Here are our rankings for the Best European countries for digital nomads
Choosing which European country to work and live in can be hard given the amount of choice, but we’re here to make your life a little easier. Based on our rankings and data taken from the OECD, we have compiled a list of the best places to appeal to digital nomads, using the following seven categories, with the maximum score set at 100:
- Cost of Living
- Rent Index
- Restaurant Price Index
- Quality of Life
- Language Difficulty
- Average Temperature (°C)
- Visa and Residency Requirements
We compiled this information and came up with an overall score for each country based on suitability for remote work– so without further ado, let’s take a look at 20 of the best European countries for digital nomads.
20. France (Overall Score: 57)
Recommended Cities in France: Bordeaux, Nice, Montpellier.
France, known for its historical architecture, gorgeous beaches and extremely delicious cuisine, is a digital nomad’s paradise. While rent and cost of living prices are reasonably high, France scores highly on quality of life (153.2) and ease of entry and access into the country. Plus, with its many beaches, restaurants and attractions, you’ll surely have plenty to do. The French language is relatively easy to learn, and almost everyone you come across will likely speak English, so if you want to fully immerse yourself in French culture and live like a native, you’ll be able to do so easily and quickly.
19. Greece (Overall Score: 58)
Recommended Cities in Greece: Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Athens.
Greece is steeped in millennia of history, being one of the first established civilisations on Earth– and you can find ancient ruins that pay tribute to this across the country. Not just that, but Greece is famed for its beaches, food and culture, and remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK tourists. While the cost of living and rent index is reasonably low, Greece’s quality of life is high (128.9), making it one of the cheapest countries in Europe to set yourself up in. What’s more, it’s pretty easy to secure a visa or residency in this country.
18. Sweden (Overall Score: 65)
Recommended Cities in Sweden: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö.
Sweden is often high on a traveller’s list of places to visit, given its reputation for its exceptionally high quality of life (174.8) and its beautiful architecture. Sweden is also known for its food and culture, and its people are very friendly and welcoming to new residents or tourists. While Sweden ranks highly for quality of life, it also ranks highly for cost of living, restaurant index and rent prices, however, don’t let this deter you from experiencing what this country has to offer. Securing a visa for Sweden is ranked at mid-level difficulty.
17. Croatia (Overall Score: 67)
Recommended Cities in Croatia: Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Split.
Croatia is a gem of the Balkan region of Europe, offering tourists, residents and locals a taste of history, a rich and varied culture and some of the best beaches in Europe. But how does it fare in our rankings? Croatia’s rent index is relatively low, and its quality of life (161.6) is high, making it a great place to settle and work. If you plan to stay in Croatia long term, the time it will take to become proficient in the language is around 44 weeks, so you’ll sound like a native in no time. What’s more, securing a visa is extremely easy and will enable you to truly settle into Croatian life.
16. Slovakia (Overall Score: 67)
Recommended Cities in Slovakia: Bratislava, Košice, Poprad.
Perhaps initially overlooked, Slovakia is one of the most picturesque countries in Europe– its rolling hills, vast lakes, mountains and historical sites make up most of the scenery. Despite its absence of beaches, you’ll be attracted to this country purely based on its high quality of life (148.2) and low rent index, as well as its scenery and friendly locals. Securing a visa or residency in Slovakia is ranked at mid-level difficulty, meaning that it won’t take you too long or much effort to start your digital nomad journey in Slovakia.
15. Georgia (Overall Score: 68)
Recommended Cities in Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi.
When searching for places to visit or live in Europe, you may not know much about this small country that straddles both Asia and Europe, however, Georgia packs a mean punch in terms of our rankings and everything it has to offer. From its stunning architecture, beautiful countryside and diverse population, there is much to learn and see. Georgia’s cost of living isn’t as high as some of the other countries we’ve ranked so far, and its rent index is also manageable for first-time residents. While Georgia’s quality of life (116.0) isn’t as high, don’t let this deter you– you can live comfortably and securely in many cities across the country.
14. Armenia (Overall Score: 68)
Recommended Cities in Armenia: Yerevan, Gyumri, Dilijan.
