94: How to become a digital nomad in Europe
How to Become a Digital Nomad in Europe: Visas, Jobs, Cities + Lifestyle
Imagine sipping coffee in Lisbon, answering emails from a beach in Croatia, or taking client calls from a balcony in Barcelona. Becoming a digital nomad in Europe is more possible now than ever — but how do you actually make it happen?
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: the best countries offering digital nomad visas, how to find remote jobs or freelance work, how to pick your first city, and what the lifestyle is really like.
What Is a Digital Nomad? And Why Europe?
A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling or living abroad, often moving between locations for short- to medium-term stays.
Why Europe is a Top Choice for Nomads:
- Easy travel between countries (trains and budget airlines)
- High quality of life and cultural diversity
- Affordable cities in Eastern and Southern Europe
- Growing infrastructure for nomads (coworking, coliving, expat groups)
- Official digital nomad visas available in many countries
Is the lifestyle right for you?
It works best if you:
- Already have location-independent work (freelancing, remote job, or your own business)
- Crave adventure, flexibility, and new experiences
- Don’t mind uncertainty or not having a fixed home base
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Freelance Visa
These two visa types are often confused, but they serve different purposes:
| Digital Nomad Visa | Freelance Visa |
|---|---|
| For remote employees or contractors working for companies outside the host country | For freelancers working with clients inside the host country |
| Usually doesn’t allow local clients | Often requires local clients or business registration |
| Faster approval if you meet income requirements | More paperwork, may require local registration (e.g. Germany) |
| Offered in Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Estonia, Greece, etc. | Found in Germany, France, Czech Republic, Netherlands |
Example:
- U.S. citizen working remotely for a U.S. company → Apply for a digital nomad visa.
- Freelancer wanting to work with German clients in Berlin → Apply for the German freelance visa.
Step 1: Find a Remote Job or Freelance Work
You’ll need location-independent income before you can apply for visas or move abroad.
A. How to Find Remote Jobs
Job boards for remote work:
- We Work Remotely
- Remote OK
- FlexJobs
- Remotive
- Jobspresso
- Working Nomads
- EuropeRemotely
- EU Remote Jobs
Tips for applying:
- Highlight remote skills (communication, time management) on your CV and LinkedIn.
- Use keywords like remote, distributed team, time zone flexible.
- If you’re new to remote work, show transferable skills like independence and problem-solving.
B. How to Find Freelance or Contract Work
Top platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, PeoplePerHour, Contra, SolidGigs, Malt (popular in Europe).
Best freelance fields for nomads:
- Graphic & web design
- Writing, editing, copywriting
- Social media & marketing
- Coding & app development
- Coaching, consulting, teaching online
- Virtual assistance & project management
Tips for getting clients:
- Build a simple portfolio (even with a few projects).
- Reach out to potential clients on LinkedIn.
- Join industry groups on Slack, Facebook, or Discord.
Step 2: Choose a Digital Nomad Visa
Many European countries now offer official nomad visas, including:
- Portugal (D8 visa + digital nomad visa)
- Spain (Digital Nomad Visa)
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Greece
- Italy (launched 2024)
- Romania, Hungary, Malta
Basic requirements usually include:
- Proof of remote income (€2,000–€3,500/month, varies by country)
- Health insurance
- Background check
Step 3: Pick Your First City
When choosing your first base, consider cost of living, internet speed, coworking spaces, expat community, climate, and safety. But you can determine what your must haves are!
Great starter cities in Europe with a digital nomad visa:
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, Spain
- Split, Croatia
- Budapest, Hungary
- Athens, Greece
- Tallinn, Estonia
Step 4: Plan the Logistics
Don’t overlook the practical side of nomad life.
- Accommodation: Airbnb, coliving spaces (Selina, Outsite), or short-term rentals (most cost effective).
- Health insurance: Plans like SafetyWing are popular for nomads.
- Banking: Use Wise or Revolut for international transfers; U.S. credit cards without foreign transaction fees help.
- Taxes: Complicated — if you stay long-term, consult a tax advisor.
Step 5: Build a Nomad-Friendly Routine
To stay productive and balanced:
- Separate work and travel time.
- Find reliable coworking spaces or cafés.
- Join Facebook groups or Meetup events to connect with other nomads.
- Set boundaries to avoid burnout.
The Reality of the Digital Nomad Life
Pros:
- Freedom and flexibility
- Cultural immersion
- Personal growth and confidence
Cons:
- Loneliness or lack of stable community
- Time zone challenges
- Visa hopping and uncertainty
Final Thoughts
Becoming a digital nomad in Europe is exciting and life-changing, but it requires planning. From securing remote work and visas to picking your first city and creating a routine, each step builds toward a sustainable lifestyle abroad.
Want help choosing your first city in Europe? Take my free quiz: Which European City Should You Move To? It’s perfect for aspiring nomads too.
And if you’re serious about the move, check out my other podcast episodes on visas and jobs to help you start your journey.
