Europe has always been a popular destination for both digital nomads and tourists due to its rich culture, historical significance, delightful cuisine, and reasonable prices. It offers the comforts of home to digital nomads while also immersing them in a new cultural experience. However, certain locations in Europe are more suitable for digital nomads than others. Therefore, if you’re considering a move to Europe as a digital nomad, we have compiled a list of the top destinations to assist you in selecting the perfect location.
We used the following factors to put together this list:
When considering if a location is suitable for digital nomads, the availability of a visa is arguably one of the most important factors. While each digital nomad has their own preferences, it is generally nice to settle down in a place for a few months before moving on to the next location. Digital nomad visas offer longer stays for remote workers compared to regular tourist visas.
When considering the cost of living in Europe, it is important to note that some cities have a high cost of living, whereas others offer more affordable living options. Additionally, the cost of living can fluctuate throughout the year and over time, often influenced by the changing seasons.
Nomadic Community: To avoid feeling lonely while traveling, it is crucial to seek out the local nomadic community in each destination. While it is possible to find nomads in nearly any city, opting for a place with a vibrant nomadic scene might be more appealing to you.
Reliable and fast internet is crucial for us digital nomads to carry out our work effectively. While some remote workers are required to adhere to the time zones of their job, others simply need the internet to complete their tasks at their preferred time. Nonetheless, having a dependable internet connection remains essential.
When it comes to amenities, each nomad has their own preferences. Some individuals prefer having a variety of coworking spaces, cafes, gyms, delicious food options, the convenience of day trips, or pleasant warm weather.
We enjoy every moment we spend in Europe, and we are confident that you will as well. That is why we have compiled a list of the top destinations in Europe for digital nomads.
Germany
If you work for yourself in fields such as education, journalism, art, music, or theater, you may qualify to apply for Germany’s residency permit for freelance artists. It is important to plan ahead as appointments at the immigration office are scheduled well in advance, and given Germany’s reputation for bureaucracy, you will need to gather a significant amount of paperwork.
Having a residence permit has the advantage of allowing you to travel extensively from a European country that is centrally located. Furthermore, due to the increasing emphasis on environmentally friendly modes of transportation, there are now alternatives to flying. One such example is a new route that connects Berlin with Brussels, Amsterdam, and Prague.
Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has become a popular destination for digital nomads and freelancers. Many artists, start-up employees, and self-employed individuals are flocking to the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto. This is not surprising, considering that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Lisbon is around $970 per month, compared to an average of $3,270 in New York, according to Numbeo’s comparison tool. The presence of fantastic arts scenes, excellent food and wine, and strong communities of fellow digital nomads and ex-pats only adds to the appeal. Additionally, surfers with remote jobs are drawn to the Algarve, a southern stretch of coastline known for its spectacular beaches. Portugal offers a renewable Temporary Stay Visa that covers a wide range of activities, including independent work, music, and amateur sports. This visa allows for long stays of less than a year and permits multiple entries into and exits from the country. After five years, individuals can apply for a permanent residence permit, and eventually have the possibility of naturalization.
Croatia
Since January 2021, Croatia has implemented a digital nomad residency program. The country’s remarkable natural beauty, particularly along its Adriatic coastline, attracts individuals who appreciate nature and the sea. Moreover, Croatia’s cities, such as Dubrovnik and Split, possess ancient Roman ruins, castles, and medieval streets, making them ideal settings for the popular fantasy series, Game of Thrones. For those interested in fully embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, Zadar even offers the nation’s inaugural community specifically designed for remote workers (bonus: it is located by the beach).
Croatia’s digital nomad visa is available to digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers, allowing them to stay for a maximum of 12 months. However, if you have a job, it cannot be with a Croatian company.
Iceland
With its captivating scenery, Iceland entices individuals who love outdoor activities, alongside the alluring capital city of Reykjavík. Introduced in 2020, Iceland’s Long-Term Visa offers the opportunity for non-EU/EEA remote workers to reside in the country for a maximum of 180 days. However, it’s essential to note that this visa solely accommodates permanent remote employees working for foreign companies, excluding freelancers.
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria: 1. You must be employed on a permanent basis by a foreign company. 2. You must be from a country outside the EU/EEA/EFTA and not require a visa to travel to Iceland. 3. You must not have obtained a visa within the past year. 4. You must meet a monthly income threshold of 1,000,000 ISK (approximately US$8,000). If you are accompanied by a spouse, cohabitating partner, or children under 18, the monthly income threshold increases to 1,300,000 ISK (approximately US$10,400).
Hungary
Hungary, which shares a border with Croatia, is an excellent choice for digital nomads looking to spend time in Eastern Europe. Hungary offers a superb digital nomad visa called the White Card Visa, specifically designed for individuals who wish to stay in Hungary for one year while working for a company located outside of Hungary. Budapest serves as the central hub for digital nomads in Hungary, providing a plethora of top-notch co-working spaces and cafes tailored to meet the needs of nomads. Additionally, the city hosts numerous nomad events, ensuring that you will have no trouble finding a like-minded community.
Greece
If you have a dream of living a Mama Mia lifestyle, Greece is the place to go. Greece is famous for its stunning beaches and delicious cuisine, making it an ideal destination for freelancers and remote workers who want to soak up the sun. To accommodate digital nomads, Greece has introduced a new visa that allows them to live and work in the country for up to 12 months, even if their clients or employers are based outside of Greece. The best part is that the visa approval process has been expedited, so you will receive a response within 10 days. While Athens is the preferred choice for many nomads due to its status as the largest city, the enchanting Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes, and Mykonos also attract a significant number of remote workers.
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