Work from Europe: Digital Nomad Visas
With the world going remote, the last few years have offered more opportunities than ever to live somewhere new on special stay visas across Europe, and the world. I watched with envy as groups of friends rented Italian villas together or beach side homes together, for welcome space from pandemic restricted cities. Given people are increasingly open to new experiences and testing out new places, there is an ever-growing list of countries offering year long stay ‘digital nomad’ visas to capitalize on roaming workers in order to benefit from the economic impact. The lists are always changing, and subject to different rules, citizenships or offers so be sure to look at the fine print (especially around potential taxation). As EU digital nomad visas are now available for several countries, this is a short round up of places in Europe specifically, but there are more global options (see this handy blog list or this one), and excellent updated EU rules on ETIAS VISA
*See my other post on where to start and what type of visas to consider
Shop some of my travel essentials or my children’s travel book
Croatia: Croatia launched a new digital nomad visa program for digital nomads in 2021, as part of its ‘Croatia your new office’ campaign. Requirements include proof of remote work, sufficient yearly income, health insurance, security background checks, and a rent contract. The digital nomad work visa comes with tax exemptions (foreign digital nomads are not subject to pay income tax in Croatia) and a validity of up to 1 year.
Czech Republic: Offers a special business visa (trade license) that digital nomads from outside the EU can benefit from and it must be requested in person at a Czech consulate or embassy. The visa requirements include an eligible trade license, enough funds in the bank account, health insurance, and proof of accommodation for at least 1 year.
Estonia: Estonia was the first to adapt to change and implement an e-residency program for foreign online entrepreneurs. Then, in June 2020, it announced a digital nomad visa for freelancers and remote workers.
Germany: In Europe, the first nation to create a freelance visa was Germany. There are 2 types of freelance visas: one for artists and one for other professionals. Digital nomads must register with the German tax office and submit a series of documents such as their portfolio, bank statements, and in some cases, evidence of their expertise. Freelancers must have clients based in Germany.
Greece: The new digital nomad visa for Greece is valid for a period of up to 12 months. Before the visa expires, the holder can apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit to stay longer. To be eligible for Greece’s digital nomad visa, the applicant must provide evidence of sufficed resources (€ 3,500 per month). Also, the Governor of Crete hopes that the Greek digital nomad visa will greatly boost the island’s “Work from Paradise'' initiative.
Iceland: The digital nomad visa for Iceland allows foreign citizens to work remotely in Iceland for foreign companies long-term. The visa is intended to be used for stays longer than 6 months. To obtain the Icelandic digital nomad visa, applicants must provide proof of employment and sufficient funds as well as health insurance coverage.
Italy: New tax incentives introduced in January 2020 mean that more digital nomads are choosing to work from Italy. Freelancers who set up legal residency in Italy are now offered 70% detaxation of all income they generate in the country. While an Italian visa for digital nomads has yet to be announced, non-EU nationals who wish to work remotely from Italy are able to apply for a self-employment visa. This visa type is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, but it is also possible to obtain an extension once it expires. (*Also see the new offer from Venice aimed at the younger nomads)
Malta: The digital nomad visa for Malta is issued for one year and can be renewed. Applications are open for people who can continue in their current jobs whilst residing in Malta for a year. Malta was the first EU country to have a nationwide 5G network. In addition, English is one of the official languages, making it a convenient option for digital nomads. To apply for a digital nomad visa for Malta, travelers must have proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and take out health insurance.
Portugal: has designed a temporary resident visa that can be used by freelancers and entrepreneurs. It allows its holder to stay in the country for longer than 1 year and can be extended. Unlike others mentioned in this page, this remote work visa can be used as a pathway to permanent residency. The local government in Madeira launched the Madeira Digital Nomads project. Participants will be able to live in the Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol in either independent villas or hotel accommodation and enjoy free wi-fi, coworking stations, and special events.
Romania: The Romanian Senate has approved the draft law for a new digital nomad visa. The government hopes to attract around 2,000 remote workers annually. The minimum required revenue to get a digital nomad visa for Romania is €1,150, which is lower than many other European countries.
Spain: It’s new a digital nomad visa that will allow people to stay and work for up to 12 months. It is hoped that Spain’s digital nomad visa will help to attract more foreign workers, particularly to rural areas affected by depopulation.
*Global: As I mentioned earlier, there is a long list of other options to research, including:
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Bali: Just added, read more here.
Barbados
Bermuda
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
Colombia
Costa Rica
Curaçao
Dominica
Dubai
Georgia
Indonesia
Mexico
Mauritius
Seychelles
Thailand