Top 10 Best European Cities for Digital Nomads in 2024

Choosing the best cities in Europe for digital nomads involves considering many factors. For instance, reliable internet is essential for remote work. The cost of living also varies in different cities, so research housing and everyday expenses to fit your budget. 

It is also beneficial to move around, and choosing a European city with efficient transportation systems is important for getting around easily and finding great co-working spaces. Additionally, as remote work has become popular over the years, the digital nomad lifestyle has become a symbol of freedom. More and more digital nomads have been relocating to European cities with the help of Type D Visas and Digital Nomad Visas.

This guide will have 10 of the best European cities for digital nomads to live in and a breakdown of the cost of living in each city.  Here is more of what we will cover: 

• The 10 best European cities for digital nomads 
• How can you be a digital nomad in Europe?
• Where can I get a Digital Nomad Visa?
• Eight factors to consider before moving to a European city  

The 10 Best European Cities for Digital Nomads

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal is a buzzing digital nomad destination in Western Europe. It offers a variety of comfortable and great accommodation options at an affordable cost, some of the best laptop-friendly cafés, and creative coworking spaces. The low cost of living, the high quality of life in the nation, and the openness of the Portuguese people have made Portugal one of the primary European countries for most digital nomads, including foreign investors seeking the Portugal Golden Visa.

Foreign remote workers seeking a comfortable life in Portugal can apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa and enjoy living in Lisbon. The capital city has emerged as the nation’s thriving creative hub and, in many respects, the heart of the European digital nomad scene.

Lisbon is one of the more affordable European capitals and is a primary example of a freelance-friendly city. It provides remote workers with the ultimate trifecta: city-spread WiFi with a reliable internet connection, excellent public transportation systems, lively streets filled with amazing architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine at every corner, all of which make it one of the most popular cities for remote working in Europe. Add to that the proximity of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean; you’ve got everything you may need.

Here is a brief overview of the cost of living in Lisbon:

• Rent: €1,200-€1,500 in city center, €800-€1,100 outside center
• Groceries: €200-€300 per month for one person
• Transport: €1.65 per single trip; €40 for a monthly pass

2. São Miguel, Azores, Portugal

Many digital nomads in Europe started working remotely in Portugal way before the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa launched, thanks to the Portugal D7 Visa. Some freelance communities are centered around the country’s thriving metropolitan hubs, where cultural events occur all year round, while others are spread across the nation’s remote islands – such as the Sāo Miguel Island in the Azores.

Sāo Miguel is known for its beautifully green forests, gorgeous crater lakes, and exceptional hot springs.

The island’s remoteness and natural wonders have made it a spiritual getaway for many digital nomads. During COVID, it was considered one of the best places to work remotely. Today, it remains a favored destination among the nomadic community.

Here is an overview of the average cost of living in Sāo Miguel:

• Rent: €500–€700 in city center, €400–€600 outside center
• Groceries: €150–€250 per month for one person
• Transport: €1.40 per single bus trip; €30 for a monthly pass

3. Valletta, Malta

Malta is a growing business center for avid investors and young entrepreneurs. It offers incredible tax incentives to residents and non-residents, and it’s a great country for migration, with English as one of its primary languages. Living there, you’ll have access to fantastic Mediterranean weather, delicious cuisine, and a laid-back lifestyle in a thriving European city.

By acquiring the Malta Digital Nomad Visa, you can easily take advantage of visa-free travel across Europe and the Schengen Zone, which makes it easy to maximize the opportunity of working remotely.

Yet, freedom of movement and increased mobility, granted alongside a residency permit, are only some of the advantages of working in Malta, Valletta as a digital nomad. The city has strong 5G internet, affordable transportation costs, and high political stability, and it can also be a great place to connect with successful entrepreneurs.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Valletta:

• Rent: €900-€1,300 in city center, €700-€900 outside center
• Groceries: €250-€350 per month for one person
• Transport: €1.50 per single trip; €26 for a monthly pass

4. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich has its own unique charm. It’s Switzerland’s largest city, full of beautiful medieval buildings, parks, rivers, and mountain views. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities, with Lake Zurich nearby for kayaking and the Alps for skiing.

The city may be pricey, but it’s one of the most rewarding places to explore as a digital nomad. It offers peaceful natural views and a growing, creative community of digital nomads.

