Looking for the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe? You’re in luck! Digital nomad visas are opening up exciting opportunities for professionals to live and work abroad and Europe remains a top choice for remote workers seeking both adventure and productivity. But with so many options available, the question on every digital nomad’s mind is: “How can I find the most cost-effective way to embrace the digital nomad lifestyle?”
In this blog, our expert lawyers will explore the cheapest digital nomad visa options in Europe for 2025, focusing on countries that provide accessible, budget-friendly programs. From visa fees to living costs, we’ll guide you through affordable destinations that cater to remote workers, ensuring you get the best value for your experience.
Finding an affordable digital nomad visa can make a world of difference to your financial freedom and travel plans. So, are you ready to start your European journey without breaking the bank?
(Article Updated March 2025)
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Which European Countries Offer Digital Nomad Visas?
Europe is home to several digital nomad-friendly countries that offer enticing visa programs. It’s important to understand that not all are created equal when it comes to cost. Below, we’ve listed some of the cheapest digital nomad visas in Europe, along with a breakdown of fees and the cost of living.
| Country | Visa + Residence Permit Fees | Average Cost of Living | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Visa Fee: Approx. €90 Residence Permit Fee: €178 |
€1,200–€1,500/month (Lisbon, Porto) €800/month (Braga, Faro) |
Affordable living, vibrant lifestyle, great internet infrastructure |
| Spain | Visa fee generally varies by country. Residence Permit Fee: €75-€80 |
€1,200–€1,800/month (higher in Madrid & Barcelona, lower in Valencia & Seville) |
Great climate, world-class cuisine, affordable compared to Western Europe |
| Italy | Visa Fee: €116 to be paid in local currency. Residence Permit Fee: Approx. €100 – €120. |
€1,200–€2,000/month (higher in Milan & Rome, lower in Southern Italy) |
Cultural richness, long-term residency potential, tax incentives for skilled workers |
| Greece | Visa Fee: €180 Residence Permit Fee: €1,000 |
€1,500–€2,000/month in Athens €1,000–€1,500/month (smaller towns, islands) |
Low visa costs, scenic locations, excellent weather |
| Georgia | Free for eligible applicants. | €700–€1,000/month (Tbilisi) €500–€700/month (smaller cities) |
No upfront visa cost, very low cost of living |
| Latvia | €60 | €800–€1,000/month (Riga) €500–€700/month (smaller cities) |
One of the lowest visa fees and living costs in Europe |
| Croatia | €80 | €1,200–€1,500/month (Split, Zagreb) €800–€1,000/month (smaller towns) |
Affordable EU country, stunning coastal locations |
| Estonia | €100 | €1,200–€1,400/month in Tallinn €800–€1,000/month (smaller towns) |
Easy tax/business management with Estonia’s e-government system |
1. Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa)
- Initial Residence Permit Duration: 2 years, renewable.
- Application fee: €90 for visa application + €178 for residency permit processing.
- Minimum income requirement: €3,480/month for the main applicant (four times the national minimum wage).
- Other requirements: Proof of remote work, proof of accommodation, and a clean criminal record. Check out the full list of requirements.
Portugal’s D8 Visa is one of the most attractive options for digital nomads, offering a low cost of living, excellent climate, and thriving expat community. This visa allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal for one year, with the option to renew.
To qualify, applicants must prove stable remote income and have a clean criminal record. and have long-term accommodation. After five years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
2. Spain Digital Nomad Visa
- Initial Residence Permit Duration:
- Visa: 1 Year
- Residence Permit: 3 years
- Application fee: Visa fee varies by country; Residence permit fee is €75-€80.
- Minimum income requirement: €2,763/month (200% of Spain’s minimum wage) for the main applicant.
- Other requirements: Comply with specific requirements depending on whether you are a freelancer/remote employee, comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain, and clean criminal record. Check out the full list of requirements.
Introduced in 2023 as part of Spain’s Startup Act, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa offers remote workers the chance to live and work in one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations. The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility to renew.
To qualify, applicants must prove stable remote income, show a contract with a foreign employer or clients, and have comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain. After five years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
3. Italy Digital Nomad Visa
- Initial Residence Permit Duration: One year, renewable.
- Application fee: €116 to be paid in local currency (plus potential additional agency fees). Residence Permit Fee is approximately €100 – €120.
- Minimum income requirement: €25,500/year (may be higher depending on Italian law).
- Other requirements: Proof of remote work as a highly qualified professional, health insurance, proof of accommodation, social security compliance, and a clean criminal record. Check out the full list of requirements here.
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2022, is designed for highly skilled remote workers and freelancers who want to live and work in one of Europe’s most culturally rich destinations. The visa is valid for one year, with the possibility of renewal.
To qualify, applicants must prove remote work as a highly qualified professional, provide a valid work contract or proof of freelancing experience, and meet social security requirements. Additionally, they must secure private health insurance and demonstrate proof of accommodation in Italy.
4. Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Initial Residence Permit Duration: 2 years, renewable.
- Application fee: €180 plus €1,000 for the residence permit application.
- Minimum income requirement: €3,500/month (+20% for spouse, +15% per dependent child).
- Other requirements: Non-EU citizenship, proof of remote work, no employment with a Greek company, and proof of accommodation.
Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals who want to live and work in one of Europe’s most scenic destinations. The visa is valid for one year, with the option to renew for an additional year.
To qualify, applicants must prove remote employment or self-employment outside Greece, demonstrate a stable income and ensure their business or employer is not based in Greece.
