Digital Nomad Visas in Europe: Income Requirements Compared (2026)
A digital nomad visa lets you live in a European country while working remotely for an employer or clients abroad. The catch is the income bar, the length of stay and what your family can do — and those differ a lot. Here are the rules for the schemes we could verify on government websites, side by side.
Quick answer
Among the European digital nomad schemes verified on official sites: Hungary's White Card needs EUR 3,000 net a month for at least 6 months before entry and lasts up to 1 year, extendable once. Cyprus needs a stable net income of at least €3,500 a month, for 1 year renewable for 2 more. Croatia currently needs at least €3,622.50 a month (2.5 times the average net salary) and grants up to 18 months. Italy requires an annual income of at least three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare charges (the consulate cites €8,500), health insurance of at least EUR 30,000, and highly qualified work. Czechia's Digital Nomad Program is limited to IT and marketing professionals from 13 listed countries, with applications processed within 45 days. In every scheme you must work for employers or clients outside the country.
Digital nomad schemes compared
| Country | Income requirement | Length of stay | Family |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary (White Card) | EUR 3,000 net a month, for at least 6 months before entry | Up to 1 year, extendable once for another year | See OIF |
| Cyprus | At least €3,500 net a month after tax and contributions | 1 year, renewable for 2 more | Family can live there for the same period but may not work |
| Croatia | 2.5 × average monthly net salary — currently at least €3,622.50 a month | Up to 18 months; if shorter, one extension of up to 6 months | Close family can join; +10% of the average net salary per family member |
| Italy | At least 3 × the healthcare-exemption minimum (€8,500 cited by the consulate); health insurance of at least EUR 30,000 | See consulate | See consulate |
| Czechia | No flat income figure on the MPO page; highly qualified IT or marketing work | Long-term visa or residence permit; decision within 45 days | Spouse, registered partner and children, if they apply at the same time |
| Spain | Runs an international teleworker visa — check the Spanish consulate or the Large Companies Unit for the current income figure | ||
Verified against the official pages under Sources on 26 September 2026. Income figures are often revised each year.
Hungary and Cyprus: the simplest income tests
Hungary's White Card, run by the Immigration and Asylum Office, treats you as having enough to live on if your monthly legal income has been at least EUR 3,000 net for at least 6 months before entry. The permit is valid for up to 1 year and can be extended once for another year. Cyprus asks for a stable monthly net income of at least €3,500, after taxes and contributions, from an employer or clients abroad. Its visa runs for 1 year and can be renewed for a further 2 years; you apply at the Migration Department in Nicosia within three months of arrival. Your spouse and children can come too, but they may not work in Cyprus.
Croatia: pegged to Croatian salaries
Croatia defines a digital nomad as someone who works through communication technology for a company, or their own company, not registered in Croatia, and who does not work for employers in Croatia. The income bar is set at 2.5 times the average monthly net salary for the previous year, which the Ministry of the Interior currently puts at a minimum of €3,622.50 a month, plus 10% of the average net salary for each family member. Stay is granted for up to 18 months; if you were granted less, you can extend by up to 6 months. After it ends, you can apply again 6 months later.
Italy and Czechia: for qualified professionals
Italy's digital nomad visa is aimed at highly qualified workers. Consular guidance lists ways to prove qualifications — including at least three years of relevant experience in the previous seven for ICT managers and specialists — plus an annual income of at least three times the minimum level for exemption from healthcare charges, and health insurance with at least EUR 30,000 of cover. Czechia's Digital Nomad Program, run by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is open to highly qualified IT and marketing professionals from Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States and Taiwan. Admitted applicants can apply at a Czech embassy abroad and get a decision within 45 days; there is no legal entitlement to the program.
Before you apply
- Net or gross? Hungary and Cyprus quote net income. Check which your country uses before you compare.
- No local clients. These visas are for work for employers or clients abroad; Croatia explicitly bars work for Croatian employers.
- Tax. Living somewhere for a long stretch can make you tax-resident there. Get advice before you go.
- Language. Even remote workers need it for landlords, doctors and paperwork. Language Lab covers Croatian, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Czech and Spanish, among 50 languages.
Key takeaways
- Hungary: EUR 3,000 net/month; 1 year + 1.
- Cyprus: €3,500 net/month; 1 year + 2; family can't work.
- Croatia: €3,622.50/month; up to 18 months.
- Italy & Czechia: aimed at highly qualified professionals.
FAQ
Which European digital nomad visa has the lowest income requirement?
Among the schemes verified here, Hungary's White Card, at EUR 3,000 net a month for at least 6 months before entry. Cyprus requires €3,500 net and Croatia currently €3,622.50 a month.
How long can I stay in Croatia as a digital nomad?
Up to 18 months. If you were granted a shorter stay, you can apply for one extension of up to 6 months, no later than 60 days before your permit expires.
Can my partner work on a Cyprus digital nomad visa?
No. Family members of a digital nomad can live in Cyprus for the same period but may not work or carry out any economic activity there.
Who can apply for the Czech digital nomad program?
Highly qualified IT and marketing professionals from 13 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Canada and Australia, either as employees of a foreign employer or as freelancers with a Czech trade licence.
Sources (official only)
- Hungary: Immigration and Asylum Office — White Card
- Cyprus: Deputy Ministry of Migration — Digital Nomad Visa; Migration Department — digital nomads and family members
- Croatia: Ministry of the Interior — temporary stay of digital nomads
- Italy: Embassy of Italy — digital nomad visa requirements (PDF)
- Czechia: Ministry of Industry and Trade — Digital Nomad Program
Verified against the official pages above on 26 September 2026. Information, not legal advice.