European countries offering digital nomad visas
One of the biggest pull factors of a European digital nomad visa is the variety. From sunny Portugal, to snowy Norway, the region is a real buffet for cultural diversity. It also boasts a minimal time difference for UK workers compared to locations further down this list.
Due to its popularity with UK renegades, there are lots of money-related entry stipulations on the continent. Brexit has, of course, made things harder for expats. Still, 16 countries have opened their borders to nomad newcomers. Here’s a breakdown of their pros, cons, and costs:
1. Albania
Why work in Albania? With its historic architecture, rolling mountain scenery, and spotless beaches; Albania provides a whole library of outstanding backdrops for your Zoom calls.
Albania introduced its “Unique Permit” in November 2022. Since then, a small but growing cohort have leapt onto this little-known digital nomad haven, which has both sun and sea at an affordable price. That means in established cities – like the capital Tirana or the village of Madeira – there’s a ready-made network of fellow remote employees to welcome new faces.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: Free
Is it renewable? Yes, up to five years
Where can I apply? Online visa portal
Visa criteria: Bank statement, employer contract, proof of accommodation secured in Albania, residence permit of more than 12 months from your country of residence
2. Croatia
Why work in Croatia? Boasting a gorgeous coastline with picturesque port towns and cities, Croatia is an ideal location for a weekend of sun and island-hopping, after you’ve completed your nomad working week. Visitors will also delight in Croatia’s rich food history, influenced by Slavic, Roman, and Turkish cuisines.
You can thank Jan de Jong for launching the Croatian digital nomad visa. A US citizen, de Jong visited the country in 2020 and noticed it was struggling to recover economically post-pandemic. In an open letter to the Prime Minister on LinkedIn, Jong suggested the country introduce a digital nomad scheme – Croatia promptly did so in January 2021.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: 12 months
Visa cost: €80 (around £70)
Is it renewable? No
Where can I apply? Online visa portal
Visa criteria: proof that you will not work for employers based in Croatia, minimum income of £2,225 per month, proof of secured accommodation in Croatia.
3. Cyprus
Why work in Cyprus? Situated in the middle of the crystal-blue Mediterranean sea, Cyprus will leave you itching to put your ‘out of office’ on the moment your tasklist is done. Aside from its sand, hotels and delicious foods, the island is lesser known for its beautiful mountain ranges and southwest vineyards.
If you’re thinking of working remotely in Cyprus, you’re certainly not the first. Cyprus first introduced its digital nomad visa in 2021, with a cap of 100 applicants due to high-demand. Thankfully, in 2022, it extended the ceiling to 500.
UK time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €70 (est. £65)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to two years
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Cypriot embassy in London
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £3,050 per month, proof of secured accommodation in Cyprus, proof that you will not work for employers based in Cyprus
4. Czech Republic
Why work in the Czech Republic? Whether swimming in the Vltava River, or eating a hearty stew amongst the Gothic architecture of Prague, the diverse landscape of the Czech Republic is enough to satisfy even the most extreme cases of worker wanderlust.
Launched in July 2023, the Czech Republic’s “Digital Nomad” program is aimed at fast-tracking the visa process for IT professionals. It allows tech freelancers to work independently in the Czech Republic for one year if they can also obtain a ‘Živnostenské oprávnění’ business licence.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: £35
Is it renewable? Yes (Czech trade licence must be also be renewed)
Where can I apply? You’ll need to pass the immigration interview at the Czech embassy in London
Visa criteria: proof of a business plan, website, or card, Czech trade licence, minimum monthly income of £1,500, proof of secured accommodation in the Czech Republic
5. Estonia
Why work in Estonia? Despite its small size, Estonia is full of surprises. Its long coastline is dotted with 2,222 islands, each of which boasts stunning forests and salt marshes, while its cities present a beautiful mix of medieval and modern architecture with bustling nightlife.
Back in 2005, Skype became Estonia’s first tech unicorn. Since then, Estonia has birthed hundreds of fast-growth startups, and introduced a raft of programmes to help boost growth. As a result, it’s a prime destination for tech remote workers and startup founders. However, a fairly steep minimum income requirement (see below) may limit those able to apply.
