3 Affordable Countries in Europe with Digital Nomad Visas

Thinking about traveling the world while working from your laptop? As a self-proclaimed digital nomad myself, I want to help you make it happen.

However working from foreign countries while traveling on a tourist visa can actually be illegal in many places… and in Europe in particular you technically aren’t supposed to visit for longer than 90 days.

Unless you can secure a visa!

So if you’ve been looking for a way to live and work in Europe for longer than the 90-day limit, here are a few of my top picks for countries that offer visas for remote workers.

Note: there are plenty of other countries now offering these digital nomad visas or similar visas, but these are some of the most affordable countries that I’d personally recommend living in for a year or more!

1) Portugal

The beautiful and relatively affordable country or Portugal offers a resident visa and residence permit for independent workers and entrepreneurs for one year, with the ability to renew for up to 5 years. (Wanna stay even longer? After 5 years you can apply for permanent residency!)

Portugal has become a hot spot for digital nomads, particularly on the island of Madeira. They even have a Digital Nomads Village there, so it can be a great place to develop a community right upon making the move!

Things you must have to apply:

• Proof of income from property, proof of business ownership, or proof of financial means.
• You have to earn at least €600 EURO (or around $630 USD per month).
• Proof of private travel/health insurance.
• You must complete a background check.

How (and where) to apply:

• Gather the required documents, print out and complete the application form.
• Make an appointment at the a Portuguese consulate near you (a quick Google search will help you find this).
• Pay the €83 EUR visa fee and €72 EUR resident permit fee.

2) Hungary

Hungary is an amazing spot for digital nomads, especially the capital city of Budapest. I spent a few months living and working back in 2018 and loved it! Monthly rent in Budapest can cost from just $400-600 depending on where you’re looking to live. Compare that to most cities in the US and it sounds like a pretty sweet deal, right?

Now there’s an easier way to stay long-term in Hungary, with the country’s new “White Card” – a 1-year long digital nomad residency program.

Things you must have to apply:

• Not for EU nationals, only 3rd country nationals can apply (USA that means you’re good!).
• You can NOT work for a Hungarian company.
• You have to show income equivalent to at least €2000 per month.
• The white card is valid for one year, with the ability to renew for another year.
• There are some small visa fees to be aware of (around $100-200)

How (and where) to apply:

According to the government’s website, you must submit your application in person at your local Hungarian Embassy.

Note: you must be in your home country when submitting your application. Then when you arrive in Hungary, you can apply for the White Card.

This post does a REALLY great job of breaking down everything you need to know about applying for this visa.

3) Georgia (the country)

Georgia offers a 1-year Visa-Free entry for 95+ countries! It allows citizens from any of the linked countries to stay and work remotely from Georgia.

Georgia can be a great affordable option due to it’s cost of living comparable to that of Southeast Asia. It has a growing digital nomad community, but it isn’t quite as established as Portugal or Hungary (or some of the other countries that offer these types of visas).

Things you must have to apply:

• You own a location independent business (and/or) you work remotely for a company based outside of Georgia
• You must prove financial ability to pay taxes while staying in Georgia
• You earn at least $2000 per month (this may be different now and there may be no requirement)
• You might need to undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine (check their current COVID protocols)
• Get travel insurance valid for six months

How (and where) to apply:

This post can help you figure out everything else you need to know about living and working in Georgia.

What other countries offer digital nomad visas?

If you’re interested in living and working in Europe, which is one of my favorite regions of the world, the above 3 countries might be a great place to start looking, especially if you’re concerned with affordability.

The countries I mentioned above are just a few of the MANY countries now offering this type of visa program.

There are plenty of other countries in the Caribbean, Central America, Asia, and beyond that also offer digital nomad visas. Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s definitely an option out there for you! Do some Googling and let me know if you’d like to see more lists like this!