In the past few years, the number of digital nomads from the United States has more than doubled. It soared from 7.7 million in 2019 to 18.1 million in 2024, per MBO Partners 2024 State of Independence report. With more jobs going remote, even more people are thinking about packing up and seeing the world and working as they go.
While I might not be a nomad, per se, I moved to Europe for similar reasons in 2016: I wanted to immerse myself in an international community in a place far from where I grew up: Kansas. At that time, Germany was one of only a few options where self-employed U.S. citizens could take up residence, so I went to Berlin and applied for Germany’s freelance artist residence permit, and I’ve been here ever since. As a travel writer, it’s been ideal to have a base in Berlin but be able to take off as frequently (or last-minute) as needed.
Today, several European countries make it (relatively) easy for expats who work remotely to stay awhile. Many now have special residence schemes for digital nomads that can accommodate longer stays than a tourist visa would allow. Some countries, like Germany, have relaxed residence permit rules for self-employed people and remote job seekers that allow long-term stays with the bonus of easy travel for working trips elsewhere. (One note: Always check the relevant government websites for the latest application process and translation requirements for documents, which are subject to change.)
Thanks to digital nomad visas and residence permits, these 11 countries in Europe make it easy to nail down job opportunities and work remotely. Time to refresh that résumé and start scanning LinkedIn for remote job opportunities.
1. Germany
- Why Germany: Social programs for families, access to nature, and cities with green spaces
- Cost: 100 euros (about US$107)
If you’re self-employed and working in a field such as education, journalism, art, music, or theater, you might be eligible to apply for Germany’s residence permit for freelancers (there are also a few other visa options). You’ll need to prepare well ahead of time: Appointments at the immigration office are booked many months in advance, and as Germany is notoriously bureaucratic, there is a lot of paperwork to get together.
On the plus side, having a residence permit gives you time to travel as frequently as you’d like from a very centrally located European country.
Who can apply?
Anyone who qualifies under the listed professions and can meet the application’s requirements. It can be renewed indefinitely, or there’s the option to take up permanent residence after five years.
How to apply for Germany’s digital visa
Head to your city of residence’s government website and download the relevant permit’s application form. Applicants must provide documentation in person at the visa office to apply, including proof of main residence in Germany (like an apartment lease—Airbnb bookings won’t cut it), acceptable health insurance, and proof of income and work, including contracts or letters of intent from clients willing to hire you.
2. Portugal
- Why Portugal: Vibrant city life, sun and sea, and a laid-back lifestyle
- Cost: 90 euros (about US$99)
Portugal has become a hot spot for digital nomads in recent years, with artists, startup employees, and the self-employed beelining to the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto. (And it’s no wonder: Portugal’s one of the best places to retire abroad, according to International Living.) The fantastic arts scenes, excellent food and wine, and strong communities of fellow digital nomads and expats certainly don’t hurt either. Surfers with remote jobs, meanwhile, flock to the Algarve, a southern region full of coastline that’s home to some of the country’s—if not the world’s—most spectacular beaches.
Portugal offers a renewable Temporary Stay Visa for digital nomads. It’s valid for a year and and can be renewed up to four times for a maximum stay of five years.
Who can apply?
People who work remotely need to earn at least four times the national minimum wage in Portugal (which is currently 3,280 euros per month, or roughly US$3,600) and show proof of earnings.
How to apply for Portugal’s digital visa
For a Temporary Stay Visa, you’ll need to submit passport photographs, proof of work, your criminal record, travel insurance, and more. You’ll also need to download the application form and fill it out, then submit it in person with the rest of your documents at a Portuguese consulate or embassy.
3. Croatia
- Why Croatia: Fantastic beaches, historic cities, and excellent food and wine
- Cost: Prices differ depending on how you apply, but start at about US$180.
Croatia has had a digital nomad residency program since January 2021. With stunning natural scenery, including its Adriatic coastline, the country draws lovers of nature and the sea—and, perhaps, remote-working Game of Thrones lovers. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split have Roman ruins, castles, and medieval streets that made them natural picks to serve as filming locations for the hit fantasy series.
Remote workers and freelancers are eligible for Croatia’s digital nomad visa, which allows stays of up to 12 months. If you’re employed, it can’t be with a Croatian company.
Who can apply?
People working with or for companies registered abroad or who are self-employed and who meet a monthly income threshold. The income requirement corresponds to at least 2.5 average monthly net salaries paid the previous year; right now, that’s 2,870 euros (about US$3,150) per month.
