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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
This Affordable European Country Is Launching A Digital Nomad Visa: Here's What You Need To Know
A digital nomad gazes out over Lake Bled at sunrise—one of Slovenia's most iconic destinations. With a new digital nomad visa launching this November, remote workers can now live and work in this storybook setting for up to a year. getty Dreaming of living in Europe while working remotely? Slovenia—one of Europe's most underrated and affordable destinations—is about to make that dream a reality at a time when digital nomadism is gaining serious global traction. Starting this November, Slovenia is expected to launch its first-ever digital nomad visa, giving remote workers a new way to live and work in the heart of Europe. The new program will allow remote workers to live in Slovenia for up to 12 months while working for foreign employers or clients. The move will put Slovenia on the fast-growing list of forward-thinking countries creating digital nomad visas designed to attract remote workers who can live in and contribute to their local economies. More than 60 countries now offer some version of a digital nomad visa. For Americans craving a European lifestyle—but without the bureaucracy of long-term residency or citizenship—this visa offers an exciting new option, according to Cepee Tabibian, founder of She Hit Refresh and author of the book, I'm Outta Here! An American's Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe . 'This is great news,' Tabibian told me in an interview. 'Central Europe doesn't really offer digital nomad visas—Hungary is currently the only one—so Slovenia launching this is a big deal.' Slovenia's New Digital Nomad Visa: The Basics According to a global immigration alert from EY (a division of Ernst & Young), the visa is expected to go into effect on November 21, 2025. Remote workers will be eligible to apply for a non-renewable, one-year residence permit, provided they work for companies based outside Slovenia. Freelancers, self-employed professionals and consultants offering services to clients abroad also qualify for the program. Slovenia is launching a new digital nomad visa—and seaside towns like Piran are poised to become Europe's next remote work havens. getty This flexibility makes the program especially appealing to entrepreneurs, solopreneurs and digital creatives whose work transcends borders. Applicants will need a valid passport, health insurance and proof of sufficient funds—reportedly at least twice the country's average monthly net salary. According to other sources, family members can join digital nomad visa holders, but they too must have income from employers outside Slovenia. While the visa is not renewable, remote workers can reapply after spending six months outside Slovenia. Unlike programs in Spain, Portugal or Greece, Slovenia's digital nomad visa is non-renewable and doesn't lead to long-term residency or citizenship. But it offers a lower cost of living and fewer crowds—plus easy access to those other destinations. Hungary is currently the only other Central European country offering a similar permit. Beyond the paperwork and policy details, what truly makes this visa exciting is the country itself—and what it offers digital nomads. Why Slovenia Could Be The Next Digital Nomad Hotspot Slovenia—a small Alpine country set between Italy and Austria—may not be as well-known as its famous neighbors. And that's part of the appeal. 'We've recommended Slovenia for retirees for years and are excited about the prospect for nomads,' Jen Barnett, founder of Expatsi—which helps Americans find places to live abroad—told me in an interview. Slovenia's capital city, Ljubljana, is a charming hub for remote workers—with its walkable Old Town, thriving café culture and easy access to nature. getty For remote workers, the draw is clear. Cities like Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj and Koper are building infrastructure to support remote workers, with coworking hubs, fast Wi-Fi and a welcoming community of expats and digital nomads. It's one of the cleanest, safest, most scenic and most environmentally conscious countries in Europe, with natural beauty and a slower pace of life. 'Slovenia is ranked in the top 10% of countries in the world for safety and natural beauty according to the Legatum Prosperity Index, and nearly as highly for healthcare,' says Barnett. You'll find everything from Alpine peaks and medieval towns to pristine lakes and even a stretch of Adriatic coastline. 'While many Americans are moving to the Mediterranean for the sun and coast, Slovenia offers a unique opportunity to live in an alpine region and enjoy mountains, lakes, and access to the many countries that surround it: Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia,' says Tabibian. 'We could easily see Slovenia becoming the next Portugal, and it's especially perfect for families from the Pacific Northwest who'd like to maintain their active lifestyles,' says Barnett. The weather is great—'The country itself is green and stunning, and high temps never exceed 86 degrees,' says Tabibian. It's also budget-friendly, especially compared to the U.S. and most of Western Europe. 'The cost of living is about half of what you spend in the United States, and there are seven international schools in the capital for families with kids,' says Barnett. 'It's more affordable than most of Western Europe, in some places up to 50% less,' says Tabibian. Its capital of Ljubljana is less expensive than other European capitals—but go beyond and you'll save even more. According to International Living, cities like Maribor, Škofja Loka and Koper, you can rent a one-bedroom for as low as $375 to $600 a month. Restaurants are also affordable, and groceries are fresh and reasonably priced—much lower than what you'd pay in neighboring countries. Public transportation is another big plus. Slovenia's efficient, low-cost public transportation network makes it easy to explore the country—and the region—with minimal hassle and without owning a car. And when you're ready for a weekend getaway, Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia are all just a few hours away. Things To Keep In Mind As idyllic as it sounds, this visa isn't for everyone. Unlike countries that offer a path to permanent residency through investment or long-term stays, Slovenia is not (yet) courting expats looking to settle down permanently. 'It's just for 12 months and non-renewable,' says Tabibian. Strolling through Ljubljana's Old Town, where sidewalk cafés, boutiques and cobblestone streets create the perfect setting for a digital nomad lifestyle. getty And Slovenia's tax laws can be complex, particularly for freelancers or business owners considering a deeper financial footprint in the country. Still, for those who are craving a change of scenery—and want to test out European life without a long-term commitment—Slovenia may be just the place. 'It's still a fantastic way to live in Europe for a year and scout other countries for a longer-term move,' says Tabibian. So whether you're chasing mountain views, slower living or simply a smart, affordable base in Europe, Slovenia's digital nomad visa is a compelling new option. While official details are still rolling out, one thing is clear: Slovenia is ready to welcome a new wave of remote workers—passport in one hand, laptop in the other and a whole new lifestyle ahead. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Argentina To Launch New Citizenship Program: Here's What You Need To Know By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Move To Europe: 8 Secret Towns Where You Can Live Well (For Less) By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes Quit Your Job And Live Abroad: 11 Places So Affordable You Might Not Need To Work By Laura Begley Bloom
