Let’s be honest, it’s never been easier to be a digital nomad. It seems like countries are announcing Digital Nomad Visas every month, and with so many of us working remotely, digital nomadism just seems like the natural progression.
With that being said, not all European countries are primed for that perfect digital nomad lifestyle. Rents in certain cities are super high and some countries haven’t released Digital Nomad Visas yet.
So, I’ve done all the research for you, and here are the 18 best digital nomad cities in Europe. There are so many different vibes and regions to choose from, so you’re bound to find a place that’s an ideal fit for you. If not, you can just move on to the next place and bring your laptop with you – that’s the beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle.
Are you ready to find your next European home away from home? Let’s dive in and find out more.
Digital Nomad Visas in Europe
Right, before we delve into our wonderful list of digital nomad European hotspots, a little admin and red tape to go through. I know I hate it as much as you do, but if you want to live and work in Europe for any amount of time, these are the hoops that we need to jump through.
For many countries in Europe, you can now apply for a specific Digital Nomad Visa. These normally last for a full 12 months, but in some cases, I’ve seen Digital Nomad Visas that last up to five years. It really does depend on which country you’re planning on moving to.
I’ve done plenty of digital nomad guides based on my experience, and this article here breaks down the different European Digital Nomad Visas, complete with application fees, how much you need to earn, and how long each one lasts.
Essentially, each country sets a minimum amount that you need to earn each month in order to qualify for the visa. This rate varies based on the country’s cost of living and basically ensures that you’re going to have enough to survive and thrive in the country without being a burden on the state.
The lowest one I’ve seen is Portugal which was around 800 Euros a month and one of the highest I’ve seen is Iceland (no surprise there), which can be as much as $8,000 per month. It’s all about where you are and how much it costs to live there comfortably.
The government also wants you to be earning enough to not just survive, but be able to spend money in the local economy while you’re there. Some countries work out the minimum requirement based on 2.5x the national average wage in order to give you all the spending money and really enjoy yourself.
If you’re thinking of coming with family members, the minimum requirement will increase based on how many people need to be supported. It’s all super clear on the individual government’s websites, so you’ll know if certain countries are viable or not.
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18 Best Digital Nomad Cities in Europe
So, without further ado, here are the best digital nomad cities in Europe for you to explore.
Lisbon, Portugal
Let’s start off with a digital nomad classic. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has long been a favorite among remote workers. It has the lowest cost of living anywhere in Europe, which is super surprising considering that it’s in Western Europe.
Around Lisbon, you’ll find a ton of digital nomad co-working spaces to join to meet like-minded people, and you’ll even start to find co-living spaces if you don’t want to commit to formal tenancy agreements, but want something a little more secure than a hostel booking.
As a city, Lisbon is a foodie capital through and through. From the delicious wines and cheeses to the copious amounts of fresh seafood being brought in by local fishermen each day, if you’re into your food, you’re going to be in paradise.
It’s also bursting with history, culture, and architecture, thanks to being a major global superpower throughout the era of exploration (otherwise known as being massive colonizers like much of Europe…).
Budapest, Hungary
The capital of Hungary has so much going for it. It’s historic, it’s cheap, it’s got so many travel connections around Europe, and there are a ton of outdoor spas to enjoy. What’s not to love about this place?
As Hungary is not a part of the Euro, Budapest remains really cheap, especially for food, drinks, and rent, especially compared with a lot of Europe, and of course, the US. This is super attractive if you’re living a digital nomad lifestyle and want to use as much of your money to explore your new home rather than sinking it all into accommodation and surviving.
If you want to explore outside of the historic city center, there are plenty of frequent low-cost airline routes around Europe. Want to be more sustainable? Budapest also has a ton of rail links for the interrailing crowd and tourist bus carriers like Flixbus for the budget-conscious among us!
Porto, Portugal
The second city of Portugal often gets overlooked in favor of either the capital Lisbon or the beachy vibes of Lagos and the Algarve. That’s a huge mistake in my humble opinion.
