Europe offers more digital nomad visas than any other region — and several can count toward long-term residency, which is rare elsewhere. Here’s how the main options stack up.
Europe’s main nomad visas at a glance
| Country | Approx income | Duration | Tax angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | ~$3,075/mo | 1-3 yr, to 5 yr | Optional 24% flat (Beckham) |
| Portugal | ~$3,970/mo | 1-2 yr, to residency | 20% IFICI (if eligible) |
| Greece | ~$3,775/mo | 1 yr + 2-yr permit | 50% exemption, up to 7 yr |
| Croatia | ~$3,900/mo | up to 18 mo | Foreign income exempt |
| Estonia | ~$4,900/mo | up to 1 yr | No special regime |
| Malta | ~$3,800/mo | 1 yr, to 4 yr | Flat 10% nomad tax |
| Hungary | EUR 3,000/mo net | 1-2 yr | 15% flat if resident |
| Montenegro | EUR 1,800-2,400/mo | 2-4 yr | 0% foreign income |
See the full regional list on the Europe rankings page.
How to choose
- Want a path to residency? Spain, Portugal, Czechia and Germany’s freelance route can build toward long-term or permanent residency after ~5 years.
- Optimising for tax? Malta’s 10%, Greece’s 50% exemption and Croatia’s foreign-income exemption stand out. (See do digital nomads pay tax?.)
- Lowest income bar? Montenegro (from EUR 1,800) and Hungary (EUR 3,000 net) are the most accessible of the mainstream options.
- Fastest / most digital? Estonia and Hungary (21 days) process quickly.
Two timing warnings for 2026
- Greece: since 5 Feb 2026, in-country applications were abolished — get the type-D visa at a consulate abroad first.
- Montenegro: the current nomad program is scheduled to run only until 31 December 2026.
Compare two head-to-head, e.g. Spain vs Portugal or Estonia vs Portugal.
Income bars track local wages and change yearly. General information only, not legal or tax advice — verify on the official source.