How to Save Money Abroad as a Digital Nomad
Embracing the lifestyle of a digital nomad often means balancing travel experiences with financial prudence. Below are practical cost-saving tips to help you stretch your budget while living and working abroad:
Choose Affordable Destinations
Selecting countries with a lower cost of living is one of the most effective ways to save money. From looking at our list above, countries like Portugal, Spain, and Georgia offer excellent digital nomad visa programs while maintaining relatively low expenses for accommodation, food, and entertainment.
Opt for Co-Living and Shared Spaces
Consider living in co-living spaces tailored for digital nomads. They often bundle accommodation, utilities, and coworking spaces into one affordable package. This option saves money while also providing opportunities to network with like-minded professionals.
Use Public Transportation
Avoid car rentals or frequent ride-sharing services and taxis by relying on affordable public transportation. Many European cities have excellent transit systems, and some even offer monthly passes at discounted rates. Cycling is another budget-friendly and eco-conscious option in many major cities.
Stay Longer in One Place
Slow down your travel. Stay in one destination for an extended period to reduce your transportation costs and often leads to discounts on long-term rentals. Additionally, it allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the local culture and feel a greater sense of community.
Common Challenges For Digital Nomads
While Europe is an attractive destination for digital nomads, adapting to life abroad can come with its challenges. Here are some common hurdles and strategies to overcome them:
Language Barriers
Language barriers are one of the most common difficulties, particularly in regions where English is not widely spoken. While major cities often have English-speaking communities, navigating daily tasks like grocery shopping or seeking services in smaller towns can be tricky.
To overcome this, learning key phrases in the local language can go a long way. Language-learning apps are helpful for getting started, and local classes can help improve conversational skills while fostering connections with residents.
Finding Community
Another challenge is finding a sense of community, especially for those who are leaving behind family and friends for the first time. Loneliness can set in without the right social networks. Building connections can be achieved by joining co-working spaces, exercise groups or attending events tailored to digital nomads.
There are now many online platforms and apps available for nomads that can help locate social or professional gatherings while participating in local festivals and cultural events and integrate nomads into the community. These efforts not only create a support network but also enrich the experience of living abroad.
Navigating Healthcare Systems
Navigating healthcare systems in Europe is another source of stress for many nomads. Every country has its own healthcare procedures, insurance requirements, and costs, which can prove difficult to understand.
Researching the healthcare system of your destination beforehand is crucial, as is obtaining international health insurance to cover emergencies and routine care. Digital nomads should also carry copies of medical records and consider registering with a local general practitioner to make accessing care easier.
Adapting to Cultural Differences
Cultural differences may also pose challenges, as traditions, etiquette, and societal norms vary across Europe. Misunderstandings can occur without familiarity with local customs.
Researching the culture before arriving, maintaining an open mind, and seeking advice from locals or expat communities can ease the transition. Adjusting to a new culture takes patience, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment.
Financial and Tax Challenges
Managing finances and taxes across borders can be a complex issue. Exchange rates, local banking systems, and tax obligations require careful attention. Using digital banking services like Wise or Revolut makes international transactions seamless.
We recommend consulting with a tax advisor who specializes in cross-border taxation to ensure compliance with local laws. Lexidy’s team of English-speaking tax advisors is on hand to help with tax compliance. Maintaining detailed financial records will simplify budgeting and tax reporting, providing peace of mind.
By anticipating these challenges and employing proactive solutions, digital nomads can create a more fulfilling and less stressful experience while living and working in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Who qualifies for a digital nomad visa in Europe?
To qualify for a digital nomad visa, an individual must typically prove that they are able to financially support themselves while living and working in the country and that they have the necessary skills and qualifications for their remote work.
Additionally, the individual must typically have a valid passport, and there may be other specific requirements depending on the country. It’s significant to note that not all countries have a specific visa for digital nomads and some countries may have different criteria for entry.
Is it hard to get a digital nomad visa?
The difficulty of obtaining a digital nomad visa can vary depending on the country and the individual’s specific circumstances. Some countries may have more strict requirements for entry, while others may have more lenient policies. Additionally, some countries may have a specific digital nomad visa, while others may not have a specific visa category for digital nomads, but allow them to enter on a tourist or business visa.
The process of obtaining a digital nomad visa can be time-consuming and may require the individual to provide documentation such as proof of income, proof of health insurance, and a detailed plan of their intended stay in the country.
What is the cheapest digital nomad visa in Europe?
The affordability of a digital nomad visa depends on the application fee, cost of living, and income requirements. While cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Milan can be expensive, smaller towns can offer more budget-friendly options. For the lowest costs, consider Portugal or Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa. Georgia and Latvia also stand out as some of the most affordable choices for remote workers.
Do I need private health insurance as a digital nomad in Europe?
Yes, most countries require digital nomads to have private health insurance to qualify for their visa programs. This insurance ensures access to healthcare services and covers emergencies while living abroad.
How can I meet other digital nomads in Europe?
Joining coworking spaces, attending networking events, and participating in digital nomad communities on platforms like Nomad List or Meetup are great ways to connect with like-minded individuals.
Can I work for any employer while on a digital nomad visa in Europe?
Digital nomad visas generally allow remote work for foreign employers or personal freelance clients but often prohibit working for local businesses in the host country. Always check the specific visa requirements for your destination.
Ready to Embark on Your Nomad Journey in Europe?
Europe offers an exciting mix of affordability and opportunity for digital nomads in 2025. From Portugal’s sunny shores to Hungary’s vibrant cities, many countries provide accessible visa programs and a lower cost of living, making it easier than ever to work remotely while exploring the continent.
Navigating the application process, understanding eligibility requirements, and managing logistics can feel overwhelming, but Lexidy is here to help. Our team of European immigration experts simplifies the process, guiding you every step of the way to ensure you can focus on living your dream.
Fill out the form below to start your digital nomad journey with Lexidy today!
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