Is a Digital Nomad Visa Right for You?

If you’ve been dreaming of moving abroad but don’t qualify for other visas like the Golden Visas many European countries offer (though they’re dwindling by the day), a Digital Nomad Visa might be a good fit.

Whether you’re looking to country hop while working on your laptop or you want to settle down in a single country, let’s understand and look at your options for the Digital Nomad Visa.

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

Because so many people work remotely these days, either as freelancers or for an employer, more countries are offering a new category of visa aimed at the digital worker. Called the Digital Nomad Visa (though there are variations on the name in some countries), it typically lasts one year, with the option to renew.

There are often financial requirements to meet, so be prepared to prove that you make adequate money to cover your expenses in another country. You may also need to prove that you have experience working remotely or that you are an expert in your field.

Benefits of Getting a Digital Nomad Visa

Beyond having the experience of living in a different country, if only for a brief period, there are other benefits. Many countries make it easy for you to translate this visa into long-term residency. Some will even give you the opportunity to apply for citizenship.

Depending on the country, if you become a digital nomad in a European Union country, you may be able to easily travel from one EU country to another with just a residence card.

You may also be able to take advantage of free or discounted local healthcare and other benefits offered to residents.

If you’re an entrepreneur, living in another country may help you open doors to new business or clients in your country of residence. If you establish your business as an official EU business, you might qualify for one of these small business grants.

Things to Consider

It may sound glamorous to work on your laptop under a beach umbrella, taking a break to swim in the sea, but there are many less glamorous aspects you’ll need to think about.

First, what is the internet service like where you want to move? In many countries, it’s not reliable, and the more remote you are, the more challenging it will be to get your work done.

Also, how welcoming is the local community to foreigners? Certainly, some countries welcome expats with open arms, but there are countries where there is some resentment of “rich Americans” coming in and buying up all the property, therefore raising prices for everyone else and making it difficult for locals to keep their heads above water.

What does the process of becoming  a resident look like? Once you have your Digital Nomad Visa, you’ll still need to jump through some hoops upon arrival to rent a house, set up utilities, get local healthcare, etc.

Also, will you be required to pay local taxes in the country where you live? Keep in mind you will continue to pay taxes in the U.S., so paying in two countries may be a financial burden. However, some countries, like Italy, have policies in place to prevent double taxation.

7 European Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas

Let’s look at a few of your options for the Digital Nomad Visa.

Italy

Italy’s been in the news a lot lately, thanks to the fact that after announcing it would offer a Digital Nomad Visa two years ago, it’s finally available.

• Length of Visa: one year; renewable
• Visa Application Cost: $126
• Income Requirements: €28,000 annual
• Other Requirements:
• Proof of accommodation in Italy 
• A work contract or other proof of virtual employment 
• Declaration of absence of criminal records from your employer
• Proof of work experience 
• Proof of traveler/international health insurance with €30,000+ coverage per person per year 

Because Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa is so new, the verdict is still out on how easy or difficult it is to get. One sticking point is how to prove your skills and experience. Also, you can extend the visa to cover family members, though it’s up to each consulate whether to grant coverage or not.

Croatia

Croatia is an up-and-coming country that’s attracting tourists and digital nomads alike with a low cost of living and gorgeous beaches.

• Length of Visa: one year or less; not extendable
• Visa Application Cost: €93, but there are other fees
• Income Requirements: €2,870 monthly
• Other Requirements:
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of purpose (a contract of employment or other document such as a signed official letter proving that you perform work through communication technology for a foreign employer or your own company)
• Statement from the employer or third-country national         
• Contract of employment or service contract with a foreign employer or copy of the registration of your own company      
• An address in Croatia

Close family members, including common law marriage partners, may be eligible for a temporary stay with this visa.

If you plan to stay for a year in Croatia, you will need to be able to show that you have €34,440 in your bank account already.

Norway

If you don’t mind the cold and months of darkness, consider Norway’s Digital Nomad Visa. This visa does cost more than others, and the cost of living in Norway is higher, so keep that in mind.

• Length of Visa: 2 years; renewable
• Visa Application Cost: €600
• Income Requirements: €35,719 annual
• Other Requirements:
• Proof of self-employment
• Contract with Norwegian client
• Address in Norway
• Health insurance

You can bring your spouse and children under 18 with this visa.

Portugal

Portugal, a popular choice for digital nomads, offers two different visas. One is short-term and good for a year. This one allows multiple entries and can be extended four times for up to five years, but cannot be used to establish residency. The other is long-term, and during the visa's inital four month period, individuals must present themselves for a two year residency permit which can be extended up to five years and provides a path to residency and citizenship. 

• Length of Visa: depends on the visa
• Visa Application Cost: €90
• Income Requirements: €3,040 monthly
• Other Requirements:
• One-year housing rental contract or proof of purchase of a home in Portugal
• Evidence of working remotely under an employment or partnership agreement or service agreement, being an entrepreneur, or being self-employed
• A bank statement showing a minimum balance of €9,840
• Health insurance

Family members can accompany you on the Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal. Note that the minimum balance you must be able to show is higher depending on how many family members you’re bringing. Add 50% per spouse or parent and 25% per child.

Malta

While Malta goes under the radar of many people contemplating a move to Europe, it shouldn’t. With crystal clear waters and tons of history, Malta is a great place for digital nomads.

• Length of Visa: one year; can be renewed up to three times with a maximum stay of four years
• Visa Application Cost: €300
• Income Requirements: €42,000 annual
• Other Requirements:
• Home rental or purchase agreement
• Health insurance
• Police conduct certificate
• Background check

Family members can also apply with you under the Nomad Residence Permit in Malta.

Cyprus

Another under-the-radar spot for digital nomads is Cyprus. Quality of life and low cost of living are big draws. A family of four can live comfortably on €2,558 a month!

• Length of Visa: one year; can be renewed for two years
• Visa Application Cost: €70
• Income Requirements: €3,500 monthly
• Other Requirements:
• Clean criminal record (and clear general background check)
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance

Family members can accompany you with this visa.

Interestingly, you’ll need to provide blood analysis results as well as a chest x-ray with your application, demonstrating that you do not have HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B or C, or tuberculosis!

Armenia

Another low-cost country to consider as a digital nomad is Armenia. Filled with breathtaking landscapes and historical landmarks, Armenia also offers modern conveniences (and, most importantly, fast internet speeds!).

One thing to note: you’ll be required to register as a sole proprietor or private entrepreneur in Armenia with this visa. Besides this, there aren’t very many requirements to apply.

• Length of Visa: one year; can be renewed 
• Visa Application Cost: $270
• Income Requirements: none!
• Other Requirements:
• Medical check certificate

You can bring your family to Armenia. And after living here for three years, you can apply for Armenian citizenship.

Final Thoughts

Once you narrow down your list of where you want to live for a year (or more), make sure you meet all the requirements before scheduling an appointment with your local consulate. A scouting trip to decide which town feels right for you can be beneficial, and may be necessary if you need to provide a rental contract with your visa application.