Portugal news - Which European country is the best for digital nomads? Here is a list of the Top 10 best European countries to work remotely, according to a new report by Global Intelligence Unit:
Europe hosts 9 out of the Top 10 best countries for digital nomads. While Europe remains the top destination for quality of life and visa benefits, here are the countries with the best digital nomad programs, including those offering the possibility of obtaining European citizenship.
Here are the Top 10 European countries that are the best for Digital Nomads:
1 – Spain
The Spanish Start Up Law (digital nomad visa scheme), implemented in 2023, is the best for visa costs and visa benefits. The time spent in the Spain under the Start Up Law counts directly towards obtaining citizenship. It takes 10 years of permanent residence to obtain Spanish citizenship, except for nationals from Ibero-American countries and the Philippines who only need 2 years of permanent residence to obtain citizenship. The tax rate in Spain is a flat 24% tax on income sourced within the country and zero tax on foreign-earned income. Spain is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe and provides high-speed internet.
2 – Portugal
Portugal ranks 2nd best European country for digital nomads and remote workers. This is due to the excellent quality of life and economic situation in Portugal. Portugal is also the most affordable country in Western Europe and English is widely spoken throughout the country. The time spent in Portugal under the D8 visa counts towards obtaining permanent residency followed by citizenship.
Is Portugal a good place for digital nomads?
Portugal’s island of Madeira has a Digital Nomad program that aims to attract remote workers to the Madeira and Porto Santo islands. The Madeira digital nomad initiative established the first “Digital Nomad Village” in Ponta do Sol, offering digital nomads a supportive environment complete with coworking spaces and community events. Madeira’s digital nomad program includes high-speed internet and modern coworking facilities. Since its inception, the Digital Nomad Madeira program has welcomed over 10,000 digital nomads, positioning Madeira as a leading destination for remote workers. The island of Madeira also has stunning landscapes and a mild climate.
3 – Norway
Norway provides significant visa benefits, including pathways to permanent residence, and the time spent in the country as a digital nomad counts towards a permanent residence application.
4 – Estonia
5 – Romania
6 – Germany
Germany has recently amended its law to reduce the residency requirement for citizenship from 8 to 5 years in many cases, and to 3 in cases of special integration achievements, making it easier for digital nomads to obtain citizenship.
7 – Netherlands
The Netherlands provides significant visa benefits, including pathways to permanent residence, and the time spent in the country as a digital nomad counts towards a permanent residence application.
8 – France
9 – Hungary
10 - Italy
The list of European countries that are the best for Digital Nomads was prepared by Global Citizen Solutions. The Digital Nomads Report was prepared using meticulously compiled data on digital nomad legislations, integrating this data with metrics on quality of life, cost of living, tax optimization, as well as technology and innovation. By employing a data-driven approach, the company developed a comprehensive ranking of the best jurisdictions for digital nomads to live and work.