Finding a visa that is a good fit for you is key when it comes to getting the most out of the time you spend in the European Union as a digital nomad, and certain countries offer better opportunities for long-term travelers than others.
While the easiest visas to obtain and the most lucrative countries to visit can vary from person to person and nationality to nationality, Spain, Portugal, and Estonia tend to be relatively straightforward options for many digital nomads from around the world.
Spain
Travelers from outside the EU can obtain a Spanish Digital Nomad Visa that is initially valid for 12 months and can be renewed for up to five years. This visa allows digital nomads to work remotely for a non-Spanish company, as well as earn up to 20 percent of their overall income by working for a local business to get even more out of the experience of living like a local.
Applicants for this visa need to have worked for their current company for a minimum of three months and be able to prove that they make at least €28k per year. Visitors who apply for a full 12-month visa will need to spend a minimum of six of those months in Spain to maintain their eligibility for the program.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Spain
- Barcelona: great weather, well-connected airport, biggest nomad community in Spain.
- Madrid: culture, food scene, well-connected airport.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: big nomad community, eternal spring weather.
- Palma de Mallorca: well-connected airport, great weather, touristy.
- Marbella: nightlife, great weather, wealthy community.
Portugal
It is no longer as easy for digital nomads in Portugal to claim non-habitual resident status to avoid paying local taxes as they were before 2023, but this country still provides a visa program that is relatively easy for many visitors that make a minimum of €36,480 per year to qualify for. The new version of this program, called NHR 2.0, was launched on January 1.
NHR 2.0 offers similar benefits to digital nomads, but it focuses on attracting a smaller number of applicants who primarily work in certain fields that provide the most value to businesses and other organizations in Portugal.
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Portugal
- Lisbon: World’s biggest digital nomad community, weather, affordable.
- Porto: affordable, culture, walkable city.
- Ericeira: chill vibes, big digital nomad community, weather.
Estonia
Estonia’s digital nomad visa program allows visitors from any country to spend up to 12 months in the country as long as they make a minimum of €3,504 per month and are employed, self-employed, or work as a freelancer outside of Estonia. Visitors will only need to pay Estonian taxes if they spend more than 183 consecutive days in the country within that time frame.
Unlike many countries’ visa options, an Estonian digital nomad visa is only valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed. However, there are plenty of other exciting places to explore across the EU and around the world once you finish your year in Estonia!
Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Estonia
- Tallinn: The capital is the only place saturated with digital nomads in Estonia. It has a great history and a startup & entrepreneur community.