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Since launching its digital nomad visa in 2023, Spain has had one of the world’s most popular digital nomad visas. This is down to a combination of the fantastic Spanish lifestyle and the accessibility of the visa, with one of the lowest qualifying incomes worldwide.
The visa successfully attracted a modest number of international digital nomads, with over 7,000 visas granted so far. Despite being a fraction of the 85 million international tourists that visit Spain every year, digital nomads have been blamed for various problems in Spain including rising house prices, gentrification, and Americanization.
It is questionable whether these 7,000 people are the source of so many of Spain’s problems. However, it is worth noting that EU digital nomads can also live and work in Spain without a visa, and others travel to the country for shorter periods of time on other types of visas, such as tourist visa.
Nevertheless, despite the lack of evidence, the Spanish government is making changes to their digital nomad visa, which is making it more difficult for nomads to access.
New Spain DNV Requirements
When it comes to entrepreneurs, Spain requires significantly more documentation to prove they have full ownership of their company, that they have client contracts providing income, and proof of income through tax returns.
This is frustrating for many who have already traveled to Spain, as they may now struggle to renew their visas since the goalposts have moved. This means that Spain may lose popularity with entrepreneurs to alternative destinations such as Portugal, Croatia, and Hungary.
Rules have not yet been tightened for employed workers, but if the situation continues, it is possible that rules may also be tightened for them.
Alternative Options for Digital Nomad Entrepreneurs
So, for entrepreneurs, what are some alternative DNVs that might allow you to live and work in Europe?
Portugal
Portugal offers a one-year, renewable digital nomad visa that is a pathway to citizenship if you live in the country continuously for five years. The visa has a minimum income requirement of €3,280 per month and few further requirements.
Like Spain, Portugal has a sunny and warm Mediterranean environment and a quality lifestyle with access to good food and stunning landscapes. Portugal also has a very accessible cost of living at around US$700 per month excluding rent. You can find a decent place to live for less than US$1,000 per month.
Read our complete guide to living in Portugal as a digital nomad here, plus our review of the Portugal digital nomad visa. However, be aware that Portugal is also considering “pulling up the welcome mat.”
Croatia
Croatia was one of the first countries to offer a digital nomad visa, offered for six months in the first instance and renewable for a further six moths. The minimum income is accessible set at just €2,540 per month or €30,472 in savings.
Croatia is also known for its stunning Mediterranean environment plus beautiful beaches and islands, not to mention historic cities such as Dubrovnik. Croatian also has an accessible cost of living, at around US$780 per month excluding rent. Rent tends to be accessible at less than US$800 per month.
Read our guide to living in Croatia as a digital nomad and our review of the Croatia digital nomad visa.
Malta
Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit that is granted for one year in the first instance and extendable three times. The minimum income is set at €3,500 per month, which you must demonstrate for the five months before making the application.
Malta is a sunny Mediterranean island with sunny beaches and ancient seaside towns. The cost of living in Malta is accessible, estimated at US$800 per month for a single person, excluding rent. Accommodation on the small island is a bit more expensive than in Portugal or Croatia, at around US$1,000-1,500 per month.
Learn more about the Malta digital nomad visa and living in Malta as a remote worker.
Hungary
While Hungary is a bit colder and further from the Mediterranean Sea, it has a historic European atmosphere with ancient castles and rolling green countryside. It offers a one-year visa, renewable for another year. The minimum income requirement is set at €3,000 per month. It is worth noting that this visa is for the nomad alone and family members cannot be added to the application.
Budapest is one of the fastest-growing digital nomad hubs in Europe and has an affordable cost of living. It is estimated that a single person needs around US$650 per month excluding rent. You can expect to pay less than US$500 per month for rent.
Find out more about the Hungary digital nomad visa, known as the White Card, and the best coworking spaces in Budapest.
Romania
Romania also offers a one-year digital nomad visa that can be extended for another year. The minimum required income is accessible at €3,700 per month. There is no requirement to pay tax on global income in Romania.
Romania is another low-cost of living country in Europe. The cost of living in Romania for a single person is estimated at around US$625 per month excluding rent. You can expect to pay less than US$500 per month in rent.
Find out more about the Romania digital nomad visa and life in Bucharest as a digital nomad.
Italy
Italy also offers a one-year digital nomad visa that can be extended as long as you still meet the requirements. The minimum income is at least €32,400 per year from sources outside of Italy, including savings.
Digital nomads are also required to rent or buy qualifying housing in Italy. For renters, the cost must be at least €300 per month in smaller towns and €900 per month in larger cities. The cost of living in Italy is estimated to be around US$900 per month for a single person.
Find out about the Italy digital nomad visa, plus special schemes that might see the government pay you to relocate to Italy.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers a one-year digital nomad visa that is extendable for another two years. The minimum income is set at €3,500 per month. The visa is granted for the Greek side of the island.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with year-round warm weather, breathtaking beaches, and a unique history and culture to discover. The cost of living in Cyprus is estimated to be around US$900 per month excluding rent for a single person. Expect to pay US$1,000-1,500 per month in rent. Learn more about the Cyprus visa.
Greece
Mediterranean Greece also offers a one-year digital nomad visa, extendable for up to three years. The minimum income is set at €3,500 per month and nomads can apply for tax breaks.
Greece is a beautiful nation of coasts and islands with historic cities and the famous Mediterranean diet. Find out more about the Greece digital nomad visa and the top places for digital nomads in Greece.
Estonia
Estonia offers a one-year digital nomad visa extendable for another six months. The minimum income is higher than many of the others on this list, set at €4,500 per month.
One of the Baltic countries, Estonia has green summers and cold winters, but it is also a tech haven for digital services. The cost of living in Estonia is estimated to be around US$900 per month for a single person excluding rent. Rent should cost between US$500-$1,000 per month.
Learn more about living in Estonia as a digital nomad and about Estonia’s e-Residency, which may also be an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
Latvia
Located next to Estonia, Latvia also offers a digital nomad visa for one year in the first instance, renewable. The minimum income is set at €3,400 per month. The visa is only open to residents of OECD countries.
Latvia is a fairytale Baltic country with stunning castles and freezing seas. The cost of living in Latvia is estimated to be around US$850 per month for a single person. Rent is usually less than US$500 per month.
Learn more about the Latvia digital nomad visa and living in the capital Riga as a remote worker.