How to apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa
You can apply online or in person. If online, the application will be evaluated by the police station closest to where you’re going to be staying in Croatia. If you’re from the United States or another country that doesn’t require a tourist visa in advance of entering Croatia, you can apply from either a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad or from the nearest police station to your current address in Croatia.
After being approved, make sure you register your address and temporary stay soon after arriving in the country: Both have short turnarounds, and if you don’t register your temporary address within 30 days of approval, it’ll be revoked. You’ll also need to obtain a biometric residence permit in person at a police station.
4. Iceland
- Why Iceland: Impressive natural landscapes and plentiful outdoor activities, with relative proximity to both the United States and Europe
- Cost: 12,200 ISK (about US$90)
Iceland’s landscape is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, and the capital, Reykjavík, is a charmer too. Launched in 2020, the country’s Long-Term Visa for non-EU/EEA remote workers is aimed at remote workers wanting to stay in the country for up to 180 days.
Who can apply?
You’re eligible to apply if you’re working permanently for a foreign company (or you’re verifiably self-employed in the country where you normally work); you’re from outside the EU/EEA/EFTA and don’t need a visa to travel to Iceland; and you haven’t already gotten the visa in the past year. You must also meet a monthly income threshold of 1,000,000 ISK (about US$7,400), or 1,300,000 ISK (about US$9,600) if you have a spouse or cohabitating partner coming with you.
How to apply for Iceland’s digital nomad visa
Fill out the application form and collect the required documents, which include proof of income, health insurance, and passport photos. Once the fee is paid, send everything in via mail; alternatively, submit it to the drop box in the Directorate of Immigration’s lobby in Reykjavík. Or, if you’re outside the capital, you can drop it off at the District Commissioners’ offices in your locality.
5. Greece
- Why Greece: History; artistic city life; beaches, beaches, and more beaches; at least 6,000 islands (did we mention beaches?)
- Cost: 75 euros for the application (about US$85)
This country practically sells itself when it comes to destinations to live and work. Thanks to Greece’s digital nomad visa, announced in 2021, the possibility of working from one of the country’s scenic islands is now a reality. The visas are valid for up to 12 months with a renewal of another year. They can be issued to freelancers, the self-employed, or those working remotely for foreign businesses or clients.
Who can apply?
You must work remotely and have a net income of 3,500 euros per month (about US$3,850), although additional adjustments are made per family member joining.
How to apply for Greece’s digital nomad visa
Among other documentation such as proof of work and income, you’ll need to gather additional documents (contact an embassy to learn the latest ones that are required) showing that you have an address in Greece, a clean criminal record, and health insurance, and that you’re in good health. Submit your documents in person to a Greek consulate near you, and you’ll be notified of approval within 10 days. Once you’re in Greece, be sure to register for your residence permit, too.
6. Malta
- Why Malta: Mild (and windy) winters, multicultural history, Mediterranean lifestyle, and beautiful nature
- Cost: 300 euros (about US$340) per applicant
Living in Malta offers a Mediterranean lifestyle and plenty of things to do, especially given its tiny size. The country’s Nomad Resident Permit is open to freelancers and remote workers for foreign companies alike. It’s good for up to one year, and you can renew it, as long as you’re still eligible, for up to four years.
Who can apply?
Freelancers, self-employed individuals, or employees of foreign companies (or who have foreign clients) can apply. Applicants must meet a minimum gross yearly income of 42,000 euros (US$46,000). Those who submitted their application before April 1, 2024, needed to prove an annual gross income requirement of 32,400 euros (US$35,600).
How to apply for Malta’s digital nomad visa
You must apply online. (Use the Maltese agency’s guide to make sure you have the documents you need.) If the application is successful, a Letter of Approval in Principle is issued. At that point, applicants need to submit proof of accommodation and a health insurance policy within 30 days.
7. Estonia
- Why Estonia: Relatively low cost of living, a hip scene in Tallinn, lots of startups, super-digitalized government and society
- Cost: 100 euros (about US$113)
Estonia has a bustling startup scene, a reputation for cool design and art, and an affordable cost of living for many digital nomads. In 2020, the country introduced a visa specifically for digital nomads: It grants them up to a year’s stay with the ability to work.
The country is incredibly digital, with widespread Wi-Fi in public areas and almost all government services—including birth certificates, medical records, and even contract signing—available online.
