EU Digital Nomad Visas Compared 2026: Income, Fees, and Processing Times
2026-05-03
EU Digital Nomad Visas Compared 2026: Income, Fees, and Processing Times
Eight European countries have active digital nomad visa programs in 2026. Income thresholds range from roughly EUR 1,750 to EUR 4,500 per month. Processing times span 15 days to 5 months. Fees run from EUR 70 to EUR 300. None of this is simple. Each program has different eligibility rules, documentation requirements, and tax implications.
Use this comparison to narrow down your options. Then read the country-specific guide before you apply.
Comparison table
| Country | Monthly Income Min | Processing Time | Total Fees | Family Allowed | Notable Tax Benefit | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Croatia | EUR 2,539 | 15-30 days | EUR 100 | Yes | None | | Italy | See consulate page | 4-12 weeks | EUR 116 | Yes | Impatriates regime (conditions apply) | | Malta | EUR 2,700 net | 30 working days | EUR 300 | Separate route | None | | Portugal | EUR 3,040 | 3-5 months | EUR 280 | Yes | NHR ended for new applicants | | Spain | EUR 2,334 net | 6-10 weeks | EUR 290 | Yes | Beckham Law flat 24% (first 6 years) | | Romania | EUR 3,700 net | 6-10 weeks | EUR 170 | Yes | 0% IT salary tax (conditions) | | Estonia | EUR 4,500 gross | 30 days | EUR 150 | Yes | None | | Czech Republic | approx EUR 1,750 | up to 90 days | EUR 70 | Yes | None |
Croatia
The Croatian digital nomad visa requires EUR 2,539 per month, which is 2.5 times the average gross salary. Processing runs 15 to 30 days from submission. The consular fee is EUR 100. Croatia joined the Schengen zone in 2023, so your residence permit functions within the wider travel area.
The visa is valid for one year. You must leave for 6 months before reapplying. No automatic renewal. Family members can join but need separate applications with their own income proofs. There is no dedicated tax benefit for nomads.
Italy
Italy has no income cap or annual visa quota. The income threshold is set at three times the co-payment exemption figure, which updates annually. Check the consulate's page for the current number. The total cost is EUR 116. Processing involves two stages: the consulate appointment and then the Prefettura nulla osta, which takes 30 days by law.
The entire timeline from consulate submission to permit card is 3 to 5 months. Italy requires a university degree or 3 years of professional experience. It is the only country on this list with a formal education requirement. The impatriates tax regime may apply, reducing the taxable income base. Conditions are specific and require a tax adviser.
Malta
Malta's Nomad Residence Permit requires EUR 2,700 net per month. The application is submitted online via the Residency Malta Agency portal. Processing is 30 working days from when all documents are verified complete. The EUR 300 application fee is non-refundable.
Family members must apply on a separate dependant route. This adds complexity and cost. Malta is a Schengen member, but the permit does not automatically grant Schengen travel rights. Check each destination separately. For people who need a fast, certain answer, Malta's 30-day processing is among the fastest on this list.
Portugal
Portugal's D8 visa is the most popular option in 2026 despite having the slowest processing. The income threshold is EUR 3,040, which is four times the Portuguese minimum wage. Total cost is EUR 280 (EUR 90 consulate plus EUR 190 AIMA).
Total processing: 3 to 5 months. AIMA appointment slots in Portugal are scarce. Book immediately on arrival. Portugal requires a Portuguese tax number (NIF) before the consulate application. The NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime has closed to new applicants as of 2024. Verify current tax rules with a Portuguese adviser.
Spain
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa under the Startup Act requires EUR 2,334 net per month. Up to 20% of income can come from Spanish clients. Processing takes 6 to 10 weeks total: 10 to 20 working days at the consulate, then up to 20 working days for the TIE card. Total fees: EUR 290.
Spain's Beckham Law applies a flat 24% rate on Spanish-source income for the first six years. Digital nomads on the startup visa may qualify. The criminal record certificate must be issued within the last 3 months, stricter than most other countries which allow 6 months.
Romania
Romania requires EUR 3,700 net per month. Processing runs up to 30 days at the consulate, then 30 more days at IGI for the residency permit. Total fees are EUR 170. Romania is outside the Schengen zone.
Romania's IT salary tax exemption (0% income tax on qualifying software salaries) does not automatically apply to foreign digital nomads. Verify current rules with a Romanian tax adviser.
Estonia
Estonia sets the income floor at EUR 4,500 gross per month. Processing is 30 calendar days. Total fees are EUR 150. Estonia requires 6 months of bank statements, more than any other country on this list. Estonia is inside Schengen. The PPA registration after arrival is efficient and largely digital.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has no standalone digital nomad visa. Applicants use the Long-Stay Visa D category. The income floor is approximately EUR 1,750 per month (CZK 43,600 at current rates). The fee is EUR 70, the lowest on this list. Processing can run up to 90 days. The Czech Republic is inside Schengen.
Which country is right for you?
Lowest income threshold, fastest start: Czech Republic. EUR 1,750 minimum and EUR 70 fee. Accept the 90-day wait and plan ahead.
Fastest processing with strong outcome certainty: Malta. 30 working days once your file is complete. Pay the EUR 300 and submit a clean file.
Best tax advantage: Spain. The Beckham Law 24% flat rate is the most concrete benefit. You need EUR 2,334 net and either a university degree or 3 years documented experience.
Best for families on a budget: Croatia. EUR 100 fee, 15 to 30 days, family members accepted. The 6-month gap before reapplying is the main trade-off to consider.
Need help choosing? See our full country guides.