For those who make their income online and want to experience life in Europe, picking the right country is crucial. While some European nations, like Germany and Switzerland, have strict visa requirements and complex bureaucracy, others make the process much easier. In fact, some countries, like Georgia, don’t even require a visa at all.
Whether you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or remote worker, this guide will break down the easiest countries in Europe to get a visa in 2025. We’ll cover which countries have the simplest visa processes, what it costs to live there, and how you can make your move seamless.
1. Georgia – The Visa-Free Digital Nomad Haven
- Visa Process: No visa is needed for citizens of over 90 countries, including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
- Length of Stay: Up to 1 year with visa-free entry.
- Residency Options: The “Remotely from Georgia” program allows remote workers to apply for long-term residency.
- Cost of Living: $800–$1,500/month in Tbilisi, even cheaper in smaller towns.
Why It’s Easy
Georgia is one of the easiest countries in Europe to get a visa because you don’t even need one! Most visitors can stay for a full year visa-free, making it one of the most welcoming places for digital nomads.
Why Live in Georgia?
- Low taxes (1% tax for freelancers under $155,000/year).
- No complicated residency process.
- Affordable housing and fast Wi-Fi.
- Beautiful mountain landscapes and a thriving expat community.
2. Portugal – The Best for Digital Nomad Visas
- Visa Process: The D7 Passive Income Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa (both require proof of remote income).
- Length of Stay: 1-2 years, renewable.
- Residency Options: After five years, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship.
- Cost of Living: $1,500–$3,000/month, depending on the city.
Why It’s Easy
Portugal offers some of the easiest long-term visas in Europe. The D7 Visa allows remote workers, freelancers, and retirees to settle in Portugal as long as they make at least €820/month ($900) in passive income. The newer Digital Nomad Visa is also ideal for remote workers making at least €3,280/month ($3,500).
Why Live in Portugal?
- One of Europe’s most affordable Western European countries.
- Amazing climate, beaches, and cities like Lisbon and Porto.
- English is widely spoken.
- Low tax options for expats.
3. Hungary – The Loophole for the EU
- Visa Process: White Card Visa (Hungary’s digital nomad visa).
- Length of Stay: Up to 2 years.
- Residency Options: EU residency after 5 years.
- Cost of Living: $1,200–$2,500/month in Budapest, cheaper in other cities.
Why It’s Easy
Hungary offers the White Card Visa, allowing remote workers earning at least €2,000/month ($2,150 USD) to live in Hungary for up to two years. This is one of the easiest ways to gain access to the EU without dealing with more restrictive countries like Germany or France.
Why Live in Hungary?
- Budapest is a major hub for digital nomads.
- Cheaper than most of Western Europe.
- Centrally located for easy EU travel.
- Alternative path to the EU without stricter requirements.
4. Spain – Great for Remote Workers & Investors
- Visa Process: Digital Nomad Visa (income requirement of €2,520/month) or Non-Lucrative Visa for passive income earners.
- Length of Stay: 1 year, renewable for up to 5 years.
- Residency Options: Permanent residency after 5 years, citizenship after 10 years.
- Cost of Living: $2,000–$3,500/month, with Barcelona and Madrid being pricier.
Why It’s Easy
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for remote workers who can prove their income. Meanwhile, the Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for those with passive income streams (but you can’t work locally). Both offer easy residency pathways.
Why Live in Spain?
- Vibrant culture, amazing food, and sunny weather.
- High-speed internet and plenty of co-working spaces.
- Large expat and digital nomad communities.
- Access to the Schengen Zone for travel.
5. Malta – English-Speaking & Tax-Friendly
- Visa Process: Nomad Residence Permit (income requirement of €2,700/month).
- Length of Stay: 1 year, renewable.
- Residency Options: Long-term residency with tax benefits.
- Cost of Living: $2,500–$4,000/month, higher than most other European destinations.
Why It’s Easy
Malta’s Nomad Residence Permit is one of the easiest ways for digital nomads to settle in Europe. It allows remote workers to live in Malta while paying low or no income tax under special tax schemes.
Why Live in Malta?
- English is an official language.
- Beautiful Mediterranean climate.
- Low-tax options for freelancers.
- Safe and welcoming for expats.
Getting Around Tough Visa Restrictions in Europe
If your dream is to live in Europe but you don’t meet the visa requirements for certain countries, don’t worry—there are legal loopholes and alternative paths that allow you to stay in Europe long-term. Many digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers have found ways to extend their stays or gain residency through less conventional means. Here are some of the most effective ways to work around strict visa restrictions.
1. Use an Easier EU Visa to Access the Schengen Zone
One of the best loopholes in European visa laws is using a more flexible country as your entry point. Some EU countries, like Hungary, Portugal, and Spain, offer easier visas than strict nations like Germany, France, or the Netherlands.
How This Works
- Once you get a long-term visa or residency in one Schengen country, you can freely travel and stay in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days every 180 days.
- While you may need to keep an official residence in your visa-issuing country, many nomads split their time between multiple locations.
Example:
- You want to live in Germany, but its visa process is too difficult.
- Instead, you apply for Hungary’s White Card Visa (which is easier to obtain).
- Once approved, you can spend three months in Germany, three months in Hungary, and repeat indefinitely.
This method doesn’t let you officially settle in Germany, but it gives you the freedom to spend a significant portion of your time there without dealing with strict work permit requirements.
