Europe remains one of the best places for digital nomads in 2025, thanks to its mix of vibrant coworking scenes, high-speed internet, rich cultural experiences, and strong digital nomad visa options. But choosing the right city can be tricky, especially when factors like cost of living, community, weather, safety, and lifestyle vary so much across the continent.
From Lisbon’s coastal charm and Berlin’s creative energy to Valencia’s year-round sunshine and Budapest’s affordability, each destination offers unique benefits depending on your work style and priorities.
In this guide, we explore the best European cities for digital nomads, comparing real-life essentials like monthly budgets, internet speeds, coworking availability, healthcare, expat networks, and visa pathways to help you confidently pick your ideal European base.
12 Best Cities in Europe for Digital Nomads
01/ Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon continues to be one of the most popular European cities for digital nomads wanting to work remotely in Portugal thanks to its sunny climate (you get a stunning 300 days of sunshine a year!), laid-back lifestyle, and strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
With Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa and relatively smooth residency pathways, it has become a favorite long-term base for remote workers, freelancers, and startup founders.
Portugal ranks 7th in the Global Citizen Solutions’ 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, praised for its visa accessibility, connectivity, safety, and affordable cost of living. Lisbon embodies these strengths perfectly, offering a lively international community, excellent public transport, and fast internet connections.
The city is home to dozens of coworking spaces like Second Home, LACS, and Heden, and regular nomad meetups make networking easy. English is widely spoken, making day-to-day life simpler for expats.
Average cost of living in Lisbon:
- Rent (city center): €1,200 – €1,800 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €900 – €1,400 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €250 – €380 per month
- Transport: €1.80 single trip / €40 monthly pass
Use Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa to make your remote income your gateway to EU residency.
02/ Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona offers the perfect mix of beach living, cosmopolitan energy, and strong digital infrastructure, making it a long-time favorite among global digital nomads. With Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa now active, Barcelona remains one of the best cities in Europe for remote workers seeking a vibrant lifestyle, culture, and networking opportunities.
Spain ranks 1st in the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, with Barcelona highlighted for its connectivity, infrastructure, and thriving startup ecosystem (Cabify and Typeform originated in this country). The city is home to renowned coworking hubs like Talent Garden, OneCoWork, and Aticco, as well as digital nomad-focused communities and events.
Barcelona can feel more expensive than Valencia or Málaga, but offers unmatched value in terms of lifestyle, professional opportunities, and quality of life.
Average cost of living in Barcelona:
- Rent (city center): €1,300 – €1,900 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €900 – €1,300 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €250 – €380 per month
- Transport: €2.40 single trip / €45 monthly pass
03/ Budapest, Hungary
Budapest has become one of the fastest-growing digital nomad hubs in Europe, known for its affordability, dynamic community, and beautiful architecture. The city attracts remote workers looking for a lower-cost European lifestyle while still enjoying modern amenities (such as high-end shopping and luxury apartments), fast internet, and coworking options.
Hungary introduced the White Card, a digital nomad visa for non-EU citizens, making Budapest accessible for long-term stays. The city offers a strong freelance and startup culture, with popular coworking spaces like KAPTÁR, Impact Hub, and Loffice.
Budapest is especially popular among nomads seeking affordability, networking opportunities, and a mix of urban living and nature access, with thermal spas, river views, and hiking spots nearby.
Average cost of living in Budapest:
- Rent (city center): €750 – €1,100 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €550 – €850 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €180 – €280 per month
- Transport: €1.20 single trip / €30 monthly pass
04/ Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the most creative and innovative digital nomad hubs in Europe (Germany ranks 9th on the Global Digital Nomad Report), known for its startup culture (the famous language learning site Babbel started here), diversity, and strong remote work infrastructure.
The city attracts freelancers, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals with access to coworking spaces, accelerators, and networking events.
Germany doesn’t offer a traditional digital nomad visa, but it does have the Freelancer (Freiberufler) Visa, allowing independent professionals to live and work legally in the country. Berlin’s bilingual environment, strong public services, and high quality of life make it one of the best cities for digital nomads in Europe.
Berlin also offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, great public transport, abundant parks like Tiergarten, themed gardens and globally connected flight routes (such as a new long-haul connection to Toronto, Canada and significant routes to Italy, Greece and France).
Average cost of living in Berlin:
- Rent (city center): €1,200 – €1,700 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €850 – €1,400 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €250 – €350 per month
- Transport: €2.90 single trip / €49–€60 monthly pass (Deutschlandticket)
05/ Kraków, Poland
Kraków is rapidly emerging as one of the best budget-friendly digital nomad cities in Europe. It combines medieval charm with affordability, fast Wi-Fi, growing coworking spaces, and a large expat and student population, making it ideal for freelancers and digital professionals starting their nomad journey.