UK time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Visa length: One year (Type D visa) or six months (Type C visa)
Visa cost: €100 for Type D visa (est. £87); or €80 for Type C visa (est. £70)
Is it renewable? No
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Estonian embassy in London
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £3,900 per month, proof of employment
6. Georgia
Why work in Georgia? Georgia is a small and beautiful country with diverse nature and a mild climate. Its historic, red-roofed cities provide miles of panoramic views across the Caucasus Mountains and Black Sea beaches.
Valid for up to 95 nationalities, the “Remotely from Georgia” program is one of the most liberal that’s available in Europe. Once expired, UK workers can renew or apply to the Individual Entrepreneur visa, which allows you to apply for a residence permit.
UK time difference: GMT + 4 hours
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: Free
Is it renewable? Yes
Where can I apply? Online visa portal
Visa criteria: proof of employment or self-employment
7. Germany
Why work in Germany? Beyond natural lakes and mountains, and abundant cultural attractions, Germany is renowned for having a very good standard of living. Whether you’re an admirer of the Bavarian culture and beer tents of Munich, or a creative night owl in Berlin, Germany provides plenty of support and a strong digital infrastructure for freelancers.
Applicants need to obtain both a “D-Visa” or “Freelancer Visa” and then a Residence Permit. The former allows you to enter Germany for three months, while the latter allows you to live and work there long-term for up to three years.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: Three months
Visa cost: £65 (embassy fee) + £88 (German immigration fee)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to three years
Where can I apply? Applications for a “D-Visa” or “Freelancer Visa” must be submitted at the German embassy in London or Edinburgh
Visa criteria: proof of interest from German clients, minimum annual income of £7,800, proof of secured accommodation, registration number (if working as a business owner)
8. Greece
Why work in Greece? Greece offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, rich culture, and a fast-growing digital nomad community. Greeks are known for their hospitality, and the “Greece Nomad Visa” scheme is no different. 2,000 people reportedly worked remotely from the country in September 2023 alone.
Most nomads choose to settle in Athens. Affordable living expenses, combined with a buzzing nightlife, make this an ideal destination to work remotely and experience the allure of the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
UK time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €79 (est. £69)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to two years
Where can I apply? Fill in application form at the Greek embassy in London
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £3,232 per month, proof your employer is not based in Greece, company licence and registration number (if self-employed)
9. Hungary
Why work in Hungary? Also known as the “White Card”, Hungary’s digital nomad visa allows you to stay in the country for up to five years. Applicants can experience Hungary’s vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and affordable living costs.
Centrally-located in the middle of Europe, Hungary makes it easy to travel to neighbouring countries, explore the continent, and experience different cultures. English is also widely spoken here, which eliminates the language barrier when working abroad.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €79 (est. £96)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to five years
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Hungarian embassy in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £1,751 per month, proof of secured accommodation in Hungary, proof your employer is based outside Hungary
10. Iceland
Why work in Iceland? First introduced back in 2020, the Icelandic digital nomad visa is one of the most popular remote work locations – which is reflected in its tight restrictions. The country’s safe and friendly urban areas have a strong Nordic feel, making it a desirable destination for UK professionals wanting to experience a big cultural change.
Iceland’s geography is also in complete contrast to the UK’s flat countryside. Digital nomads looking up from their laptops will be wowed by a huge range of breathtaking glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, hot springs, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Be warned, though, there is a high monthly income requirement for the visa scheme.
UK time difference: No time difference
Visa length: Six months
Visa cost: €87 (est £76.89)
Is it renewable? No
Where can I apply? Mail application form to the Directorate of Immigration
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £5,606 per month, proof your employer is based outside Iceland
11. Latvia
Why work in Latvia? Latvia is a Baltic nation boasting one of the greenest landscapes in Europe – some 54% of the country is forest. Famed for its folklore, Latvia’s Song and Dance Festival is one of the world’s largest amateur choral and dancing events.