2. The 90/180-Day Rule – Schengen Hopping
If you don’t qualify for a visa, you can still legally stay in Europe long-term by strategically moving between Schengen and non-Schengen countries.
How It Works
- The Schengen Zone allows non-EU citizens to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period on a tourist visa waiver (for U.S., U.K., and many other passport holders).
- After 90 days in Schengen, you must leave for 90 days before re-entering.
- Non-Schengen countries like Albania, Georgia, Serbia, and Montenegro don’t count toward the 90-day limit.
Example Strategy:
| Month | Location |
|---|---|
| January-March | Spain, France, Germany (Schengen) |
| April-June | Albania, Serbia, Georgia (Non-Schengen) |
| July-September | Portugal, Italy, Netherlands (Schengen) |
| October-December | Turkey, Bosnia, Cyprus (Non-Schengen) |
By rotating between Schengen and non-Schengen countries, you can stay in Europe indefinitely without breaking visa laws.
3. The Golden Visa – Buy Your Way Into Europe
If you have investment capital, you can fast-track residency or citizenship in some European countries. Golden Visas allow foreign nationals to obtain residency by investing in real estate, businesses, or government bonds.
Countries Offering Golden Visas
| Country | Minimum Investment Required | Residency Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | €500,000 in real estate or €250,000 in cultural investment | Permanent residency in 5 years, EU travel |
| Spain | €500,000 in real estate | Residency for family, work permit options |
| Greece | €250,000 in real estate | Cheapest EU Golden Visa, fast approval |
| Malta | €600,000+ donation + property purchase | Path to citizenship in 1-3 years |
| Italy | €250,000+ in government bonds or startups | Residency with tax benefits |
This is the fastest way to gain legal long-term residency in Europe, but it requires substantial financial investment.
4. Start a Business or Get a Freelancer Visa
If you’re self-employed, business and freelancer visas are a great way to legally stay in Europe.
Countries Offering Freelancer/Business Visas
| Country | Visa Type | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Freelancer Visa | Must show German clients, health insurance |
| Spain | Self-Employed Visa | Proof of income (€2,520/month) |
| Estonia | Digital Nomad Visa | €3,500/month income from foreign clients |
| France | Profession Libérale Visa | Business plan, proof of income |
| Italy | Self-Employment Visa | Business plan, €18,000 minimum income |
With a freelancer visa, you can run your business from Europe while enjoying residency benefits. Some countries also allow you to bring family members under your visa.
5. Study or Learn a Language in Europe
If you’re under 40 and willing to study, a student visa is a cheap and legal way to stay in Europe long-term.
How This Works:
- Enroll in a language course or university program in a country with easy student visas.
- Many universities allow part-time work so you can support yourself.
- Student visas often convert into work permits after graduation.
Best Student Visa Countries:
| Country | Visa Benefits |
|---|---|
| Spain | Language courses qualify for visas |
| France | Cheap tuition, work permit after graduation |
| Germany | No tuition fees, long-term work options |
| Portugal | Simple application process, digital nomad-friendly |
| Italy | Low tuition costs, residency pathway |
This is a great option for digital nomads who want a long-term legal stay while improving language skills and networking.
6. Get Married or Obtain an Ancestry Visa
If you have family ties in Europe, you might be eligible for a citizenship-by-descent or spousal visa.
Ancestry Visas
Many European countries offer citizenship to people with ancestral roots. If you can prove that your parents or grandparents were citizens, you might be able to claim a passport.
| Country | Ancestry Requirement |
|---|---|
| Italy | Grandparent born in Italy |
| Ireland | Grandparent born in Ireland |
| Poland | Polish ancestry proof |
| Germany | Jewish ancestry pathway |
| Lithuania | Ancestry back to great-grandparents |
Marriage to an EU Citizen
- If you marry an EU citizen, you immediately qualify for a residence permit.
- In most countries, you can apply for citizenship within 3-5 years.
This is a long-term solution but a valid one for those with European heritage or strong relationships.
Why Live in Europe as a Digital Nomad?
Europe is one of the best regions for remote workers. Its mix of fast internet, affordable living options, easy travel, and culture makes it attractive.
Pros of Living in Europe
- High quality of life and safety.
- Affordable healthcare options.
- Easy travel between countries.
- Rich cultural and social experiences.
Cons of Living in Europe
- Higher taxes in some countries.
- Bureaucracy can be slow.
- Some visas don’t allow local work.
What If You Want to Work in Europe Instead?
If you plan on working locally rather than making money online, the visa situation is much tougher. Most European countries require job sponsorships, and competition for work permits is high.
For freelancers or business owners, some countries offer self-employment visas (like Germany’s Freelancer Visa), but the process is usually more complex.
For those who want flexibility, digital nomad visas are a much easier path to long-term residency in Europe.
If You Are A Remote Worker Or Digital Nomad
Moving to Europe doesn’t have to be difficult if you’re a remote worker or digital entrepreneur. Some countries, like Georgia, allow visa-free stays, while others, like Portugal and Spain, offer easy-to-obtain digital nomad visas.
By choosing the easiest countries in Europe to get a visa, you can experience European life without the red tape. Whether you’re looking for affordability, tax advantages, or an easier way into the EU, these five countries offer the best options for remote workers in 2025.