Poland doesn’t yet have a formal digital nomad visa, but remote workers can stay in the country using the Schengen tourist visa or business visa options. Kraków excels in safety, walkability, cultural heritage, and access to plenty of cafés and coworking spots with fast internet.
This centrally-located city offers a more relaxed pace than Warsaw while still being well-connected to major European hubs such as Berlin in Germany with many air, rail and road routes to big cities.
Average cost of living in Kraków:
- Rent (city center): €700 – €1,000 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €500 – €750 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €160 – €260 per month
- Transport: €1 single trip / €30 monthly pass
06/ Prague, Czech Republic
With Czech Republic ranking 5th overall on the Global Digital Nomad Report, it’s no wonder that Prague has become a favorite among remote workers of all types. This picturesque European city boasts strong connectivity, safety, charm, and an international remote-work community. Its romantic architecture (some buildings originated in the 9th century), reliable metro system, and café culture make it one of the most livable remote-work hubs in Central Europe.
The Czech Republic offers the Živno Freelance Visa, which allows remote professionals to legally live and work in the country. Prague has a range of coworking spaces like Impact Hub, Locus Workspace, and WeWork, with regular networking events and expat gatherings.
Prague balances good infrastructure with moderate costs, making it particularly attractive for long-term nomads looking for stability without high expenses.
Average cost of living in Prague:
- Rent (city center): €1,000 – €1,500 (one-bedroom)
- Rent (outside city center): €700 – €1,000 (one-bedroom)
- Groceries: €200 – €300 per month
- Transport: €1.50 single trip / €25–€35 monthly pass
07/ Málaga, Spain
Málaga has quickly become one of Europe’s most exciting digital nomad hotspots, especially for those seeking a warm climate, relaxed lifestyle, and Mediterranean beach living — without the higher costs of Barcelona. Known as the “Silicon Valley of Spain,” Málaga is home to a growing tech scene, supported by startup hubs, digital innovation centers, and remote work infrastructure.
With Spain ranked 1st in the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, Málaga now attracts remote workers from around the world thanks to the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, strong safety ratings, good healthcare, and year-round sunshine.
Coworking spaces like The Living Room, Urban Campus, and Grow Working offer a mix of professional workspaces and vibrant international communities. Its walkable coastal setting, international airport, and affordable rental prices make it an excellent long-term base.
Average cost of living in Málaga:
- Rent (city center): €950 – €1,350 (one-bedroom apartment)
- Rent (outside center): €700 – €1,100
- Groceries: €200 – €320 per month
- Transport: €1.40 per trip / €40 monthly pass
08/ Athens, Greece
Athens appeals to digital nomads looking for culture, history, affordability, and mild weather while staying connected to the rest of Europe. The city offers great value for those wanting an urban lifestyle, nearby island escapes, affordable apartment rentals, and access to Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa — which allows stays of up to two years.
Greece ranks highly among remote workers for its weather, cultural lifestyle, and visa accessibility, and Athens perfectly demonstrates why. It attracts remote workers looking for a lower cost of living than Spain or Portugal, while still offering modern coworking spaces, fast Wi-Fi, and a growing international nomad community.
Coworking hubs like Impact Hub Athens, Spaces, and Stone Soup are popular among remote professionals, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs.
Average cost of living in Athens:
- Rent (city center): €800 – €1,200
- Rent (outside center): €600 – €900
- Groceries: €180 – €280 per month
- Transport: €1.20 per trip / €30 monthly pass
09/ Split, Croatia
Split offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, crystal-clear beaches, and a growing community of remote workers — thanks to Croatia being one of the first European countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Visa (up to 12 months). It’s ideal for nomads who want seaside living, historic charm, and easy island access without high Western European prices.
While smaller than larger hubs like Lisbon or Barcelona, Split offers solid infrastructure, fast Wi-Fi, reliable cafes, and growing coworking options like Amosfera. It also has a welcoming expat scene, especially between April and October when nomads flock to the Adriatic coast.
Split is best suited for those who want nature, lifestyle, and flexibility rather than a heavy corporate or startup environment.
Average cost of living in Split:
- Rent (city center): €850 – €1,200
- Rent (outside center): €600 – €950
- Groceries: €200 – €300 per month
- Transport: €1.50 per trip / €35 monthly pass
10/ Porto, Portugal
Porto is a charming alternative to Lisbon, offering a slower pace, lower rental costs, and an authentic Portuguese lifestyle — while still providing modern amenities, strong infrastructure, and access to Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa and residency pathways.
Portugal ranked 2nd in the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Report, and Porto embodies much of what nomads love: walkability, culture, safety, friendly communities, and excellent public transport. With emerging coworking spaces like Synergy Porto, and WOW Cowork, the city is growing steadily as a remote work hub.
