Digital Nomad Visas and Owning Property in Europe
Digital nomad visas are perfect for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Europe for more than just a few months. These visas provide a legal way to stay in the country for extended periods, bypassing the usual 90-day tourist limit.
Why are these visas important if you’re planning to buy property? Well, owning a home is one thing, but being able to live in it year-round is another. With a digital nomad visa, you won't have to worry about leaving and re-entering the country frequently. You get to enjoy your property, integrate into the community, and make the most out of local services and amenities without any hassle.
Moreover, some countries offer additional perks with these visas, like access to healthcare and potential tax benefits, which can make your stay even more enjoyable and financially savvy.
In a nutshell, if you're looking to buy property in Europe and want to stay for longer periods, digital nomad visas are the way to go. They offer the freedom to truly enjoy your investment and live the European lifestyle to the fullest.
Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
As of 2024, several European countries offer digital nomad visas to attract remote workers. Here is a list of European countries that provide these visas:
Portugal - Offers both a short-term (1 year) and long-term visa (up to 5 years) for remote workers earning at least €3,000 per month.
Spain - Provides a digital nomad visa allowing remote work for non-EU citizens with specific income requirements.
Estonia - Pioneered the digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to stay for up to 1 year, with a minimum income requirement of €3,504 per month.
Germany - Has a freelance visa requiring proof of sufficient financial means and professional expertise.
Croatia - Offers a Digital Nomad Residence Permit with a minimum income requirement of €2,540 per month.
Czech Republic - Provides a freelance visa for remote workers, particularly those in teaching or freelancing sectors.
Hungary - Launched a digital nomad visa with specific financial and professional requirements.
Greece - Requires a minimum monthly income of €3,500 for its digital nomad visa.
Iceland - Offers a long-term visa for remote workers earning at least ISK 1,000,000 per month.
Italy - Recently introduced a digital nomad visa with a minimum income requirement of €2,333 per month.
Latvia - Requires a minimum income of €3,433 per month and employment with a company from an OECD country.
Malta - Has a residency program for remote workers earning at least €3,500 per month.
Romania - Provides a digital nomad visa with specific income and professional requirements.
Norway - Offers a visa for freelancers contracted by Norwegian companies, requiring an annual income of at least €35,719.
Cyprus - Allows remote workers to stay for an extended period with specific income requirements.
These visas typically require proof of remote work, sufficient income, health insurance, and clean criminal records. Each country has its unique application process and specific requirements, making it essential to research the details for your desired destination.
Requirements for All Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
This table should help you quickly compare the various digital nomad visa options in Europe based on their income requirements and eligibility criteria.
| Country | Income Requirement | Eligibility | Rating (out of 5 stars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | €2,540/month (approx. $2,800 USD) or €28,800/year (approx. $31,800 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Cyprus | €3,500/month (approx. $3,860 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Czech Republic | €5,727 (approx. $6,320 USD) in the bank | Proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, clean criminal record, signed lease agreement | ★★★★☆ |
| Estonia | €3,504/month (approx. $3,860 USD) | Proof of income, health insurance, evidence of remote work | ★★★★★ |
| Germany | €3,000 to €5,000 (approx. $3,300 to $5,500 USD) in bank | Proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, professional expertise, local address | ★★★★☆ |
| Greece | €3,500/month (approx. $3,860 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Hungary | €2,000/month (approx. $2,200 USD) | Proof of employment/self-employment, health insurance, clean criminal record | ★★★★☆ |
| Iceland | ISK 1,000,000/month (approx. €6,500 or $7,200 USD) | Proof of income, health insurance, clean criminal record | ★★★★☆ |
| Italy | €2,333/month (approx. $2,600 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Latvia | €3,433/month (approx. $3,800 USD) | Proof of remote work, employment with a company from an OECD country, health insurance, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Malta | €3,500/month (approx. $3,860 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Norway | €35,719/year (approx. $39,400 USD) | Proof of business establishment abroad, contract with Norwegian client, health insurance, proof of accommodation | ★★★☆☆ |
| Portugal | €3,000/month (approx. $3,300 USD) | Proof of income for the last three months, health insurance, clean criminal record | ★★★★★ |
| Romania | €3,300 to €3,700/month (approx. $3,860 to $4,320 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance with coverage of at least €30,000 (approx. $33,000 USD), clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
| Spain | €2,000/month (approx. $2,200 USD) | Proof of remote work, health insurance, clean criminal record, proof of accommodation | ★★★★☆ |
Rating Criteria:
- ★★★★★: Excellent option with relatively low requirements and high benefits.
