Many countries worldwide began giving travel and working perks to remote workers by issuing a “digital nomad visa” But European countries are prospering and creating more paths for freelancers. After seeing immense interest from digital nomads,15 European countries have issued visas for remote workers.
Coming from a stressful environment, a remote worker feels peace in Europe, surrounded by a charming beauty. Moreover, you can even travel to 26 countries around Europe with a remote permit visa. As the continent is crowded with people belonging to diverse cultures, you also get a chance to engage yourself in something unique. In this article, you’ll find information regarding the requirements, eligibility criteria, cost, tax, and application process of every European country offering a digital nomad visa. So let’s get straight into it.
#1 Germany Digital Nomad Visa(Freelancer Visa)
Though a German digital nomad visa is a process of 3-4 months, you get plenty of time to make up your mind to set into a new place.
Required Documents : You must gather all the documentation like your passport, national visa, recommendation letter, earning proofs, bank statement, academic records, etc. Moreover, they also ask you to show the portfolio of your work.
Eligibility Criteria: As a remote worker, you must earn €9,000 annually. You must prove that your clients are comfortable working with you. Also, submit at least two recommendation letters from your clients.
Visa Cost: The application process for a remote visa costs about €80. As the process has two phases, a residence permit costs about €140, and you have to pay €260 for a settlement permit.
Tax Details: Being a remote worker in Germany depends on your earnings for paying taxes, which are higher than in other European Countries. And if a remote worker spends a year in Germany, he must pay taxes four times a year.
Application Process: The application process for a digital nomad visa for Germany is time taking and has strict rules. It has three phases. In the first phase, you must apply for a freelance entry visa, the second is tax registration, and the third is a residence permit visa.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Germany, including all your necessities, is almost €934 per month.
Validity: The most important thing to know about the digital nomad visa is its validity is from 6 months to 3 years.
#2 Hungary Digital Nomad Visa(White Card)
Hungary is an incredible place for digital nomads because it is one of those countries that have the fastest internet. So let’s discover the details about the Hungary digital nomad Visa also known as the “White Card.”
Visa Requirements: For Hungary’s passive income visa, you must have a valid passport and documents like proof of freelancing income and details about your work, travel documents, health insurance etc.
Eligibility Criteria: You must belong to a non-European country (mainly a third-world country) and have your laptop, phone and other equipment necessary for remote work. Moreover, you own a company and have a valid remote job too. After that, you become eligible for its digital nomad visa.
Visa Cost: The application cost of the visa for Hungary is $125.25, and if you want to apply online through NDGAP, then the cost is $77.5. Moreover, the cost of extending your freelancer visa is $75.
Tax Details: After spending 183 days in Hungary, you become eligible to pay tax. Hence a digital nomad has to pay a social tax of 18.5% and a personal tax of 15%.
Application Process: First of all, you have to reach out to the Hungarian embassy for your visa and then download the application forms and submit it with other necessary documents to the Hungary embassy; after 30 days, you’ll get your entry visa. Within 30 days of reaching Hungary, you must apply for a “White Card” from the NDGAP.
Cost of Living: If you’re working alone as a remote worker, your living cost will be $557.9 per month.
Validity: Hungary’s freelancer visa is valid for one year, but you can also extend it while staying there.
#3 Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Greece is where a remote worker can apply easily for a digital nomad visa; it requires no tricky interviews and other information. So let’s get straight into the details of Greece’s digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: For a Greece remote visa, you need a valid passport, proof of remote job and finances, and your health, travel, medical and criminal reports.
Eligibility Criteria: The person applying for a digital nomad visa should be a non-European citizen. Moreover, the applicant must prove with their remote work details that he must earn $3,738.17 per month.
Visa Cost: While applying for a freelancer visa in Greece, you must submit a fee of $80.10.
Tax Details: If you live in Greece as a digital nomad for six months, you’re deprived of paying taxes. But after more than two years, you have to pay tax, but still, you can apply to pay half tax from the fixed tax rate.
Application Process: The remote visa for Greece has a simple application process. You have to fill out the application form along with the required documents. Then contact the Greece embassy for an appointment, and you’ll get your digital nomad visa within ten days.
