These 9 Countries Offer Best Digital Nomad Visa For Americans In Europe

Work from home, for some people, has become work from anywhere. Digital nomads, who travel the world working in different locations, have always been with us, but the lifestyle is becoming more popular.

However, you technically can’t work on a tourist visa. For Americans who wish to work abroad, the legalities are important. Working without the right visa can get you arrested, deported, and banned. Countries are now starting to create visa programs, especially for digital nomads, giving more access to local infrastructure.

Some of these visas are for specific sectors or job markets, but here are 9 countries that offer digital nomad visas for Americans in Europe.

Albania

Albania will give you up to a year, with a possible extension for up to 5 years, as long as you make at least $9,800 a year. You have to show that you have a contract with your employer or client. Be aware that Albania does not have a double taxation treaty and you will have to pay taxes to both Albania and the U.S.

Croatia

Croatia is becoming more popular because it’s such a lovely country. You need to be making at least $2,658 a month to get a 6 month to 1 year digital nomad visa. This is quite a bit of money.

Georgia

Georgia has had a digital nomad visa since 2020 and there isn’t a cost. The income requirement is $2,000 a month and the duration is a year. Tbilisi is apparently a great place to live.

Greece

With an economy largely dependent on tourism, it’s unsurprising that Greece was one of the first European countries to launch a digital nomad visa. They require a hefty income requirement, though…$3,690 a month is going to exclude a lot of digital nomads. Duration is up to 2 years.

Hungary

Hungary has a digital nomad visa, but there’s a catch. You have to be single. This might be a way to keep digital nomads from simply deciding to stay. Duration is one year with extensions, and the income requirement is $2,110.

Italy

Italy’s digital nomad visa is program is fairly recent, and has a reputation for being complicated. The duration is up to a year and the income requirement is only a bit over $30,000 a year. Workers are expected to be “highly skiled” and it’s not entirely clear what that means. And while the income requirement is low, you need to jump through some hoops: Health insurance, suitable accommodation, and a declaration from their employer. You also have to have been a digital nomad for at least six months.

Malta

Malta is looking to welcome remote workers, but has a high minimum income requirement of $2,850. The standard duration is one year.

Portugal

Portugal’s digital nomad visa is a short-stay visa that allows you to work. You need a minimum income of $2,950 a month, but the visa can be extended for up to four years.

Romania

Romania has an even higher minimum income requirement for its up-to-a-year digital nomad visa – $3,900. The visa is not open to EU citizens, who must change their residence to Romania.

Spain

Spain just rolled out their system. You can apply for this visa from anywhere (most programs require you to be in the U.S. to apply), the duration is one year with a possible extension, and the income requirement is $2,215 a month. You can apply while on a tourist visa, which most countries frown on. And another thing about the Spanish digital nomad system…they don’t mind if you stay. In fact, you can potentially apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Being a digital nomad is a great lifestyle, and these nine countries all offer some path towards legally living and working there, although you may have to return to the U.S. between countries. Always do your research on the country you intend to work in and make sure to follow their rules to avoid legal consequences.