12 European Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas—Because Your Office View Could Use a European Upgrade
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If you work remotely and have always wanted to see what it’s like to live somewhere different, now could be your perfect opportunity. The digital nomad trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon, so more European countries have started offering digital nomad visas to entice travelers.
A digital nomad visa permits a digital nomad to work remotely in a foreign country. A nomad’s income source is usually from outside the country where they plan to live. To show you where you can live on a digital nomad visa, we’ve compiled a list of 12 countries with digital nomad visas in Europe.
Portugal
The first European country on our list with a digital nomad visa is Portugal. This fascinating country is best known for its rich history, diverse culture, and picturesque scenery. Under the Portugal D8 Visa, freelancers, self-employed individuals, employees of foreign companies, and entrepreneurs can live in Portugal for one year.
The only issue you’ll have is deciding where to stay, as Portugal is home to many beautiful cities and towns. However, you can’t go wrong with Lisbon or Porto, two incredible cities with many things to see and do. You’ll find famous attractions like Castelo de São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral in Lisbon. Meanwhile, Porto is home to Luís I Bridge, Bolsa Palace, and Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
Read also: Top Places in Europe for Digital Nomads
Spain
Neighboring Spain is one of the latest European countries to bring out a digital nomad visa for self-employed workers and remote workers who work for a company based outside of Spain. Like Portugal, Spain offers a one-year renewable digital nomad visa, allowing travelers to explore the country entirely. Some of Spain’s most popular places to live include Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
However, Spain’s islands, such as Ibiza and Mallorca, are also famous. I think Barcelona would be our favorite place to live in Spain. Everything from the magnificent architecture and beautiful waterfront to delicious cuisine and abundant activities is excellent. Make sure you visit La Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou, and Park Güell during your visit.
Read also: Inexpensive Places To Visit in Europe
Norway
If you love the great outdoors, Norway is one of Europe’s best places to live. Famed for its epic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and historic cities, you’ll never struggle to find something to do in Norway. Better yet, the nation offers digital nomads a renewable visa that permits entry to the country for two years.
With so many extraordinary places to live in Norway, deciding where to base yourself is challenging. Therefore, we recommend moving around so you can visit the nation’s best places. Must-visit destinations include Lofoten, Oslo, Tromsø, Bergen, and Stavanger. You’ll spend your free time in Norway exploring historic streets, visiting museums, hiking in the fjords, and eating authentic cuisine. What’s not to like?
Read also: Greenest Cities in Europe
Iceland
How does working among active volcanoes, hot springs, powerful waterfalls, and the Northern Lights sound? We don’t know about you, but it sounds pretty spectacular. Thanks to the Iceland digital nomad visa, self-employed individuals or remote workers of companies based outside Iceland can live on the island for up to six months.
Your best option is to base yourself in Reykjavik, Iceland’s beautiful capital city. Here, you’ll easily access essential amenities and famous tourist attractions, including the Iceland Ring Road. When you’re not exploring the city and admiring impressive sights like Hallgrimskirkja and the Sun Voyager Sculpture, head out to iconic destinations such as Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Falls, and Jökulsárlón.
Read also: Amazing Countries You Can Visit With Just One Schengen Visa
Albania
If you’re a digital nomad looking for sunshine, affordable living, and tropical-like beaches, consider moving to Albania, where nomads can live on a digital nomad visa for up to two years. Albania is a European hidden gem that’s only now gaining popularity. Therefore, now is arguably the best time to visit.
City-dwelling nomads can live an affordable lifestyle in the capital, Tirana, but we recommend heading to the Albanian Riviera to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. In destinations like Ksamil, Sarandë, and Vlorë, you’ll find glorious white sand beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters, beachfront accommodation, and essential amenities like shops, medical centers, and restaurants.
Read also: Non-Schengen Countries To Visit
Greece
Greece is the next European country on our list that offers remote workers a digital nomad visa. This beautiful country is best known for its tropical islands, traditional cuisine, and rich history. With the Greece digital nomad visa, nomads can live and legally work in the country for up to one year.