Cost of Living: For a digital nomad, the cost of living (including all travel costs, accommodation and food) is almost $1500/month.
Validity: Greece freelancer visa is valid for a year, but you can extend it to 2 years.
#4 Portugal Digital Nomad Visa(D7 Visa)
Portugal recently announced a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa also known as the “D7 Visa”. It is a friendly country with a bulk of opportunities for freelancers. Here are the details.
Visa Requirements: As a digital nomad, you need the following documents for your D7 visa: a passport, application form, income and accommodation proof, small work details and a spotless criminal record.
Eligibility Criteria: To become eligible for a passive income visa in Portugal, you must have proof of earning almost $2,986 a month.
Visa Cost: For a passive income visa, you have to pay $192.02; for a resident permit visa in Portugal, you have to pay $341.
Tax Details: A remote worker has to pay up to 48% tax after 183 days, and if he has registration with NHR, then he is eligible to pay only 20% tax.
Application Process: Connect with the embassy, submit your documents with your application and pay the fee. After getting the digital nomad visa in Portugal, get your residence permit visa within three days. At last, they’ll call you for an interview.
Cost of Living: The cost of living for a digital nomad in Portugal is $1,700 per month.
Validity: The passive income visa D7 of Portugal is valid for one year.
#5 Norway Digital Nomad Visa(Svalbard Visa)
Norway is a good country if a freelancer wants to enjoy a high-quality life in one of the coldest climates. Unveil the details of the Norway digital nomad visa below.
Visa Requirements: It would be best to have a passport, bank statements, freelancing work details, income proof, etc.
Eligibility Criteria: For working in Norway as a remote worker, you must give proof of passive income of at least $ 38,081 annually. Moreover, you must have one client in Norway. And you must have accommodation documents too.
Visa Cost: The application for a remote work visa in Norway costs about $639.
Tax Details: After your 183rd day in Norway, you become eligible to pay a tax equal to Norwegian residents’ tax of 22%-25%.
Application Process: Make sure to complete all documents with the application form, complete the online UDI checklist and print it out. Reach out to the Norwegian Embassy. After an appointment, you’ll get approval within four months.
Cost of Living: Norway is an expensive country, so for a remote worker, the cost of living is about $2000-$4000 per month.
Validity: Norway’s remote work visa is valid for 91 days to 12 months.
#6 Iceland Digital Nomad Visa
Another country surrounded by glaciers and fascinating nature is a good choice for remote workers, but it is more than expensive, so look at the details for Iceland digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: It would help if you had a passport, proof of income and health insurance, a recommendation letter from your employer and a spotless criminal record.
Eligibility Criteria: A remote worker must belong to a country having a visa-free travel agreement with Iceland. He must have proof of his remote work and a monthly income of $ 7,700.
Visa Cost: The application fee for Iceland passive income visa is $94.
Income Tax: A digital nomad has to pay zero tax in Iceland.
Application Process: Pay the application fee through the bank and then submit the documents by post to the Director of Immigration. And you’ll get the response within 3 to 4 weeks.
Cost of Living: A single-person living cost in Iceland is up to $2,500.
Validity: Iceland’s digital nomad visa is valid for 180 days, and it’s not extendable.
#7 Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Malta is a country of peace, so it’s good for freelancers to work in a peaceful environment. Here are details of Malta’s digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: Along with a passport, you need at least two application forms, a cover letter, a resume, work and income proof, a resume, bank statements and a medical certificate.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must belong to a third-world country with a passive income of $2878 per month. Moreover, he must prove that his contract or the company he works with is outside of Malta.
Visa Cost: The cost of a freelancer visa application for Malta is $319.
Income Tax: You don’t have to pay any tax as a remote worker in Malta.
Application Process: You have to submit all the documents and applications online, and once it gets the approval, you have to get your Nomad residence permit after entering Malta.
Cost of Living: The cost of living as a digital Nomad in Malta is $ 3000 per month.
Validity: The remote visa in Malta is valid for 12 months.