Another transcontinental country that connects Asia with Europe, you can expect a rich and diverse culture in every Armenian city. While Armenia may not initially be on your list of places you want to live, it should be, and this is because of its low cost of living and rent index, as well as its castle-lined landscape and cobblestone streets. Armenia also enjoys a low crime rate and an easy visa acquisition process, and has excellent cuisine that is reminiscent of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines– the food, culture and architecture are just some of the reasons to choose Armenia as your digital nomad base.
13. Estonia (Overall Score: 70)
Recommended Cities in Estonia: Tallinn, Tartu, Haapsalu
From the colourful architecture, lakes and beaches adorning this Northern European country, Estonia is a fascinating country indeed. Part of the Baltic states, it boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and one of the highest qualities of life, as well as a low rent index and cost of living, making it one of the most ideal places to live and work. If you aren’t already adding Estonia to your travel list as we speak, acquiring a visa or residency is very easy and hassle-free.
12. Slovenia (Overall Score: 71)
Recommended Cities in Slovenia: Maribor, Ljubljana, Bled.
Known for its glistening glacial Lake Bled, its expanse of rolling hills and mountains and a lively and diverse culture, Slovenia will keep you entertained no matter where you decide to call home. You’re sure to stumble across a friendly and helpful English-speaking Slovenian, who will be happy to recommend the best places in the city to visit. What’s more, Slovenia boasts an exceptionally high quality of life (169.3) and has one of the easiest visa/residency acquisition processes in Europe, ranked at low difficulty. Slovenia is also ranked among the safest countries in the world, with a low crime rate that will make your stay all the more comfortable and secure.
11. Czech Republic (Overall Score: 71)
Recommended Cities in the Czech Republic: Prague, Olomouc, Brno.
The Czech Republic inspires and attracts tourists and digital nomads from all over the world, with its gothic and baroque architecture, luscious landscapes and charming urban centres. What’s more, living and working here will be comfortable, secure and easy with the country’s visa acquisition system ranked at low difficulty. The Czech Republic’s quality of life is also very high (162.3), and its restaurant index is reasonably low, so you can enjoy the Czech way of life and cuisine without worrying about overspending. Wherever you go in The Czech Republic, you’re sure to feel welcomed and at home the second you arrive.
10. Lithuania (Overall Score: 71)
Recommended Cities in Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, Šiauliai.
Lithuania’s capital Vilnius combines urban charm with medieval elements in the form of baroque architecture and cobblestone streets. While not much may be known about this small and peaceful Baltic country, it is regarded as one of the safest countries in Europe, and has a very high quality of life (160.4), making it perfect for digital nomads looking for a new place to call home. Lithuania also boasts the perfect blend of urban cities and beachside resorts, giving you the best of both worlds.
9. Latvia (Overall Score: 72)
Recommended Cities in Latvia: Riga, Liepāja, Jūrmala.
Lithuania’s northern neighbour, Latvia is a country full of mystery and intrigue, with its best-known city being its capital Riga. Latvia is made up of small rural towns and port cities, all of which tell their own story. Historic castles, museums, city centre old towns and religious buildings showcase the country’s culture and history to tourists and new residents. What’s more, Latvia’s cost of living is reasonable and its quality of life is high (152.6). Securing a place to live is also easy, with Latvia’s low rent index.
8. Poland (Overall Score: 72)
Recommended Cities in Poland: Warsaw, Krakow, Gdańsk.
A firm favourite among British expats in particular, Poland is among the most sought-after living destinations in Europe. Poland is a civilised, safe and friendly country that boasts beaches, hiking trails, mountain ranges perfect for skiing and charming downtown areas that ooze culture, sophistication and convenience. Compared to Western and Northern European countries, Poland’s cost of living is reasonably low, and its quality of life is high (139.6). If you plan to emigrate permanently, securing a visa is ranked at mid-level difficulty.
7. Hungary (Overall Score: 73)
Recommended Cities in Hungary: Debrecen, Budapest, Szeged.
You may not know many Hungarian cities except for its capital Budapest, however, there are many interesting and stimulating cities to call home in this country. If you enjoy sightseeing, you’ll feel at home in the streets of Budapest; if you want to experience a taste of Hungarian culture, the many museums across the country will satisfy your curiosity, and with a low restaurant price index, foodies will be spoilt for choice. Hungary also has a low visa acquisition difficulty, and its quality of life is high (131.6).
