Remote work has transformed the tech industry, allowing IT professionals to work from anywhere in the world. At Sprint CV, we live and breathe remote work – our team is fully remote, and we’ve experienced firsthand what it’s like to work from different countries across Europe. In this guide, we share some of the top European countries for digital nomads that have become great hubs, offering the right mix of cost of living, infrastructure, visas, and tech opportunities.
1. Portugal – the ultimate European digital nomad destination
We have to start with Portugal – and yes, we admit we might be a little biased because our team is Portuguese! But the truth is, Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top European countries for digital nomads worldwide, and for good reasons.
- Visa options: Portugal offers a special Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to stay long-term.
- Cost of living: While Lisbon has become pricier, cities like Porto, Braga, and Madeira are still affordable.
- Internet speed: One of the best in Europe, with high-speed fiber available in most cities.
- Tech scene: Lisbon hosts Web Summit, and the startup ecosystem is booming.
From the sunny weather and delicious food to the friendly community and growing tech industry, Portugal is an easy choice for IT professionals looking to work remotely in Europe.
2. Estonia – a digital nation built for digital nomads
Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, pioneering e-Residency, digital identity, and remote work solutions. If you’re an IT professional, it’s hard not to admire a country where almost all public services are available online.
- Visa options: The Digital Nomad Visa allows European and non-EU remote workers to stay for up to 12 months.
- Cost of living: Affordable compared to Western Europe. Tallinn is the most expensive city, but still reasonable.
- Internet speed: Extremely fast and reliable.
- Tech scene: Home to global tech companies like Skype, Bolt, and Wise, with a thriving startup culture.
Estonia is an ideal destination for IT professionals who appreciate digital-first governance and tech-friendly policies, and one of the most frequently highlighted in the lists of top European countries for digital nomads.
3. Spain – a thriving hub for digital nomads
Spain is a top destination for remote workers, offering a brand-new Digital Nomad Visa and vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. If you want great weather, a lower cost of living, and an international tech community, Spain has it all.
- Visa options: The Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to stay long-term and it’s renewable for up to three years
- Cost of living: Lower than Northern Europe. Barcelona and Madrid are more expensive, but Valencia and Seville are great affordable alternatives.
- Internet speed: Excellent fiber-optic coverage.
- Tech scene: Barcelona hosts MWC Barcelona, one of the biggest global tech events.
Spain is perfect for digital nomads who want a lively work-life balance with strong remote work infrastructure.
4. Croatia – a Mediterranean paradise for digital nomads
Croatia is one of the European countries with an official Digital Nomad Visa, and its coastal cities, like Split and Dubrovnik, are breathtaking places to work remotely.
- Visa options: The Digital Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers to stay for up to one year, tax-free.
- Cost of living: More affordable than Western Europe, but Dubrovnik and Split can be pricey in peak seasons.
- Internet speed: Solid fiber-optic coverage in major cities.
- Tech scene: Zagreb is emerging as a startup hub, and coworking spaces are growing.
If you love the Mediterranean lifestyle but need solid digital infrastructure, Croatia is a fantastic choice.
5. Germany – a tech powerhouse with remote work opportunities
Germany is a great choice for IT professionals looking for career opportunities, a stable economy, and strong tech infrastructure. While it doesn’t have a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, the Freelance Visa makes it possible to live and work there legally.
- Visa options: The Freelance Visa allows non-EU professionals to stay for up to three years.
- Cost of living: High in cities like Berlin and Munich, but more affordable in Leipzig and Dresden. See Numbeo.
- Internet speed: Excellent, with strong 5G and broadband coverage.
- Tech scene: Berlin is one of Europe’s biggest startup hubs, attracting global IT talent.
Germany is perfect for tech professionals who prioritize stability, career growth, and excellent digital infrastructure.
6. Italy – culture, cuisine, and remote work potential
Italy is not traditionally seen as a digital nomad hotspot, but Milan, Rome, and Bologna are emerging as tech hubs with startup-friendly policies.
- Visa options: Italy officially launched its digital nomad visa in April 2024. This visa allows digital nomads outside the European Union (EU) to legally live and work in Italy.
- Cost of living: Milan is expensive, but Southern Italy is far more affordable.
- Internet speed: Improving, with major cities getting high-speed fiber.
- Tech scene: Milan and Turin have growing AI and fintech sectors.
A great choice for digital nomads who prioritize lifestyle, food, and culture while working remotely.
Ready to take your IT digital nomad career for a trip in a European country?
Now that you know the top European countries for digital nomads, we bet you are tempted to experience at least one of them. No matter where you go, having a well-structured CV is essential for landing remote opportunities. Sprint CV makes it easy for IT professionals to create, update, and customize multiple CV versions effortlessly.
🚀 Start your remote journey today at Sprint CV and get ready for your next adventure!
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