Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas in Europe [2024]

Last Updated on 15 April 2024 by Brittany

With so many digital nomad visas available, it can feel overwhelming trying to find the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe. 

As one of the top destinations for digital nomads looking for a strong wifi connection, a large remote worker community, and high quality of life, digital nomad visas in Europe are some of the most popular today. 

However, one of the drawbacks of digital nomad visas from this region is the high-income requirements. For digital nomads who are just starting on their journeys or have ventured into a new business, this can feel discouraging. 

To better help you make your move to some of the most beautiful countries in the world, we’ve put together a list of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe. 

The digital nomad visas on this list require applicants to make less than 3,000€ per month working remotely. 

While this amount is still higher than other digital nomad visa income requirements, such as digital nomad visas in South America, it’s the necessary amount you’ll need to live a comfortable life in the country. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Before we jump into the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe, let’s first discuss what a digital nomad visa is. 

Digital nomad visas are temporary residence permits that allow remote workers to live in a country. Usually, the term is one year and is often renewable. 

Some of these digital nomad visas can lead to permanent residency, which is ideal for remote workers looking to relocate and set up a new life for themselves abroad. 

A digital nomad visa does not allow you to partake in local economic business activity.

In other words, you cannot seek employment in the country. This is why digital nomad visas have an income requirement; to ensure you can support yourself without working locally. 

Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas in Europe 

There are so many digital nomad visas in Europe, and more to come. However, this is an updated list of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe to help you determine which one is best for you. 

Hungary

Income Requirement: 3,000€/month

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

The Hungary digital nomad visa, also known as the White Card, is the cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe currently available. 

With just a 2,000€ minimum income requirement, digital nomads worldwide can come and live in the country for up to two years. 

The Hungary digital nomad visa application process requires applicants to visit a Hungarian embassy or consulate in their country of residence to submit their applications and documents. So, please do not arrive in Hungary without first obtaining the visa. 

It’s also important to note that this digital nomad visa does not allow you to apply with a spouse or dependents. If you have a spouse, they must apply separately and meet all of the requirements too. 

Learn more about the requirements and application process in our in-depth article about the Hungary digital nomad visa.

Italy

Income Requirement: 2,333€ per month

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

Sip some of the best wine in the world while enjoying some of the best food in the world in the history-rich country of Italy while working remotely. To be eligible, you must be considered a highly skilled professional, which could mean that you have a degree, accolades, or professional licenses.

Applicants may bring their immediate family members to Italy with them, but the minimum income requirement will increase per dependent. This number is up to the consulate where you submit your application.

The application process must be done through an embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

As one of the most popular destinations amongst vacationers, digital nomads can now experience la bella vita in Italy and become temporary residents. After five years of living in Italy full-time, they may apply for permanent residency.

Learn more about the requirements and application process in our in-depth article about the Italy digital nomad visa here.

Malta

Income Requirement:  3,500€/month

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

Malta is easily the next digital nomad hotspot thanks to its ideal weather, efficient infrastructure, and easy digital nomad visa application process. 

Malta’s digital nomad visa, officially known as the Nomad Residence Permit, allows digital nomads and their family members to live in Malta for up to three years. 

With an online application process, applicants will receive an answer of approval within just 30 days of submitting all of their documents. 

English is also an official language of Malta, making it easy to meet new people and navigate living in a new country. 

Learn more about the requirements and application process in our in-depth article about the Malta digital nomad visa. 

Spain

Income Requirement: 2,646€/month

Visa Term: 2 years (renewable)

The latest and cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe to be introduced is in Spain. This digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the country for two years with the initial residence permit, which is renewable for another three years. 

It’s important to note that the minimum income requirement for this cheap digital nomad visa in Europe increases by 335€ with each child dependent you include and an extra 995€ for a spouse or partner.

With a large community of remote workers in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, it’s easy to find your place and friends as a digital nomad in this beautiful and friendly country. Plus, with the gorgeous Spanish islands, you can take a great vacation without ever leaving the country.

There are two ways to apply for the Spain digital nomad visa. You can visit a Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence or apply directly for a residence permit as a tourist in Spain if you can enter the country visa-free.  

Learn more about the requirements and visa application process in our in-depth article about the Spain digital nomad visa.

Croatia

Income Requirement: 2,780€ per month or €34,444 in savings

Visa Term: 1 year 

Croatia’s digital nomad visa is an excellent opportunity for digital nomads who want to experience a new country for one year. 

