Not everyone chasing the remote work dream is after fast-paced travel or constant country-hopping. Over time, many of us naturally shift into a slower rhythm — one rooted in routine, local flavor, and a deeper sense of presence.
Whether you’re just starting out or feeling ready to swap burnout for balance, Europe offers a wide range of countries where you can live affordably, work remotely, and slow down while still staying connected. From visa-friendly policies to low cost of living and decent internet speeds, these destinations offer more than just postcard views — they support a sustainable remote lifestyle.
Here’s a practical, experience-backed look at ten European countries that are genuinely worth considering.
1. Romania — Quietly Excellent (If You Can Meet the Income Bar)
- Cost of Living Index: 37
- Rent Index: 9
- Safety Index: 68
- Internet (Fixed): 160 Mbps
- Digital Nomad Visa: Yes | Income Requirement: ~€3,700/month
Romania consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in Europe. The infrastructure is surprisingly good — excellent internet, a blossoming remote work culture, and charming mid-sized cities like Brașov, Timișoara, and Cluj-Napoca. But here’s the catch: the income requirement for its digital nomad visa is steep, especially compared to the low cost of living.
💡 Who it’s for: High-earning remote professionals who want Eastern Europe’s charm without big-city prices.
2. Albania — Europe’s Underrated Coastal Escape
- Cost of Living Index: 37
- Internet (Fixed): 73 Mbps
- Safety Index: 54
- Visa: Digital Nomad / Unique Permit | Income Requirement: ~€800/month
Albania is one of the few countries where you can live near turquoise water, eat out daily, and still spend less than €1,000/month. While the infrastructure is improving, the internet is decent, and its laid-back pace fits well with a slow travel lifestyle. Tirana has grown into a surprisingly dynamic capital, while towns like Vlorë or Dhermi are ideal for beachside living.
💡 Who it’s for: Budget nomads or early-career freelancers needing visa flexibility and low income proof.
3. Georgia — Visa Simplicity, Deep Culture
- Cost of Living Index: 38
- Internet (Fixed): 25 Mbps
- Visa: “Remotely From Georgia” program | Length: 1 year
- Income Requirement: ~€2,000/month
Georgia still feels like a bit of a secret. You can stay for a year visa-free, the food is phenomenal, and places like Tbilisi and Batumi offer that hard-to-find mix of history, community, and affordability. That said, internet speeds are not ideal for all types of remote work — streamers or devs might struggle.
💡 Who it’s for: Culture-driven nomads and slowmads who can work asynchronously and value cost savings over blazing internet.
4. Hungary — Quietly Solid and Surprisingly Connected
- Cost of Living Index: 39
- Internet (Fixed): 118 Mbps
- Safety Index: 66
- Visa: The White Card | Income Requirement: ~€2,000/month
Hungary doesn’t shout for attention, but it delivers. Budapest is a strong digital nomad hub with great coworking spaces, quick transport, and architecture that feels like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film. The White Card visa is straightforward if you meet the income proof.
💡 Who it’s for: Mid-career nomads seeking a stable, well-connected base in Central Europe.
5. Portugal — Reliable, Beautiful, (Slightly Pricey)
- Cost of Living Index: 45
- Internet (Mobile): 59 Mbps
- Safety Index: 68
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa | Income Requirement: ~€2,836/month
Portugal continues to be a magnet for remote workers — for good reason. It’s safe, sunny, and well-prepared for long-term stays. The downsides? Lisbon and Porto aren’t as cheap as they used to be, and housing demand from expats is making local life harder.
💡 Who it’s for: Remote workers with stable income who want sun, surf, and an easy transition into EU life.
6. Croatia — Work From the Adriatic (Seasonally, at Least)
- Cost of Living Index: 46
- Internet (Fixed): 45 Mbps
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa | Income Requirement: ~€2,300/month
Croatia’s coastlines are irresistible, and their digital nomad visa offers a solid legal path to stay for up to a year. Just be prepared for tourism surges in the summer and a noticeable slow-down in winter (especially in smaller towns). Internet can vary depending on your location.
💡 Who it’s for: Seasonal nomads, creatives, or those looking to spend 3–6 months in a sunny, scenic locale.
7. Czech Republic — For the Pragmatic Nomad
- Cost of Living Index: 48
- Visa: Long-term freelance visa (Zivnostenske opravneni)
- Income Requirement: ~€480/month
This visa path involves a bit more paperwork but offers one of the lowest income thresholds around. Prague is a highly livable city with all the infrastructure remote workers need, plus a laid-back café culture perfect for writing, coding, or simply living slowly.
💡 Who it’s for: Freelancers who don’t mind bureaucracy in exchange for cost-effective EU residency.
- Cost of Living Index: 50
- Internet (Fixed): 168 Mbps
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa | Income Requirement: ~€2,334/month
Spain gets a lot of hype, but for digital nomads, it’s genuinely one of the better options. Internet speeds are excellent, and cities like Valencia, Granada, or Malaga offer a blend of culture, affordability (outside Madrid/Barcelona), and sunshine. Spain also offers a family reunification path with the visa.
💡 Who it’s for: Remote families, creatives, or professionals who want EU infrastructure with flavor.
9. Latvia — Quiet, Modern, Under the Radar
- Cost of Living Index: 50
- Internet (Fixed): 73 Mbps
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa | Income Requirement: ~€2,857/month
Latvia might not be on many nomad radars yet, but it’s worth a look. Riga is modern, walkable, and tech-forward, and it’s one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Winters are cold — but if you’re into cozy cafés and a quieter pace, it could be perfect.
💡 Who it’s for: Introverts, developers, and those chasing value over trends.
- Cost of Living Index: 54
- Internet (Fixed): 43 Mbps
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa | Income Requirement: ~€3,500/month
Greece is a dream on the surface: island life, history, warm weather. The catch is that bureaucracy can be heavy, and the income requirement is on the high end. Still, for those who can manage the paperwork and price, the lifestyle trade-off is immense.
💡 Who it’s for: Higher-income earners, couples, or seasoned nomads craving blue skies and feta-stuffed afternoons.
Remote Living Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
The “best” country for digital nomads isn’t always the one with the fastest internet or the cheapest rent. It’s the place where your lifestyle, work habits, and values feel most at home.
Whether you’re budgeting hard in Albania or building long-term roots in Spain, what matters most is choosing a place that supports your wellbeing, not just your Wi-Fi connection.