CNBC
18-05-2025
- CNBC
I've helped hundreds of Americans move abroad—here are 5 of the most welcoming countries in Europe
I knew I wanted to live abroad as soon as I set foot in the Netherlands on a trip at 17. I chased that dream for years — studying Spanish in Spain at 21, teaching English there at 26, and pursuing a master's there at 29 — but I kept ending up back in Texas. At 35, I tried again, arriving in Spain with doubts and no clear plan. But the positive shift was immediate. Outside the 9-to-5 grind, I discovered my passions of writing, content creation, and community building. Within 18 months, I launched She Hit Refresh, a resource and community helping women over 30 figure out and fast-track their moves abroad. Ten years later, I'm still living in Spain, and I've directly helped hundreds of women make their moves abroad. So many people who want to leave the U.S. start with a seemingly simple question: Where should I go? I can help with that. If you want to make starting over feel less overwhelming, look for countries that check most of these boxes: Here are five European countries that consistently make it easier for Americans to land, live, and thrive: Spain is a popular choice for Americans thanks to its digital nomad and non-working visas, affordable healthcare, and social culture that prioritizes connection. I've found that people here make time for each other, gather, and talk for hours. While English isn't widely spoken and cities like Barcelona face overtourism, many smaller cities and towns are eager to welcome newcomers. When I moved abroad at 35, I found a community in Madrid with others who had traded the traditional path of success (the corporate ladder, marriage, kids, and a mortgage) to shake things up — as I did when I left my full-time job to teach English, go freelance, and eventually start my own business — even as everyone around them was settling down. Now I live in Málaga, where Europeans have been coming for decades both to vacation and to live. Locals are welcoming to foreigners, which also means there's an established expat scene that makes it easier to meet friends and feel at home. It's hard to find a country more open to expats than Portugal. With its laid-back pace of life, English-friendly culture, and accessible visa options, it's become a popular relocation spot. In addition to a digital nomad visa, Portugal offers a D7 visa — which allows Americans who have a steady stream of passive income to live in the country. While Lisbon and Porto face overtourism challenges similar to Barcelona, there are plenty of beautiful, and less populated, alternatives. In the Algarve, expats are attracted to the mix of locals and foreigners as well as the Mediterranean climate, though it's actually on the Atlantic. The archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores are off the beaten path and a great choice for anyone who loves to be surrounded by beautiful safety, affordability, and existing expat communities make it a great fit for solo women, families, and retirees. One of my upcoming podcast guests, Mary Alice Duff, decided to swap the hustle of life in Philadelphia for the slower pace of southern France. She now enjoys the calm of the French lifestyle, like biking to the beach with her daughter; perks of her tax dollars, like free public transportation; and quality time with a diverse, close-knit international friend group. For those wanting to follow a similar path, the visa is a great option for freelancers and small business owners, offering flexibility to work remotely. France also has affordable, high-quality healthcare and is incredibly family-friendly. It has one of the highest fertility rates in Europe, which may be related to generous tax breaks for families and affordable childcare. The downside is that France does not yet offer a digital nomad visa, making it challenging for remote employees to find a way to stay long-term. The Netherlands is known for being very welcoming to expats. The country offers excellent public transportation and an extensive network of bike paths, widespread English, and an entrepreneur-friendly environment. The DAFT (Dutch-American Friendship Treaty) visa allows Americans who are self-employed to live and work in the Netherlands by registering a business in the country and depositing 4,500 euros into a business bank account. However, finding housing can be challenging due to a housing crisis. One of my masterclass students, Denise Segler, moved there in 2024 in her 50s. A divorced mom of adult kids, she embraced the opportunity to start fresh on her own terms. While she's only months into her move, she finds the Dutch to be friendly and has started building community through the many networking events. Albania allows U.S. passport holders to stay for up to a year without a visa. With easy entry and a low cost of living, it's perfect for budget-minded remote workers. Many Americans live in the capital city of Tirana, where the expat community is strong and English is widely spoken. But the Albanian Riviera is not to be overlooked; its coastline along the Ionian Sea has some of the most beautiful beaches and landscapes in all of Europe. I've seen many Americans use Albania as a soft landing, staying one to four years before moving on to their next destination. Many people who dream of moving abroad get stuck in a spiral of questions and 'what if's: Where would I go? How can I make it work? Will I be accepted? What if it doesn't work out? It's true that uprooting your life is a big decision, but there are so many places that are welcoming to Americans. With a little effort to learn the language and respect the culture, you can find your way. The women I work with typically have no regrets about their decisions to move abroad. Well, maybe one: If anything, most of them regret not doing it sooner.