Porto feels like the grown-up version of many Portuguese cities. It’s famed for its wine, its rivers, and its architecture.
Whereas Lisbon is covered in bright tiles and Moorish architecture, Porto feels a lot more medieval or gives off Renaissance vibes, depending on which neighborhood you’re in. As it’s still relatively cheap by Western European standards, Porto is a sophisticated place to settle as a digital nomad and already has a growing co-working scene.
As it’s a much smaller and more walkable city than hilly Lisbon, it also feels a lot cozier. So if you want big city amenities without all the hustle and bustle – and of course a ton of great wine – check out Porto for your next digital nomad hotspot.
Split, Croatia
Looking for beachy coastal vibes with a relatively low cost of living? Check out Split in Croatia. Popular with tourists in the summer season, the rest of the year, Split has a pretty laid back atmosphere that is easy to love.
In terms of digital nomad infrastructure, there are definitely fewer co-working spaces and networking events than in other places on this list, but there are a ton of laptop-friendly cafes where you can sit and work for hours on end.
Split definitely has a much more relaxed vibe than Dubrovnik or Zagreb, and honestly, it’s basically a large town rather than a city, so if you’re not into the big city lifestyle, then becoming a digital nomad in Split might be a good move for you.
Barcelona, Spain
Okay, so bear with me on this one. Barcelona is not cheap, I know that, but if you have the income to live there, it is definitely one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe.
With a world-class transportation system, dozens of co-working spaces, and even dedicated digital nomad professional clubs that you can join, the digital nomad community in Barcelona is definitely strong.
Even though it took a while for Spain to announce their Digital Nomad Visa, it was definitely worth it. With the opportunity to stay on digital nomad terms for up to five years, it means you can become eligible for a special non-resident income tax regime, which means lower taxes on your income.
That’s a huge deal and a massive draw for nomads looking to lap up the Spanish lifestyle.
Krakow, Poland
Want a low cost of living in a historic city that also has insanely good nightlife? Krakow is a popular budget weekend getaway for many Europeans, especially Brits thanks to the sheer number of low-cost flights that go here.
If you want to be a digital nomad in a city where you can have a really active social life without spending a fortune, this popular Polish city might be perfect for you.
You can easily travel around Europe from Krakow, especially either back through Germany or going east up to the Baltic Region. The wages in Krakow are pretty low, so you’re going to want to come with your own clients from overseas already sorted or on a permanent remote working contract from a foreign company.
Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
Do you fancy living on a Spanish island that pretty much has sunshine all year round? Las Palmas in Gran Canaria (part of the Canary Islands) has long been popular with families and tourists.
It’s a lot cheaper than Tenerife, Lanzarote, or Fuerteventura, and tends to have fewer tourists as well. This means it has more of a laidback vibe going for it. Let’s be honest, the beaches don’t hurt either.
With the average all-inclusive cost of living averaging at only $1800 a month, you can live and work in an island paradise, while benefitting from the generous Spanish digital nomad tax rules!
Athens, Greece
So, let’s talk about becoming a digital nomad in the cradle of democracy that is Athens. Even if you’ve never been to Athens, you’ll know it’s famous for its stunning Ancient Greek artifacts and temples like the Acropolis.
Although a lot of people only stay for a couple of days before heading out for some island hopping, there is a digital nomad community growing in Athens.
Crucially, the WiFi on the mainland is much, much better than on the Greek islands (it’s not that difficult to be honest). In Athens, you’ll also find amazing nightlife, some pretty amazing co-working spaces, and super cheap accommodation.
Unlike the islands, the Greek mainland has remained ridiculously cheap. Like any major city, pickpocketing, and theft is an issue in Athens, so just don’t leave your stuff unattended to go to the bathroom or anything.
