Top 3 European Countries for Residency in 2025: Digital Nomad and Business Visa Options for Freelancers and IT Experts
Top 3 European countries offering legal residency for freelancers and IT professionals in 2025
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In 2025, an increasing number of freelancers and IT professionals are seeking legal residency in Europe through digital nomad visa programs. These initiatives offer the opportunity to live, work remotely, and immerse in local culture – all while maintaining legal status.
This article highlights the top 3 European countries where such programs are the most efficient and legally secure: Spain, Portugal, and Hungary.
This article highlights the top 3 European countries where such programs are the most efficient and legally secure: Spain, Portugal, and Hungary.
Spain: Residency Through Startup + Digital Nomad Visa
Digital Nomad Visa (Telework Visa)
- Launched under the Startup Act, effective since 2023
- Income requirement: minimum 200% of SMI (~€2,368–2,763/month)
- Requirements: university degree or 3 years of experience; employed by a foreign company for at least 3 months
- Documents: passport, criminal record certificate, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and work contract
- Duration: up to 1 year, renewable for up to 5 years
Startup Visa & Residency via Startup
- The Startup Act allows applicants to obtain residency by launching a startup with innovative potential
- Requirements: business plan, minimum €50,000 investment, and job creation
- Benefits: Tax incentives, access to government grants and support programs
Summary for Spain
+ Prestige, strong infrastructure, thriving IT sector, healthcare, and family reunification options
– High entry threshold, activity limitations (max. 20% local clients)
Portugal: D8 Digital Nomad Visa (and Golden Visa as an Alternative)
Digital Nomad Visa (D8)
Golden Visa (privileged access via investment)
Summary for Portugal
+ More relaxed requirements, straightforward path to permanent residency, low minimum stay obligation
– Income and housing must be documented, seasonal demand may increase
- Active since October 2022. Grants temporary residency with the possibility of renewal for up to 2 years; leads to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years
- Income requirement: minimum €3,280–3,480/month, plus proof of savings (~€10,440)
- Housing: proof of accommodation is required (rental or purchase)
- Benefits: only 7 days of physical presence required per year, exemption from VAT, and access to quality healthcare
Golden Visa (privileged access via investment)
- Alternative route – investments in funds (€500K), cultural projects (€250K), or business creation (10 jobs)
- Grants real residency status leading to citizenship in 5 years, but at a higher cost
Summary for Portugal
+ More relaxed requirements, straightforward path to permanent residency, low minimum stay obligation
– Income and housing must be documented, seasonal demand may increase
Hungary: Residence Permit via Business + White Card
White Card (Digital Nomad Visa)
Residence Permit via Business (Kft)
Summary for Hungary
+ Affordable visas, well-developed digital infrastructure, favorable tax regime
– No immediate family reunification with White Card; business visa requires investment and more effort
- Residence permit for affluent freelancers: income up to €3,000/month and €10,000 in savings
- Validity: 1 year + extension for another year. Minimum physical presence of ≥90 days in 6 months
- Application: online via Enter Hungary; not compatible with employment by a Hungarian employer
Residence Permit via Business (Kft)
- Company formation (minimum €7,700 share capital), residence and business visa valid for 1+1 years
- Corporate tax rate: 9%, low operational costs
- Benefits: access to banking, eligibility for permanent residency in 3 years and EU long-term residency in 5 years
Summary for Hungary
+ Affordable visas, well-developed digital infrastructure, favorable tax regime
– No immediate family reunification with White Card; business visa requires investment and more effort
Which program to choose?
- Looking for a simple visa for remote work? Start with Spain – low entry threshold, developed infrastructure, and family inclusion is allowed.
- Value flexibility and a path to permanent residency? Portugal offers a long but reliable route with lenient terms and minimal physical stay requirements.
- Prefer a business visa with low taxes? Hungary offers the White Card and a cost-effective business visa via Kft with minimal investment.
Conclusion
Each of these programs offers a legal and effective path to residence permits for freelancers and IT professionals in Europe in 2025. Choose based on your goals: lifestyle, duration of stay, or the possibility of obtaining citizenship.
If you need help analyzing your case, we’ll assist in assembling your application, securing your visa, and launching your relocation with a full turnkey service.
If you need help analyzing your case, we’ll assist in assembling your application, securing your visa, and launching your relocation with a full turnkey service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before applying for citizenship or residency
Yes. Digital nomad visa programs in Spain, Portugal, and Hungary are designed for foreign freelancers and professionals working for international companies. The key requirement is stable income and proof of remote employment.
It depends on your goals. A digital nomad visa is ideal for remote work and legal residence without the need to start a business. A business visa (such as Hungary’s Kft route) allows you to launch a company, benefit from tax advantages, and get permanent residency faster – but it requires more investment and effort.
Yes, both Spain and Portugal allow family reunification under the digital nomad visa. Hungary currently does not support family relocation under the White Card – separate visa applications would be required.
Spain is perfect for those looking to move quickly with minimal entry thresholds and the possibility of bringing family.
Portugal offers a reliable route with minimal stay requirements and a direct path to citizenship.
Hungary is great for business and tax optimization, and allows for family relocation if you choose the business residency path via company formation. The digital nomad visa (White Card) is only suitable for individual applicants.
Portugal offers a reliable route with minimal stay requirements and a direct path to citizenship.
Hungary is great for business and tax optimization, and allows for family relocation if you choose the business residency path via company formation. The digital nomad visa (White Card) is only suitable for individual applicants.
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Citizenship programs
Investment requirement: from $105,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 88 countries,
including the UK, Ireland and Singapore
Processing time: from 4-6 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 88 countries,
including the UK, Ireland and Singapore
Processing time: from 4-6 months
Investment requirement: from $235,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 148 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 6 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 148 countries,
including the UK and Schengen Area
Processing time: from 6 months
Investment requirement: from $130,000
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 95 countries,
including the Hong Kong and Singapore
Processing time: from 2 months
Visa-free travel:
Access to over 95 countries,
including the Hong Kong and Singapore
Processing time: from 2 months
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