Croatia recently joined the Schengen Area in 2023, allowing visa-free travel between 27 European countries. This is excellent news for digital nomads who wish to explore the continent freely. 

However, Croatia’s digital nomad visa is not renewable. Once it expires after one year, you must leave the country for at least three months. If you wish to live there again, you must reapply for the digital nomad visa. 

The good news is that you can apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa while already in the country! 

You can learn more about how to apply for the visa either inside or outside Croatia in our in-depth article about the Croatia digital nomad visa.

Czech Republic

Income Requirement: 2,530€

Visa Term: 1 year (renewable)

The Czech Republic announced its digital nomad visa in 2023. It is available to just seven nationalities: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Applicants must work in the IT or STEM fields and have a postgraduate degree or three years of industry experience. Only remote employees of a company with at least 50 employees or freelancers may apply for this visa.

Additionally, applicants cannot bring family members to the Czech Republic with the digital nomad visa.

To apply for the visa, you must make a visa appointment at a Czech embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

You can learn more about how to apply for the visa in our in-depth article about the Czech Republic digital nomad visa.

Why Do Digital Nomad Visas in Europe Have Income Requirements?

The income requirement of a digital nomad visa is often the determining factor of whether you are eligible to apply for it or not. 

It can be frustrating, especially if your salary isn’t stable or you have just started a new job. But there is a good reason why countries set an income requirement for their digital nomad visas. 

Countries often determine the income requirement by multiplying the country’s minimum wage by two or three. This is strictly to ensure that digital nomad visa applicants can support their lifestyles in the country without relying on the country’s resources, which are reserved for its citizens. 

When applying for a digital nomad visa, it’s important that you can prove your income on your application through bank statements and payslips too.

Do You Have to Pay Tax When You Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

Where do digital nomads pay taxes? This is one of the most complicated questions when it comes to digital nomad visas worldwide. 

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you may like, either. 

The general rule of thumb is that if you spend more than 183 days in a country, then you are legally a tax resident. This means you will owe local taxes. 

However, some countries have enacted certain schemes for digital nomad visa holders that do not require them to pay local taxes. Greece, for example, is one of those countries. 

When considering which digital nomad visa to apply for in Europe, it’s important to speak with a professional immigration lawyer or accountant to learn more about your specific situation as a taxpayer. 

There are some digital nomad visas with no tax liability, but most are outside of Europe.

Why Digital Nomads Choose to Work Remotely from Europe

There is more reason to work remotely in Portugal, Croatia, or Malta than because they are the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe. 

The continent has so many great benefits for digital nomads, including large remote worker communities in almost every country. With great international travel and affordable cost of living, Europe is often a smart destination for digital nomads worldwide. 

International Communities

Between digital nomads, study abroad students, and expats, there are large international communities throughout Europe. 

In major cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Lisbon, Athens, and Milan, you’ll find people from all over the world living and working. 

If you’re looking to broaden your friendships and network, then being a digital nomad somewhere with vast international communities can be extremely beneficial.

Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to the United States, European countries have an affordable cost of living. From monthly rent to groceries to healthcare, digital nomads can actually save money on everyday costs while living in Europe. 

Even with the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe, remote workers can create a comfortable and high-quality life for themselves in these beautiful countries. 

Rich with History

It’s no secret that European countries are rich with history. The center of many cities date back hundreds if not thousands of years; just look at Rome and Athens! 

For digital nomads who love learning about history and experiencing new cultures, Europe makes it easy to do so with so many different countries close together. 

After a day of Zoom calls or completing tasks, stroll through some of the most famous museums and archaeological sites in the world. It’s just another day in the life of a remote worker living on one of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe! 

Ease of Travel 

Traveling through Europe’s Schengen Area has never been easier. This bloc of 27 countries allows visa-free travel while crossing borders. 

Digital nomads can catch a cheap flight or train to another country for the weekend quite easily. For those travelers who want to cross as many countries off their bucket list as possible, Europe is the place for them! 

Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Europe with Nomads Embassy

Are you ready to apply for one of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe? 

Don’t do it alone! 

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads is here to connect you with our hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist you with your visa application and relocation. 

Speak with a lawyer and ask all of your burning questions about moving to a new country with a digital nomad visa today! 

Simply submit the contact form in the individual visa articles on our website (found in the menu at the top of the page) to request a call.