The best digital nomad visas in Europe in 2026
Europe has more digital nomad visas than any other region, and they vary wildly, from Albania at about $530 a month to Iceland near $7,300. Here are all 16of them ranked by income, plus the lowest bars, the routes with no income test, and the best options for tax. Every figure is pulled from each country's official source.
Every European nomad visa by income
Ranked from the lowest income requirement up. The two routes with no fixed monthly test, Germany and the Czech Republic, sit at the top.
| Country | Monthly income | Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | ≈CZK 156,500 (~$6,800) in savings for the freelance route | Long-Term Business Visa (Zivno) & Digital Nomad Program |
| Germany | No fixed minimum (show you can support yourself) | Freelance Residence Permit (Freiberufler) |
| Albania | ≈€490/month (at least Albania's minimum wage) | Unique Permit for Digital Nomads |
| Montenegro | ≈€1,800–2,400/month (3× the minimum wage) | Digital Nomad Residence Permit |
| Italy | ≈€28,000/year (~€2,333/month) | Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa |
| Spain | ≈€2,850/month (200% of minimum wage) | International Teleworking (Digital Nomad) Visa |
| Hungary | €3,000/month (net) | White Card |
| Greece | €3,500/month (net) | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Cyprus | €3,500/month (net) | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Portugal | €3,680/month (4× minimum wage) | D8 Digital Nomad Visa |
| Malta | €3,500/month (gross) | Nomad Residence Permit |
| Croatia | €3,622.50/month | Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads |
| Latvia | €4,213/month gross (2.5× the average salary) | Long-Stay Visa for Remote Work |
| Estonia | €4,500/month (gross) | Digital Nomad Visa (Type D) |
| Romania | ≈€5,500/month gross (3× average gross salary) | Digital Nomad Visa (D/AD) |
| Iceland | ISK 1,000,000/month (ISK 1.3M with family) | Long-Term Visa for Remote Work |
The lowest income bars in Europe
If income is the hurdle, Albania stands alone at about $530 a month, far below anywhere else, though its tax-residency exemption is being phased out. Next come Montenegro at around $2,150 and Italy at about €28,000 a year. For the worldwide picture, see the cheapest visas guide.
No income test at all
Two European countries skip the monthly income test. Germany and the Czech Republic don't run a single dedicated nomad visa; instead, freelancers use a long-standing self-employment or freelance route, proving they can support themselves rather than hitting a set figure. It's more paperwork, but the income bar is softer.
Best for tax in Europe
None of these are truly tax-free once you live there, but a few are kind. Croatia exempts foreign work income, and Montenegro doesn't tax foreign-source income under its permit. Greece, Italy and Malta offer favorable regimes rather than zero tax. The full breakdown, including which European visas are wrongly sold as tax-free, is in the tax-free guide.
Which European visa fits you?
Enter your income and the free checker filters these down to the European visas you actually qualify for, alongside the rest of the world.
Run the free visa checker →Weighing the two giants? Read Portugal vs Spain, or see our overall picks in the best digital nomad visas guide.
Europe nomad visa FAQ
Which European country has the easiest digital nomad visa?
On income, Albania has the lowest bar in Europe at around $530 a month, followed by Montenegro and Italy. Germany and the Czech Republic run freelance routes with no fixed monthly income test at all.
Which European digital nomad visa has the lowest income requirement?
Albania, at roughly $530 a month, is the lowest of the 16 European visas we track. Montenegro (about $2,150) and Italy (about €28,000 a year) come next.
Which European countries are best for tax as a nomad?
Croatia exempts foreign work income, and Montenegro doesn't tax foreign-source income under its permit. Greece, Italy, Malta and Cyprus offer favorable regimes rather than zero tax. See the tax-free guide for the detail and the common myths.
Can EU citizens use these digital nomad visas?
Generally no, and they don't need to. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens already have the right to live and work across the EU, so these visas are aimed at non-EU nationals such as Americans, Britons, Canadians and Australians.
Which European nomad visa leads to permanent residency?
Portugal's D8 is the best-known route, with permanent residence after five years and a relatively short path toward citizenship. Spain also reaches permanent residence after five years. Always confirm the current rules, which change often.
Income floors track each country's minimum or average wage and change yearly. Figures are drawn from each country's official immigration source and dated on its guide. This is general information, not legal or tax advice; confirm current rules before applying.