Shqipëria Posted on 2025-01-31 13:52:00

Albania, Finland, Montenegro: EU countries with the lowest income requirements for digital nomad visas!

From Edel Strazimiri

Albania, Finland, Montenegro: EU countries with the lowest income requirements

Foreigners in Spain who have a digital nomad visa or are considering applying for one this year will be subject to higher income requirements in 2025. The monthly income threshold is linked to Spain's minimum wage, and the government has reached an agreement with the country's main unions to increase this by 4.4 percent this year.

This increase equates to €50 more per month, bringing it up to €1,184 per month for 14 payments (€16,576 gross per year). To understand how this translates to the financial requirements for a digital nomad visa, it should be calculated as 12 payments of €1,381.33 per month. Applicants for a digital nomad visa must demonstrate that their monthly income is equal to 200 percent of the minimum wage.

This means you now need to earn at least €2,762 per month to qualify for the visa in 2025 - up €100 per month from last year. Despite the increased income requirements, Spain's digital nomad visa is still not one of the highest in Europe.

Iceland's long-term remote work visa targets high-income earners earning €7,075 per month, the highest in Europe. Workers can apply either as employees of a foreign company or as freelancers. The visa lasts for six months, and applicants are considered tax residents during this time.

Estonia comes in second, with digital nomad visa applicants requiring a gross monthly income of €4,500 per month. The visa allows people who work remotely for companies abroad or freelance with clients primarily abroad to stay in Estonia for up to a year at a time.

If you stay in the country for more than six months, you will gain tax residency and be subject to local taxes. Romania's digital nomad visa, aimed at non-EU citizens, sets its income requirements at €3,950 per month, which is three times the country's average gross salary.

In 2023, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed a new bill to clarify tax requirements for digital nomads. Those who stay for long periods are exempt from paying income tax, social security and social health insurance contributions.

Despite having a high cost of living, Finland requires applicants for a digital nomad visa to earn a minimum of just €1,220 per month. Finland’s self-employment visa is open to non-EU entrepreneurs who are self-employed or run an independent business.

Montenegro's requirements are also low, around 1,400 euros per month. Participants can use the scheme to live in the country for up to four years. Digital nomads are eligible for tax breaks, although details are yet to be confirmed.

Digital nomads can apply for a residence permit in Albania that allows them to stay and work in the country for up to one year. Introduced in early 2022, the so-called 'Unique Permit' can be renewed up to five times in a row. Remote workers must show proof of an employment contract with a company abroad that allows them to work remotely, as well as proof of funds to support themselves of around €9,800 per year.

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