Top Countries in the Latest Global List for Digital Nomads Includes Romania
In the ever-evolving landscape of remote work, Romania has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads, ranking 7th in the 2025 Digital Nomad Visa Index. This global ranking, created by VisaGuide, evaluates countries based on factors such as internet speed, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare services, and tourist destination popularity.
The Romanian digital nomad visa caters exclusively to non-EU individuals employed by or owning companies registered outside Romania, working remotely. To qualify, applicants must prove a stable foreign income, with amounts around €3,300 to €3,950 per month required.
One of the key advantages of Romania’s digital nomad visa is its fast-approval process. Applications, which can be made remotely, including online or through an embassy, typically take 10 to 14 days and cost approximately €120. Families are also allowed to apply.
Romania offers an affordable cost of living for digital nomads, averaging under $1,000 per month. This, combined with some of the fastest internet speeds globally, makes it economically attractive and suitable for remote work. The country scores 76.44 out of 100 points for internet speed and 94.4 for the cost of living.
Digital nomads in Romania benefit from EU-level healthcare services and a growing tech scene in cities like Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Brașov. However, it's worth noting that while specific tax rates are not detailed, Romania's digital nomad visa is known for being tax-friendly, with no particular indication that digital nomads are taxed at Romanian rates if they maintain foreign employment.
Romania's healthcare services score is 52.54, lower than some other countries in the index. Yet, the tax-free period in Romania is six months, providing a temporary relief for digital nomads.
Other countries also aim to attract digital nomads, such as Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary. While Hungary ranks fifth with an overall score of 3.51, it offers a tax-free period of six months and a tax rate of 15% for digital nomads. The cost of living in Hungary scores 93.10, and its score for tourist popularity is 44.14.
Spain, which ranks first in the index with a score of 5, offers no tax-free period but has an internet speed score of 79.74. The tax rate for digital nomads in Spain ranges between 19% and 24%. The minimum income requirement for a Spanish digital nomad visa application is EUR 2,646.
The United Arab Emirates ranks second with a score of 4.48, but it does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa programme.
Romania's tourist destination popularity score is 12.09, suggesting that while it may not be as well-known as some other destinations, it offers a unique and appealing environment for digital nomads.
Digital nomads considering a new lifestyle may find Romania's technology infrastructure attractive, with some of the fastest internet speeds globally and an average cost of living under $1,000 per month, ideal for remote work. Additionally, travel enthusiasts should note that Romania's digital nomad visa allows families to apply and offers a tax-friendly environment, making it a potential destination worth exploring.
