Top 5 Best Places to be a Digital Nomad in Europe

Recently, transitioning into a digital nomad became a dream for many people around the globe. This lifestyle became trendy and attractive for numerous people looking to combine leisure and work. However, digital nomadism isn’t as easy of a process as it seems. There are numerous things to deal with. One of the dilemmas to solve is the country where you’ll be staying. That is why we set up a list of the best places to be a digital nomad in Europe.

Top 5 best destinations to be a Digital Nomad in Europe.

Most digital nomads aren’t very picky about their next destination. However, based on experience, it seems that many digital nomads share specific criteria when choosing their next destination in Europe. Among these criteria are:

• the need to find an excellent internet connection
• a safe place
• easy visa requirements
• low cost of living
• good coworking spaces.

With this in mind, we have selected 5 European destinations that seem to fit these criteria.

1. Belgrade, Serbia

Located in the European southeastern side, the Serbian capital is a must-see city for digital nomads in Europe. The city offers a diverse range of cultural experiences at very advantageous rates.

Additionally, the geographical location of Belgrade makes it possible to enjoy a big range of activities in Serbia. For instance, you can swim at Ada Ciganlija Beach, take amazing pictures by the Danube quays, or hike in the almighty Mount Avala. Furthermore, in Belgrade, you can expect to experience authentic European culture, thrilling adventures, and one of the best nightlife scenes on the continent.

Internet

In terms of connectivity, you won’t find any difficulties in Belgrade, Serbia. In 2020, the country was ranked 55th for the speediest internet in the globe. Therefore, as a digital nomad in Europe, you will be able to work remotely without any internet difficulty. Moreover, the telecommunication companies (Yettel, MTS, or A1) offer amazing monthly subscription deals ranging from 5$ up to 10$/month.

Visa requirements

One of the main concerns for every digital nomad in Europe is the visa process. Thankfully, Serbia isn’t part of the Schengen zone, therefore, you won’t have to worry about the long procedures.

Unfortunately, the country still didn’t create a visa for digital nomads, however, you can apply for a Visa type C or D. A Visa – C allows you to stay in Serbia for up to 90 days. While Visa – D gives you the right to remain in Serbia for a period ranging between 90 up to 180 days.

Coworking spaces

Numerous digital nomads in Belgrade work from cafes and restaurants. This lifestyle allows them to save money and enjoy delicious food while benefiting from a free fast internet.

However, some digital nomads choose to work from one of the coworking spaces in Belgrade. Each one of these working facilities has its advantages. For instance, some coworking spaces offer VR laboratories, conference rooms, professional development programs, event spaces, etc. The monthly fee subscription for a coworking space in Belgrade costs between 100€ up to 220€.

2. Budapest, Hungary

Located in Central Europe, Budapest is a must-see gem for a digital nomad in Europe. The Hungarian capital offers an exceptional cosmopolitan atmosphere that seduced numerous remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs.

Budapest represents a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You’ll be amazed by the picturesque little markets, the lively nightlife and the cheap cost of living. Also, you’ll fall in love with the capital’s medieval castles, historic look, and urban artistic design.

Additionally, since Hungary is part of the Schengen area you’ll be able to visit its nearby countries such as Austria, Croatia, Romania, etc.

Internet

Due to its ancient architectural look, Budapest may seem like it’s an outdated city. However, you’ll be surprised to see the number of free Wifi Hotspots available. Furthermore, Budapest ranks as the 12th fastest broadband internet in the world. Therefore, you shouldn’t face any connectivity problems.

You can also opt for an internet mobile offer from one of the three main telecommunication companies (Telekom Mobile, Yettel, and Vodafone). Their offers cost between 6€ up to 30€.

Visa requirements

Hungary has one of the easiest visa requirements for a digital nomad in Europe. The country allows 113 countries’ nationals to enter its soil without visa requirements.

Additionally, nationals of 37 countries can benefit from the e-visa system and 14 countries can purchase a visa on arrival. Furthermore, digital nomads can apply for a tourist visa or a business visa. However, bear in mind that if you apply for a business visa, you’ll have to provide the Hungarian authorities with numerous administrative and financial documents.

Coworking spaces

Just like in Belgrade, many digital nomads in Budapest chose to work from cafes and restaurants. However, the Hungarian capital has an additional tool at its disposal, namely, ruin pubs. They are authentic traditional bars that serve as a workspace during the afternoons.

Another advantage of ruin pubs is that they all have Wifi and remain relatively quiet until the evening. Additionally, Budapest houses numerous great coworking spaces. They offer meeting rooms, event spaces, private offices, lockers and most of them are animal friendly and open 24/7.

