The pandemic gave them the opportunity to work from afar and move with their laptops and passports, especially high-paid ones preferred to settle in popular tourist destinations in Europe. Now these digital nomadsas they are called in the related Wall Street Journal report, they are accepting offers and incentives from European countries or cities that try to keep them on their soil longer, finding that their presence stimulates their economy.

From Latvia to Croatia to Iceland, they offer digital nomads long-term visas to attract the richest among them. However, they are aimed at those who have high qualifications and, above all, high-paying jobs, since most of the relevant programs make it a condition for those who want to have a salary of more than 2,000 euros or even more than 3,500 euros. Some other countries, such as Italy and Spain, are launching corresponding visa schemes valid for up to five years, which will be offered to those who settled in their territory at the height of the pandemic and continue to work remotely. Spain is planning tax breaks for those digital nomads coming from third countries outside the EU. Greece is no exception to the rule, which, like Estonia, is trying to lure itinerant workers by offering them tax exemptions and privileges. At the end of last year, Malta introduced a “nomadic residence permit”, which allows third-country nationals with a monthly salary of at least 2,700 euros to settle in its territory for one year. Since then, he has already approved over 400 related apps, mostly from the US and UK.

Digital nomads not only contribute to the local economy, but are also in demand as talents in new technologies.

Digital nomads not only contribute to the local economy, but are also in demand as talents in new technologies. Speaking to the WSJ, Harvard professors emphasize that “today, countries compete for talent in the same way that companies compete to attract the most capable.” Indeed, many European cities and even villages in Europe are adopting the same tactics and developing their own plans and programs to stimulate the local economy and keep service jobs in their area. In Spain, for example, there is a so-called National Network of Telework Receiving Villages. He undertook to make it easier for foreigners to settle in villages with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants. His website has information about where those who wish can find accommodation, what Wi-Fi speeds are available in the area, and what interesting facts there are.

Also in Italy, in Pontremoli, a small town of just 7,300 people in the hills of Tuscany, a group called “Get Started in Pontremoli 2020” is taking it upon themselves to facilitate the adaptation and settlement of foreigners planning to settle in the area and offer them free tours. From the moment they arrive in town, he puts them in touch with local school staff, real estate agents, and local authorities. The initiative was launched in October 2020 by two Pontremoli residents who discovered that many Americans have taken the opportunity of the pandemic and telecommuting to settle in beautiful parts of Europe.