Top Digital Nomad Visas in Schengen Countries
Europe is home to some of the world’s most popular digital nomad destinations, and the EU is now offering more digital nomad visas than any other region worldwide. But every country has its own rules around eligibility, minimum income and length of stay, and some are more nomad-friendly than others.
Which is why, I’ve put together a definitive list of the top 10 best Schengen digital nomad visas for 2026. In this article, we’ll cover the pros and cons of each visa and their basic requirements, as well as looking at the lifestyle, cost of living, and available tax benefits each country can offer digital nomads.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa allows remote workers to legally reside in a country while working for clients or employers outside of that country. It’s a great option if you want to travel at a slower pace and completely immerse yourself in a local culture and lifestyle, but there are also some really practical benefits. In some countries, you can enjoy lower living costs and reduced taxes, and some digital nomad visas even act as pathways to long-term residency and citizenship.
Who Can Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in the Schengen Area?
Each European country has their own specific visa eligibility criteria, but some requirements are the same throughout the Schengen region. For all of the visas mentioned in this guide, you must meet the the following requirements to apply:
- You cannot be an EU/EEA or Swiss national
- You must work remotely for an international employer, or for foreign clients if you’re a freelancer or self-employed
- You cannot earn income from within the country (read on for a notable exception)
- You must have valid health insurance
- You must have a valid passport
- You must pass a criminal history or background check
- You must meet minimum income requirements (anywhere from ~€2700 per month to ~€4500 per month)
- If permitted, bringing your spouse or children will often mean extra application fees and higher minimum income thresholds.
What Makes a Country Digital Nomad Friendly?
There’s a lot of factors that go into making a country nomad-friendly. You need to take into account your ideal lifestyle, monthly budget, how long you want to stay, the kind of job you have, as well as things like safety, healthcare and reliable internet.
Income Requirements
Most Schengen digital nomad visas come with minimum monthly or annual income thresholds, which can be quite high. The countries included in this guide have an average minimum monthly income of ~€3500. Make sure you apply for a visa well within your income range (you’ll need to prove this with employment contracts, past invoices or future client agreements).
Visa Duration and Renewal
EU remote work visas can be valid anywhere from 6 months up to 5 years, with varying options for extensions or renewal, so the best visa option will depend on how long you want to stay in Europe. Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa or Iceland’s Long-Term Remote Work Visa are great short-term options, or, if you want to stay in Europe for as long as possible, consider Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa or Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa.
Path to Permanent Residency
Some of the most popular digital nomad countries, like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, offer digital nomad visas that can transition into long-term residency (and in some cases, even citizenship). There are additional requirements, but you’ll usually need to have lived continuously in the country for up to 5 years.
Internet Reliability
Most of Europe has great internet connection, but for the fastest Wi-Fi, head to countries like Iceland, Spain or Malta.
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
Living in Europe can be expensive and your budget will need to cover things like rent, food, transport, utilities, coworking memberships, social events and any visa costs. If your budget is tight, head to the more affordable countries in the Balkans or southern Europe (think Romania, Hungary or Greece).
Safety & Healthcare
Every Schengen digital nomad visa requires valid health insurance. Some countries, like Portugal or Italy, allow remote workers to access their public healthcare system, but there can be long wait times. As always, do your research on local crime rates and the safest areas, but generally, the countries included in this guide are all very safe.
Nomad Community
A thriving nomad community means plenty of available co-workings, co-livings, laptop-friendly cafes and social events, which all offer fantastic opportunities to meet new people. In places like Spain’s Canary Islands and Athens, Greece, you’ll find lively digital nomad communities that have been around for years.
10 Best Digital Nomad Visas in the Schengen Area
To help you figure out which one actually fits your lifestyle and budget, here’s a breakdown of the top Schengen digital nomad visas for 2026.
1. Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Application Fee: €80
Income Requirements: €2,763 per month
Visa Length: Initial 12 months, up to 5 years with extensions
Application Process: In-person via appointment at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options For Long-Term Residency: Yes
Average Internet Speed: 241 Mbps
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa has become one of the most popular EU visas, since being released in 2023. It’s initially valid for 12 months, but you can extend it for up to 5 years, at which point you can apply for long-term residency. You’ll need to earn €2,763 per month (which is the lowest income threshold on this list), and there’s a few unique eligibility requirements, including:
- You must have worked remotely for at least 3 months before applying
- You need a university degree or 3 years work experience in similar roles
- Unlike most digital nomad visas, 20% of your income can actually come from Spain
You will benefit from reduced taxes, but the cost of living is still quite high in cities like Barcelona or Madrid (around €1,200 and €2,500 per month), so head to more affordable nomad hotspots like the Canary Islands. You’ll find some great co-workings and co-livings close to the sunny island beaches, so it’s ideal for social nomads and outdoor lovers.
2. Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa
Application Fee: €75-€90
Income Requirements: €3480 per month, with €10,440 in savings
Visa Length: 12 months under the temporary stay visa, up to 2 years with a long-term visa and residence permit.
Application Process: Remote application via the embassy or consulate
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options For Long-Term Residency: Yes
Average Internet Speed: 172 Mbps
The Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa has two options: the temporary stay visa and the long-term residence visa. For both, you’ll need to meet the basic Schengen visa requirements, earn €3480 per month, have €10,440 in savings, and provide proof of accommodation. You’ll be subject to standard tax rates, but the cost of living is quite low, about €670 per month. This visa is one of the easiest pathways to EU residency, and cities like Lisbon and Madeira are filled with nomads drawn in by 300 days of Mediterranean sunshine.
Temporary Stay Visa
Initially valid for 12 months, this visa can be extended four times, but it doesn’t lead to permanent residency.
Long-Term Residence Visa
Initially valid for 4 months, you can then apply for a two-year residence permit after entering Portugal. This can be renewed for an extra three years, giving you a five year total stay. From there, if you meet the additional requirements, you can apply for permanent residency. You also get access to Portugal’s fantastic public healthcare package.
3. Croatia Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Application Fee: €93 for long-term visa, €41 for biometric residence card
Income Requirements: €3,295 per month
Visa Length: Up to 18 months
Application Process: Online submission, or in-person via the embassy or consulate
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options for Long-Term Residency: No
Average Internet Speed: 79.6 Mbps
Croatia’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit allows you to live in Croatia while working remotely for 12 months, with a 6 month extension option. It doesn’t allow for long-term residency, but you can reapply for the visa multiple times. Along with the standard EU visa requirements, you’ll need to earn €3,295 per month, have €39,540 in savings if you’re staying for 12 months, or €59,310 if you’re given an 18-month visa upfront, and provide a Croatian address (which can be a temporary address, like a hostel or Airbnb).
The visa takes 2 to 3 months to process, but your patience will be rewarded with Croatia’s low cost of living (around €720 per month) and tax exemption on all foreign income. Cultural-centre Rijeka and the artsy hub of Zagreb are great cities for digital nomads, although keep in mind that English isn’t super widespread, and while the healthcare system provides great quality care, there can be a very long wait.
4. Greece Digital Nomad Visa
Application Fee: €75 visa fee, plus a €150 administration fee
Income Requirements: €3,500 per month
Visa Length: 12 months, up to 2 years with a residence permit
Application Process: In-person at nearest Greek consulate
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options For Long-Term Residency: Yes
Average Internet Speed: 71.8 Mbps
Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is initially valid for 12 months, but you can extend up to 2 years with a residence permit, which also gives you the option for long-term residency. It comes with some specific additional eligibility requirements, including:
- Proof of accommodation
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay
You’ll need to earn at least €3,500 per month, but overall the cost of living in Greece is quite low, only about €795 per month, and your taxes will be reduced by 50% if you become a tax resident. This is definitely the easiest visa to apply for, with a 10 to 30 day turnaround time. Athens and Thessaloniki are famous nomad hotspots, offering co-workings surrounded by ancient ruins, where the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle meets a vibrant nightlife.
5. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Application Fee: €80-€100
Income Requirements: €4500 per month (after tax)
Visa Length: 12 months
Application Process: By appointment at local embassy or consulate
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options for Long-Term Residency: No
Average Internet Speed: 91.8 Mbps
Estonia was the first European country to introduce a digital nomad visa, with two options: the C-Type Visa and the D-Type Visa.
C-Type Visa
- Costs €80
- Enables stays under 90 days
D-Type Visa
- Costs €100
- Allows you to reside in Estonia for over 90 days, up to 12 months
- Allows visa-free Schengen travel for 90 days in any 180 day period.
For both, you’ll need to satisfy basic Schengen visa requirements, have a monthly income of €4500 after tax and a rental agreement. Estonia is an extremely innovative country that really welcomes remote workers. Tallinn has a lot to offer digital nomads, with trendy cafes, co-working spaces and fast internet speeds. The cost of living is around €820 per month, and you’ll only pay a flat tax rate of 20%.
6. Malta Nomad Residence Permit
Application Fee: €300 for application fee, €100 for residency card
Income Requirement: €42,000 per year (gross income)
Visa Length: 12 months, up to 4 years with extension options
Application Process: Online submission
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options for Long-Term Residency: No
Average Internet Speed: 1000Mbps to 2000Mbps (in some areas)
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers to live in Malta for 12 months, which can be extended up to 4 years. You’ll need to have a gross annual income of €42,000 and meet some specific additional requirements, including:
- Submit a letter of intent describing your motivations for moving to Malta and applying for the visa
- Provide a CV listing your work experience and academic qualifications
- Provide bank statements proving sufficient funds
- Provide a valid rental agreement
Living in Malta, you’ll have Europe, the Middle East and Africa right on your doorstep. Malta also has the widest fibre broadband coverage in Europe, so you’ll find plenty of cafes with fast, free Wi-Fi in the popular nomad hotspots of Sliema and St Julian’s. But Malta can get quite expensive. Rent alone can cost €1000 to €4000 per month, but you’ll only pay a flat tax rate of 10%.
7. Romania Digital Nomad Visa
Application Fee: €120 for application and €53 for residence permit
Income Requirements: €3,700 per month
Visa Length: 12 months, renewable for a further 12 months
Application Process: Online submission through the eVisa portal or in person at a Romanian embassy or consulate
Family Inclusion: No
Options for Long-Term Residency: Yes
Average Internet Speed: 247 Mbps
Romania’s Digital Nomad Visa is a two-step process. First, you’ll need to get a long-stay permit, which is valid for 90 days. From there, you can apply for a residence permit, which gives you an additional 6 months and can be renewed further. But this visa has a few extra application requirements. You’ll need to:
- Have been employed remotely for at least 3 years
- Have been earning the monthly income threshold of €3,700 for at least 6 months
- Provide company details if necessary, including state identification, role description and legal representatives
- Provide accommodation and travel arrangements (rental agreements, plane tickets, etc.)
- Submit a letter of intent explaining why you want to move to Romania
- Prove that your taxes are up to date
Romania’s low cost of living (~€580 per month), medieval towns, fairy-tale forests and epic history has made it a popular digital nomad destination for years. Bucharest has even become known as a hotspot for startups and entrepreneurs. As an added bonus, you’ll also be exempt from income tax for the first 6 months.
8. Hungary White Card
Application Fee: €110
Income Requirement: €3000 per month
Visa Length: 12 months, with a 12 month extension option
Application Process: Online, if you can enter Hungary visa-free, or in-person at the Hungarian embassy or consulate.