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There are over 220 inhabited islands in Greece and don’t forget about the mainland. Therefore, deciding where to live isn’t easy. As such, travel around the nation so you can experience it to its fullest. Noteworthy places to stay in Greece include Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Kefalonia. Athens, the capital, is also worth visiting. You’ll find famous
Landmarks like the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Parthenon here.
Read also: Expensive Greek Islands
Italy
If you love epic landscape vistas, breathtaking beaches, historic cities, and delicious Italian cuisine, it only makes sense to move to Italy. Italy introduced a digital nomad visa to make it easier for traveling nomads to move to the country. Available to highly skilled freelancers, self-employed individuals, and employees of foreign companies, this visa permits entry to Italy for one year.
Better yet, this visa serves as the gateway to potential permanent residency in Italy. Picture it now: getting up early and working before spending the rest of your day exploring historical landmarks, sipping Aperol Spritz by the beach, and eating pizza. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Popular places to live in Italy include Rome, Florence, Sardinia, and Sicily.
Read also: Iconic Movie Locations in Europe
Estonia
Digital nomads seeking a slightly different experience should consider applying for an Estonian digital nomad visa. Despite having much to offer, Estonia is a lesser-visited tourist destination. As a result, the government brought out a digital nomad visa to entice visitors. In fact, Estonia was the first European country to offer an official digital nomad visa.
In Tallinn, the capital city, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do and an affordable cost of living. Notable points of interest include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn TV Tower, Tallinn Town Hall, and St Olaf’s Church. You can also easily reach Helsinki, the Finnish capital, by ferry. Other places worth visiting in Estonia include Tartu, Pärnu, and Narva.
Read also: European Travel Packing Tips
Germany
Germany is an interesting addition to this list because it doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa. Instead, the country offers two different types of visas for digital nomads to apply for: the freelance visa and the self-employment visa. Digital nomads can use these visas to work online in Germany.
Germany is an excellent place to live in Europe for many reasons. For starters, the country has many exciting places to visit and explore, including Berlin and Munich. Secondly, Germany has various transport links to other European nations, so you can also spend your free days visiting other exciting parts of Europe. Highlights of living in Germany include Brandenburg Gate, Neuschwanstein Castle, and Cologne Cathedral.
Read also: Unmissable European Experiences
Croatia
Another beautiful place to consider if you want to live the beach lifestyle in Europe on a digital nomad visa is Croatia. This breathtaking country is home to historic cities, lush landscapes, charming seaside towns, and beaches with mesmerizing turquoise waters. You can live in Croatia for up to one year on a digital nomad visa.
Some of Croatia’s most popular places to live include Split, Hvar, and Zagreb. However, we particularly love Dubrovnik. Famed for its ancient Old Town, this historic walled city offers nomads the best of both worlds. When you’re not exploring the city’s main sights, which include several Game of Thrones filming locations and the city walls, you can relax on Banje Beach and explore Lokrum Island.
Read also: Best European Cities To Live In
Cyprus
The penultimate European country on our list is Cyprus, an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea best known for its pristine beaches, vacation resorts, and archaeological sites. The Cypriot government offers a digital nomad visa called the Cyprus Digital Nomad Scheme. This visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country for up to one year.
One thing we love about Cyprus is its diversity. No matter what you like, the island has something for everyone. Partygoers can hit the streets in Ayia Napa. Families can have fun at various water parks. History buffs can explore Nicosia Old City, and beachgoers can relax at Nissi Beach. What more could we ask for?
Read also: Top European Cities for a Posh Holiday
Malta
Malta is the final destination on our list, a beautiful country in the Central Mediterranean famed for its stunning islands, historic architecture, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Under the Nomad Residence Permit, digital nomads can live in Malta and still work remotely for themselves or a company based in another country.
In Malta, you’ll likely spend most of your time visiting historical landmarks, relaxing on one of many beaches, and immersing yourself in local cultures. Valletta, the nation’s capital, is one of the best places to live. Here, you’ll find magnificent golden-hued buildings, grand palaces, and a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Points of interest include St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka, and City Gate.
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