If you’re an American planning to work remotely in Europe in 2026, several European countries now offer Digital Nomad visas, including Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Italy, and Germany. While each country sets its own eligibility and income requirements, common requirements typically include:
- Proof of stable remote income or sufficient savings for your intended stay.
- Valid health insurance
- Clean criminal record certificates
- Proof of remote employment (e.g. client contracts, or company ownership).
- Local address or accommodation for initial registration.
You can often apply from outside the country you’re looking to move to, at their embassy or consulate in the US or another country, or sometimes online.
Choosing the right Digital Nomad visa country
Choosing which country to apply for a Digital Nomad visa in Europe depends on your personal preference and priorities.
If you’re looking for a laid-back lifestyle and sunshine, several southern European countries offer visas. If you’re looking for low taxes, Eastern Europe may make more sense, or for economic opportunity, central Europe. Other considerations may include where your clients are, where your industry is thriving, where you speak the language, or where you have personal contacts.
Particular features of different visas may also be a factor to take into consideration, such as residency pathways in case you decide to stay in Europe long-term. Consider the local tax regime too, and whether a visa triggers tax residency.
Family inclusion is another important factor, and many visas allow spouses and dependents to accompany you and even work locally under your visa.
Tax considerations
US citizens must still file US tax returns on worldwide income, even if you live overseas. If you meet local residency requirements (often spending over 180 days in a country, or having a main home or base there), you will also be liable to local taxes. Tax treaties don’t prevent double taxation, but you can claim the US Foreign Tax Credits or the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. Consult a US expat tax specialist as well as a local tax expert used to working with Americans to optimize your taxes as a Digital Nomad in Europe.
You’ll also have to report your non-US bank accounts and assets to Uncle Sam, while foreign registered businesses and investment products also trigger complex US reporting and sometimes additional taxes.
Financial planning considerations
It can make life easier to match your income currency with your expenses, if possible. If you earn in dollars but spend in Euros however, you face currency risk, as exchange rate fluctuations can reduce your spending power. Try to budget for worst case scenarios and build a contingency fund, as well as minimizing fees when you send money internationally through using specialist firms like Wise and Moneycorp rather than your US bank.
Note also that investing and retirement planning is difference as an American living in Europe, as EU residents are subject to EU rules that prohibit certain US investments (e.g. most US ETFs), while US rules for US citizens make investing overseas more complex, too. A cross-border specialist registered in both the EU and US can help you find solutions that meet you goals that are also compliance in both places.
Financial planning before you move
- Run a 12-month cash-flow projection in both USD and Euros with unfavorable exchange rates.
- Confirm visa income thresholds and how to prove income or savings. Use official consulate guidance as the primary source.
- Secure international health insurance that pays in your host country and fits the visa’s requirements.
- Check your US banks and brokerage firms can still work with you once you move abroad, otherwise you may have to change firms.
- Keep a three to six-month contingency fund split across USD and local currency. That split hedges both liquidity and exchange swings.
Which EU countries offer a Digital Nomad visa?
Spain
Spain offers a digital-nomad visa linked to its Start-Ups law, allowing non-EU remote workers to live and work there. Applicants must show remote work for a foreign employer or as self-employed with international clients, earn at least around €2,700 – €2,800 per month (in 2026), and carry health insurance. The visa typically lasts one year, with possible renewal up to five years.
Portugal
Portugal provides a residence visa for remote work, commonly known as the D8 or Temporary Stay Visa, for non-EU nationals working for companies outside Portugal or self-employed abroad. Applicants must demonstrate steady income, typically €3,000 – €4,000 per month, have valid health insurance, and show proof of accommodation. The visa lasts one year and can be renewed.
Greece
Greece offers a digital-nomad visa allowing non-EU nationals to live and work remotely in Greece. Applicants must earn approximately €3,500 per month, with higher thresholds for couples or families. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed. Working for Greek companies is generally not permitted under the scheme.
Germany
Germany does not have a specific digital-nomad visa but offers freelance (Freiberufler) and self-employment visas suitable for remote workers. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, typically showing a minimum annual income of €9,000, and provide proof of health insurance and accommodation.
Italy
Italy launched a digital-nomad visa for non-EU citizens working remotely for foreign companies or clients. Minimum annual income is about €28,000, with health insurance and proof of accommodation required. The visa typically lasts one year and may be renewed under specific conditions.
Malta
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit targets non-EU remote workers and freelancers. Applicants must show gross annual income of roughly €42,000, carry health insurance, have proof of accommodation, and demonstrate employment from outside Malta. The permit is initially issued for one year and can be renewed.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic provides a long-term visa for remote workers, especially in IT or STEM fields. Applicants must have at least three years of relevant experience or a university degree. The minimum monthly income requirement is approximately CZK 60,530 (around $2,600).
Cyprus
Cyprus allows non-EU remote workers to apply for a digital-nomad residence permit valid for up to one year, renewable. Applicants must earn around €3,500 per month, work for companies outside Cyprus, and provide proof of health insurance and accommodation. Family members may accompany the applicant but cannot work locally.
Estonia
Estonia introduced one of Europe’s first digital-nomad visas, allowing stays up to one year. Applicants must demonstrate remote work for foreign employers or freelancers with mostly non-Estonian clients. The income requirement is roughly €4,500 per month, and extensions may be possible depending on circumstances.
Croatia
Croatia allows remote workers to stay up to 12 months, sometimes extended. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €3,295 or equivalent savings, plus proof of remote work, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean criminal record.
Hungary
Hungary offers the “White Card” permit for non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign employers. The monthly income requirement is around €3,000. The permit lasts one year with renewal potential, and the first six months may carry tax advantages under specific circumstances.
While Digital Nomad visas can make Europe accessible to Americans working remotely, it’s important to plan ahead and consult financial planning and tax experts.
If you have any questions about your situation or require assistance managing your investments as an American living abroad, get in touch.
This article is for informational purposes only; it is not intended to offer advice or guidance on legal, tax, or investment matters. Such advice can be given only with full understanding of a person’s specific situation.
