Digital Nomad Visa in Europe

The term “digital nomad” emerged in the late 90s, but the true flourishing of this culture began in the second half of the 2000s.

The coronavirus pandemic has accustomed many companies to remote work, so when borders opened, many professionals decided they could regulate the distance between the office and their workplace themselves.

In this article, we will discuss what a Digital Nomad Visa is and in which European countries it can be obtained.

We previously discussed the recognition of higher education diplomas in Germany.

A digital nomad is a professional who has the ability to work remotely and leads a mobile lifestyle. Typically, digital nomads are engaged in the IT sphere. However, this category can also include those who conduct their business online (such as psychologists, coaches, bloggers, etc.).

The conditions for family members living under the visa may vary in different countries. For example, in Spain, the spouse traveling with the nomad has the right to work, and children can attend public schools, whereas Hungary does not allow the nomad to apply for residency with their family.

However, in any case, the digital nomad visa is a short-term document (usually up to 1 year with the possibility of extension) and does not imply further legalization in the host country. In other words, obtaining permanent residency or citizenship is not possible.

The nomad visa (freelancer visa) grants the foreigner the right to engage in remote work outside the country of citizenship. It can be seen as an alternative to temporary residence permits.

Digital Nomad Visa programs are gradually spreading worldwide. The candidate requirements may vary depending on the host country. The main criteria are as follows:

Further criteria may vary. For example, in Spain, candidates must have a bachelor’s/master’s degree from a prestigious university, college, business school, or have at least 3 years of experience in the current field of work.

The documents required for obtaining a digital nomad visa are closely related to the specific requirements of each country, whether it’s Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, or any other. If the host country requires proof of onward travel after the visa expires, a ticket or other confirming document must be provided.

General list of documents for a digital nomad visa in Europe:

This is not an exhaustive or final list of supporting documents. It is important to carefully study the visa requirements in the host country and ensure the availability of the necessary paperwork.

The process of applying for a freelancer visa will vary from country to country: conditions in Italy will differ from those in Norway.

Sometimes, candidates may be able to submit their application and paperwork online on the official government website. In other cases, it may be necessary to submit documents through the embassy or consulate of the host country. In some countries, it is permitted to enter on a tourist visa and then apply for the digital nomad status afterward.

If the official authority requires an in-person appearance, the applicant will need to attend an interview and submit the paperwork to the responsible officer.

Often, both options are available: applicants can apply online or through a competent authority.

After the applicant for the freelancer visa provides the necessary documents, the immigration, visa, or foreign affairs department of the host country will assess and process the application.

Upon reaching a decision, the competent authority notifies the applicant that their request has been reviewed. If the Digital Nomad Visa is rejected, the desired country can still be visited as a tourist by obtaining the appropriate visa for traveling abroad.

Over 60 countries worldwide formulate immigration policies, welcoming special visas for digital nomads. About 80% of the states on this list strive to process such applications within a month.

Let’s talk about the most popular/well-known places where digital nomads can relocate.

Data is based on information from respective official websites and is accurate as of March 2024.

*There is no information on official resources, but according to some data, the minimum amount is around €9,000/year.

While traveling around Europe, digital nomads stay connected not only with their families back home but also make friends from other countries. The mobile application Korona helps maintain relationships with loved ones from a distance.

Sending money as a gift, helping in difficult times, supporting with regular money transfers — these are the opportunities that Korona provides to its users.

You can download the Korona app from the App Store and Google Play.

In our blog, we write a lot about life and study in Europe. If you are interested in these topics, feel free to check out our other articles.