- ★★★★☆: Good option with moderate requirements and benefits.
- ★★★☆☆: Fair option, might have higher requirements or lower benefits.
- ★★☆☆☆: Challenging option with high requirements and/or limited benefits.
- ★☆☆☆☆: Not recommended due to stringent requirements or low benefits.
Other types of visas
If digital nomad visas are not for you, here are other types of visas that can extend your stay in the host countries.
1. Freelancer Visas
Several European countries offer freelancer visas, which are suitable for self-employed individuals and digital nomads.
Germany: The Freelance Visa (Freiberufler Visa) is ideal for professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, and teaching. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income and secure local clients.
Czech Republic: The Zivnostenský (Trade License) Visa allows freelancers to work in the country. It's popular among digital nomads, especially those in teaching or freelancing sectors.
2. Self-Employment Visas
These visas are designed for individuals who plan to work as independent contractors or start their own business.
Portugal: The D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs and independent service providers who can show a viable business plan and sufficient funds .
Spain: The Self-Employment Visa (Autonomo Visa) is for those who want to work as freelancers or start their own business. Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient financial means and a viable business plan.
3. Startup Visas
These visas are aimed at entrepreneurs who want to start innovative businesses in the host country.
Netherlands: The Startup Visa allows entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas to stay in the Netherlands for one year to develop their startup.
Italy: The Italia Startup Visa is for entrepreneurs who have an innovative business plan and can meet certain financial investment requirements.
4. Temporary Residence Permits
Some European countries provide temporary residence permits that allow remote work.
Portugal: The D7 Visa is for individuals who have a stable passive income or are self-employed. It is suitable for remote workers who can meet the income requirements
Estonia: The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay for up to one year, with a minimum income requirement of €3,504 per month
5. Golden Visas
Investment visas are available in several European countries and can be used by digital nomads who are willing to invest in real estate or businesses.
Greece: The Golden Visa is granted to those who invest a significant amount in real estate, providing residency rights
Portugal: The Golden Residence Permit Program is available to those who make substantial investments in real estate or business, offering residency and eventual citizenship
Health Insurance Requirements for Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
When applying for a digital nomad visa in Europe, one of the key requirements is having adequate health insurance coverage. This ensures that you are protected in case of medical emergencies and can access healthcare services without financial strain. Here’s what you generally need to know about the health insurance requirements for these visas:
Comprehensive Coverage
Most European countries require that your health insurance policy offers comprehensive coverage. This typically includes:
Emergency medical treatment: Coverage for accidents and sudden illnesses.
Hospitalization: Costs associated with staying in a hospital, including surgery.
Repatriation: Coverage for medical evacuation to your home country if necessary.
Outpatient care: Costs of doctor visits, prescriptions, and other non-hospital treatments.
Minimum Coverage Amount
Many countries specify a minimum coverage amount for health insurance. For instance, some countries require a minimum coverage of €30,000 (approximately $33,000 USD). This is to ensure that your policy can handle significant medical expenses.
Duration of Coverage
Your health insurance must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. If you are applying for a visa that allows you to stay for one year, your insurance should cover you for that full period. Some visas are renewable, and in such cases, you must show proof of continued coverage when renewing your visa.
Proof of Insurance
You will need to provide proof of insurance as part of your visa application. This typically involves submitting:
A copy of your health insurance policy
A certificate of coverage from your insurance provider, detailing the extent and validity of your coverage
Sometimes, translations of these documents into the local language
Local vs. International Insurance
You can choose between local health insurance policies and international travel insurance. While local policies might offer more tailored benefits and potentially lower costs, international insurance plans are designed to cover a wide range of scenarios and can be more convenient for frequent travelers or those planning to move between countries.
Example Requirements by Country
Portugal: Requires comprehensive health insurance covering at least €30,000.
Estonia: Needs proof of health insurance valid throughout the stay, covering emergency medical care and hospitalization.
Croatia: Similar requirements with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Germany: Health insurance must cover all basic medical expenses, including emergencies and hospitalization.
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