The option of remote working is showing no signs of disappearing.
With opportunities for people to live anywhere they want in the world and still earn a living widely available, many are grasping the chance to live in exciting and far-flung destinations.
Several European countries offer digital nomad visas designed to allow professionals to live and work legally while based abroad.
The top five countries for digital nomads have been revealed.
Based on four key factors – visa length, income requirements, application costs and average national internet speeds – the best spots have been ranked.
Five countries emerged as the strongest overall options for digital nomads in Europe in 2026 and beyond.
The study, from Outplayed, ranked Portugal as number one. Here’s a rundown of the top spots…
Portugal
Remote work allows digital nomads to travel the world and still get online
Portugal topped the list, an increasingly popular destination for digital workers
Portugal ranks highest thanks to a strong balance of accessibility and infrastructure.
Its one-year digital nomad visa comes with a relatively modest application fee, which ranges from €90-€120 (£78-£104) and an income requirement of €3,280 (£2,860) per month.
Popular digital nomad locations, such as Funchal in Madeira, and the outer areas of Lisbon and Porto, have developed into well-established remote working hubs.
It also has strong transport links, a growing remote-working community, and a lifestyle that balances work with access to coastlines and outdoor spaces.
Spain
Much-loved travel destination Spain is luring in even more digital nomads
Spain stands out for the length and flexibility of its digital nomad visa. The initial visa lasts one year and typically costs around €80 (£70), but it can be renewed for up to five years, offering rare long-term security for remote workers.
With an income requirement of €2,334 (£2,033) per month – one of the lowest in Western Europe – Spain scores highly on accessibility.
Lifestyle is also excellent here. Valencia, in particular, has become a favourite among digital nomads – it’s a city without the constant pressure of larger capitals, making it easier to settle in and avoid burnout.
Hungary
Hungary is also a rising destination that has become popular with digital nomads
Hungary appeals to digital nomads looking for fast internet and manageable entry requirements without Western European price tags.
The country offers a one-year digital nomad visa, with the option to extend, and an application fee of €110 (£96).
Applicants must earn at least €3,000 (£2,613) per month.
Hungary also delivers some of the strongest connectivity in Central Europe.
Budapest is the main draw, offering reliable fibre connections, a growing number of co-working spaces and a café culture well suited to remote work.
Day-to-day living costs remain lower than in many Western capitals, allowing nomads to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without constant budget pressure.
Romania
Romania has many beautiful sights to see, and is an attractive country for those working remotely
Perhaps surprisingly, Romania excels in its exceptional internet performance, placing it among the fastest-connected countries in Europe.
The country offers a one-year digital nomad visa with an application fee of €120 (£104).
Applicants must meet an income requirement of €3,950 (£3,441) per month, set at three times Romania’s average gross salary.
While higher than some alternatives, the visa remains attractive for higher-earning remote professionals.
Cities such as Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca offer modern infrastructure, growing tech scenes and lower living costs than much of Western Europe, making Romania a strong option for those who prioritise speed and reliability.
Montenegro
The old town and beach Sveti Stefan sea island in Montenegro, a stunning and underrated country
Montenegro completes the top five thanks to its low financial barriers and longer visa duration.
The country offers a two-year digital nomad visa, with the option to renew for a further two years, and a modest application fee of €67 (£58).
The minimum income requirement is just €1,400 (£1,219) per month, being one of the lowest among European countries.
Destinations such as Kotor and Podgorica appeal to nomads seeking a slower pace of life, scenic surroundings and lower everyday costs.
