10 Top European ‘Digital Nomad’ Visas to Consider

If you can swallow this summer’s sky-high airfare prices, opportunties are plentiful for U.S. residents to work remotely in Europe. COVID-19 rates are plummeting globally, the tourism industry is resurging and a number of countries have unveiled new “digital nomad” visas and residence permits, allowing Americans to live and telework there for months or even years at a time.

Some U.S. companies are even encouraging their employees to pursue residence abroad. Airbnb is perhaps the most high profile example: CEO Brian Chesky recently announced that, come September, the travel company’s 6,000 employees will be able to live and work in 170 countries for up to 90 days per year in each location.

“Today’s startups have embraced flexibility and remote work,” Chesky tweeted in April. “I think this will become the predominant way companies work 10 years from now.”

More companies may soon follow suit, as nearly two-thirds of the global workforce say they’d rather quit than schlep back to an office. So if Europe is calling your name but you don’t have an E.U. passport in hand, here are 10 of the top digital nomad visas to consider:

1) Portugal

Vacationers flock to Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto for their lively beaches, architecture and culture. The country is a hit with digital nomads, too, who enjoy a lower cost of living, 300 sunny days per year and welcoming local communities. Portugal’s “D7” visa allows remote workers who earn at least $7,200 annually to live there for one to five years.

2) Norway

With its imposing fjords and high standard (and cost) of living, Norway attracts workers from around the world. Digital nomads who earn at least $36,000 per year can apply to live in the Scandinavian nation for up to two years with an “independent contractor” visa. One stipulation: You must sign at least one Norwegian client before you can get approved.

3) Malta

This tiny island nation nestled between Sicily and northern Africa rolled out its “nomad residence permit” last year, allowing non-E.U. residents to telework from another country while living in Malta for up to one year. Applicants must earn at least $2,750 each month.

4) Croatia

Croatia also unveiled a true one-year “digital nomad” resident permit in 2021. You can apply if you earn at least $2,500 per month through a remote gig. The country is known for its stunning coastlines, Christmas markets and Game of Thrones cameos.

5) Germany

Digital nomads can apply for Germany’s “freelance” visa, which lasts for one year but is extendable and even offers a path to permanent residence. With this permit, you can keep international clients but also legally live in Germany and do business in the country more easily.

6) Italy

There’s something for everyone in Italy, which also happens to be the latest country to embrace digital nomads. In April, Italian lawmakers voted to roll out a one-year visa for “highly qualified” non-E.U. remote workers. Expect the country to open up applications in the coming months.

7) Spain

Good news for sangria lovers: Spain’s digital nomad visa is in the works, following an announcement in early 2022. The visa is expected to last for up to one year, and is part of a draft “startup law” intended to boost the country’s budding tech ecosystem.

8) Georgia

The eastern European country of Georgia houses sprawling mountain villages and Black sea beaches. Known for being friendly and affordable, Georgia began offering its digital nomad visa during the pandemic to those with a monthly income of about $2,000 or more.

9) Iceland

If you’re seeking an adventurous lifestyle replete with volcanos, lagoons and the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a 180-day remote work visa for non-E.U. citizens who earn at least $7,600 each month. The country announced this visa in 2020.

10) Romania

Romania released its long-stay digital nomad residency permit in late 2021, with hopes of attracting at least 2,000 remote workers each year to stimulate the local economy. There’s a $4,000 monthly income requirement, and applicants must show proof of employment outside of the country.

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