With the rise of remote work, more and more European countries are launching visa policies specifically for digital nomads. In 2025, multiple European countries have updated their digital nomad visa policies, providing remote workers with more options. This article will detail the application requirements, processes, and considerations for digital nomad visas in major European countries.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is a special type of visa designed for people who can work remotely. Unlike traditional tourist visas, digital nomad visas allow holders to legally reside and work in the target country during the visa validity period, but the work must be providing services to foreign employers or clients.
Important Reminder
Digital nomad visas typically do not allow seeking local employment or working for local companies. Work must be remote in nature and for non-local employers or clients.
Popular European Digital Nomad Visas Explained
🇵🇹 Portugal - D7 Visa
Validity: 1 year, renewable
Income requirement: Monthly income no less than €760
Advantages: Relatively simple application process, can obtain EU residency rights
Processing time: 2-4 months
Required documents:
- Income proof (bank statements, employment contracts, etc.)
- Accommodation proof
- Health insurance
- Criminal background check
- Portuguese language proficiency proof (recommended but not mandatory)
🇪🇪 Estonia - Digital Nomad Visa
Validity: 1 year, non-renewable
Income requirement: Monthly income no less than €3,500
Advantages: Fast application process, high digitalization
Processing time: 15-30 days
Features: World's first digital nomad visa, 100% online application
🇪🇸 Spain - Digital Nomad Visa
Validity: 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
Income requirement: Monthly income no less than €2,160
Advantages: Pleasant climate, relatively low living costs
Processing time: 1-3 months
Tax benefits: Special 24% tax rate for the first 4 years
🇮🇹 Italy - Self-Employment Visa
Validity: 1 year, renewable
Income requirement: Annual income no less than €31,000
Advantages: Rich culture, excellent cuisine
Processing time: 2-6 months
Note: Need to prove sufficient financial support and clear business plan
🇳🇱 Netherlands - Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Validity: 1 year, renewable
Income requirement: Annual income no less than €38,000
Advantages: High English proficiency, high internationalization
Processing time: 2-4 months
Features: Must apply through recognized sponsoring organizations
Detailed Visa Application Process
Step 1: Determine Target Country - Finding the Best Places for Digital Nomads
Choose the most suitable country based on your income level, language skills, and lifestyle preferences. When selecting from the best places for digital nomads in Europe, consider factors including:
- Income threshold requirements
- Cost of living
- Language requirements
- Visa validity and renewal policies
- Tax policies
- Internet infrastructure for minimalist digital setups
- Coworking spaces and remote work culture
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials for Your Minimalist Digital Setup
Most European digital nomad visas require the following basic documents. For those embracing minimalist digital setups for digital nomads, ensure all documentation is digitized and accessible from your essential devices:
- Income proof: Bank statements, employment contracts, client contracts, etc.
- Health insurance: Medical insurance covering the Schengen area
- Accommodation proof: Rental contracts or hotel bookings
- Criminal background check: Requires notarization and apostille
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Financial proof: Bank deposit certificates
Document Preparation Notes
- All documents need to be translated into the official language of the target country
- Certain documents require notarization and consular certification
- Income proof usually requires records from the last 3-6 months
- Insurance must cover emergency medical and repatriation costs
Step 3: Online Application or Document Submission
Most countries support online applications, but some still require submitting materials at consulates. It's recommended to start the application process 1-2 months in advance.
Step 4: Await Approval and Interview
Some countries may require interviews, mainly to verify the authenticity of application materials and the applicant's actual situation.
Country Visa Comparison Table
| Country | Minimum Monthly Income | Validity Period | Processing Time | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €760 | 1 year | 2-4 months | Renewable |
| Estonia | €3,500 | 1 year | 15-30 days | Non-renewable |
| Spain | €2,160 | 1 year | 1-3 months | Renewable up to 5 years |
| Italy | €2,583 | 1 year | 2-6 months | Renewable |
| Netherlands | €3,167 | 1 year | 2-4 months | Renewable |
Key Tips for Successful Applications
Provide Adequate Income Proof
Ensure your income proof is clear, complete, and exceeds minimum requirements. Recommend preparing:
- Bank statements from the last 6 months
- Employment contracts or client contracts
- Tax return records
- Reference letters from employers or clients
Maintain Consistency
Ensure all information in application materials remains consistent, including personal information, income data, work content, etc.
Plan Ahead
Some documents (such as criminal background checks) may take several weeks to obtain, so it's recommended to start preparing 2-3 months in advance.
Consider Tax Implications
Understand the tax policies of the target country, as some countries offer special tax benefits for digital nomads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for digital nomad visas from multiple countries simultaneously?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. Most countries require applicants to provide accommodation proof and clear residence intentions.
Q: Can digital nomad visas be converted to permanent residency?
A: Some countries (like Portugal) allow digital nomad visas as a pathway to permanent residency, but specific policies vary by country.
Q: Can family members apply together?
A: Most countries allow spouses and minor children to apply as dependents together.
Conclusion
European digital nomad visas provide an excellent opportunity for remote workers to legally reside and work in Europe. These best places for digital nomads offer diverse environments from Portugal's affordable coastal cities to Estonia's tech-forward digital infrastructure. Choosing the right country requires comprehensive consideration of income requirements, living costs, personal preferences, and support for minimalist digital setups for digital nomads.
With the continued development of remote work, we believe more European countries will introduce digital nomad-friendly policies. We recommend staying updated on policy changes and choosing the most suitable destination to start your digital nomad life.