If you choose to relocate there, you’ll find many coworking spaces, laptop-friendly cafés, a fast internet connection, and excellent food to sustain yourself during your work week.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Zurich:

• Rent: CHF 2,000–CHF 2,800 in city center, CHF 1,500–CHF 2,000 outside center
• Groceries: CHF 400–CHF 500 per month for one person
• Transport: CHF 4.40 per single trip; CHF 85 for a monthly pass

5. Palma, Spain

Palma, the vibrant capital of Mallorca in Spain’s Canary Islands, is one of the best cities for digital nomads in Europe. Perfect for autumn and winter, it offers beautiful architecture, numerous galleries and museums, over 300 natural beaches, and pine forests surrounding the modern city.

If you’re considering applying for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa, try planning around visiting Palma in September or October, when tourism is at its lowest and rental prices are reasonable again. Then, you can genuinely enjoy Palma’s liveliness and authenticity and its soul-nourishing, Mediterranean charm.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Palma:

• Rent: €1,200–€1,500 in city center, €800–€1,000 outside center
• Groceries: €250–€300 per month for one person
• Transport: €2 per single trip; €45 for a monthly pass

6. Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow may be known for its rainy summer days and dark winters, but it is also one of the best European cities for digital nomads. For a buzzing city in the UK, it’s quite affordable, offering spacious Victorian apartments at reasonable rates and many relaxing bed-and-breakfast rentals.

Life in Glasgow is more suitable for night owls who look out for pub crawls and live music performances. It offers a variety of culinary experiences at every other bend and is packed with galleries, exhibits, and museums to give you calming activities to do on a Sunday. Moreover, it is filled with sun-lit coworking spaces and fast-speed internet connections, allowing you to focus on your tasks ahead.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Glasgow:

• Rent: £900–£1,300 in city center, £700–£900 outside center
• Groceries: £200–£300 per month for one person
• Transport: £2.60 per single trip; £55 for a monthly pass

7. Belfast, Northern Ireland

Known for its castles, city-spread murals, whisky bars, and the diversity of its culinary scene, Belfast is an intriguing destination for travelers worldwide and one of the best European cities for remote working.

The city has free WiFi hotspots, high internet speed, and some of the best digital cafes and coworking spaces to find inspiration. Furthermore, the general cost of living in Belfast is quite reasonable compared to the US or the rest of Europe.

Here is a general overview of the cost of living in Belfast:

• Rent: £700–£1,000 in city center, £500–£800 outside center
• Groceries: £200–£250 per month for one person
• Transport: £2 per single trip; £58 for a monthly pass

8. Florence, Italy

Florence is famous for its culture, captivating monuments, and amazing architecture. It is the birthplace of Renaissance art. It’s every poet and artist’s dream city to live and thrive in. With the help of the Italy Digital Nomad Visa, foreign workers and digital artists seeking to expand their creative skill set in an inspiring city can now start planning their relocation to Italy.

Florence has the largest masonry dome in the world and the third-largest cathedral, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what this city has to offer in terms of architectural wonders.

It is also a thriving student city, meaning you’ll find comfortable coworking spaces to work in and an international community to integrate with.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Florence:

• Rent: €800–€1,200 in city center, €600–€900 outside center
• Groceries: €200–€300 per month for one person
• Transport: €1.50 per single trip; €35 for a monthly pass

9. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

*Amsterdam is an incredible city and every digital nomad’s dream – packed with internationals, high-ceiling coworking spaces, and fast-speed internet cafes. If you’re looking for the right mix of nature and cityscapes, you’ll find it at the city’s heart without going too far.

Home to the Van Gogh Museum, the vast Rijksmuseum, and the charming nine canals, it is filled with culture and elegantly has the finer things in life.

In Amsterdam, you won’t have to worry about working all day and missing out on all the fun later, as many places are open till 10 pm. You’ll have ample time to relax and enjoy a proper work-life balance. Make sure to visit it in the off-season, so you can enjoy walking around without too much congestion on the streets.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in Amsterdam: 

• Rent: €1,800–€2,500 in city center, €1,200–€1,800 outside center
• Groceries: €300–€400 per month for one person
• Transport: €3.20 per single trip; €97 for a monthly pass

10. London, United Kingdom

London has a rich history, incredible architectural gems, and a thriving art scene, among other things. It is one of the best cities in Europe for digital nomads, not for its cost of living but for the experience it leaves you with. Being in an international student city, it joins multiple cultures and has an incredible digital nomad freelancing community.

