Top 6 Easiest European Countries to Get a Digital Nomad Visa in 2025

If you’re a remote worker thinking about living in Europe, a digital nomad visa is one of the most straightforward ways to make it happen legally. 

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But not all visas are created equal. Some countries keep the process simple and the costs manageable. 

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Here are six European countries that offer the easiest, most accessible digital nomad visas in 2025.

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1. Albania: Easy Paperwork and Low Rent

Albania’s digital nomad visa, called the "Unique Permit," is available fully online through their e-Albania portal. 

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The application fee depends on the unique permit you are applying for and the process is streamlined. U.S. citizens already receive visa-free entry for one year, but this permit offers a formal pathway for extended stays and renewals.

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There’s no legally fixed income requirement, but officials suggest around €816 per month as a target. 

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You can renew annually, up to five years, and after that apply for permanent residency. 

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The cost of living is among the lowest in Europe, with rent for a one-bedroom in Tirana around €400–€700 and monthly expenses around €1,200–€1,500. 

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Internet speeds in cities average around 80 Mbps.

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Albania does not tax foreign income during your first year on the visa, making it an affordable entry point for new nomads.

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2. Croatia: Easy Online Process & No Taxes

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Croatia allows you to apply entirely online, with processing times typically between 2–4 weeks. No embassy visit is required. 

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The income requirement is around €2,360 per month or a lump sum of €28,000 for a 12-month stay. 

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The nomad visa is valid for 12 and you can extend it 6 months more for a total of 18 months, after that, you need to exit the Schengen area for 90 days before reapplying.

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Monthly living costs range from €1,200 in Zagreb to over €2,000 in coastal cities like Split and Dubrovnik during the summer. 

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Internet is reliable with average speeds around 90 Mbps. 

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Croatia does not tax foreign income for digital nomads, and the country offers a growing support network through initiatives like DNA Croatia.

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3. Hungary: Fast Process 

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If you're considering Hungary's White Card program, here's what you need to know. 

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You'll have to visit a Hungarian consulate in person to apply – no getting around that one – but the good news is the application itself is straightforward. Most people get their approval in about a month.

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The income requirement sits at €2,000 per month, and you'll need to prove you've been hitting that mark consistently for the past six months. Think bank statements, employment letters, or client contracts – whatever shows that steady income flow.

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Once you get approved, your visa lasts for a full year, and here's the kicker: you can renew it once for another year. That gives you two solid years to test the waters and see if Hungary's your kind of place.

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Speaking of testing the waters, Budapest's got perks. The internet speeds are impressive – we're talking around 212 Mbps, which means your Zoom calls won't be cutting out mid-sentence. 

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And your wallet will thank you too. Most people find they can live comfortably on about $1,369 a month, covering everything from rent to that daily coffee habit.

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One last thing to keep in mind: Hungary won't tax your foreign income unless you end up staying more than 183 days in a year. 

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Cross that threshold, and you'll trigger tax residency – something worth planning around if you're keeping income sources back home.

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4. Malta: Fast, Fully Online Application

Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is fully digital. You submit your documents via email and can complete the process in about a month. 

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The income requirement is €3,500 per month. The visa is valid for one year and renewable for up to three years.

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Living costs are higher, with rent and expenses typically totaling around €1,590 per month. 

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However, Malta’s remittance-based tax system allows most digital nomads to avoid local taxes if they don’t bring all their income into the country. 

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The internet averages 148 Mbps, and English is widely spoken.

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5. Portugal: High Requirements, Long-Term Potential

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Portugal’s D8 digital nomad visa involves consulate processing and an appointment with immigration (AIMA) upon arrival. 

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You must earn at least €3,480 per month, and the process can take 2–4 months.

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The visa leads to a one-year residence permit and can be renewed for up to five years. 

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After that, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. 

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Lisbon and Porto have high living costs (around €2,200/month), but excellent infrastructure, fast internet (206 Mbps), and large nomad communities.

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Portugal used to offer lower tax rates through its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program. However, that program has ended, and now digital nomads may face tax rates between 45% and 48%, depending on their income.

6. Spain: Accessible for Employees, Strong Tax Incentives

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Spain’s new remote work visa allows you to apply from within Spain or through a consulate. 

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The income requirement is around €2,334 per month. The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewing up to five years total.

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Spain offers the "Beckham Law," a tax scheme that allows employees (not freelancers) to pay a flat 24% tax only on Spanish-sourced income, exempting foreign earnings. 

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The Internet is fast (246 Mbps), and living costs vary by region, from €1,400/month in Valencia to €2,500 in Madrid.

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How to Stay Connected While Traveling

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One practical issue many digital nomads overlook is mobile data. 

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Switching SIM cards in every country is inconvenient and not necessary. 

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GigSky offers eSIM plans that work across 42 European countries, including the UK, Turkey and Cyprus. 

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With data packages ranging from 100MB to 100GB and unlimited options for short stays, GigSky lets you stay online without managing multiple eSIMs.

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If you’re planning to move between Albania, Croatia, Spain, and beyond, having one eSIM that works everywhere reduces friction. You install it once, and you're set for the entire trip.

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For the summer 2025, GigSky is offering 500MB of free data with Europe eSIM plans, try it now and stay connected effortlessly across the continent. 

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To Recap…

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The easiest nomad visas in Europe are not always in the most obvious places. 

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Albania, Croatia, and Hungary offer simple processes and manageable costs. Malta provides convenience and tax flexibility. 

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Portugal and Spain are better suited for nomads looking to plant long-term roots in Europe.

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Choosing the right country depends on your income level, preferred lifestyle, and whether you're thinking short-term or permanent move. 

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With the right digital nomad visa and the right connectivity plan, working remotely in Europe in 2025 can be both legally secure and personally fulfilling.