#8 Georgia Digital Nomad Visa
Georgia is one of the best countries in Europe for remote workers. Below are the details of Georgia digital nomad visa
Visa Requirements: A passport is a must-have, then you need to show your proof of remote work, health certificate and earnings documentation ($2,000 per month or savings of $ 24,000)
Eligibility Criteria: You must belong to those 95 counties Georgia accepts for a digital nomad visa. And you must be earning $2,000 per month.
Visa Cost: The application for a Georgia freelancer visa is free to apply.
Income Tax: On your 183rd day in Georgia, you have to pay 20%, but if you’re earning less than $155,000, you have to pay 1% tax.
Application Process: Gather all your documents and upload them with your application correctly, and they’ll respond within ten days.
Cost of Living: Georgia is the most affordable country in Europe, with a living cost of $780 per month.
Validity: Georgia digital nomad visa is valid for a year.
#9 Czech Republic Digital Nomad Visa (Zinvo Visa)
The Czech Republic is a country where remote workers can find true relaxation along with their work. It is also one of the best choices for freelancers regarding lifestyle. So let’s look at the details of the Czech digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: Despite having a passport, you must submit a Zino trade license and accommodation proof in the Czech Republic. Moreover, you need to submit a signed, clear criminal record with a medical certificate.
Eligibility Criteria: A remote job and a solid online presence (mainly on LinkedIn) are necessary. Furthermore, you must have a proper work plan and a portfolio website. And your age must not be less than 18.
Visa Cost: As the remote visa for Czech comprises two phases, in the first case, you must pay $43, and in the second phase, you must submit the remote visa fee of $43 again. Therefore the total visa cost is $86.
Income Tax: The income tax for digital nomads in the Czech Republic is 15%.
Application Process: Complete your application by providing the required documents and consult with the Czech embassy. Thus within 90-120 days, you’ll get the trade license, and you can enter the Czech Republic. And there, you’ll get your Czech freelancer visa within five days after applying.
Cost of Living: Living cost, including food, travel and accommodation for a remote worker, is up to $2000 per month.
Validity: The Czech Republic Digital nomad visa is valid for about 6-12 months.
#10 Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain is about to announce its visa for digital nomads in 2023. So let’s see the eligibility criteria and other details of Spain’s digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: You have to meet the following requirements while applying for Spain digital nomad visa. The requirements are; income proof that you’re earning €1000 to € 3000 per month, accommodation proof and a medical and clean criminal record certificate.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be non Spanish and non European, must have 1 year experience as a remote worker, and he should provide proof of accommodation and a spotless criminal record.
Visa Cost: As the Spain digital nomad visa is about to launch soon. Hence they haven’t revealed the visa cost yet.
Income Tax: Income tax for its remote visa is also not announced but it’s tax rate can be almost 15% for a freelancer.
Application Process: The application process would be similar to other remote visas like contacting the Spain embassy, providing documents and application and then at the end you’ll get the visa.
Cost of Living: Spain is a bit expensive country for remote workers hence the cost of living is $2500 per month.
Validity: The Spain digital nomad visa is valid for a year, but you can extend it for three years if you obtain a residence permit in Spain.
#11 Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia is gradually becoming a hub for digital nomads. Henceforth you can build connections with your fellow remote workers there. So here are the details for freelancers about Estonia digital nomad visa who are willing to go there.
Visa Requirements: You have to provide them with your remote work details, your contracts with the clients, income proof of the previous six months and your academic history ( diploma or degree certificate).
Eligibility Criteria: While applying, you must prove to them that you’re working remotely to become eligible for this visa. Your contracts, services and business must be outside Estonia. And you must be earning $3,687/month.
Visa Cost: There are two types of freelance visas in Estonia. For a short-term visa, you must pay $84; for a long-term visa, you must pay $105.
Income Tax: 20% tax is applicable to digital nomads after 183 days of their stay in Estonia.
Application Process: Reach the embassy and apply with the proper documents to them. Now, wait for their response. Almost after 90 days, you’ll get your visa.
Cost of Living: Estonia is a cheap country; even in its expensive city, Tallinn, you need $600 to $800 monthly for all necessities.
Validity: The validity of a passive income visa in Estonia is 12 months.
#12 Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Romania took the step of launching digital nomads visas a year ago. It is also accompanied by thrilling landscapes that never fail to remove the stress of remote workers. Here are the details of Romania digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: The remote worker applying for this visa must come up with documents like a passport, client contracts, accommodation proof, tickets, and other personal information.
Eligibility Criteria: It would be best if you had three years of freelancing experience. Your monthly earning should be $4,170, and you must know the usage of devices required for remote work. Moreover, your clients or business must be outside Romania.
Visa Cost: Currently, the application for Romania remote visa is free. But you must confirm from the website before applying.
Income Tax: Digital nomads in Romania are exempted from paying the local tax, but they have to pay the personal income tax, that’s just 10%.
Application Process: You have to apply online through the Romania e-Visa Platform. After completing the application with the documents, you must wait about two weeks for their response.
Cost of Living: The cost of living for a freelancer is low in Romania compared to other countries, and it’s just $1,500 per month.
#13 Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia is a country with reliable internet in every corner. So digital nomads can work here without any hassle. Following are the details of the Croatia digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirement: You must have remote work contract documents, health insurance, temporary residence in Croatia and a clean criminal record.
Eligibility Criteria: For applying as a remote worker in Croatia, your monthly income must be $2,658 or savings of $31,892.92. You must have temporary accommodation in Croatia.
Visa Cost: The total cost for its visa is $150, which is for temporary accommodation, visa application and a residence application
Income Tax: Luckily Croatia imposes zero tax on digital nomads.
Application Process: There are two ways to apply: online or through the Croatia embassy. After submitting your documents with the application, you have to wait for several weeks for their response.
Cost of Living: Croatia is affordable for freelancers as its cost of living is just $1000 to $1500 per month.
Validity: The Croatia digital nomad visa is valid for a year.
14. Latvia Digital Nomad Visa
Latvia has recently introduced its digital nomad visa. Though they still need to provide the complete information, some details about the Latvia digital nomad visa are mentioned below.
Visa Requirements: The requirements for a Latvia remote visa include a passport, proof of your remote work and health insurance.
Eligibility Criteria: First of all, you must belong to OECD countries. Moreover, your employer or remote work contracts must be outside Latvia, and your monthly income should be at least $3,033.29.
Visa Cost: The remote application for Lavita costs about €60 to € 120.
Income Tax: The personal income tax here is low for digital nomads and is only 15%.
Application Process: They have yet to announce the application process. But there can be two ways one is to submit your application online, and the other is through its embassy.
Cost of Living: The cost of living for digital nomads in Latvia is above $2000 per month, including food, travel and accommodation.
Validity: Like other remote visas, Latvia freelancer visa validity is also for a year.
15. Italy Digital Nomad Visa
A few days ago, Italy launched its digital nomad visa program. Hence what could be more significant for a remote worker to experience life in a country that is rapidly growing in every field? So here are details of the Italy digital nomad visa.
Visa Requirements: The Italy freelancer visa has yet to come into work, so they still need to specify the requirements. They’ve only mentioned that this visa is for highly-skilled workers.
Eligibility Criteria: Until now, only these criteria are eligible for an Italy remote visa, which includes; you must be a non-European, and your work must be outside Italy.
Visa Cost: The Italian government has yet to reveal any cost of its digital nomad visa.
Income Tax: The remote worker in Italy has to pay a 5% income tax.
Application Process:
The application process for an Italian freelancer visa has yet to be introduced.
Cost of Living: The cost of living for remote workers in Italy is €780 to €1000/ month.
Validity: Like other visas, Italy’s digital nomad visa would be valid for a year.
Conclusion
No doubt working remotely helps us make connections but it’s just limited to virtual space. So a remote worker, freelancer or entrepreneur, must opt for a Digital Nomad Visa because being in a new country with a new culture, helps you in making real relations with the people. Therefore you can see life in a more diversified way. Moreover, prefer the country that fits you comfortably with its rules and regulations, lifestyle and financial stability.