Svalbard, Norway
Okay, so when I say thriving digital nomad cities in Europe, chances are that you’re not going to immediately say Svalbard in the far north of Norway. Instead, if I said Svalbard, you’d probably think of a mix of polar bears and snowy nothingness – and you’re not entirely off-base.
However, there are around 3,000 people that live and work in Svalbard, mostly in the research industry, so it’s full of academics and self-starters.
In fact, you don’t need a visa at all to live and work in Svalbard. You just need to prove you have enough to survive up there.
It’s super remote, so if you need a lot of city amenities maybe give it a miss, but if you love wild open spaces, seeing the Northern Lights most nights, and spotting arctic wildlife on your days off, this is a unique place to be a digital nomad.
Before you ask, yes, despite its super remote location, the WiFi in Svalbard is insanely good. In fact, they have underwater fiber-optic internet cables running under the ice, so the internet speed is better than some of the popular tourist islands on this list!
Madeira, Portugal
If you’ve been on Instagram or TikTok recently, you’ll have seen reels and photos from the “Hawaii of Europe”. That’s the Portuguese island of Madeira. Located just off the coast of Africa, it’s filled with charming towns, gorgeous beaches, and amazing mountain trails.
For the adventurous among you, you’ll be the spoiled choice with world-class surf breaks, awesome mountainous hikes, and even scuba-diving. As it’s a Portuguese island, it’s largely affordable. Madeira has a really strong agricultural background so there’s wine, veggies, meat, and fish all available locally without having to pay for the hefty import taxes that come with a lot of island nations.
You can find a few great co-working spaces in the capital, Funchal, and there are plenty of laptop-friendly cafes all around the island.
Tbilisi, Georgia
You might not have heard a whole lot about Tbilisi as a destination, but with the Georgian capital predicted to be the next big digital nomad hub, it’s high time you learned about this place. It’s a gorgeous blend of European and Asian vibes, surrounded by the stunning Caucasus Mountain range.
The government has spent a fortune on regeneration and infrastructure, so the public transport network and transport links outside of Georgia are getting better and better. As it’s pretty cheap to live there and over 90 nationalities can live and work in Georgia without having to get a visa, the digital nomad scene is developing rapidly.
From co-working spaces to digital nomad-specific yoga classes and cultural tours, Tbilisi is building a real nomad community. One of the best things about the Remotely from Georgia year-long visa-less allowance is that you also get tax exemption on foreign earnings.
Tax exemptions are becoming a huge draw in the battle of the Digital Nomad Visas and with good reason – it frees up nomads to have more money to spend in the local economy!
Prague, Czechia
Personally, I love Prague. The capital of Czechia (formerly known as the Czech Republic) is full of history and old-world architecture that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
It’s also super cheap as it’s not in the Euro. That does mean that it has become a hotspot for bachelor and bachelorette parties in the summer and is popular for its Christmas markets in the winter.
Prague is also a popular interrailing spot, thanks to its central location. It connects the East and West of Europe, so you can pretty much travel anywhere in Europe from this city without spending a fortune.
If you’re looking for a historic city with a low-cost of living, a handful of co-working spaces, and a ton of travel connections throughout Western and Eastern Europe, then you definitely need to check out Prague.
Malmo, Sweden
Looking to live in Sweden but don’t want to splash the cash in Stockholm or Gothenburg? Sweden’s third biggest city, Malmo is a coastal dream that’s full of green spaces, and independent shops, and honestly has more of a large town vibe than a major city. It does, however, have all the amenities you could want from a major city.
Being in Sweden, the cost of living is pretty high so you’ll need to be earning a good chunk of change to live here, but it’s worth it for the work-life balance and high standard of living.
There are a ton of co-working spaces, the average wage in Malmo is ridiculously high if you want to pick up some local clients, and you’re only a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen if you want a day out to the stylish Danish capital.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you haven’t visited Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, you’re missing a trick. This Baltic city is full of historic charm and has an exciting blend of Scandi and ex-Soviet vibes.
