Work from Europe as a Digital Nomad: Countries, Roles, and Rules
Today, digital nomads are no longer a niche, they’re part of the mainstream workforce. Europe is attractive for its culture, infrastructure, and new visa options, but rules still vary widely by country. Here’s your guide to the best destinations, roles, and frameworks.What it means, plain and simple
What it means, plain and simple
A digital nomad works remotely (fully remote employee, freelancer, or micro-business owner) while moving between one or more countries. Europe is attractive for its cultural diversity, strong infrastructure, Schengen mobility, and the rise of dedicated visas. Legal frameworks differ by country: some offer a digital nomad visa, others rely on alternative routes (freelance permits, non-lucrative stays, talent visas).
Pros & cons
Why it’s appealing
Access to strong hubs (tech, data, product, marketing, finance) with reliable internet and mature coworking ecosystems.
Intra-EU mobility (for EU/EEA nationals) and relatively smooth travel for non-EU nationals once the right permit is secured.
Cost/quality-of-life arbitrage (Greece, Spain, Portugal, parts of Italy, Croatia, Malta).
Attractive inbound tax regimes in some countries for new residents (e.g., Spain’s “Beckham Law,” subject to conditions).
What makes it tricky
Immigration & compliance vary widely: the “digital nomad” label is not universal; income thresholds, insurance, clean record, degrees/experience, and durations differ.
Tax: the risk of unintentionally becoming a tax resident (>183 days), coordinating home-country and host-country rules, and evolving interpretations (e.g., who qualifies for special inbound regimes).
Local integration & housing: tight rental markets in certain capitals or hotspots.
Country focus (France, Spain, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Italy)
France
Digital nomad visa? Not (yet) a dedicated visa. Usual pathways: long-stay visa (VLS-TS) in certain categories, Passeport Talent depending on profile, etc.
Tax: the inbound regime (“impatriés”) targets employees/executives brought to France by a French employer; useful but not a universal “nomad” scheme.
Takeaway for remote entrants: check the right VLS category, potential Passeport Talent eligibility, and tax residence impact (>183 days).
Spain
Digital nomad visa: Visado de Teletrabajo de Carácter Internacional (since 2023). Typical 2025 markers: ~200% of SMI ≈ €2,760/month minimum income (higher with dependents), degree or 3+ years’ experience; freelancers may earn up to 20% from Spanish clients. Initial 12 months, renewable (pathways up to 5 years via residence).
Tax: the inbound (“Beckham”) regime can, under conditions, offer a 24% flat rate on Spanish-sourced income (caps/term apply). Eligibility differs for employees vs. freelancers—case-by-case review is key.
Germany
Digital nomad visa? No dedicated category, but the freelance/self-employed route (Freiberufler/Selbständiger) is common for remote independents—often via a D-Visa and then a residence permit.
Practice: expect viability checks (contracts/letters of intent), proof of funds/housing, and health insurance. EU/EEA nationals don’t need a visa but must complete local registration.
Greece
Digital nomad visa: introduced by Law 4825/2021, later updated. Income ≥ €3,500 net/month (uplifts for spouse/children), and no employment with a Greek employer. 12-month visa, extendable via residence permit.
Belgium
Digital nomad visa? No. Remote work isn’t allowed on a simple tourist stay. Options: standard employment routes or the professional card for self-employed activity to work legally from Belgium.
Implication: plan a work permit or independent status + residence if you intend to base yourself and work from Belgium.
Italy
Digital Nomad / Remote Worker Visa operational (decree 29/02/2024; ministerial guidelines). Targets highly qualified profiles (remote employees or freelancers) with ≥6 months’ experience, insurance, accommodation, and a minimum income (commonly cited range ~€25–28k/year, subject to consular notes). 1-year validity, renewable.
Smart move: beyond immigration, assess social security (A1 postings, bilateral agreements) and tax residence (183-day rule, center of vital interests). In Spain and Italy, inbound regimes can be powerful but conditional—validate your situation (employee vs. freelancer, income sources, entry dates, etc.).
How much to budget (ballpark)
Minimum income thresholds: Spain ~€2,760/month; Greece €3,500 net/month; Malta €42,000/year (useful regional benchmark); Italy ~€25–28k/year. France and Germany don’t have a “digital nomad visa,” but their alternative routes still require proof of means.
Executive checklist
Map your status: employee vs. freelancer vs. director and where your employer/clients are based.
Pick the right permit: nomad visas (ES/GR/IT), freelance route (DE), other long-stay options (FR).
Secure tax position: residence, treaties, inbound regimes (e.g., Beckham), and social charges.
Insurance & compliance: health, professional liability, cyber; GDPR if client data crosses borders.
Housing & family: rental market tightness, proof of address for local registration, schools if applicable.
Quick FAQ
Can I be a nomad in France? Yes, but there’s no dedicated nomad visa: use the appropriate long-stay route and check Passeport Talent options case by case. The inbound regime targets employees/executives brought by a French employer.
Does Spain allow some local clients? For freelancers under the nomad visa: up to 20% of revenue from Spanish clients.
Does Germany have a nomad visa? No; the freelance pathway is the natural route for independents.
What’s the Greek income threshold? €3,500 net/month plus increments for dependents.
And Italy? A Digital Nomad / Remote Worker permit for highly qualified profiles, with minimum income (commonly ~€25–28k/year), experience, insurance, and accommodation.
Belgium? No nomad visa; plan for a professional card (self-employed) or the appropriate work permit/residence route.
Takeaway: For accurate legal procedures, always rely on national government websites. EU pages and private platforms are great for context, comparisons, and preparation – but the final step is always local authorities.
