Portugal Joins Spain, Hungary, Romania, and Montenegro as Europe’s Leading Digital Nomad Destinations for 2026, Offering Unique Benefits for Remote Workers – Everything You Need to Know

Portugal has emerged as a leading destination for digital nomads in Europe for 2026, joining the ranks of Spain, Hungary, Romania, and Montenegro. With its appealing mix of affordable living, high-speed internet, and vibrant lifestyle, Portugal offers remote workers a unique blend of work and leisure. The country’s digital nomad visa is designed to provide flexibility and accessibility, with a relatively low income requirement and affordable application fees. Popular cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal have transformed into thriving hubs for remote work, making Portugal a top choice for those seeking both professional opportunities and a rich cultural experience. Alongside its scenic landscapes and growing remote-working community, Portugal’s infrastructure and lifestyle balance make it an ideal base for digital nomads in 2026 and beyond.

Remote working continues to rise in popularity, with many individuals seizing the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world. The rise of digital nomad visas has made this dream a reality for many professionals seeking to blend work with the allure of living in exciting and diverse destinations. These visas allow people to live and work legally in countries abroad while keeping their professional commitments intact.

With multiple European countries offering digital nomad visas, some stand out for their exceptional benefits, offering the perfect combination of visa length, affordability, internet speeds, and lifestyle. As we look to 2026, these countries are becoming increasingly popular destinations for digital nomads seeking both work opportunities and a rewarding lifestyle. Here are the top five countries in Europe for digital nomads.

Portugal: A Perfect Balance of Work and Leisure

Portugal tops the list for digital nomads, offering a seamless mix of accessibility, infrastructure, and lifestyle. The country’s one-year digital nomad visa comes with a relatively modest application fee ranging from €90 to €120, alongside a monthly income requirement of €3,280.

Portugal’s popularity is particularly evident in locations like Funchal, Madeira, and parts of Lisbon and Porto, which have become remote-working hubs. These areas combine excellent transport links, a growing remote-working community, and a lifestyle that offers access to stunning coastlines and outdoor spaces—perfect for balancing work and leisure.

Portugal’s connectivity, combined with its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries, makes it a highly attractive destination for digital nomads looking to experience both work and leisure in a picturesque setting.

Spain: Long-Term Security for Remote Workers

Spain stands out for its flexibility and long-term options for digital nomads. The country offers a one-year visa with the possibility of renewing it for up to five years, providing rare long-term stability for remote workers. The initial visa application fee is around €80, and the monthly income requirement is €2,334—one of the lowest in Western Europe.

Lifestyle in Spain is another major draw. Cities like Valencia have become hotspots for digital nomads, offering a laid-back vibe without the hustle and bustle of larger capitals, reducing the risk of burnout. The slower pace of life, coupled with Spain’s vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and strong remote-working infrastructure, makes it a top contender for digital nomads seeking a comfortable yet productive environment.

Hungary: Affordable Living with Fast Internet

Hungary appeals to digital nomads looking for fast internet, affordable living costs, and manageable visa requirements. The country offers a one-year digital nomad visa, which can be extended, with an application fee of €110 and a monthly income requirement of €3,000.

Hungary is known for its strong connectivity, with Budapest being the standout destination for remote workers. The city boasts reliable fibre connections, an expanding network of co-working spaces, and a thriving café culture ideal for digital nomads. Additionally, Hungary’s cost of living remains lower than that of many Western European capitals, allowing remote workers to live comfortably without the financial strain that comes with more expensive cities.

Romania: High-Speed Internet and Growing Tech Scene

Romania is emerging as an appealing choice for digital nomads, particularly for those prioritizing high-speed internet and a burgeoning tech scene. With some of the fastest internet speeds in Europe, Romania offers a one-year digital nomad visa with an application fee of €120 and an income requirement of €3,950 per month, set at three times the average salary.

While the income requirement is on the higher side compared to other countries, Romania’s modern infrastructure, growing tech sector, and lower living costs make it a strong contender for higher-earning remote professionals. Cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca provide both the technological infrastructure and cultural richness that digital nomads need, while also offering a more affordable lifestyle compared to Western Europe.

Montenegro: Scenic Beauty with Low Financial Barriers

Rounding out the top five is Montenegro, a hidden gem for digital nomads looking for a balance of natural beauty and affordability. The country offers a two-year digital nomad visa with the option to renew for an additional two years, with a modest application fee of €67. Montenegro’s monthly income requirement is just €1,400, one of the lowest among European countries, making it an attractive option for digital nomads on a budget.

Destinations like Kotor and Podgorica are especially appealing to those seeking a slower pace of life and beautiful scenery. Montenegro offers a unique combination of relaxed living, breathtaking landscapes, and a low cost of living, making it a perfect destination for nomads seeking tranquility without the financial strain often found in larger cities.

Conclusion: Europe’s Top Digital Nomad Hubs for 2026

As remote work becomes a permanent fixture in the professional landscape, Europe’s digital nomad visa programs are becoming more attractive, offering opportunities for professionals to explore new destinations while maintaining their careers. Portugal, Spain, Hungary, Romania, and Montenegro each offer unique advantages, from low application fees and income requirements to stunning landscapes, fast internet, and supportive remote-working communities.

Whether you’re looking for a long-term home in a vibrant city or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, these European countries provide some of the best options for digital nomads in 2026 and beyond. The combination of affordability, lifestyle, and infrastructure makes these countries ideal for those seeking the freedom to work remotely while enjoying everything Europe has to offer.