Did you have awareness of the fact that there are numerous bases available for digital nomads in Europe? Europe showcases a multitude of cities that provide economical options for extended stays, exceptionally fast internet access, and trendy coworking spaces where you can book workstations, interact with fellow digital nomads, or engage in networking opportunities with clients through customized events.
It might appear unrealistic, but it is possible to both work and enjoy the cultural attractions, activities, and cuisine that Europe’s top cities have to offer.
If you are considering the remote work lifestyle, you should explore these incredible digital nomad cities in Europe, as Digital Nomad Visas are becoming increasingly prevalent, making it easier to obtain short-term residence permits for remote workers.
Top Cities for Digital Nomads in Europe
1. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, a gem in Eastern Europe, is often considered one of the best digital nomad destinations in Europe for many reasons. The city offers a low cost of living, making it one of the cheapest cities in Europe. The weather is pleasant, and the exchange rate is favorable. The public transportation system is fantastic, and the city is known for its great food, wine, and stunning architecture on both sides of the Danube River. Budapest also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and ‘ruin pubs’ to enjoy. Being a capital city in the Schengen Area, travel to other parts of the EU is seamless. Additionally, Budapest provides various cool coworking spaces, including Impact Hub, Kubik, and Kaptar, all conveniently located near the city center.
Hungary provides a specific visa, commonly known as a White Card, specifically designed for non-EU citizens who are digital nomads. This visa allows individuals to reside in Hungary for a duration of one year, with the option to extend it for a second year. The requirement for obtaining this visa is to engage in remote work, meaning that the individual should not be employed by a Hungarian enterprise.
The sole drawback is that you need to provide proof of an income of €2000 per month, as well as evidence of health insurance and a valid passport. Couples need to submit separate applications.
2. Lisbon and Porto, Portugal
Portugal is a superb destination for digital nomads, and it also provides its own digital nomad visa. This visa permits a two-year stay with a monthly income prerequisite of just €635. To apply, you must provide evidence of European travel insurance, health insurance, and undergo a criminal background check. Portugal is an excellent choice for those who wish to pause their work or potentially retire early, thanks to its lower income requirement.
If you are looking for a more urban lifestyle, you might want to think about choosing Lisbon. While the cost of living is somewhat higher compared to Porto, Lisbon provides a range of traditional city amenities. Additionally, similar to Porto, Lisbon is located along the coast and offers similar advantages in terms of weather, cuisine, and nightlife; however, it surpasses Porto in the number of museums and cultural opportunities available. Lisbon also boasts an abundance of trendy coworking spaces, such as the stylish café Outsite, Second Home managed by TimeOut Market, and the particularly interesting Surf Office, where you can participate in surfing lessons and other enjoyable activities.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, which is situated in the northeast of Spain, could easily be considered ideal for any digital nomad. It is brimming with art, culture, fine dining, and sunshine, and also has a well-established community of expatriates. Unfortunately, its popularity has resulted in an increase in prices, meaning you may have to pay more for amenities, such as rent and utilities, compared to other places on this list. Barcelona is also a sprawling city, which brings its own set of problems, including pickpocketing, scams, and petty crime. However, the advantages are certainly present – for instance, a comprehensive public transportation system and numerous opportunities for networking at the numerous coworking spaces available. Some notable options to explore include La Vaca Coworking, Makers of Barcelona, and CahootCoworking. Furthermore, Barcelona Coworking Days organizes free meetups at various locations, allowing you to experience several spaces without any obligations. The Catalonia region is experiencing remarkable economic growth and serves as an excellent hub for startups and innovative individuals from all corners of the globe.
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is currently seen as a lesser-known option for digital nomads, but its affordable living costs, advantageous exchange rate, and trendy city center indicate its quick expansion in popularity. Tbilisi is frequently projected to become the next significant digital nomad hotspot. Blending European and Asian cultures, Georgia stands out in its own unique way, and visiting the country offers an opportunity to delve into the Caucasus region, enjoying a distinct experience compared to Western Europe while remaining in proximity. The city provides a diverse selection of restaurants, natural attractions, flea markets, and bars to discover, ensuring a lack of boredom during your stay.
Tbilisi perfectly reflects the country’s status as a successful post-Soviet story, with its relaxed atmosphere, captivating architecture, and numerous opportunities for both digital nomads and expats to connect, such as coworking spaces like Impact Hub at Fabrika or LOKAL Tbilisi, as well as yoga classes and hiking expeditions.
The government has made significant investments in public transportation, both in Tbilisi and the surrounding regions, and it remains highly affordable. Despite ongoing border disputes with Russia, Tbilisi is regarded as a very safe city, and Georgians are known for their warmth and friendliness. In terms of weather, Tbilisi mostly experiences a Mediterranean climate, but during the colder months, there are still opportunities for skiing and other winter sports – a perfect combination!
5. Prague Czech Republic
Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its beautiful scenery, extensive history, and lively culture. There are multiple factors that make Prague an optimal destination for digital nomads. Firstly, compared to other prominent European cities, Prague boasts a relatively low cost of living, rendering it a budget-friendly choice for remote workers.
Moreover, Prague is equipped with a dependable public transportation system, which facilitates easy navigation and exploration. Furthermore, the city presents a flourishing co-working culture, as it accommodates multiple co-working spaces and cafes that provide high-speed internet and an efficient work atmosphere.
The Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa, also known as Zivno, is the most suitable choice for digital nomads and remote workers. This visa grants a one-year validity period, enabling visitors to stay in the country and work remotely without the need for local employment. The Czech Republic’s digital nomad visa program offers a simplified procedure for individuals who wish to experience the city’s lively lifestyle while working remotely.
6. Malta
There are several reasons why Malta is an excellent place for digital nomads. Firstly, due to its warm Mediterranean climate, the island nation is an attractive location to reside and work throughout the year.
Furthermore, Malta is renowned for its comparatively inexpensive cost of living, encompassing reasonably priced housing, food, and recreational possibilities. This implies that remote workers can economize while experiencing a superior quality of life.
Additionally, Malta boasts a well-established IT infrastructure and a dependable internet connection, which are crucial for remote workers who heavily rely on online communication and productivity tools. Furthermore, as a culturally diverse and multilingual nation with a lively social atmosphere, it is effortless for digital nomads to engage and network with the local population and fellow nomads.
7. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, found in the center of Switzerland, is a lively city that combines modernity and history in a special way. Being Switzerland’s financial capital, Zurich is famous for its excellent standard of living, charming streets, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Zurich, with its outstanding infrastructure, dependable public transportation, and exceptional digital connectivity, is a preferred destination for digital nomads seeking a fresh home base. Moreover, being a hub for international business, Zurich provides ample networking options and events for digital nomads interested in broadening their professional connections.
Regrettably, Switzerland does not offer a digital nomad visa, thus non-EU citizens are unable to reside and work in the country unless they possess a work permit granted by a Swiss employer. Nonetheless, EU and EEA citizens can engage in digital nomad work within Switzerland for a maximum duration of 3 months without encountering any limitations, owing to the freedom of movement privilege within the EU. However, if one intends to stay longer than three months, they must complete the registration process at a local registration office or town hall.
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