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Europe is every digital nomad’s favorite playground: it’s the only continent where you can easily and seamlessly cross borders, experience different cultures and see breathtaking, incredibly diverse landscapes while still covering (somewhat) short distances.
The one major disadvantage of Europe?
You cannot stay long at all, as no fewer than 29 European countries apply the Schengen acquis.
In other words, non-Europeans can only be present on their territory for a certain period of time 90 days out of 180.
That’s not nearly enough time, considering that each time you spent each of the 29 count towards the 90 day limit, but what nomads may not know is that there are alternative destinations that not only ignore Schengen rules completely but also allow them to stay longer.
That is the case with 5 European countries:
Cyprus
Tucked away in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is where Greek and Turkish cultures meet, and an island surrounded by blue-green waters (and literally littered with historic sites): we’re talking ruins dating back thousands of years, ancient temples and cobbled towns whose origins have been lost to time.
It’s one of the trendiest ‘workcation’ destinations in Europe, not only because of its temperate climate and nomadic infrastructure – the capital Nicosia and the coastal city of Limassol offer an abundance of work-friendly cafes and coworking centers – but also the attractive visa policy.
Because Cyprus does not (yet) participate in the Schengen Area, digital nomads can stay in the country for an additional 90 days, regardless of the time spent in other European countries, making the island a popular Schengen reset destination for those who have to wait outside. the area for a few months.
Albania
In the heart of the Balkans, Albania is one of Europe’s most underrated gems, home to towering mountain peaks, sandy beaches surrounded by a crystal clear Adriatic Sea, perhaps the most beautiful branch of the Mediterranean, and forever torn between its Christian and Muslim identity .
Tirana, the quirky capital, is one unlikely nomadic haven on the Old Continent, with his abnormally high concentration of cafes – 67.8 such establishments per 10,000 inhabitants – while the country as a whole welcomes long-term visitors with a budget of $1,211 per month.
In addition to its cultural wealth, sunny weather, pristine coastline and affordable prices, Albania stands out for the fact that Americans can stay visa-free for a full year, while other foreigners automatically get 90 days after landing. regardless of previous Schengen stays.
Montenegro
Just north of Albania, on the same stretch of the Adriatic coast, is called Montenegro the ‘mini-Croatia’thanks to its many picturesque, historic coastal towns, with the fairytale towns of Budva and Kotor to name a few, and its majestic rugged nature to rival that of its famous sisters.
Montenegro may use the euro as its (un)official currency, but don’t let that fool you: it’s far from just another overpriced European country with strict entry rules (it’s not even in the European Union, let alone the dreaded Schengen area).
Are much cheaper than CroatiaItaly and the like, with life in Bar, the liveliest coastal city, estimated to cost $1,727 per month Nomad listand like their Albanian neighbors, Montenegrin authorities allow remote workers to stay for three months continuously, whether they have been in Schengen or not.
United Kingdom
We know what you’re thinking: London is probably one of the last countries you would ever consider temporarily moving to as a digital nomad, unless you earn more than $5,000 per monthbut then again, London is not representative of the whole of Britain.
It’s still a fairly expensive country to live in, but you can live a relatively affordable nomadic lifestyle (by English standards) outside the British capital, where rents are high. much cheaperand portions at cheap local restaurants will average $12.65.
And if you’re the social type, which most nomads are, there’s really no better place to make local friends than a British pub in a mid-sized town in Northern England – and guess what, you can stay 180 days in Britain as a visitor, and the government has even formally allowed you to do so work as a nomad.
Georgia
Located right on the continental divide between Europe and Asia, Georgia (the country, not the US state) is one of those unheard of places that most wouldn’t know about. Like, it’s Stalin’s birthplace, or where wine (yes, wine) comes from, and yet you have it.
Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, is a vibrant, architecturally eclectic metropolis with a blooming nomadic scenewhere you can choose from a variety of work-friendly cafes, you can rent one-bedroom apartments as cheap as $401 per monthand living a slow life, knowing you don’t have to leave shortly.
That’s what we mean a whole yearAnd unlike Albania, which extends this generosity only to U.S. passport holders, a number of non-Georgians can remain on the national territory for 365 consecutive days, including Canadians, Europeans, Mexicans and certain South American nationals.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