Porto is ideal for digital nomads who value culture, affordability, quality of life, and access to both urban living and natural escapes like beaches (it’s located less than 30 minutes from Matosinhos beach) and vineyards (the famous Douro wine-making region is around the corner).
Average cost of living in Porto:
- Rent (city center): €900 – €1,300
- Rent (outside center): €650 – €1,000
- Groceries: €200 – €320 per month
- Transport: €1.80 per trip / €40 monthly pass
11/ Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of the most digitally advanced cities in Europe, famous for its e-Residency program (a government-issued digital identity for non-residents, allowing them to establish and manage an EU-based company online) as well as startup-friendly legislation (thanks to its digital-first approach), and fast internet infrastructure. It’s ideal for digital entrepreneurs, remote workers in tech, and freelancers who want a structured, business-friendly environment.
Estonia was the first country ever to launch an official Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote professionals to legally live and work for up to one year. Tallinn offers excellent coworking spaces like Lift99, Spring Hub, and Workland, alongside strong English proficiency, safety, and high digital literacy.
Although winters can be long and cold, Tallinn provides excellent government services, healthcare, efficient tax systems, and a modern digital nomad lifestyle.
Average cost of living in Tallinn:
- Rent (city center): €950 – €1,400
- Rent (outside center): €700 – €1,100
- Groceries: €250 – €350 per month
- Transport: €2 per trip / €30 monthly pass (Free for residents)
12/ Tbilisi, Georgia
Tbilisi is one of the most up-and-coming digital nomad destinations in Europe-adjacent regions, attracting remote workers with its affordability, unique cultural vibe, and easy long-term stay options. Georgia’s Remotely from Georgia Visa Program allows digital nomads to live and work legally in the country for up to 12 months with simple income requirements and no complex paperwork.
While not part of the European Union, Tbilisi offers many European benefits at a much lower cost — fast internet, vibrant expat communities, modern coworking spaces, and excellent hospitality. It’s known for its café culture, safety, walkability, and reputation as one of the most budget-friendly European lifestyle alternatives.
Popular coworking spaces include Terminal, Impact Hub Tbilisi, and SpaceZ offering strong nomad networks, events, and networking opportunities. With affordable housing, mild winters, stunning mountain escapes, and generous visa policies, Tbilisi is now a serious contender for digital nomads looking beyond Western Europe.
Average cost of living in Tbilisi:
- Rent (city center): €500 – €850 (one-bedroom apartment)
- Rent (outside center): €350 – €600
- Groceries: €150 – €250 per month
- Transport: €0.35 per trip / €12 monthly pass
Visas and Legal Pathways for Digital Nomads in Europe
Finding the perfect digital nomad city is just the first step. The next big question is how can you live and work there legally, especially if you want to stay longer than a few months.
Europe offers several residency options for remote workers, each with their own unique requirements, benefits, and stay durations. The right visa depends on your income type, nationality, long-term plans, and whether you prefer flexibility or a structured residency pathway.
Digital nomad visas
Many European countries now offer dedicated a form of digital nomad visa, designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and location-independent professionals. These visas generally allow for stays of up one to two years, with options to renew or transition into long-term residency.
Some countries offering digital nomad visas include:
- Portugal: One-year digital nomad visa (renewable), pathway to residency and EU citizenship.
- Spain: One-year digital nomad visa with renewal options, offers access to Spain’s Non-Lucrative Tax Regime.
- Croatia: One-year Nomad Residence Permit.
- Greece: Digital Nomad Visa valid for one to two years.
- Estonia: First country to launch a digital nomad visa, valid for up to 12 months.
- Hungary: White Card Visa, digital nomad-specific.
Romania, Italy and Norway are now also offering digital nomad schemes
These visas are typically ideal for remote employees, freelancers, consultants, and digital business owners, provided they work for non-local clients or foreign companies.
Freelancer, self-employed, and entrepreneur visas
If your work involves clients in Europe or you want to operate as a freelancer, consultant, or creative professional, some cities offer better alternatives to a standard digital nomad visa.
Notable programs include:
- Germany Freelancer (Freiberufler) Visa: Ideal for creatives, consultants, IT specialists, designers, and journalists
- Czech Republic Živno Business Visa: Allows remote professionals to live and invoice locally as a sole trader.
- Italy Self-Employment Visa: Designed for entrepreneurs and business owners (competitive entry)
- France Talent Passport: Best for innovators, investors, and startup founders
These visas often require business registration, client contracts, or proof of service demand in the country.
Residency by Investment (Golden Visa): for long-term digital nomad planners
If you’re thinking more long-term or want the flexibility to live, work, invest, or even apply for EU citizenship in the future, then a Golden Visa or Residency by Investment program may be a better fit than a Digital Nomad Visa.