It’s also leading the way in tech and software. In fact, Estonia has all its red tape and bureaucracy in one linked-up online portal which makes it so much easier to get anything done!
As it’s such a tech hub, there are so many co-working spaces and digital nomad-friendly clubs that you can join. After all, software developers have always been the OG digital nomads, so it makes sense that Tallinn would be the perfect spot for remote work.
Tallinn is also super close to Helsinki if you’re looking to explore Finland and wider Scandinavia, or you can head south through the Balkans and into the rest of Eastern Europe – it’s really well-connected. There are also amazing Christmas Markets and plenty of lakes, rivers, and forests close to the city if you enjoy getting out into nature!
Zagreb, Croatia
Looking to live in Croatia but don’t want to be surrounded by the hordes of tourists that take over Split and Dubrovnik? Well then, the big capital city of Zagreb is going to be perfect for you.
It’s got all the amenities that you’d expect from a big city and has an awesome Mediterranean vibe without the high cost of living that comes with Western Med hotspots.
In the city itself, Zagreb is full of awesome museums and galleries as well as tons of co-working spaces. There are also plenty of digital nomad events and activities where you can meet other like-minded people.
This is always a massive plus, especially if you don’t like working in co-working spaces or co-living compounds, but are looking for friends in a new city.
You’re also in the perfect spot for day trips to the beaches of Split and Dubrovnik, go to the isle of Hvar for some amazing nightlife, or explore more of the beautiful Balkans. It’s the calmer option if you want to live in Croatia and don’t want to pay the higher cost of living of more touristy cities in the area.
Belgrade, Serbia
Much like a lot of major cities in the Balkan region of Europe, Belgrade has had a bit of an upgrade in the past few years. The Serbian capital used to be overlooked on the tourist interrailing trail – like most of the Balkans – but now, they’ve modeled themselves into a sort of Southeastern European IT hub.
The government recently invested in super high speed, reliable internet and have a lot of great programs for start-ups looking for somewhere with a low cost of living to start their business. As Belgrade is trying to become an IT hub, there are now a ton of co-working spaces and networking events all through the city that are specifically targeted at expats.
Rhodes, Greece
This one might surprise you because, by and large, the internet connection on the Greek Islands is normally mediocre at best. The exception to the rule seems to be the historic island of Rhodes. Known for its stunning Old Town and beaches, Rhodes has been popular with families for a while now.
Unlike Mykonos or Paros where internet speeds go to die, the average internet runs at around 10Mbps, which I know, isn’t amazing, but if you’re working as a freelance writer or don’t plan on streaming a ton of stuff at once, it’s more than enough to get by. It’s a sunny spot all year round, with great food, friendly locals, and a relatively low cost of living, especially compared to other Greek Islands.
Oslo, Norway
So, you might be surprised to see a Scandinavian capital on this list, but when you weigh up the pros and cons, Oslo is definitely one of the best digital nomad cities in Europe thanks to the high standard of living and the many co-working spaces.
Although it’s definitely not the cheapest option, and you do need to be earning over 35,000 Euros a year to be eligible for their two-year self-employed visa, the work-life balance here is insanely good.
Spending time outside in the fresh air of the forests, lakes, mountains, and ski slopes in the winter is a crucial part of Norwegian life, so if you’re outdoorsy and can budget well, you might want to check out living in Oslo. As a side note, if you’re not good with short winter daylight hours, Scandinavia as a whole probably isn’t going to be great for you. Just a thought!
Becoming a Digital Nomad in Europe? These Beautiful Cities are For You!
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a digital nomad in Europe, there are so many amazing options open to you. From bustling capital cities to beautiful islands, to remote wild spaces, you’re bound to find the perfect place for you to live, work, and thrive – at least for a few months or years!
Related Posts:
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- Top Digital Nomad Blogs to Follow
- Why Should You Read Expat Blogs?
- Why do Digital Nomads Need Specific Banks?
- Digital Nomad Gear & Accessories
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.