Working in Europe with Digital Nomad Visas
This article looks at the growth of digital nomad visas across Europe – how they work, who is eligible, and which countries offer them. There’s also a mention of the services offered by The Moving Partnership, who can help with commercial, domestic and DIY removals to all parts of the continent.
This article is a three- to four-minute read.
One of the most striking developments in working practices in recent years has been the growth in digital nomad visas. Here The Moving Partnership look at what they are, how they work, and which countries in Europe offer them.
Moving House in Europe with The Moving Partnership
At The Moving Partnership, we can help with European house moves to Italy, France, Germany and many other destinations on the continent. For more information, call 0800 772 3709.
The Digital Nomad Visa Explained
The growth of the internet has shown that many people no longer need to be in the office to be productive, while the recent Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the process, with many more people working from home. The digital nomad visa allows people to work remotely or online and not even be in the same country as the company they are employed by.
They have proved to be particularly popular with young, tech-savvy workers who want to see something of the world before they settle down. They also benefit the countries who issue them, as the ‘nomads’ spend much of their income in their host country, as well as provide expertise and knowledge which may not be so readily available in the domestic workforce.
The visas can last from six months to five years, although the usual timespan is between one and three years. During that time, you aren’t allowed to do any paid-for work in your country of residence.
There are also some strict eligibility criteria which you must meet to qualify for such a visa. Usually, countries ask for proof of employment, a minimum level of income, valid health insurance and no criminal convictions before they issue them.
So, what is the current situation with digital nomad visas if you are considering moving house in Europe?
Portugal
In October 2022, the Portuguese authorities started issuing Remote Work/Digital Nomad visas. These are valid for up to four months, and renewable for two years. According to a Nomad Report 2023 survey, Portugal is the most popular country for digital nomads, with around 16,000 of them living in the country's capital, Lisbon.
Spain
The Spanish introduced their digital nomad visas in 2021. Initially valid for up to 12 months, it can be renewed, which can allow you to stay in the country for up to five years, and to receive special tax benefits by paying a reduced tax rate.
Italy
Italy's digital nomad/remote worker visa was launched in 2024 and allows non-EU/European Economic Area nationals to live and work remotely while living in the country for one year, renewable annually. It targets highly skilled professionals earning over €2,333 (approx £2000) per month, with at least six months’ prior work experience.
Greece
The visa allows non-EU and Swiss nationals to live and work remotely for employers or clients outside Greece for one year, renewable as a two-year residence permit. Key requirements include a net minimum income of €3,500/month, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Cyprus
If you are considering international removals to Cyprus, then the country has its own scheme, which allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work there for up to a year, with the option to renew.
Moving to Europe with The Moving Partnership
The Moving Partnership offer competitive domestic and commercial European quotes at the best market rates. We also offer a range of complementary services, including packing and unpacking, financial protection, and shipping and customs clearance. Our experts are on hand throughout your removal, should you have any queries or concerns.
We can offer you the sole use of a container in which to ship your belongings; smaller loads can be transported as part of a shared consignment (groupage service). We can also arrange air freight for any smaller items you need immediately on arrival.
For more information about our removals services to Europe, follow this link. The page also contains details of our online quotes and video surveys.
FAQS:
Q: Which European countries do not offer digital nomad visas?
A: If you are thinking of moving house to Scandinavia, then these countries generally do not have dedicated, simplified digital nomad visas. Instead, they require remote workers to use stricter self-employment, freelance, or skilled worker residency permits. Norway offers the closest option with a specialised contractor visa, while Sweden and Denmark focus on high-standard immigration routes.
Elsewhere, Germany offers a freelance visa, and France relies on long-stay visas for self-employed individuals. Remember, if you are a resident of any country inside the European Union, you have an automatic right to live and work in any other member state.
Q: What is the difference between a Tourist Visa and a Digital Nomad Visa?
A: A tourist visa (like the 90-day Schengen rule for UK citizens) strictly forbids local work and usually lasts between three and six months. A digital nomad visa is a formal residency permit that legally allows you to live in a country while working for foreign clients. Crucially, it allows you to import your household belongings as a resident, which is much harder to do as a tourist.
Q: Where do digital nomads pay tax?
A: Digital nomads generally pay taxes in the country where they are deemed a tax resident, usually determined by spending more than 183 days (six months) a year there. With digital nomad visas, there is usually a Double Taxation Agreement in force between the countries involved, which ensures you don’t end up being taxed twice on the same income.
All information correct at the time of writing
