Europe, with its high safety, high quality of life, rich culture, and relatively relaxed lifestyle is one of the top destinations for digital nomads. However, complicated visa processes and strict immigration rules make long-term rentals a challenge.
The Schengen Area
The Schengen Area restricts visits to 90 days with a 180-day period across its members (29 countries), including popular countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
For instance, if you spend 60 days in Malta as a remote worker, you can only stay 30 days in Madeira, part of Portugal, which is another Schengen country. In other words, the number of days spent in any Schengen member state counts towards the 90-day limit. This makes extended stays complicated.
In recent years, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania joined the Schengen Area, which increased restrictions. As more nations aim to join, it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay in Europe for longer periods without a visa.
Find perfect apartments for rent in Croatia
Outside the Schengen area
Luckily, there are six destinations that are outside the Schengen Area and offer visa-free stays of six months to one year, regardless of the time you spend in Schengen member states.
Let’s take a look at the list compiled by Travel Off Path and see what each destination has to offer digital nomads.
Albania
Albania, a less-explored country in the Mediterranean, is not a member of the Schengen Area or European Union. It offers U.S. citizens the opportunity to stay for up to one year without the need for a visa, residence permit, or the obligation to pay income taxes.
This small coastal country has beautiful beaches, unique medieval towns like Gjirokaster and Kruje, and mountains ideal for hiking. Tirana, the capital, receives many foreign remote workers with its growing expat community, affordable accommodation, and fast, reliable internet.
Compared to most Mediterranean destinations, Albania is significantly cheaper when it comes to food, rent, and utilities. Monthly living expenses are about $2,000.
Note: Only U.S. citizens are allowed to stay for a year. Other nationalities are limited to three months.
Explore Flatio for flexible, deposit-free rentals, including cheap apartments for rent for couples, in the following cities in Albania and beyond:
Georgia
Georgia, a country that’s often debated as either part of Europe or Asia, has been growing in popularity among digital nomads. It has simple visa regulations and allows most nationalities to stay for up to one year as a tourist. Visitors must pay an income tax of 5% if they stay longer than 183 days. However, the tax rate is considered low compared to the European average.
Situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Georgia is famous for its natural landscapes, including its vineyards, the Black Sea coast, and its Orthodox churches.
Tbilisi, the capital, is the top choice for most nomads thanks to its remote work-friendly cafes and infrastructure. The city has a welcoming environment, and the living costs are relatively affordable by Western standards. You can expect to spend about $2,100 a month.
England
Despite strict immigration policies and Brexit, England has relatively easy access for nomads. Canadian and American travelers can enter the country without passport checks. They can use eGates at most entry points and stay for 180 days at a time.
This means that, with no additional requirements, you can spend up to six months exploring London or working from a cottage in the Cotswolds.
Additionally, according to the rules set by the British government, digital nomads on tourist visas can work remotely, as long as their income comes from sources outside the UK.
Find perfect apartments for rent in London
Explore Flatio for flexible, deposit-free rentals, including short-term rentals, monthly rentals, and long-term rentals, in the following cities in England and beyond:
- Apartments in Nottingham
- Apartments in Derby
- Apartments in Brighton
- Apartments in Birmingham
- Apartments in Peterborough
- Apartments in Liverpool
Wales
Wales, located to the west of England, is a destination filled with medieval castles and unique towns. Entry rules for Wales are quite straightforward when compared to mainland Europe.
As part of the UK, Wales have the same immigration rules. This means digital nomads are allowed to stay for six months if their income is from outside the country. However, it's not allowed to stay for consecutive six-month periods.
Key spots for digital nomads include Cardiff, which is the capital with a historic castle and a harbor, and Swansea that has a long, sandy beach. Wales offers a special experience for those interested in exploring less-traveled areas, including expansive national parks like Snowdonia, traditional Welsh-speaking communities, and coastal areas.
Scotland
Scotland, part of the UK and located to the north of England, allows foreigners to stay for 180 days and work remotely during the visit.
Scotland is famous for its capital, Edinburgh, with medieval vibes and Gothic architecture, and Glasgow, a city with a modern environment. The Highlands offer rugged and stunning natural landscapes.
Other good options for digital nomads include cities like Aberdeen, known for its granite buildings, and Dundee, an expanding harbor city. They both have many cafes and work-friendly spots.
Despite the variable weather, Scotland is a nice place for a longer stay, especially if you enjoy pubs, tasty northern cuisine, and outdoor activities.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK but is located on the island of Ireland, allows nomads to stay for six months.
Northern Ireland has a mild climate, friendly pubs, and beautiful castles, offering a coastline along the North Atlantic. Its largest city, Belfast, is well-equipped for international remote workers with lots of modern workspaces and a wide range of activities. It also hosts the Titanic Belfast museum, which celebrates the ship built in the city.
While Belfast may not be the ideal choice for those seeking tropical destinations like Bali or Tulum, but its culture, youthful energy, and Bohemian Queens Quarter attract those who appreciate a historical setting.
Flatio: Cheap rentals in Europe
Why choose Flatio to rent accommodation in Europe? Discover the unique features that make us the perfect choice:
- Flexible, reasonably priced stays (from days to months)
- Wide range of accommodation options (private rooms, villas, houses, etc.)
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- No deposit required for stays under 180 days
- Balanced, legally binding lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
- Very attractive cancelation policy
- Online signing of lease agreement
- StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property damage
- Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
- 100% money protection
- Customer support available every day of the week
- No hidden fees
- Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option
