they have means.

Greece

For lovers of island hopping and year-round sun.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension and obtaining a residence permit.

Application Fee: $ 79.

Income Requirements: $3 per month.

In 2022, Greece launched a scheme allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in the country remotely. To be approved, you must prove that you have sufficient resources and a monthly income of at least $3.

Under this scheme, digital nomads are not allowed to work for Greek companies.

Hungary

For lovers of thermal springs and inexpensive living.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension.

Application Fee: $ 116.

Income Requirements: $3 per month.

The Hungarian White Card visa is open to digital nomads who work remotely outside the country. You must stay in the country for at least 90 days within a 180-day period and will be exempt from paying tax in Hungary for the first six months.

Under this scheme you are not allowed to work for Hungarian companies.

Iceland

For lovers of active recreation with high incomes.

Valid term of a visa: six months.

Application Fee: $ 91.

Required Income: $7 per month.

The Iceland long-term remote work visa is for high-income earners earning more than $7 per month. The visa is valid for six months. During this time, applicants will not be considered tax residents.

With this visa you are not allowed to work for Icelandic employers.

Italy

For lovers of relaxed living and stunning scenery.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension.

Application Fee: $ 123.

Required Income: $ 29 760 per year.

The new digital nomad visa was introduced into Italian law in March 2022 and became available in April 2024.

Applicants must meet a number of requirements, including having health insurance and a clean criminal record. They are required to comply with tax requirements in Italy before applying.

Latvia

For lovers of forests and beautiful architecture.

Valid term of a visa: one year with the possibility of extension for a second year.

Application Fee: to be specified.

Income Requirement: at least $3 per month.

The Latvian government has announced plans to introduce a digital visa for nomads in 2022. The legislation is currently being amended before it becomes official.

However, authorities said that after five years of legal residence in Latvia, digital nomads can apply for citizenship.

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Applicants must be citizens or residents of an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) country such as the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom.

Malta

For lovers of mild winters and fun on the water.

Valid term of a visa: one year.

Application Fee: $ 318.

Required Income: $2 per month.

A residence permit in Malta is intended for remote workers and freelancers who work for companies outside the country. An annual permit is available for non-EU citizens.

Initially, the nomads were told that they would be given a tax exemption if they continued to pay taxes at home. However, there were legal complications with this promise that are currently being resolved.

Montenegro

For lovers of intrepid hikes and a low cost of living.

Valid term of a visa: two years with the possibility of extension for another two years.

Application Fee: $ 71.

Income Requirements: about $1 per month.

Montenegro announced its digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens in 2021 and introduced the early stages of the scheme in 2023. However, applications will only be available in 2024.

Participants can use this scheme to live in the country for up to four years. Digital nomads are eligible for tax breaks, although details remain to be seen.

Norway

For lovers of mountaineering and business.

Valid term of a visa: up to two years.

Application Fee: $ 620.

Income Requirements: $3 per month.

Eligible digital nomads can apply for a residence permit and visa to live and work remotely in Norway. Applicants must have at least one Norwegian client and are required to pay local taxes in accordance with this scheme.

Portugal

For lovers of rocky coastlines and wine tasting weekends.

Valid term of a visa: one year.

Required Income: $3 per month.

Portugal initially launched its digital nomad visa in October 2022. Officially, it is called a residence visa for professional activities provided remotely outside the national territory.

This visa is available to non-EU citizens who are self-employed in a company outside of Portugal.

The new scheme is an alternative to the existing D7 visa, which is intended for retirees and those earning passive income.

You must provide proof of health insurance for the duration of your stay. If you take your spouse or children with you, the minimum income requirements increase or you must declare a certain level of savings in your bank account.

Romania

For lovers of long hikes and economical holidays.

Valid term of a visa: one year.

Application Fee: $ 127.

Income Requirements: $4 per month (three times the average salary in Romania).

The Romania Digital Nomad Visa is for non-EU citizens. Applicants must have health insurance, no criminal record, and proof of income from a company outside of Romania.

In 2023, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed a new bill clarifying tax requirements for digital nomads. Those who stay long-term are exempt from paying income tax, social insurance and social health insurance contributions.

Program participants cannot live in the country for more than 183 days within 12 months.

Digital nomads with tax residency in another country are not required to pay taxes in Romania under this scheme.

Spain

For beach lovers and tax benefits.

Valid term of a visa: one year, renewable for up to five years.

Application Fee: varies by country, usually around $80.

Income Requirements: currently $2 per month.

The long-awaited digital nomad visa in Spain came into force in February 2023. The scheme gives non-EU citizens the opportunity to live and work there for up to five years.

It is open to people who work remotely for non-Spanish companies, including both self-employed freelancers with multiple clients and workers employed by a single company.

They must be able to prove that they have qualifications or experience in their field.

Close relatives such as children and spouses are allowed to join the visa holder in the country if they have sufficient funds.

Tax benefits will be provided to remote workers provided they earn at least $63 per year. They will have to pay 789 percent tax for the first four years of their stay instead of the usual 15 percent.

Turkey

For lovers of bustling cities and the coast.

Valid term of a visa: one year.

Application Fee: TBD.

Income Requirements: $2 per month.

In March 2024, Turkey became the latest country to launch a digital nomad visa for foreign remote workers.

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has created a special website where those interested can go through the first stages of applying.

Persons interested in the visa must be between 21 and 55 years of age. Applicants are accepted from most EU countries, as well as the UK, USA and Canada.

Additional criteria include having a university degree, an employment or business contract, and the ability to prove a minimum monthly income.

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