How to be a digital nomad with a UK passport

Working remotely from anywhere in the world sounds great, but you need to do your homework before booking your flight. Since Brexit, the days of moving freely around Europe without a second thought are gone, but that doesn’t mean your digital nomad dreams are over.

From visa-free stays in Albania to Taiwan’s Employment Gold Card, there are plenty of options for UK remote workers, whatever your travel style. The key is knowing where you can work legally, how long you can stay, and whether your host country will expect a slice of your earnings.

Get it right, and you can enjoy travelling and working as you go, worry-free. Check out this detailed guide and start planning your first digital nomad destination.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a type of permit designed specifically for remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed people. It permits you to legally keep up your work commitments while living temporarily in a foreign country.

Unlike standard visas issued for [holidays or business trips], digital nomad visas give you express permission to do paid work while visiting. Rules vary, but the golden rule is usually that your employer or clients must be based outside your destination country.

Why is it important to get a visa for remote work?

Getting the right visa when working remotely gives you the peace of mind of knowing you’re complying with local laws. Digital nomad visas grant you legal permission to keep earning as you travel and help you avoid complications with immigration authorities.

In most cases, your digital nomad visa also helps you sidestep local tax duties on your earnings while you’re a temporary resident. Depending on the conditions, you might also be able to access some services like a local during your stay.

What do I need to qualify for a digital work visa?

Most countries ask digital nomads to show proof of sufficient income. The minimum salary requirement varies greatly, from around £1,200 per month in Brazil, to more than £5,500 per month in Iceland.

Some countries also ask you to show proof of employment, like a job contract, or evidence that you’re working regularly for clients as a freelancer or contractor.

Other application rules differ from place to place, with some nations offering fast-track online applications and others making the process more complex and requesting an in-person visit to the embassy.

Many host countries also mandate that you take out health insurance to cover your entire stay. Even if this isn’t expressly required, it’s a good idea to arrange a comprehensive policy. No one wants their travel budget eaten up by hospital bills.

Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

Each country sets its own rules for issuing digital nomad visas. In most cases, the following professions are accepted as digital nomads:

Though all countries have their own requirements, almost all remote work visas have conditions about who you work for during your stay. You’re almost always required to work for a business or clients based elsewhere.

This applies even if you’re your own boss. Keeping your tax responsibilities based outside your destination country means you can carry on working as normal, without having to comply with local employment and income rules.

Self-employed vs. employed remote workers

If you’ve found a host country that appeals, it’s vital to check whether your type of remote work fits with the local digital work visa policy. Some countries impose different rules for self-employed people and remote employees.

All applicants usually need to show evidence they have an ongoing income, but if you’re self-employed, you might also be asked to provide active client contracts or business registration paperwork.

Remote workers employed by a company often just need to show that they have a job contract that allows them to work online.

Post-Brexit rules for British digital nomads in the EU

Like many other travel rules, restrictions for remote workers with a UK passport have changed since Brexit came into effect. Formerly, Brits with digital roles could live and work indefinitely across the EU without getting a visa or permit.

These rights to freedom of movement were revoked for British citizens when the Withdrawal Agreement was finalised. Nonetheless, there are still ways to live and work remotely in certain EU countries.

Each country has its own rules, and there's no EU-wide policy for UK digital nomads since Brexit. Some nations, like Portugal, Estonia, Croatia, and Spain, have visas specifically dedicated to digital nomads, which are open to UK citizens.

To work in France or Germany, however, you’ll need to apply for a self-employed visa, provide your tax details, and show evidence you have active client contracts. 90/180-day rule for British remote workers

British citizens can currently stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa or residence permit. The ETIAS travel authorisation, due to be launched in late 2026, will soon be needed but only involves a simple online application.

Many digital nomads use this 90/180 allowance to work remotely, but it’s important to note that this highlights a legal grey area.

Most Schengen countries do not explicitly permit any form of work for tourist stays. However, enforcement of these restrictions varies greatly, and remote workers can often go unnoticed, especially if you keep your head down.

Staying too long or publicly promoting your work could raise flags. If you’re planning to set up a long-term base in Europe, it’s always best to get the right permissions for your remote work according to the rules of your host country.

Easy-entry digital nomad destinations for UK citizens

More than 50 countries have remote work visas open to British passport holders. Some are quick to apply for, while others have stricter rules or higher income requirements.

If you’re looking for minimal entry criteria and a simple application process, the following destinations offer easy access for UK digital nomads: