With the rise of remote working after the Covid pandemic, more and more Brits are logging on from abroad. Doing so allows people to explore the world - without using any annual leave.
One study last year showed that six million Brits were expected to work from abroad in the summer of 2024.
But post-Brexit, UK citizens can no longer work freely in European countries. However in recent years, many countries have introduced a special ‘digital nomad visa’ specifically for people looking to work remotely from their countries.
If you’re interested in spending some time in the sun, all while not missing a single Zoom meeting, these are the ones to check out. The conditions are often different depending on the country.
The details below apply to UK citizens, but be sure to check your own potential requirements if you are a citizen from elsewhere.
Estonia
To work remotely from Estonia, you may not need a visa or permit at all if you meet one of the following conditions:
- Working on a one-off temporary basis for up to five days in a 30-day period
- An accredited journalist accredited by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up to 270 days in a 12-month period
- A supervisor or director of an Estonian branch of a non-Estonian company for up to five days in a 30-day period
If you plan to be working for more than five days within 30, then you can also apply for a dedicated digital nomad visa, so long as you:
- Work in the information and communication technology, finance, or marketing sectors
- Are able to work remotely, independent of location
- Have a UK employment contract, or carry out business for your own UK-registered business, or work as a freelancer for clients outside Estonia
- Meet minimum income requirements (€4,500 (around £3,800)/month) for at least six months prior to submitting the application
The digital nomad visa takes 30 days to process and is valid for up to a year, without the option to extend.
You can, however, apply for a new visa for an extra six months but you must leave the country after 18 months.
Croatia
Croatia offers a similar digital nomad residence permit, which you will need to work remotely in the country. To be eligible, you must:
- Work remotely
- Be employed or self-employed by a company that’s not registered in Croatia
- Have at least two-and-a-half times the average monthly net salaries paid for the previous year
- Prove you have enough money to support yourself for your stay
A digital nomad residence permit typically takes between eight and 15 weeks to get and is valid for up to a year.
Italy
There’s no specific requirement for any kind of visa if you’re working for less than 90 days in Italy.
However, if you plan to work for longer than 90 days, the Italian government introduced a digital nomad visa in April 2024, which allows non-EU nationals to live and work remotely for up to one year.
Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being highly skilled, having a minimum annual income of €28,000, and possessing valid health insurance.
Greece
Operating under similar rules as Italy, Greece requires a digital nomad visa which allows remote work for up to 12 months.
It’s only for those employed or self-employed by a company outside of Greece with a minimum monthly income of €3,500 after taxes. Applicants must also have valid health insurance.
Germany
Germany allows UK visitors into the country visa-free for no more than 90 days in a 180-day period.
There aren’t any specific visas for working remotely during that time, but staying any longer than 90 days would require you to apply for an employment visa and register with a local office.
Czech Republic
Britons can stay in the Czech Republic for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as part of the Schengen Area agreement, and engage in certain business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, including working for a UK-based company.
Hungary
Work permits are only required in Hungary if you’re carrying out work for a Hungarian company, so long as you don’t overstay that 90-day limit. Doing so would require both a residence and employment permit.
Iceland
As a UK national, you can enter Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as Iceland is part of the Schengen Area.
You can work freely within that time, so long as you don’t receive payment from an Icelandic company for these activities.
No later than your first day in Iceland, your employer (or you if self-employed) must submit a notification to the Icelandic Directorate of Labour explaining what work you’re doing.
Malta
Malta offers a Nomad Residence Permit for non-EU nationals who plan to work remotely from Malta, but that’s only for stays of over 90 days.
For stays shorter than that, any work that doesn’t engage with Maltese clients or businesses shouldn’t require a permit.
Portugal
Portugal offers a provision to stay and work remotely for longer than 90 days through its digital nomad visa (D8 Visa). This allows non-EU nationals to work remotely from Portugal for up to one year and can be extended beyond that.
Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,480 from sources outside of Portugal.
Spain
The Spanish digital nomad visa works much like the Portuguese one, allowing non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in Spain for up to five years.
It's a 12-month visa initially that can be renewed for up to four additional years, offering a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.
The visa was launched as part of Spain's Startup Act, designed to attract international talent and stimulate the economy.
Norway
Although Norway operates much like other Schengen countries, it’s also advisable to contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) before engaging in remote work during your stay.
This is because the UDI operates in a similar way to Iceland and it’s best to cover your bases, although work conducted within the visa-free 90 days should be permissible.
Finland
Although Finland does not have specific legislation addressing remote work by foreign nationals during short stays, work done for non-Finnish countries should be fine for a period of less than 90 days.
As it’s another Schengen country, you can enter without a visa or work permit within the typical allowance.
