Digital Nomad Visas in Southern Europe: A Country-by-Country Comparison

Southern Europe has become a top destination for remote workers, and for good reason: excellent weather, affordable living costs, rich culture, and strong digital infrastructure. All five countries we cover now offer dedicated visa programs for digital nomads, but they differ significantly in their requirements and benefits.

The single biggest differentiator between these programs is the minimum income you need to demonstrate. As of 2026:

• Italy: €28,000/year (€2,333/month) — the lowest threshold in the region
• Spain: ~€33,000/year (200% of SMI, approximately €2,763/month)
• Greece: €42,000/year (€3,500/month)
• Malta: €42,000/year (€3,500/month)
• Portugal (D8): ~€44,000/year (4x minimum wage, €3,680/month)

Note: These thresholds change annually as minimum wages and reference indicators are updated. Always verify the current figures before applying.

How quickly you can get approved varies widely:

1. Spain: 2 to 4 weeks after submission. The UGE-CE processes applications efficiently, making this one of the fastest in Europe.
2. Italy: 4 to 8 weeks on average, though it can vary by consulate.
3. Malta: Approximately 4 to 6 weeks for the Nomad Residence Permit.
4. Greece: 4 to 8 weeks, with some reports of longer waits during peak periods.
5. Portugal (D8): 2 to 4 months. Portugal's immigration agency (AIMA) has faced significant backlogs, though processing has improved in 2026.

Each country offers different initial durations and renewal options:

• Spain: Initial permit for 3 years, renewable for 2 more years. Total potential stay: 5 years before permanent residency.
• Portugal (D8): Initial visa for 1 year, then a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 2 more years. Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.
• Italy: 1-year permit, renewable with no stated cap on renewals.
• Greece: 1-year visa, extendable for up to 2 additional years.
• Malta: 1-year permit, renewable up to 3 times (4 years total).

This is a common question with nuanced answers:

• Spain: Yes, up to 20% of your work can be for Spanish companies
• Portugal: The D8 is designed for remote work for foreign entities, but some local freelance work may be possible under certain conditions
• Italy: No. Work must be exclusively for employers or clients outside Italy
• Greece: No. Work must be for employers or clients outside Greece
• Malta: No. Remote work must be for foreign employers or clients

The "best" digital nomad visa depends on your priorities:

• Lowest cost of entry: Italy (€28,000/year income requirement)
• Fastest processing: Spain (2 to 4 weeks)
• Best pathway to citizenship: Portugal (5 years to citizenship eligibility)
• Lowest cost of living: Greece (especially outside Athens)
• English-friendly environment: Malta (English is an official language)

Every situation is unique. Our team specializes in helping remote workers find the right country and visa pathway for their specific circumstances.