Easiest Digital Nomad Visas for Europe (2025 ranked)
Thinking of working remotely from a dreamy European destination, but overwhelmed by complicated visa processes, high income thresholds, or tax nightmares? You’re not alone. I used to peruse for hours over different digital nomad visas for Europe.
Good news? We did all the hard work! We’ve broken down the easiest digital nomad visas for Europe in 2025, using a smart, real-world scoring system to help you choose the best country for your lifestyle and your paperwork tolerance.
Don't have a remote job yet? Follow our guide to find one!
How We Ranked Each Visa
We evaluated each country based on five key factors, with a maximum score of 10 per factor – totaling up to 50 points. These are the things that matter most when you’re planning a long-term remote stay, based on our experience with working and traveling. Higher the score in a category, the better it is.
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| 💰 Income Requirement | Lower thresholds = easier access for more people |
| 📝 Application Simplicity | Online application, minimal paperwork, clear steps |
| ⏳ Processing Time | Shorter turnaround = easier to plan your move |
| 📆 Visa Duration & Flexibility | Length of stay, renewal options, and long-term potential |
| 🧾 Tax Friendliness | Avoiding double-taxation or hefty local tax is key |
Whether you’re a freelancer, full-time employee, or entrepreneur, this scoring system helps highlight which visas are worth considering for remote workers.
The Top 6 Easiest Digital Nomad Visas for Europe (2025)🥇
| Rank | Country | Income Req. | Simplicity | Processing | Duration | Tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟰1 | 🇭🇺 Hungary | 9/10 (€2,110/mo) | 9/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 (1 yr + 1 renewal) | 6/10 | 39/50 |
| 🟰1 | 🇭🇷 Croatia | 8/10 (€2,539/mo) | 8/10 | 9/10 | 6/10 (1 yr, re-apply) | 8/10 | 39/50 |
| 3 | 🇪🇸 Spain | 8/10 (€2,140/mo) | 6/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 (up to 5 years) | 7/10 | 37/50 |
| 4 | 🇪🇪 Estonia | 6/10 (€3,500/mo) | 10/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 (1 year) | 6/10 | 36/50 |
| 5 | 🇬🇷 Greece | 6/10 (€3,500/mo) | 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 (renewable 2 yrs) | 7/10 | 35/50 |
| 6 | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 7/10 (~€3,040/mo) | 6/10 | 6/10 | 9/10 (renewable up to 5 yrs) | 6/10 | 34/50 |
Country-by-Country Highlights
Hungary (White Card)
- Why it’s great: Very low income requirement, simple application (done in-person or at consulate), and speedy processing.
- Stay duration: 1 year, renewable for 1 more.
- Best for: Freelancers and employees working for non-Hungarian companies. Not available to business owners.
- Tax: Minimal if your income is from abroad and you stay under 183 days.
- See more details on the official website.
Croatia
- Why it’s great: Straightforward online application, clear instructions, and no local taxes for remote workers.
- Stay duration: 12 months, re-application required for extension.
- Bonus: Family members can apply too. Very welcoming to couples or families.
- Tax: Remote workers don’t pay Croatian income tax under this visa if they meet the criteria.
- See more details on the official website.
Spain
- Why it’s great: You can stay up to 5 years (1 initial year + extensions). Offers access to healthcare and residency perks.
- Challenge: Slightly bureaucratic and requires you to register as a taxpayer in Spain.
- Tax: There are some laws that can help cap taxes at ~24% for 6 years if eligible.
- Ideal for: Those looking to settle down in Europe or base themselves long-term.
- See more details on the official website.
Estonia
- Why it’s great: Estonia was the first country to offer a true digital nomad visa. Everything’s digital-first, with a user-friendly government portal.
- Limitations: High income requirement (€3,500/month), and no renewal beyond 1 year.
- Tax: You’ll owe Estonian taxes only if you stay more than 183 days.
- See more details on the official website.
Greece
- Why it’s great: Laid-back Mediterranean vibes, beautiful islands, and remote worker tax discounts (up to 50% off for 7 years in some cases).
- Watch out: Paperwork can be slow and documentation is a bit tedious.
- Tax: If you stay longer than 183 days, you become a resident and may qualify for tax breaks.
- See more details on the official website.
Portugal (D8 Visa)
- Why it’s great: Affordable cost of living, vibrant expat scene, and a long-term path to residency.
- Challenges: Bureaucracy can be frustrating, and appointments fill up fast.
- Stay duration: 2 years, renewable for 3 more.
- Tax: Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax scheme may apply, giving partial tax relief for foreign income.
- See more details on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these visas allow me to bring my spouse or kids?
Most of them do! Especially Croatia, Spain, and Portugal. Just make sure to include them in your application or file a family reunification request.
Can I work for a local company on these visas?
No. These visas are specifically for remote workers or freelancers employed by or working with clients outside the host country.
Will I have to pay local taxes?
Depends. If you stay less than 183 days, you often avoid tax residency. Some countries offer special tax incentives. Check your personal case with a tax advisor.
Can I travel around the EU with these visas?
Yes! These are residence visas, not tourist Schengen visas—but they do allow you to travel freely within Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can a digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency?
In some countries, yes. Digital nomad visas like Spain’s and Portugal’s can be renewed and may eventually make you eligible for permanent residency after several years of legal stay
Can you renew a digital nomad visa?
Yes, in most cases. Many digital nomad visas for Europe, such as those in Portugal, Spain, and Greece, are initially issued for 1 year and can be renewed—sometimes up to 5 years or more.
Why should I get a digital nomad visa?
A digital nomad visa lets you live legally in a foreign country while working remotely. It avoids visa runs, ensures peace of mind, and can offer tax benefits, better local access, and a sense of stability.
Is a digital nomad visa application difficult?
Not usually, but it varies. Countries like Croatia and Hungary make it easy with online or fast embassy applications. Others, like Portugal or Spain, may require more documents and patience.
How do I work in my 9-5 job from these countries?
If you have 9-5 job back home (especially in North America), fret not. We have already written a complete guide here that can help you alleviate your concerns and work freely from anywhere!
What are visa runs? Why are they not recommended?
Visa runs are when travelers briefly leave a country, often just crossing a nearby border, so they can re-enter and reset their tourist visa. This allows them to stay longer than the original visa period without a long-term visa.
They’re not recommended because:
- Legally risky: Immigration officers may deny re-entry if they suspect abuse of tourist status.
- No legal work rights: You’re not officially allowed to work remotely on a tourist visa in most countries.
- No path to residency: Visa runs don’t count toward legal residency if you ever want to stay long-term.
- Stressful and unpredictable: Rules can change anytime, making this a risky long-term strategy.
A digital nomad visa is a safer, legal alternative designed for remote workers.
Final Thoughts: Which Country Should You Choose?💡
| Goal | Best Country |
|---|---|
| 💸 Lowest Income Requirement | 🇭🇺 Hungary |
| 🚀 Fastest Approval Process | 🇭🇷 Croatia |
| 🏡 Longest Stay Option | 🇪🇸 Spain or 🇵🇹 Portugal |
| 💻 Most Digital-Friendly | 🇪🇪 Estonia |
| 🌴 Best Lifestyle Vibes | 🇬🇷 Greece |
Whether you’re just starting your digital nomad journey or looking for your next base in Europe, this guide should help you confidently choose the path of least resistance and … most adventure!
