5 Interesting European locations for digital nomads and remote work

5 Interesting European locations for digital nomads and remote work

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Remote work is here to stay, as more and more people and companies are starting to see the bright side of it. While many dream of working from a tropical beach or cosy mountain cabin, urbanites crave the sound, the movement and the people. Many professionals looking to work remotely are betting on Europe and its lesser-known cities. 

To help you choose your potential new home, we’ve created a list of five European destinations that offer an ideal combination of low costs, easy accessibility and plenty of amenities for travellers and nomads.

Remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle are on the rise

With technology making it easier to work remotely, it’s no surprise that the workforce is undergoing a major shift. Modern business is no longer tethered to a physical location or the 9-5. More companies are offering employees the option to work from anywhere they choose, and with more than 53% of the world’s population living in cities, it makes sense to look for less crowded places to work and build a life in.

How to choose a city to work remotely from

Choosing the right city to work remotely from can be daunting, as there are many factors to consider. From internet connectivity and cost of living to culture and community, evaluating what is most important to you and your lifestyle is essential. This section will explore key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a city to work remotely from and provide some tips for making the best decision.

  • Cost of living: In some of Europe’s non-capital cities, the cost of living is much lower than in other parts of the world. Many remote workers choose less expensive cities to save as much money as possible at the end of the month. 
  • Good internet speed: It’s crucial for professionals that rely on their laptops to work to have fast internet connections, so they can easily communicate with their colleagues worldwide. If a city does not have reliable high-speed internet connections, look elsewhere!
  • Weather: A pleasant climate will make it easier to enjoy yourself while working remotely and spend free time outdoors exploring new places around town or visiting nearby cities and countries. 
  • Culture and community: The culture and community of a city can play a significant role in your overall experience of living and working remotely. Consider if a town has a vibrant social scene or a more relaxed and peaceful place. There are cities of all kinds in Europe. 
  • Digital nomad or Freelance visa: this is something to keep in mind for those non-EU nomads looking to settle down in a European country for more than three months. Make sure to check each country’s immigration websites to find all the information related to this subject. 

Now that we have shared some insights on what to look for in your (potential) next home base, let’s get to know our pick for the best 5 European cities to work remotely from. 

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a city with a lot of history and culture and is home to many universities, meaning that expats can easily find their way around the city by speaking English. The cost of living in Cologne is considered affordable compared to other German and European cities, making it an ideal place for remote workers who want to save money.

Although Germany doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, it offers a freelancer visa as an option for those looking for an alternative. However, it has its own set of requirements. To obtain freelancer status, an individual must work within specific professional fields, which are not limited to remote work only.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague has a low cost of living, a thriving startup scene, and an extensive international community because it’s home to big players like Amazon, Microsoft and Accenture. 

The Czech capital is considered an excellent city to work remotely from for several reasons: a relatively low cost of living, a good transportation network, rich culture and history and a vibrant social scene. It also offers easy access to nature and friendly and welcoming locals. Fuelled by the internationalisation of the capital, one can quickly get around Prague by speaking English. 

The Czech Republic has yet to have a specific visa for digital nomads but provides a long-term residence visa that enables freelancers to work in the country for up to a year.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The capital of Georgia is an emerging destination for remote workers looking for an affordable and culturally rich location. The city offers a unique blend of traditional and modern cultures, reflected in its architecture and vibrant street life. On top of that, Georgia offers a 1-year visa-free stay to many passports; you can check the list here.

The city is surrounded by the Caucasus Mountains, providing easy access to nature, and is known for its friendly locals, making it easy to settle in and feel at home. All these factors make Tbilisi an attractive destination for people looking for a fantastic city to work remotely from.

Tallin, Estonia

Estonia is a small country with a population of 1.3 million. Tallinn, the capital city, has a low cost of living, first-rate internet connectivity and a vibrant startup scene. Twenty years ago, Estonia wasn’t on the radar, but its internationalisation and impact on the startup world have helped it become worldwide recognised amongst entrepreneurs, to the point that it was the first country to issue a digital nomad visa!

It has a very energetic startup scene, with home-grown giants like Bolt, Wise and Pipedrive, all excellent examples to follow for upcoming and growing companies.

The country’s favourable tax laws make it easy for many international companies to settle in. Estonia has the world’s best tax system and a hassle-free process to start a company, driving many entrepreneurs to its territory.

Valencia, Spain

Located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, Valencia has been awarded first place in the Forbes ranking of 20 best cities to live in based on the Expat City Ranking 2022 by InterNations, the world’s largest expatriate community.

The city offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other major national and European cities, rich history and culture, with many historical sites and landmarks to explore. 

It’s been a popular Erasmus destination for many years, which has positively impacted Valencia and helped build a solid international atmosphere. It has a well-connected public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city and the country. 

On top of that, Spain just launched a new visa for remote workers and a new startup act that aims to empower and drive international talent and investment to the country.

In conclusion, the rise of remote work has opened up a world of opportunities for professionals to work from anywhere they choose. With its lesser-known cities, Europe offers a unique combination of affordability, accessibility and amenities for remote workers. Our list of top 5 European locations for remote work includes cities that provide an outstanding balance of work and leisure, making them an ideal choice for those looking to change their work environment. 

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