Family Inclusion: No
Options for Long-Term Residency: No
Average Internet Speed: 220 Mbps
The Hungary White Card allows remote workers to live in Hungary for up to 2 years. You’ll need to meet the common EU visa requirements, have a monthly income of €3000, provide proof of accommodation and a bank statement proving sufficient funds.
Hungary isn’t a popular tourist destination, meaning it’s perfect for digital nomads, because you’ll benefit from low prices (the monthly cost of living is ~€650) and quieter towns, and the tax rate starts at just 15%. Head to Budapest or Győr for their tight-knit nomad communities and laptop-friendly cafes.
9. Italy Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa
Application Fee: €116
Income Requirement: €28,000 per year
Visa Length: 12 months, with extension options
Application Process: In-person via appointment at Italian consulate or embassy
Family Inclusion: Yes, under a family visa
Options for Long-Term Residency: Yes
Average Internet Speed: 96.3 Mbps
Italy’s Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa was highly anticipated when it was released in April 2024, and it can lead to a long-term residence permit after 5 years. It’s initially valid for 12 months, with further extension options, and you need an annual income of €28,000. But this visa has some extensive additional requirements, including:
- At least 6 months work experience in your chosen career
- A 3-year university degree
- A letter from your employer confirming they haven’t been convicted of any criminal activity around illegal immigration, work exploitation or labour law violations.
- Some jobs have specific application requirements e.g. licensed professionals, like teachers, might need a certificate or license from an Italian authority, or nomads with high level qualifications might need to provide 5 years of work history.
Italy is definitely one of the most expensive countries in Europe, so gravitate towards more affordable cities like Lecce or Bologna, where cost of living is about €1100 to €2000 per month. With this visa, you’ll also benefit from special tax regimes and access to public healthcare.
10. Iceland Long-Term Remote Work Visa
Application Fee: ISK 12,200 (around $85 USD)
Income Requirement: ISK 1,000,000 per month (around $7200 USD)
Visa Length: Up to 6 months
Application Process: Send application forms via post to Directorate of Immigration, or submit the forms in-person if you’re in Iceland
Family Inclusion: Yes
Options for Long-Term Residency: No
Average Internet Speed: 280 Mbps
Iceland’s Long-Term Remote Work Visa is only valid for an initial 90 days, with a further 90 day extension option available. The visa requirements are really simple:
- You must live outside of the EEA / EFTA
- Be able to enter Schengen without a visa
- You can’t intend to settle permanently in Iceland
- You meet health insurance requirements
- You have a minimum monthly income of ~$7200 USD
This visa is ideal for nomads looking for a short-term adventure, but Iceland’s epic scenery sets it apart as one of the most unique European countries to live in. It’s also one of the safest, happiest countries in the world. On the downside, Iceland is incredibly expensive. Reykjavík is the best base for digital nomads, but rent alone is about $1994 USD per month and food is a huge expense. Public transport is also very limited outside of Reykjavík.
FAQs
Which EU countries offer a digital nomad visa?
Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic (Czechia), Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain all offer EU digital nomad visas.
Can you work remotely in Europe on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas are strictly for tourism-based activities. Remote work would be considered unauthorised employment, and could lead to fines, deportation, refused entry and affect future visa applications.
Do nomads have to pay taxes in Schengen?
It completely depends on your visa. In some countries, like Croatia and Romania, you’re exempt from paying tax on foreign income. In others, you’ll be considered a tax resident, but there might be reduced tax schemes available.
Which country is the easiest among those Schengen countries?
Greece has the simplest visa application and the fastest processing time. It’s also a budget-friendly country, and allows for long-term residency.
Can you travel in the Schengen Area without a Visa?
It depends on your home country. EU, EEA or Swiss nationals can travel through Schengen without any limitations. Some countries are visa-exempt, which means you can travel in the Schengen area for 90 days within any 180 day period visa free. However, some countries require a visa to enter Schengen.
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