10 Best Places to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe, According to Remote Workers and Expats

The global digital nomad community surpassed 40 million in 2025, according to the data company DemandSage—representing a 149 percent increase since 2019. Some 18.1 million of those people are from the U.S., but before you book your ticket to join them, there are a few things you need to know.

“The digital nomad lifestyle is about designing a life that blends professional flexibility with personal exploration,” Keith Spencer, a career expert at FlexJobs, shared with Travel + Leisure. “To strike the right balance, digital nomads are typically drawn to cities with reliable internet, affordable living costs, vibrant local culture, and a strong community of remote workers.” 

As Spencer noted, anyone considering this lifestyle should look beyond the beautiful scenery of a destination and consider all the practical details. 

“Time zone compatibility with clients and colleagues, access to essential infrastructure, language barriers, and local tax implications can all play a major role in the overall experience,” Spencer said. “Becoming a successful digital nomad requires thoughtful planning, financial stability, and a willingness to adapt to new environments. That might sound intimidating to some, but many find that the freedom and perspective this lifestyle offers are well worth the trade-offs.”

Ready to take the leap? Here are 10 of the best European destinations for digital nomads.

Madeira, Portugal

Portugal has been a hot destination for digital nomads for years. I should know—I moved here four years ago as part of my PhD journey while also working remotely. Although I am on a different visa track than digital workers, I can attest to how friendly and open the nation is to those who want to call it home, even if only for a little while. However, the biggest advice I’d give to anyone who asks is to look outside the city centers of Porto and Lisbon, both of which are currently facing housing shortages for locals. Luckily, as our experts explained, the rest of the country is just as lovely as these hubs. 

“One place to look into is Madeira, Portugal. It’s not very expensive, the weather is pretty nice year-round, and it’s not too touristy,” Steve Schwab, the CEO of Casago, a vacation rental site, explained. “Beyond that, they actually have a ‘Digital Nomad Village’ in Ponta do Sol. It’s a co-living, co-working area that is designed specifically for digital nomads, so it’s a great way to meet other digital nomads.” 

Rekha Magon, co-founder of Boundless Life, a website for digital nomads, agreed, noting that “Sintra feels like a fairy-tale village nestled in the hills just outside of Lisbon. It’s peaceful yet connected, with charming cafés, reliable Wi-Fi, and just 20 minutes from beautiful beaches. The castles are majestic, and the energy is both creative and grounding.” As for how you can move, look into Portugal’s D7 visa, often a top choice for remote workers who can show proof of a steady income (around $890 a month, or equivalent savings). 

Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro may only be about 5,300 square miles, but don’t let its diminutive size fool you. This nation packs a major punch for those looking to experience culture, nature, and history in between Zoom meetings. As for the perfect spot, Magon said digital nomads should head right to Kotor, a fortress town along the coast.

“Kotor is a rare mix of medieval charm and coastal calm, ideal for digital nomads seeking inspiration,” Magon said. “The stunning landscape views, endless hiking trails, and serene pace make it feel like a retreat that still gets work done.” 

Montenegro doesn’t offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but remote workers can apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay for one year.  

Pistoia, Italy

Italy is always a great idea, especially for longer stays. But like Portugal, it’s key to look outside the major city centers for maximum enjoyment—and Magon has the perfect recommendation. 

“Pistoia is Tuscany’s hidden gem,” Magon shared. “It’s rich in history, full of local flavor, and home to some of the best gelato you’ll ever have. A regional train connects you easily to nearby towns, making it a great base for both focus and exploration.” 

Italy launched its digital nomad visa in 2024, designed for non-EU remote workers with “high qualifications.” You’ll need proof of remote employment, along with an annual income of at least $28,950 and private health insurance. 

Prague, Czech Republic

“Prague is unique because it has a good mix of culture, infrastructure, and relatively low prices. It has a lot of history, nature, and lively nightlife,” Heinz Klemann, a digital nomad who runs his company BeastBI from all over the globe, explained of one of his top spots for digital nomads. “A lot of people speak English, especially younger professionals.” Plus, if you move here, you’ll be in good company. According to Nomad List, Prague ranked as one of the most popular digital nomad destinations in 2022, coming in at No. 18. 

The Czech Republic offers a Zivno trade license for freelancers. It has some requirements, including proof of a local address, a trade license in specific professions, and at least $5,600 in savings. 

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia is one more nation that punches well above its weight when it comes to perks for digital nomads. “Bratislava, Slovakia, is a small, laid-back city that is very cheap to live in,” Klemann explained. “If you want to stay focused on work without a lot of distractions, this city is great.” 

Slovakia does not currently have a formal digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can apply for temporary residence as freelancers. This permit comes with some financial requirements, along with proof of health insurance. 

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Hop over Austria or Hungary and find your next temporary home in Slovenia, which, like the others mentioned on this list, offers plenty of history, fantastic food, and welcoming communities.

“Ljubljana, Slovenia offers culture and things to do like Prague, but with a slightly more laid-back atmosphere,” Klemann said. “It’s clean, safe, and with lots of green space and nearby nature for weekend escapes, like Lake Bled.” 

Slovenia also doesn’t offer a dedicated nomad visa; however, it does allow foreigners to apply for long-term stay permits. Applicants need to register a sole proprietorship and meet the minimum income requirements.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Looking for warm breezes and cool, turquoise waters? It’s time to plot your nomadic stay in Croatia. “Dubrovnik, with its ancient walls and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, is another great option for digital nomads,” Simon Tian, a full-time digital nomad who runs his company Fonus from across the world, shared. “The city has a growing community of remote workers.” 

Croatia’s digital nomad visa allows people to stay for up to 18 months; applicants must show proof of income as well as proof of local accommodation and health insurance. 

Tirana, Albania

The Balkan nation is on the rise, making it a top contender for digital nomads. As Cepee Tabibian, founder and CEO at She Hit Refresh, a company that helps women relocate abroad, shared, it’s also “affordable, authentic, and welcoming.” Specifically, she shouts out the nation’s capital, Tirana, as a great option as it’s “still under-the-radar for most.” She added, “I think the best selling point is that U.S. citizens can live there visa-free for up to a year. No paperwork needed.”

Yes, that’s right—U.S. citizens can stay in Albania for up to 365 days without a visa. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which you can learn more about online. 

Athens, Greece

Tabibian had one more nearby destination digital nomads need to add to their list: Greece. And once again, she thinks the nation’s main city is the best place to go. 

“Athens is a mix of ancient history and big-city energy,” Tabibian said. “It’s lively, affordable, has co-working spaces, and has a digital nomad visa that is relatively easy to qualify for.” The digital nomad visa requires proof of remote work, a monthly income of at least $4,000, and health insurance.

Tallinn, Estonia

Last—but most certainly not least—is one of the first European nations to invite digital nomads: Estonia. 

“One of the first countries to launch a digital nomad visa back in 2020,” Jesse Neugarten, founder of Dollar Flight Club, noted, “it allows remote workers to stay for up to one year.”  

Estonia is often cited as a top spot for nomads, thanks to its excellent digital infrastructure, which provides high-speed internet almost everywhere. And in its capital city, Tallinn, nomads will find a rich mix of tech startups that will surely inspire their next professional move. Though Estonia isn’t only great during working hours; the country is also filled with green spaces that are excellent for disconnecting, including six stunning national parks. 

Digital nomads must earn at least $4,100 per month and work for a non-Estonian company to be eligible to apply. See more information on their website.