6. Montenegro (Overall Score: 73)
Recommended Cities/Towns in Montenegro: Podgorica, Kotor, Ulcinj.
A hidden gem of Eastern Europe, Montenegro is a small but enticing country, its Adriatic coastline, mountains and quaint villages being the basis of its appeal. Those looking for a quieter and more peaceful way of life should choose Montenegro. Acquiring a visa for a country is ranked low-difficulty, meaning that settling here is easy and hassle-free, and its rent index is relatively low.
5. Bulgaria (Overall Score: 73)
Recommended Cities in Bulgaria: Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv.
Attracting tens of thousands of tourists each year to its Sunny Beach resort, Bulgaria is a strong contender for ideal travelling destinations. Aside from this tourist attraction, you can expect to find bustling downtown areas, centuries-old historic architecture and a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. As for living or relocating permanently, Bulgaria’s rent index is low, its quality of life (131.4) is high and visa acquisition is at low difficulty.
4. Albania (Overall Score: 74)
Recommended Cities in Albania: Kruja, Tirana, Durrës.
Albania– a Balkan country that oozes charm, character and history, and a long Adriatic coastline that is attractive to both visitors and locals. Albania also boasts the lowest cost of living, lowest rent index and lowest restaurant index in our rankings, but the lowest quality of life – however don’t let this deter you, as the low rent and cost of living can help you live comfortably and securely. Albania is also a safe and friendly country, so you can be assured that you’ll find help or advice whenever you need it.
3. Spain (Overall Score: 75)
Recommended Cities in Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia
Spain– the home of some of the best fashion, food, architecture and way of life in Europe, and the country with the highest quality of life (177.7) on our list. Living and working in Spain will enable you to live comfortably, securely and safely, with a rent index and visa acquisition being ranked at low difficulty. We’re sure you’ve visited a city in Spain at some point, but living here is an entirely different experience. If you want to live like a true local, you can expect becoming proficient in Spanish to take around 24 weeks.
2. Portugal (Overall Score: 76)
Recommended Cities in Portugal: Faro, Lisbon, Porto.
Portugal attracts thousands of visitors to its coastline each year, with the main tourist hubs being the Algarve region, Lisbon and Lagos. If you’re looking for a blend of lively and vibrant nightlife, a laid-back way of living and stunning architecture (not to mention some of the best golf courses around), then Portugal is the place for you. Its quality of life (166.5) is one of the highest we’ve seen, and it is very easy to secure a visa or residency in this country.
1. Romania (Overall Score: 88)
Recommended Cities in Romania: Bucharest, Timișoara, Sibiu.
Coming in at number 1 on our list is Romania, the home of vampire folklore (thanks to the Transylvania region), colourful and Baroque-style architecture, popular beaches and a reasonably low cost of living. Romania is perhaps quite underrated as a holiday or living destination in Europe, but it is one of the safest, cheapest and most comfortable places to establish yourself as a digital nomad. What’s more, you can easily acquire a visa or residency here.
Honourable Mentions
These countries didn’t quite make the top 20 list, but they definitely deserve to be mentioned and considered in the best countries to live, work and visit thanks to their high qualities of life.
Finland (Overall Score: 55)
The Nordic/Scandinavian countries have a reputation for having the highest quality of life in Europe, and being some of the safest countries to live and visit. Finland is no exception, with a quality of life of 188.1. However, costs are reasonably high, but living here or even just visiting will be worthwhile.
Ireland (Overall Score: 52)
The home of Guinness and Irish whiskey, Ireland has centuries of history, stunning countryside and hiking trails, and what’s more, there’s no language barrier if you are relocating from the UK. Ireland’s quality of life is 153.2.
Luxembourg (Overall Score: 50)
This tiny country sandwiched between Belgium, Germany and France has much to offer its visitors and residents. Luxembourg may be small, but it has a very high quality of life and a reasonable rent index.
Malta (Overall Score: 44)
You may not know much about Malta, but it is one of the oldest countries in Europe, and its capital Valletta is an extremely vibrant, lively and fulfilling city, as is anywhere you happen to go in this country. Its quality of life is currently ranked at 109.5– low, but still reasonable!