Travelers of the 21st century: digital nomads

Imagine that you do not have to wait for a vacation to go to the ocean or climb the mountains. More and more countries are implementing digital nomad visas - these are programs for those who seek to combine work and travel or want to try living in another country while continuing to work for themselves. The usual list of requirements and documents includes a completed application form, photographs, a valid foreign passport, medical insurance for the period of stay and no criminal record. In addition, proof of remote work and sufficient funds for living is required. Most countries accept applications online.

We are launching a series of articles where we will talk about all the nuances of obtaining a digital nomad visa: which countries are accepted, what should be the minimum income and what kind of remote work is suitable for registration. Requirements for candidates may change from time to time, so it is recommended to check the current information on the official website of the program of the chosen country. Today we will tell you about the countries in Europe that are waiting for nomads in 2023.

Albania

The country offers several long-term D visa options, including the “Visa for digital mobile workers” for remote workers. There are currently no minimum income requirements. The visa is valid for 90 days during the year and it gives the holder the opportunity to apply for a residence permit. Application can be submitted online.

Requirements: 

1. Must have a valid employment or services contract with a company located outside of Albania.
2. Availability of a place of residence in Albania (booking confirmation, rental agreement, etc.).
3. A document confirming the professional skills required to perform the current job.
4. Bank statement showing all transactions in the applicant's account for the last year.

Link to the program website

Croatia

For remote workers, temporary residence in the country for a period of up to one year is provided. This permit is available to employees or owners of companies registered outside of Croatia. Close relatives and partners may join the applicant. The application and documents process can be done online.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming employment: certificate of employment, employment contract, constituent documents or confirmation of self-employment.
2. Certificates of proof of income: monthly regular income of 2540 Euros for the last 6 months OR bank statement on the balance of funds with a minimum amount of 30 471 Euros.
3. Availability of a place of residence (lease agreement, property documents, etc.).

Link to the program website

Greece

The Digital Nomad Visa program provides the opportunity to stay in the country for a year, while the application can include your partner or members of your family. At the end of this period, you have the right to apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit and extend your stay for another two years. It is important to note that during your stay in Greece, you are not allowed to work or engage in any commercial activity, i.e. your income must be outside this country.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming employment outside Greece: certificate of employment, employment contract or contract for the provision of services.
2. Certificates of proof of income: at least 3500 Euro monthly.
3. Payment of the visa fee: 75 Euro for yourself and 150 Euro for each additional family member.

Link to the program website

Hungary

The White Card is a residence permit for digital nomads that allows you to stay in Hungary for up to one year with the possibility of renewal. To obtain it, you must have a job in a company or run your own business that is not located in Hungary.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming employment: certificate of employment, company registration, etc.
2. Certificates of proof of income: monthly income of 2,000 Euros within 6 months prior to entry and throughout the entire period of stay in Hungary
3. Availability of a place of residence in Hungary: a lease agreement, a contract of gratuitous residence, ownership of real estate or a reservation with payment for housing.

Link to the program website

Iceland

Under the "Long-term visa for remote work" program, remote workers have the opportunity to reside in the country of volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs for a period of 90 to 180 days. The main purpose of their stay should be to work directly from Iceland, either as an employee of a foreign company or as a self-employed person.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming the ability to work remotely from Iceland: a statement from the employer or the presence of self-employed status in the country of permanent residence.
2. Certificates of confirmation of foreign income: at least 1,000,000 ISK (about 7,000 Euros) monthly.
3. Payment of the visa fee: 12,200 ISK (85 Euro).

Link to the program website

Malta

The Nomad Residence Permit program is for those who work remotely, including freelancers and the self-employed. The visa is granted for a period of one year and may be extended provided that the applicant continues to meet the requirements. Family members may be included in the application.

Requirements:

1. The presence of a place of residence in Malta (lease agreement, purchase / sale agreement, etc.).
2. Bank statement indicating the main source of income for the last three months.
3. Documents confirming employment: certificate of employment, etc.

Link to the program website

Portugal

Designed for freelancers, self-employed and remote workers, the Long-Term Digital Nomad Visa allows multiple entries and is valid for up to one year with an option to renew. You can apply for a visa online.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming employment: a certificate from the place of work, an employment contract or a contract for the provision of services.
2. Certificates of proof of income: monthly income of 3500 Euros (4 minimum wages in Portugal) for the last 3 months.
3. Availability of a place of residence (lease agreement, property documents, etc.).
4. A document confirming tax residence in Portugal (it must be obtained in advance).

Link to the program website

Spain

Digital Nomad Visa is given for one year with the possibility of subsequent extension up to five years. You can include your spouse or family members in the application. Please note that the submission of documents is possible only from the territory of Spain, i.e. you must obtain a Schengen visa in advance.

Requirements:

1. Documents confirming the presence of remote work or employment in a foreign company: at least 3 months before the date of application for a visa.
2. Certificates of proof of income: at least 200% of the minimum wage in Spain (approximately 2400 Euro) per month.
3. Bachelor's or Master's degree from a prestigious university OR at least 3 years of work experience in the current field of activity.

Link to the program website

A digital nomad visa is a great opportunity to move to a new country and try on the “expat skin”. Many high-income remote workers can try to live in another country without large investments and the need to open a business or buy real estate. If you don’t like it, you can always change your place of residence without regrets and unnecessary restraining obligations.

In any case, any move implies a lot of stress, it will not work to do everything online in advance, and at first you will have to run a lot to different authorities. In order to focus on the main thing and not worry that at the most crucial moment you will be left without the Internet, we recommend purchasing tariffs from fedafone in the country you need or for the entire European region at once. Believe us, the ability to be in touch 24/7 will really make your life easier for the first couple of weeks!