3. Krakow, Poland

In the continuity of the best places to be a digital nomad in Europe, we suggest Krakow. Poland’s second-largest city is a gem for remote workers looking for a cheap place to stay while being able to enjoy a variety of cultural activities and an electrifying nightlife.

Krakow offers an attractive mix of history, culture, and entertainment. Scroll down in its Jewish quarter, admire its old town medieval architect and discover its historic sites and colorful streets.

Additionally, in recent years, Krakow became a trendy start-up scene for digital nomads in Europe due to its low cost of living, chill atmosphere, and taxation advantages.

Internet

As a digital nomad in Krakow, you don’t have to worry about your connectivity. There are more than 1300 wifi hotspots in the city. You’ll be able to enjoy an average internet connection of 96.88 Mbps for broadband and 29.77 Mbps for mobile data speeds. You can also create your own WiFi hotspot! Read our article on how to do just that.

Furthermore, Poland has numerous internet service providers who have very cheap offers ranging between 3€ up to 20€.

Visa requirements

If you come from a country that is part of the Schengen area you won’t need any visa to stay in Krakow.

However, if it’s not the case, the odds are relatively high that you’ll need to apply for a visa to enter Poland. You can either apply for Visa-C (short stay), Visa-D (long-stay), or a Business Visa.

Coworking spaces

Concerning workspaces in Krakow, you won’t find any shortage. In this city, there is something for any digital nomad.

All coworking spaces in Krakow offer high-speed wifi, meeting rooms, and a quiet chill environment. The monthly subscription cost ranges between 70€ up to 150€.

4. Bucharest, Romania

The capital of Romania stands out as one of the best places to be a digital nomad in Europe at the start of 2022. Bucharest is a young destination located in central Europe with a rich historical and cultural background.

This city is an adapted destination in terms of nomadic workplaces and telecommuting. It is also a thriving entrepreneurial scene, a growing IT system, and a pleasant coastal climate.

Internet

The Romanian capital is a dream destination for any digital nomad in Europe. The average connectivity speed in Bucharest is 151.55 Mbps for broadband internet and 35.93 Mbps for mobile data speeds. All of this for an average price of 8€.

Visa requirements

Digital nomads of more than 100 countries can enter Romanian soil without a visa, while nationals of 34 countries can access the country with an e-visa.

Romania also offers long-stay visas and temporary residence permits to digital nomads. Additionally, both documents can be extended.

Coworking spaces

Remote working spaces in Bucharest are well adapted for any digital nomad. The capital has a large range of modern coworking spaces. Most of them offer daily passes that will allow you to get a glimpse of the digital nomadism vibes in Bucharest.

Furthermore, the monthly price varies between 100€ and 400€.

5. Berlin, Germany

The list of best places to be a digital nomad in Europe cannot be complete without mentioning Berlin. The German capital is a thriving digital hub full of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and expats.

It is also a versatile city that boasts some of the most iconic nightlife places for night owls. Furthermore, Berlin offers a variety of cultural and artistic activities.

Internet

Unlike the above-mentioned countries, Berlin is quite expensive in terms of connectivity. The average internet speed is 94.73 Mbps for broadband and 37.31 Mbps for mobile.

Moreover, the monthly cost of an internet subscription ranges between 10€ up to 30€.

Visa requirements

Nationals of more than 100 countries can benefit from a visa entry-free system to stay in Berlin. While 32 countries can access the city with an E-visa.

However, if you’re a digital nomad in Europe and you need to apply for a visa to enter Germany, we recommend going for a freelance visa. It will allow you to stay in Berlin for a long time as long as you can prove that you have sufficient funds and no criminal background.

Coworking spaces

Berlin certainly has no shortage of working spaces. Most of them are pretty large and some of them include big tech companies.

Additionally, some coworking spaces in Berlin offer hourly, daily and monthly subscriptions. The price ranges between 4€ up to 250€ depending on the subscription’s type and the chosen coworking space.

Which Digital Nomad Country is best suited for you?

We tried to cover a broad range of countries so you can decide which one suits you best. Still not convinced? Have a look at our top 5 countries in the Meditteranean to be a Digital Nomad!

Top 5 Mediterranean Countries for Digital Nomads

Detailed statistics

For even more detailed statistics like the cost of a cup of coffee and tax rates, you can check out our interactive overview of the best places to live as a digital nomad!

🏆 Best Places to Live as a Digital Nomad: The Numbers

Every destination presented here has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, no one can deny that all of them are among the best places to be a digital nomad in Europe. We hope this guide helped you learn more about your next destination. Don’t hesitate to tell us about your experiences and feedback in the comment section.

We look forward to reading them!