Tbilisi
With its strategic location between Europe and Asia, Georgia is gaining a reputation as an ideal destination for remote work. The country offers a tourist visa that allows most visitors to stay for up to a year, one of the longest on arrival in Europe. Moreover, the cost of living in Georgia is surprisingly low compared to other European countries, allowing your money to stretch further. For example, you can enjoy a filling meal at a restaurant for just €5, or purchase a one-way public transportation ticket for less than €0.20.
The largest city in Georgia is Tbilisi, which is also the capital and where most international remote workers reside. Due to the availability of amenities that foreign workers are accustomed to, Tbilisi has become a preferred location in Georgia. Additionally, the city has several coworking spaces that enable remote workers to interact with others and establish a local community. Some of the top coworking spaces in Tbilisi include Impact Hub, Terminal Khorava, and LOKAL Tbilisi.
The city of Tbilisi is famous for its lively nightlife, delightful old town, impressive architecture, and hospitable residents who ensure a smooth transition to the new location. However, it is important to note that Tbilisi experiences heavy traffic from vehicles and during wintertime, air pollution can pose a problem.
Amsterdam
The ancient canal-laced city boasts superior quality of life despite the expensive housing. However, by utilizing Swaphouse to exchange domiciles with an Amsterdam resident, one can bypass the expense. Over half of Amsterdam’s population comprises foreigners, which creates a genuinely hospitable environment that accommodates people from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, most Dutch locals converse fluently in English, providing an easy transition for non-Dutch speaking individuals seeking to reside in the city.
Schiphol, the Amsterdam airport, has earned a spot among the top airports worldwide. With its advanced scanner technology, travelers departing from Schiphol need not take out their liquid items from their bags.
In Amsterdam, there are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes where remote workers and home swappers can easily connect with each other. Here are some of the best laptop-friendly cafes and workspaces in the city.
Flexibility in working has been a significant focus in the Netherlands, with workers being four times more inclined to work remotely prior to the pandemic compared to their US counterparts. These efforts are evident, with the country boasting the highest percentage of remote workers globally. Moreover, Amsterdam provides a delightful balance between work and personal life. Its extensive network of bike lanes makes cycling within the city an efficient and speedy means of transportation. Additionally, the presence of numerous parks encourages a lively picnic culture on pleasant days. For those wanting a refreshing perspective of the charming canal houses, one can travel to any region via boat!
Zagreb
One of the more suitable cities for digital nomads who work remotely is Zagreb, the biggest city and capital of Croatia. Despite not being located on the picturesque turquoise coast of the country, Zagreb has numerous attractions that make it an excellent choice for remote workers. The city is renowned for its rich cafe and coffee culture, with a wide variety of charming cafes available for working at and always having enough caffeinated beverages to keep you going.
It is easier than ever to work remotely in Croatia. The country introduced a new visa for digital nomads in 2021, which is valid for a year and comes with tax exemptions that allow one to avoid paying income tax in Croatia.
Although Croatian may not be the most straightforward language to acquire, the upside is that you don’t necessarily need it to navigate Zagreb as a considerable number of people are proficient in speaking English. Thus, instead of struggling with Google Translate, you can fully savor the Gothic structures.
Cologne
As the fourth biggest city in Germany, Cologne boasts ample facilities and conveniences typical of a metropolis. Its strategic connectivity makes it easily accessible to other parts of Europe, with neighboring nations like the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg just a few hours away by train. Why not plan a quick excursion across the borders?
Furthermore, Cologne boasts a reliable public transportation system, which includes U-bahn metros and streetcars spanning the entire city. If you prefer to travel on foot or by bike, the city is also very pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. For those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle, the S-bahn train can whisk you out of the city for some fresh air in under an hour. Cologne is teeming with iconic landmarks, including one of the largest cathedrals in Europe (which took 600 years to complete!), the Ludwig Modern Art museum, and charming beer gardens and restaurants by the riverside – offering countless opportunities to explore.
Cologne is home to reliable internet–both at home and throughout the city. The city is peppered with wireless hotspots, including at most cafes. While ubiquitous, it’s always good to double-check the internet speeds at a cafe before getting cozy with a cappuccino. Germany has long been welcoming to foreign remote workers. It was the first country to create and issue freelance visas for foreign workers who want to work on their freelance projects from Germany– there is one for artists and another for other professionals.
Suggestion: Cash remains the dominant payment method in Germany, and even amidst a worldwide health crisis, Germans have not abandoned their preference for cash transactions. Therefore, it is advisable to have some cash available upon arrival.
Albania
The visa is valid for one year and can be extended for a maximum of five years.
Reciprocity determines the application fee.
The estimated annual income needed is about €9,800.
It is possible for digital nomads to request an Albanian residency authorization that enables them to live and work in the country for a maximum duration of one year. This authorization, dubbed the ‘Unique Permit’, was launched in the beginning of 2022 and can be extended for up to five consecutive terms.
In order for remote employees to be eligible, they need to provide evidence of a remote work agreement with a foreign company, and their relevant credentials. Additionally, they must possess a valid local bank account, a leasing agreement for accommodation, insurance for health, a spotless criminal record, as well as evidence of financial support for themselves.
Croatia
Visa length: One year, with possibility to renew
The fee to apply is approximately €60.
An income of approximately €2,300 per month is necessary.
In 2021, Croatia introduced a one-year residency program for digital nomads that welcomes non-EU/EEA citizens in the field of “communication technology.” This initiative applies to individuals who operate their own overseas-registered firm or those employed remotely by an entity outside of Croatia.
As long as remote workers do not need a tourist visa to enter Croatia, they can request a one-year residence permit upon arrival, and their immediate family members can apply for a temporary residence permit.
Income tax is not currently levied on remote workers in Croatia.
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