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There has been a growing demand for digital nomad visas in recent years, as remote work has become more common.
As an investment programmes expert at Immigrant Invest, I created this list of the best Digital Nomad Visa options in the EU for remote workers.
Who can qualify for a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomad visas are normally issued to foreigners who want to live in a country while working remotely for a company based in another company.
In the EU countries, digital nomad visas can only be issued to non-EU and non-EEA citizens. Applicants must purchase or rent housing and earn above a certain income threshold, with the source of their funds being in another country. Their family members usually qualify as well.
Which EU countries offer digital nomad visas?
Currently, 13 EU countries are issuing such documents for remote workers: Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Romania, and Spain. Additionally, you can apply for a digital nomad visa in Norway and Iceland, which are members of the European Economic Area.
Which are the most popular digital nomad visas?
To enjoy their lifestyle, digital nomads seek a healthy work-life balance, which means that the country of their choice should have opportunities for leisure, a pleasant climate, a relatively low cost of living, and infrastructure for remote work. So, many are drawn towards the south of Europe.
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, for example, is issued for two years to remote workers who earn at least 3,280 euros per month. If they spend at least 16 months in the country during that period, the visa can be extended for three years.
Lisbon is one of the most popular cities for remote workers in the world but other cities like Porto or Cascais also attract plenty of foreigners.
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is issued for one year. During this time, the remote worker with a minimum monthly income of 2,646 euros can obtain a three-year residence permit. After that, if they spend at least 183 days per year in Spain, the applicants can obtain a two-year extension.
Barcelona is one of the major European hubs for remote workers, but there’s much more to this country, from the Basque country in the north to the Costa del Sol in the south.
Italy offers one-year residence permits for digital nomads who earn at least 2,700 euros per month. They can renew it annually if they stay in the country for more than 183 days a year. Rome is one of the most stunning places in the world to live in, but there are other major hubs for remote workers in the country, like Milan or Turin.
Malta may not be the biggest country but it works hard to attract digital nomads, becoming one of the first EU countries to launch 5G mobile Internet. The Malta Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to four years. To qualify, applicants must confirm a monthly income of at least 3,500 euros earned outside of Malta.
The Hungary White Card will not help remote workers obtain residency by sea, but it is still an attractive option. Hungary is one of the safest and most affordable EU countries, and digital nomads can spend up to two years there with the White Card. The monthly income threshold is 3,000 euros. Family members cannot get residence permits with the applicant.
How fast can an individual obtain a digital nomad visa?
The processing speed of your application depends on the country. However, if you ensure you meet all the requirements, the process is relatively straightforward and can take between two and six months.
Can a digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
In some countries, it can. In Portugal, you can obtain citizenship after five years of living there with a digital nomad visa. To qualify, one must prove they have spent 28 months in the country over the previous three years.
Spain and Italy offer permanent residency to remote workers after five years. The path to citizenship can take 10 years, although Spain does not recognise dual citizenship in most cases.
In countries like Malta or Hungary, digital nomad visa holders are not eligible for permanent residency or citizenship, unless they obtain residence permits on other grounds.
How can Immigrant Invest help in obtaining a digital nomad visa?
Our experts help clients select the right digital nomad visa option based on their needs. First, we conduct preliminary due diligence to identify any potential issues and reduce the chance of rejection to one per cent. After that, we consult our clients at all stages, including the renewal of residence permits if necessary.
This content has been produced in collaboration with a partner organisation through our Global Visibility Programme. Our programme helps companies boost their digital presence and strengthen the thought leadership of their experts. Find out more here.