While finding suitable accommodation at an affordable price during your stay may be challenging, you’ll find plenty of shared flats for rent and a big couch-surfing community. As an international hub, it offers many coworking spaces and fast-speed internet cafes to complete your work comfortably. Once the day ends and you’re done with work, you can easily find entertainment in the town.

Here is an overview of the cost of living in London:

• Rent: £1,700–£2,500 in city center, £1,200–£1,800 outside center
• Groceries: £250–£350 per month for one person
• Transport: £2.80 per single trip (within Zone 1); £160–£200 for a monthly pass (Zones 1–2)

How can you be a digital nomad in Europe?

Many countries have introduced a Digital Nomad Visa, which allows individuals to live and work in their country for a specified period. To be eligible, you generally must have your primary work or be contracted to a company outside the host country. Self-employed individuals, freelancers, or businesses that can be managed from anywhere worldwide also qualify for a remote worker visa.

These visas are usually short-term, up to one year, and do not offer a pathway to citizenship. However, depending on the country’s requirements, you may be able to get a residence permit in some cases.

Keep in mind that these visas are different from short-stay visas, which usually last up to 180 days and don’t allow any type of work, even if you’re working for a company outside the country. Self-employed people are also not allowed to earn money while on a short-stay visa.

These are other factors to consider when thinking of becoming a digital nomad in Europe:

Understand visa requirements

As reiterated, researching visa requirements is one of the first steps to choosing the best European cities for digital nomads. It’s important to know visa requirements for your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Ensure you have the necessary documents and understand the application process before departure.

Arrange your finances

Calculate your living expenses, including accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment, and consider opening an international bank account to manage your finances easily while traveling.

Find remote work opportunities

Use websites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, or FlexJobs, to find remote job listings and make connections with other remote workers and digital nomads through online communities or social media platforms.

Where can I get a Digital Nomad Visa?

Currently, 43 countries offer visas for digital nomads, although it could go by different names, such as an Independent Contractor visa. The European countries that currently offer such a visa are:

* Italy officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa in 2024. It is designed for remote workers from outside the EU who are employed by a company outside of Italy. It allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in Italy for up to a year.

Eight Factors to consider before moving to a European City

Moving to a European city as a digital nomad is an exciting opportunity because of the diverse environments the continent offers. Therefore, there are important factors to consider when choosing the best cities in Europe for digital nomads.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Cities in Europe for Digital Nomads

Where can I work remotely in Europe?

There are many places in Europe where digital nomads can work remotely. Some of the best places for remote workers in 2024 are Malta, Belfast, Lisbon, Zagreb, and Palma, among others.

Can I live in Europe and work remotely?

Yes, absolutely. Foreign remote workers may relocate and work remotely from Europe for up to 90 days with a tourist visa. If they intend on staying longer than 90 days, they’ll have to acquire a residence permit or a Digital Nomad Visa.

Where should a digital nomad live in Europe?

Some of the greatest cities in Europe for digital nomads include Sāo Miguel in the Azores of Portugal, Florence in Italy, and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Why is Europe a great place for digital nomads?

Europe has been opening its doors to foreign remote workers since the rise of the pandemic. It has been offering incredible tax advantages to reel digital nomads into its economy. It also boasts large English-speaking communities, and affordable living costs.

Is Portugal a good place for digital nomads?

Absolutely. You won’t have to think twice about working in Portugal as a digital nomad, as the country is quite readily equipped to cater to the digital nomad lifestyle.

Can I travel around with a Digital Nomad Visa?

When you acquire a Digital Nomad Visa, you receive temporary residency rights in that respective nation. If it’s in the EU, you’ll have the right to travel across European Union nations during your permit’s validity.

Which European country is best for digital nomads?

Portugal is a buzzing digital nomad destination in Western Europe. It offers a variety of comfortable and distinctive accommodation options at an affordable cost, some of the best laptop-friendly coffee shops, and creative coworking spaces with excellent internet speeds. The low cost of living and high quality of life in the nation and the openness of the Portuguese people have made the nation one of the primary countries in Europe for most digital nomads.

Where is the best place to work remotely in Europe?

The best places to work remotely in Europe are often cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, known for reliable internet, affordable living costs, and a thriving digital nomad community.

What are the best European cities for digital nomads in 2024?

The best cities for digital nomads in Europe are:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• São Miguel, Azores, Portugal
• Valletta, Malta
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Palma, Spain
• Glasgow, Scotland
• Belfast, Northern Ireland
• Florence, Italy
• Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• London, United Kingdom