Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries
Across the globe, working on online platforms redefines lifestyle by flexibility, mobility, creativity, and independence. To accommodate this shift, many nations are now offering digital nomad visas that legitimise remote work while ensuring local compliance. European countries have positioned themselves at the forefront of this trend by creating pathways for gig workers. Let’s take a look at the top 10 European destinations welcoming global professionals under digital nomad visas in 2026.
10 Best European Countries for Digital Nomad Visas in 2026
Spain
For those planning to live in Spain while working remotely, this visa allows foreigners to become legal residents without switching their professional base. The applicant must be employed by or offer freelance services to companies located outside Spain. They have to use only digital and telecommunication systems to carry out their work.
Self-employed professionals can, however, take up local projects, as long as those assignments do not exceed 20% of their total workload. Eligibility requires either a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a reputed university or college or a proven three-year track record in the applicant’s current field. To qualify, applicants must earn at least EUR 2,763 monthly, equivalent to BDT 3,92,512 (EUR 1 = BDT 142.06).
Italy
The remote working framework attracts skilled remote professionals who wish to combine career flexibility with Italy’s distinctive work-life balance. It opens a path for non-EU citizens to live amidst Italian culture while maintaining employment abroad.
Candidates are required to present an accredited university or college degree of no less than three years and demonstrate notable achievement in their respective fields, proving their ability to work independently. A minimum of six months’ documented experience in telecommuting areas such as digital marketing, design, or writing is mandatory.
Since the visa prohibits employment with Italian-based companies, all professional ties must remain outside the country. Moreover, applicants must maintain an income of not less than EUR 2,006 per month (BDT 2,84,973).
Iceland
Home for digital nomads, Iceland offers a temporary visa to live and work remotely for either 90 or 180 days. The longer duration applies to applicants who submit their request from their home country rather than from within Iceland.
To be eligible, the applicant must be from a nation with a Schengen visa-waiver agreement and should not have held an Icelandic long-term visa in the past 12 months. The visa is strictly for short-term remote work, meaning the holder cannot plan to settle permanently. Applicants must show proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 6,750 (BDT 9,58,905).
Romania
Remote professionals who plan to work while living in Romania can apply for a digital nomad visa that remains valid for one year, with the option to renew it for another year. Eligibility depends on being employed by or providing services to a company based abroad.
Candidates also need to maintain an average income at least three times higher than Romania’s gross monthly salary. Proof of earnings of no less than EUR 3,700 (BDT 5,25,622) over the previous six months is required.
Portugal
Cross-border freelancers from outside the EU or EEA can work remotely from Portugal under a visa category, which comes in two forms: short-stay and long-stay. Both follow similar procedures, but the timeframes differ. The short-stay version lasts up to a year and cannot be renewed or converted into a residence permit. The long-stay alternative, however, grants an initial two-year residence permit, extendable for another three years.
After five years of living in the country, one may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. To qualify, professionals need to show a monthly income of a minimum of EUR 3,480 (BDT 4,94,369).
Hungary
Through the White Card, Hungary has a visa program for self-sufficient professionals or entrepreneurs. This immigration framework lets them live in the country for up to 12 months while continuing to work for companies abroad.
Eligibility rests on proving foreign employment or ownership of a business outside Hungary, along with a steady income of at least EUR 3,000 (BDT 4,26,180) per month. Unlike other countries, the programme is designed for independent workers only, meaning spouses or dependants cannot be included in the same application.
Croatia
Freelancers and independent workers looking to base themselves in Croatia can obtain a permit valid for up to one year. Once it expires, they must wait six months before applying for another.
To qualify, proof of a minimum monthly income of EUR 2,540 (BDT 3,60,833) is required, ensuring sufficient financial stability during their stay. Employment with Croatian companies is not allowed, as the visa is strictly for those working for foreign employers or clients.
Greece
For online platform-based gig workers, Greece offers a one-year visa, with the option to extend it for up to three years. Applicants need to show verified remote employment or freelance contracts with clients based outside Greece.
The minimum monthly income requirement stands at EUR 3,500 (BDT 4,97,210). Open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens, the programme excludes anyone working for Greek companies.
Estonia
The online workforce can be based in Estonia for up to 12 months, but this permit is limited to professionals whose main employer lies outside the country. While visa holders may collaborate with Estonian companies, their primary work relationship must remain abroad.
The visa cannot be extended, nor does it lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Applicants must show proof of earning at least EUR 4,500 (BDT 6,39,270) per month to qualify.
Malta
Independent professionals looking for a remote working opportunity can apply for Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit to work remotely. The programme covers individuals employed by companies registered outside Malta, shareholders, or business operators representing foreign entities. Even they can be self-employed professionals providing services to clients based abroad.
Only non-EU and non-EEA citizens are eligible, and their required monthly income is set at a baseline of EUR 3,500 (BDT 4,97,210). Initially granted for one year, the permit can be renewed up to three additional times, allowing a total stay of four years.
Giveaway
Several countries in Europe are granting digital nomad visas in 2026. Among them, the above-mentioned 10 European countries offer comparatively wider scopes to global remote talents. Spain, Italy, and Iceland stand out for their clear structures, blending work flexibility with scenic living. Romania, Portugal, and Hungary shape appealing mid-term options, balancing income standards with accessibility. Croatia, Greece, Estonia, and Malta complete the list with distinct, short-to-extended visa frameworks. Altogether, these policies mark an ambitious shift empowering freelance professionals to work without borders.