Getting a European digital nomad visa might be easier than you think

Over the past few years, more people (and companies) have become interested in taking advantage of all the benefits that international remote working brings to the table, resulting in more remote job opportunities and more governments worldwide looking to attract remote workers. While the list of countries offering remote work opportunities via a digital nomad visa seems to increase every month, Citizen Remote says the list is “officially” up to 66 different countries around the world.  As of January 2024, according to Localyze's estimation, there are over 35 million individuals who classify themselves as part of the digital nomad employment category.

Immigration is often considered one of the trickier aspects to navigate when moving or taking on an assignment abroad, as it can be complex and time-consuming. With numerous countries now providing digital nomad or remote worker visas, TimeOut's recent report ranking European countries from the easiest to the most challenging to obtain such visas caught our attention. We found it intriguing and thought it would be worthwhile to review and share the list.  

The research looks at minimum salary requirements, the application process, the costs associated with the visa, and any specific requirements for each destination in Europe. Here are the European countries where obtaining a digital nomad visa is easiest: 

1. Romania
2. Croatia
3. Malta
4. Greece
5. Norway
6. Spain
7. Hungary
8. Estonia
9. Portugal
10. Czechia

What makes Romania the easiest? The monthly salary requirement is three times the national average at €3,700, which is a pretty standard amount for a country to require. However, it ranked well due to its straightforward, fast, and inexpensive application process. In Romania, you can apply for remote work online, and you'll receive a response within just two weeks. Additionally, in a separate report, TimeOut highlighted the most affordable locations across Europe. Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina claimed the top spot, but interestingly, six of the top ten cheapest spots were in Romania: Oradea, Craiova, Plovdiv, Iasi, Timișoara, and Sibiu. Here is the list of the most expensive locations, too (not many surprises here):

1. Zurich, Switzerland
2. London, UK
3. Lausanne, Switzerland
4. Geneva, Switzerland
5. Dublin, Ireland
6. Basel, Switzerland
7. Bern, Switzerland
8. Bristol, UK
9. Trondheim, Norway
10. Munich, Germany

The tax situation regarding a digital nomad visa can be slightly complicated, and will vary from country to country. Some countries will expect you to pay full tax, while others will have special rates or tax reductions. Some countries go as far as offering zero taxes for digital nomads! And you might also have to comply with taxes in your home country too. For example, if you are a US citizen, you are still required to pay taxes to the IRS, even if you live and work abroad. Looking for further tax info related to international remote work? Try these:

Global mobility and adjusting to increased tax risks

Tax regulations are adjusting to remote work

The latest data on international remote work