Who can apply?
You must be able to do your job 100 percent remotely using technology and have a non-Estonian employer or clients. You should also meet an income threshold of a gross total of 3,504 euros (US$3,988) within the six months prior to your application.
How to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa
Fill out the online application form, then print and gather the other required documents for your application. Bring them to your closest Estonian embassy or consulate, then be prepared to wait up to 30 days for a review of your application. If you’re in Estonia legally already, apply at a local Police and Border Guard office before your existing tourist visa ends.
8. Romania
- Why Romania: Scenic hiking and mountains and a lively scene in Bucharest
- Cost: No information is available as of yet.
Romania’s digital nomad visa program has been available since January 2022 and is part of an effort to attract high-income earners. The country is known for its stunning natural scenery including the Carpathian Mountains and Danube Delta—and not to mention, the Transylvanian forest, which is sometimes called “Europe’s Yellowstone.” Coupled with a low cost of living, this is an ideal country for digital nomads to consider.
Who can apply?
Requirements include medical insurance, proof of employment, and a monthly salary that equates to three times the national average gross salary of 6,095 lei, which currently equates to about US$4,170.
How to apply for Romania’s digital nomad visa
Apply online or at an embassy.
9. Spain
- Why Spain: Easily navigable train systems, history around every corner, and a perfect balance of charming, vibrant cities and an idyllic countryside
- Cost: About $85. When you arrive in Spain, you will also need to pay to receive an NIE (foreign identity number) and residence permit card (about US$22).
In 2022, Spain announced its digital nomad visa in conjunction with the country’s Startup Act, a law that hopes to foster more innovation in the country’s technological industries. Today, the visa is taking applications and welcoming Americans (and beyond) who want to live in a country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world—and who doesn’t love late-night tapas?
Who can apply?
Any foreigner who works remotely for an employer located outside of Spain and wishes to live in Spain as a resident can apply. Applicants who work for a Spanish company can still apply, as long as the work doesn’t contribute to more than 20 percent of their total income.
Applicants must have undergraduate or postgraduate degrees and three years of work experience in their current professional field. Spouses and/or partners may also obtain the visa, along with dependent children or relatives.
How to apply for Spain’s digital nomad visa
Aspiring Spanish digital nomads need to fill out a national visa application form, provide a passport photo, a copy of a valid passport, any criminal record certificates, proof of residency in their home country, proof of identity, health insurance certification, and proof of employment (at least three months).
10. Montenegro
- Why Montenegro: Tons of natural beauty as well as modern accommodations and amenities
- Cost: 67 euros (about US$72)
Montenegro, which is known for its dramatic coastlines and mountains, is also following in many European countries’ footsteps. In December 2021, the Montenegrin cabinet announced the launch of a digital nomad program (with potential tax breaks). Visas are valid for two years.
Who can apply?
Only non-EU citizens can apply for this extended visa. Applicants must prove that they will earn a monthly salary of at least US$1,440 per month.
How to apply for Montenegro’s digital nomad visa
Applicants must apply at a Montenegro embassy or a Serbian embassy if a Montenegrin embassy is not accessible. The application process will also require some translation work: All documents must be in Montenegrin.
11. Italy
- Why Italy: Incredible food, beautiful architecture, and la dolce vita
- Cost: 116 euros (about US$127)
Italy’s gorgeous small villages, scenic islands, and ski spots are just a few reasons why it’s one of the most well-loved countries in the world. In April 2024, Italy released its new digital nomad visa for remote workers, giving you that much more time to explore cities like Rome and Florence. Plus, you can take advantage of the country’s off-season and avoid the crowds in its most visited places.
Who can apply?
Italy’s digital nomad visa is available to two types of people: digital nomads who are freelancers, consultants, or other specialists, and employees who can do their work completely remotely. Applicants must prove that they will earn an annual salary of at least 24,789 euros or more (approximately US$27,200).
How to apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa
To apply for Italy’s digital nomad visa, you will need to sign up for an in-person appointment at an Italian consulate, submit an application, and provide proof of both accommodation for the term of the visa and health insurance.
Applicants also need to show that they’ve been a remote worker for at least half a year before applying for the visa (proof like tax returns and client invoices are accepted). You also need to provide a university or college degree, a professional license, or verifiable professional experience.
This article was originally published in 2023 and most recently updated on October 8, 2024, with current information.
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