Popular Golden Visa destinations for digital nomads and global investors include:
- Portugal Golden Visa: Flexible investment options, short stay requirements, path to citizenship
- Greece Golden Visa: Lowest property investment threshold in the EU
- Malta Permanent Residency Program: Permanent residency pathway from day one
Golden Visas typically require property, investment fund, or economic contribution, rather than employment-based income.
Schengen area rules
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you can first explore Europe using the Schengen 90/180-day rule, which allows you to stay in the Schengen Zone (29 countries) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
However, this does not allow working (even remotely) for EU-based employers and is not suitable for long-term stays. It’s best for short stays, initial scouting trips, or seasonal nomad hopping.
Choosing the right visa: what to consider
| Residency Goal | Best Visa Type |
|---|---|
| Short-term stay (1 – 3 months) | Schengen Tourist Stay |
| Remote employee / freelancer | Digital Nomad Visa |
| Freelance / creative work with local clients | Freelancer / Self-employed Visa |
| Long-term residency or citizenship plan | Golden Visa / Residency by Investment |
| Business ownership in Europe | Entrepreneur / Startup Visa |
Taxes and Residency Rules for Digital Nomads in Europe
If you’re planning to stay longer than a few months as a remote worker, it’s important to understand when you become tax liable, which countries offer tax-friendly regimes, and how digital nomad visas affect residency status.
When do digital nomads become tax residents?
Most European countries use the 183-day rule to determine when someone becomes a tax resident. This means if you spend more than 183 days (or 6 months) in a country during a 12-month period, you are likely to be considered a tax resident there.
But residency can also be triggered by other factors, such as:
| Tax residency triggers | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical presence | Staying over 183 days per year |
| Economic ties | Starting a business, paying rent long-term |
| Financial interests | Local bank accounts, investments |
| Personal center of life | Having a partner, children, property, frequent stays |
Simply holding a Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically make you a tax resident. Your tax status depends on your time physically spent in the country and connections you establish there.
Territorial vs. worldwide taxation: best options for digital nomads
Not all tax systems treat foreign income the same way. Some countries tax residents on worldwide income, while others only tax income generated locally.
| Country | Tax System | Digital Nomad Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Worldwide (with NHR regime) | 10-year favorable tax regime for expats (NHR) |
| Georgia | Territorial | Foreign income not taxed if earned abroad |
| Malta | Remittance-based | Tax only on funds brought into Malta |
| Croatia | Standard | No local tax for non-Croatian income under their digital nomad visa |
| Estonia | Worldwide (E-residency tax neutral) | Estonian e-Residency does not trigger tax residency |
| Greece | Worldwide (with flat tax incentives) | 50% tax reduction for expat workers and new residents |
This makes places like Georgia, Malta, and Portugal especially popular among long-term digital nomads and location-independent entrepreneurs.
Do digital nomad visas affect tax residency?
Digital Nomad Visas allow legal residence but do not automatically make you tax-resident, unless:
- You stay longer than 183 days, or
- You begin working locally or earning from local clients, or
- You set up a business, register utilities, rent long-term, or open local bank accounts
Example:
- Staying in Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa for 6+ months → likely becomes Spanish tax resident
- Living in Croatia under the Digital Nomad Visa and working remotely for a US or UAE employer → no local income tax on foreign earnings
Digital nomad-friendly tax incentives in Europe
Some European destinations offer special expatriate tax regimes — ideal for long-term digital nomads, remote professionals, and investors.
- Italy Flat-Tax Regime: New residents can pay €100,000 flat tax per year on all non-Italian income.
- Greece 7% Tax Rule for Foreign Retirees: 7% flat tax for foreign pensioners relocating to Greece.
- Malta Remittance-Based System: Only income brought into Malta is taxed, not income earned abroad.
- Georgia’s Virtual Zone and Small Business Status: Low tax (1% or 5%) for online service providers and entrepreneurs.
Double Taxation Agreements (DTA)
If you are from outside Europe (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa or UAE), you could be concerned about paying tax twice.
Most European countries have double taxation treaties, which prevent digital nomads from being taxed twice on the same income. These treaties determine where your income should be taxed based on your country of tax residence, center of life, and primary employer location.
This is particularly relevant for US citizens, who must file taxes regardless of where they live, but may qualify for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or tax credits.
Banking, invoicing, and payments for remote workers in Europe
For digital nomads planning to stay mid- to long-term, most EU countries allow you to open a non-resident international bank account or fintech account (Wise, Revolut, Monese, N26) without triggering tax residency.
However, opening local business accounts or registering a business (for example, freelancing in Germany or Czechia) may contribute to tax residency.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
