Working from home has become working from anywhere for some people. Digital nomads, who travel the world and work in different locations, have always been with us, but the lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular.
However, technically you cannot work with a tourist visa. For Americans who want to work abroad, legalities are important. If you work without the correct visa, you can be arrested, deported and exiled. Countries are now starting to set up visa programs, especially for digital nomads, giving them greater access to local infrastructure.
Some of these visas are intended for specific sectors or labor markets, but here are nine countries that offer digital nomad visas for Americans in Europe.
Albania
Albania gives you a maximum of one year, with a possible extension of up to 5 years, as long as you earn at least €9,800 per year. You must prove that you have a contract with your employer or client. Please note that Albania does not have a double tax treaty and neither do you shall have to pay taxes to both Albania and the US
Croatia
Croatia is becoming increasingly popular because it is such a beautiful country. You must earn at least $2,658 per month to get a digital nomad visa for 6 months to 1 year. This is quite a bit of money.
Georgia
Georgia has had a digital nomad visa since 2020 and there are no fees involved. The income requirement is €2,000 per month and the term is one year. Apparently Tbilisi is a great place to live.
Greece
With an economy largely dependent on tourism, it is not surprising that Greece was one of the first European countries to launch a digital nomad visa. They have a hefty income requirement, but… $3,690 per month will rule out many digital nomads. The term is a maximum of 2 years.
Hungary
Hungary has a digital nomad visa, but there is a catch. You must be single. This could be a way to discourage digital nomads from simply staying put. The duration is one year with extensions and the income requirement is $2,110.
Italy
Italy’s digital nomad visa program is quite recent and known for being complicated. The duration is up to one year and the income requirement is only just over $30,000 per year. Employees They are expected to be “highly skilled” and it is not entirely clear what that means. And although the income requirement is low, you have to jump through a number of hoops: health insurance, suitable housing and a statement from the employer. In addition, you must have been a digital nomad for at least six months.
Malta
Malta wants to welcome remote workers, but has a high minimum income requirement of $2,850. The standard duration is one year.
Portugal
The Portuguese digital nomad visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to work. You need a minimum income of $2,950 per month, but the visa can be extended for up to four years.
Romania
Romania has an even higher minimum income requirement for its digital nomad visa of up to one year: $3,900. The visa is not open to EU citizens, who must change their place of residence to Romania.
Spain
Spain just rolled out their system. You can apply for this visa anywhere (most programs require you to be in the US), the duration is one year with a possible extension, and the income requirement is $2,215 per month. You can apply while on a tourist visa, which most countries frown upon. And one more thing about the Spanish digital nomad system: they don’t mind if you stay. In fact, you may be able to apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Being a digital nomad is a great lifestyle, and these nine countries all offer an opportunity to live and work there legally, although you may have to return to the US between countries. Always research the country you plan to work in and make sure you follow their rules to avoid legal consequences.
