With the freedom that remote working offers, picking a destination that can double as an office can feel overwhelming, given the many choices.
Portugal, Estonia, and Croatia were some of the first European countries to offer digital nomad visas, but in recent years, the cost of obtaining one has become increasingly high.
As cities like Lisbon have faced a backlash at the growing number of digital nomads, several European countries have taken note of the Portuguese city and made the conditions around getting a visa more demanding.
But this is not the case for all of Europe, and one country known as the land of a thousand lakes, with endless room to explore the stunning natural landscape it offers, officially has the lowest income requirements for digital nomads in Europe.
For those interested in exploring Finland, the Nordic country’s self-employment visa is open to non-EU workers who are self-employed or run independent businesses as long as they earn £1,220 a month.
While not technically a digital nomad visa, the self-employment visa works similarly, allowing non-EU citizens to work in the country without having to find a local employer.
With an income requirement of £1,220 a month, it’s a significantly cheaper option than Portugal, whose digital nomad visa requires workers to earn £2,882 a month, or Italy, where the minimum income is £2,070.
The most expensive European country is Iceland, where digital nomads must make £5,859 a month to be eligible for a visa.
The blog Freaking Nomads explains how freelancers, consultants or entrepreneurs can work in Finland for up to 6 months with Finland’s self-employment visa, with the possibility to renew it after one year.
Finland is ranked 14th in the world regarding safety. It is home to a thriving sauna scene, clear views of the Northern Lights, and 41 national parks to explore.
Turku, on the country’s southwest coast, is its oldest city, and Helsinki, its capital, is full of museums, outdoor markets, and cafes.
However, for a slightly cheaper cost of living, the city of Oulu has become a leader in the tech and wellness industry, making it an ideal spot for digital nomads in the sector.
Wherever you decide to pitch up, you’re almost guaranteed a good time, considering the country has been ranked the happiest in the world for 10 years.
So, if you fancy taking the plunge, online applications submitted via the Enter Finland e-service cost €400 (£331), while paper applications will set you back €400 (£496).
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