Top 3 Visas For Digital Nomads in Europe.
If you're not an EU citizen, here are some of the best options for working and traveling in Europe.
Let’s talk visas. Before we dive in, ask yourself how long you want to work and travel in Europe. If the answer is under 3 months, ignore this whole post and pack your bags. Many countries have an agreement that their citizens can enter the Schengen Area for 90 days every 180 days. This is a great option for a short stay in Europe. However, if you’re hoping to do 6+ months, read on!
Portugal D7
The D7 visa was originally intended for retired travelers and with the rise of remote work has become one of the best visas for digital nomads looking to spend a year in Europe. The income requirements are very low, making it a great option for someone just starting their own business or freelance career. Portugal is the perfect place to begin your journey - the weather is great, the food is amazing, the people are friendly and it’s probably the biggest hub of digital nomads and freethinkers in Europe.
Requirements:
Are a non-EU citizen
2 Passport photos
Passport and photocopy of passport
Valid travel insurance
Have the funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
Individual – €635 EUR per month or €7,620 EUR per year
Married Couple – €1,271 EUR per month or €15,252 EUR per year
Each additional dependent (minor) – €318 EUR per month or €3,816 EUR per year
Each additional dependent (adult) – €191 EUR per month or €2,292 EUR per year
Have a clean criminal record
Provide an address in Portugal
National Visa application filled out and signed
Pros:
One year residency to travel freely in the Schengen Area.
By far the lowest income requirement
Portugal is a huge hub of expats/nomads and a great place to start your nomadic journey
Can renew this visa for 2 years in a row
Apply for permeant residence or citizenship in 5 years
Cons:
Need to provide an address of residence
The official website of the Portuguese government is very difficult to understand and navigate making it seem more complicated than it is.
See full requirements and details on the official website.
Spain non-lucrative visa
Similarly to the D7, this former retiree visa now allows digital nomads to enjoy life in a country that knows how to enjoy life better than any other - Spain. The income requirements are not as low but the benefits are still high. With full access to the Schengen area plus all Spain has to offer, this visa is hard to beat.
Requirements:
Valid Passport.
Two identical passport photos.
Medical Certificate from an authorized doctor in your country of residence no older than 90 days.
Private health insurance
Clean criminal record
NIE number. This a personal unique number, given to every foreigner who intends to stay in Spain for longer than six months. Apply for this number at the consulate, before you apply for a visa.
Proof of sufficient income.
You need to show a monthly income of €2,316.08 or an annual income of €27,792.96. Plus an extra €6,948.24 for each member you plan on taking with you. You can show income with:
Bank statements for the last three months.
Letter of employment stating the salary (not ideal)
Proof of other types of income, like earnings from investments and rental property.
Marriage/Birth certificate is required for those applying as a dependent.
Pros:
One year residency to travel freely in the Schengen Area.
Start your journey in Spain - a country immensely beautiful affordable
Can renew this visa for 2 years in a row
Apply for permeant residence or citizenship in 5 years
Easy to navigate visa website
Cons:
Higher monthly income than the D7
Need to provide an address
Ready to apply? Check out the full process on the official Spanish visa website.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia was one of the first countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa and is making a push to get more nomads into the country with more and more nomad events popping up. It’s one of the more affordable countries in Europe with incredible beaches, wine, waterfalls, and more, making it an exceptional destination for nomads. Unfortunately, this visa DOES NOT GRANT YOU ACCESS TO THE SCHENGEN AREA. Croatia is not in the Schengen Area so you’ll only be able to spend 90 days in any Schengen country (EU + Switzerland, Norway and Iceland and minus Bulgaria and Romania).
Requirements:
You are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country.
Monthly income of around 2,300€.
If you want to bring your family members with you, the bank statement of your monthly income must show that you have an extra €90 per month.
You must work for a company outside of Croatia.
Pros:
Croatia is a beautiful affordable country you could easily spend an entire year
Relatively easy to obtain
Cons:
Does not include travel in the Schengen Area.
Cannot be extended.
Application fee is higher than other visas
Ready to apply? Go directly to the official website.
Visit the Digital Nomads - Europe Facebook Group to get advice from others who have already applied for these visas.
Thanks for reading and have a great week!