According to the Citizenship and Migration Affairs Office (PMLP), as of late 2023, only five visas had been issued one year after the “Remote Work Permit” was introduced back in 2022. That makes Latvia an undiscovered gem for digital nomads wanting some off the beaten remote track.
UK time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €60 (est £52)
Is it renewable? Yes, for up to two years
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Latvian embassy in London
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £4,000 per month, proof your employer is based outside Latvia
12. Malta
Why work in Malta? Malta is famous for its incredible coastal landscapes, glittering Mediterranean sea views, and stunning churches – all of which look like they belong on a travel brochure. English is also an official language, making it well-suited to UK nomads.
Malta’s “Nomad Residence Permit” is the most expensive in Europe to obtain, at £262. However, it offers attractive tax benefits for digital nomads. You can work remotely while enjoying tax exemption on your worldwide income, making Malta an ideal destination to save money, and giving your employer one less headache back home.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €300 (est £262)
Is it renewable? Yes
Where can I apply? Online visa portal
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £2,364 per month, proof your employer is based outside Malta, proof of secured accommodation in Malta
13. Norway
Why work in Norway? While not strictly a digital nomad visa, Norway’s “Independent Contractor” visa is open to any UK resident who owns a business. That makes it ideal for founders who want to experience Norway’s stunning natural fjords and arctic scenery, as well as its high quality of life and inviting local communities.
To qualify for the program, the applicant must hold a contract with at least one client in Norway. That means it will not be suitable for every freelancer.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: Two years
Visa cost: €600 (est. £525)
Is it renewable? No
Where can I apply? Visit the Norwegian embassy in London and complete the application form
Visa criteria: must have at least one Norwegian client, minimum income requirement of £2,606 per month, proof of secured accommodation in Norway, proof of business ownership
14. Portugal
Why work in Portugal? Portugal has become Europe’s mecca for remote workers. In recent years, hundreds of coworking spaces and events catering to teleworking needs have popped up (not to mention a 10% tax rate for workers) to the extent that the government has taken steps to stem the tide of nomads applying for residency in its cities.
The biggest winner from this influx has been the capital, Lisbon. Known for its tiled streets, pastel buildings, and lively atmosphere, Lisbon has been a huge draw for digital nomads – who’ve been pricing unhappy local residents out of the rental market. But, Portugal boasts many other cities that exude a more traditional charm, and there are still corners to be explored for new applicants.
UK time difference: No time difference
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €83 (est. £72)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to five years
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Portuguese embassy in London or Manchester
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £2,541 per month, proof your employer is based outside Portugal, proof of secured accommodation in Portugal
15. Romania
Why work in Romania? Romania launched its “Romania Digital Nomad Visa” at the beginning of 2023 in an attempt to attract around 2,000 international workers to its ancient castles and mountain forests. It appears to have worked.
In a recent study, Romania was voted the top destination for remote workers. The country stood out as a top-quality, budget EU destination boasting tax incentives, affordable rental options, and quality internet connectivity.
UK time difference: GMT + 2 hours
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: TBC
Is it renewable? Yes, up to two years
Where can I apply? Online visa portal
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £3,256 per month, proof your employer is based outside Romania.
16. Spain
Why work in Spain? Known for having one of the most vibrant cultures in Europe, Spain’s digital nomad visa grants applicants a taste of the country’s relaxed lifestyle, stunning architecture, and world-famous cuisine.
Workers can choose from a variety of settings for your remote office, from the bustling streets of Barcelona or Madrid, to picturesque villages nestled among rolling hills and vineyards. Unlike other visas, up to 20% of income can also come from Spanish clients, encouraging networking and growth.
UK time difference: GMT + 1 hour
Visa length: One year
Visa cost: €80 (est. £70)
Is it renewable? Yes, up to five years
Where can I apply? Submit completed application form to the Spanish embassy in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh
Visa criteria: minimum income requirement of £1,891 per month, proof your employer is based outside Spain, proof the business has been in operation for 1+ years
