April 12, 2022
Working online has been gaining more and more popularity over the last years. It was a logical next step that work that can be performed remotely should be possible to be performed from the most remote corners of the world. In line with this, countries have started offering digital nomad visas and residence permits to people working online.
Read on to learn more about digital nomad visas in Europe.
What are digital nomad visas like?
Digital nomad visas and residence permits let you travel to a country and stay there for a prolonged time based on your employment in a different country. The main difference is that visas are usually valid for a few months, while residence permits are valid for 1 or 2 years, while you will get more travel rights as a resident.
Since EU citizens can move freely within the Schengen area, in the EU these schemes focus on third country nationals, including citizens of the USA or Canada. Requirements vary by country, but they usually include the following:
- Proof that you are a remote worker (employed by a company outside the target country; this usually can also be your own company)
- Proof that you have enough income to support yourself
- Valid passport
- Some kind of background check and/or no criminal record
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract)
Residency options tailored to digital nomads in the EU
Hungary
The residence permit for digital nomads is also referred to as the “white card”, and it is available to any third-country national who is not an employee of a company with a Hungarian seat, regardless of the nationality of the clients.
- Valid for: 1 year, can be renewed once
- Processing time: 30 days
- Expected income: ca. EUR 2,000 / month
- Family unification: not available
Croatia
The only major drawback of the residency offered to digital nomads in Croatia is that it cannot be extended. However, if the country grows on you during your stay, other residency options are also available.
- Valid for: 1 year (cannot be extended)
- Processing time: no data
- Expected income: EUR 2,400 / month
- Family unification: available
Malta
Malta is known for its attractive residency offers, which are now complemented with a simple residency option for digital nomads.
- Valid for: 1 year
- Processing time: 30 days
- Expected income: ca. EUR 2,700 / month
- Family unification: available
Greece
Greece can give you residency as a digital nomad in a record time, just 10 days. However, you are unfortunately not allowed to have Greek clients. If you want to change that, you will need to switch to another type of residency.
- Valid for: 2 years, can be renewed
- Expected income: EUR 3,500 / month
- Processing time: 10 days
- Family unification: available
Estonia
Estonia is well known for its digital solutions, and with their digital nomad residency you can work in the country for two years in total. However, you are not allowed to stay in Estonia longer than 548 days within 730 consecutive days.
- Valid for: 1 year, can be renewed once
- Processing time: 15-30 days
- Expected income: EUR 3,504 / month
- Family unification: no data
Romania
In Romania, the expected monthly income of digital nomads is triple of the current minimum wage. This is a residency option too, and it can be extended indefinitely.
- Valid for: 1 year, can be extended first for 6 months, then for more
- Processing time: 60 days
- Expected income: EUR 3,700 / month (3 * RON 6,095)
- Family unification: not available
Other European options suitable for digital nomads
Czech republic
While the Czech Republic does not have an offer tailored to digital nomads, its trade visa (“zivno visa”) is perfect for freelancers who want to conduct business from the Czech Republic.
- Valid for: 1 year, can be extended
- Processing time: 90-120 days
- Expected income: no monthly data; EUR 5,100 at application
- Family unification: no data
Norway
Norway is not a member of the EU, but it is closely tied to it through the EEA. It does not have an offer tailored to digital nomads, but its “independent contractor visa” does the charm. However, you will need at least one Norwegian client to become eligible.
- Valid for: 2 years
- Processing time: 15-30 days
- Expected income: EUR 35,719 per year (so ca. EUR 3,000 / month)
- Family unification: no data
Germany
The closest thing Germany has to digital nomad visas are the freelance (“Freiberufler”) visa and residency options. However, you will also need clients based in Germany, and if you are above 45 years, you will be required to present your pension plan on application.
- Valid for: up to 3 years
- Processing time: 5-6 weeks
- Expected income: no data
- Family unification: available
Iceland
Iceland is not a member of the EU, but it is closely tied to it through the EEA. While it does have a program designed for digital nomads, it offers only a long-term visa, not residency.
- Valid for: up to 180 days
- Processing time: no data
- Expected income: EUR 7,100 / month (ISK 1,000,000)
- Family unification: available
Other digital nomad visas in Europe
Apart from the options listed above, there are a few more countries that offer options that might be suitable for digital nomads, e.g. Portugal and France. However, those options are not tailored to them specifically, which means application will be more complicated.
Which country to choose as a digital nomad in Europe?
Since there are various kinds of digital nomad visas and residence permit available in Europe, you are free to choose the one that suits your needs the best. An EU residency will let you travel visa-free within the Schengen zone. Are you planning to stay in one place, or to travel in the neighboring countries? How much income are you expecting? Do you have a family to consider?
As you can see from the above list, the Hungarian white card is among the best offers, with a low expected income and a lack of restrictions on the nationality of clients, a relatively short processing time and an option for extension.