Published on
December 26, 2025
In 2025, Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are accelerating travel growth by introducing innovative visa programs that cater to digital nomads, remote workers, and skilled professionals. These new initiatives, including Spain’s 90-day work visa waiver with the UK, Slovenia’s Digital Nomad Visa, and Bulgaria’s long-term remote work visa, aim to make cross-border mobility easier and more flexible. By offering accessible options for international talent to work and live in these countries, these reforms are expected to boost tourism, enhance local economies, and strengthen Europe’s appeal as a global hub for professionals seeking new opportunities abroad.
In 2025, Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are leading the way in transforming Europe’s travel landscape by introducing new visa reforms that cater to digital nomads, skilled professionals, and remote workers. These countries are embracing the future of work by offering more accessible opportunities for international talent, ultimately boosting tourism, economy, and fostering global connections.
These visa programs are not just about making life easier for professionals but are strategically designed to accelerate travel growth across Europe by attracting global talent, promoting business exchanges, and enhancing the regions’ attractiveness as prime destinations for working and living abroad.
Let’s break down what each of these countries is offering to make this happen.
Spain: A Gateway for Digital Nomads and Skilled Professionals
Spain has long been a popular destination for travelers, but with its recent visa reforms, the country is setting new benchmarks in attracting skilled professionals and remote workers.
90-Day Work Waiver Between Spain and the UK
In December 2025, Spain presented a groundbreaking proposal during a high-level business forum in London, introducing a 90-day work visa waiver for professionals between Spain and the UK. This visa-free provision allows highly skilled professionals to work for up to 90 days in each other’s countries without the need for a traditional work visa. Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade, Amparo López Senovilla, highlighted this change as a much-needed solution to simplify cross-border business and ease the rigid visa requirements faced by professionals working between the two countries since Brexit.
This proposal aims to break down the barriers to short-term, project-based work, particularly for industries that rely on highly specialized skills. It is expected to enhance flexibility in work contracts, benefiting freelancers, consultants, and businesses operating across both regions. The move is modeled on the Mode 4 exemption, which is part of Spain’s broader efforts to streamline immigration rules and promote cross-border labor mobility.
Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
In addition to this innovative 90-day work waiver, Spain has also significantly expanded its Digital Nomad Visa. This program is designed to cater to remote workers who wish to live in Spain for up to one year while continuing their professional activities online. Unlike the 90-day waiver, this visa is tailored specifically for those wishing to settle in Spain temporarily.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The Digital Nomad Visa is set to boost Spain’s tourism revenue by attracting international workers who contribute to both the local economy and its vibrant cultural scene.
Slovenia: A New Hub for Digital Nomads in Central Europe
Slovenia, a small but dynamic country in Central Europe, is quickly becoming a top destination for digital nomads in 2025. Slovenia’s introduction of a Digital Nomad Visa in the latter part of the year reflects its growing importance as a hub for remote workers in Europe.
The Digital Nomad Visa in Slovenia
In September 2025, Slovenia introduced a visa specifically aimed at attracting digital nomads who want to live and work remotely within its borders. This visa allows remote workers to stay in Slovenia for up to one year and offers the flexibility to work from Slovenia while maintaining employment with companies outside the country.
Slovenia’s Digital Nomad Visa is available to professionals from outside the EU who meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating a steady income, having health insurance, and being employed remotely. With its stunning natural landscapes, low cost of living, and high-quality living standards, Slovenia is positioning itself as an ideal location for digital nomads and remote workers looking for a peaceful, efficient environment to work in.
Slovenia’s Digital Nomad Visa has garnered significant interest in the global remote work community. For many, the allure of Slovenia’s picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and strong technological infrastructure make it an attractive option. This visa also enables individuals to build a local community and contribute to the local economy while working remotely.
Building on Slovenia’s Appeal
Slovenia has long been an attractive destination for travelers, with its medieval towns, vineyards, and a booming eco-tourism industry. By launching the Digital Nomad Visa, Slovenia is not only catering to remote workers but also tapping into the long-term tourism potential brought about by workers living and traveling across Europe. This program is expected to boost travel growth by integrating work and tourism in a way that enhances Slovenia’s visibility on the European tourism map.
Bulgaria: The New Digital Nomad Destination in Eastern Europe
Bulgaria, often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, is making waves in the digital nomad scene with the launch of its own Digital Nomad Visa in 2025. This initiative allows remote workers to live and work in Bulgaria for up to two years, making it one of the most flexible and attractive digital nomad destinations in Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in December 2025, Bulgaria’s Digital Nomad Visa offers an opportunity for professionals to live in one of Europe’s most affordable countries while continuing their professional careers remotely. Bulgaria’s cost of living is one of the lowest in the European Union, offering significant financial advantages to those seeking a European experience without the hefty price tag often associated with Western Europe.
To qualify, applicants must prove they have steady remote work, meet minimum income requirements, and have valid health insurance. The visa also offers the possibility of renewal after the first two-year period, allowing digital nomads to live in the country for an extended period.
Bulgaria’s Position as a Rising Hub
Bulgaria has positioned itself as an up-and-coming destination for digital nomads due to its affordability, stunning landscapes, and modern infrastructure. The combination of cultural attractions, such as its UNESCO-listed sites and vibrant cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, makes Bulgaria an appealing location for long-term stays.
By attracting remote workers through the Digital Nomad Visa, Bulgaria is expected to see an increase in tourism, economic growth, and enhanced global visibility as a go-to destination for working professionals. This move is expected to create a new wave of travelers who are both tourists and long-term residents, adding to Bulgaria’s thriving economy.
How These Reforms Accelerate Travel Growth Across Europe
The visa reforms introduced by Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria represent a significant shift in Europe’s approach to attracting international professionals, and they are expected to have far-reaching effects on tourism and economic growth across the continent.
Attracting Global Talent
One of the primary benefits of these visa programs is their ability to attract highly skilled professionals to Europe, fostering innovation and boosting various industries. These visas create an environment conducive to collaboration and exchange, positioning the countries as global players in the knowledge economy.
Boosting the Local Economy
The economic impact of digital nomads and remote workers is substantial. These workers not only contribute to local businesses but also increase demand for housing, transportation, and services. By encouraging remote work and offering a conducive environment for professionals, these countries can expect to see an increase in local spending and tax revenues.
Enhancing Tourism
These visa reforms allow digital nomads and skilled workers to experience a country beyond a typical short-term stay. As these professionals settle in and explore the country for extended periods, they contribute to sustainable tourism, providing an economic boost to local businesses and stimulating the travel industry in ways traditional tourism cannot.
The Future of Europe’s Travel Growth
The increasing trend of offering digital nomad visas and relaxed visa policies across Europe signals a larger movement towards work-travel integration. These countries are ahead of the curve, creating a model that other European nations are likely to adopt in the near future. By offering these innovative visa options, Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are accelerating travel growth, turning Europe into an even more attractive and interconnected continent for global professionals.
Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are accelerating travel growth in 2025 by launching new visa programs that attract digital nomads and skilled professionals. These reforms are designed to simplify cross-border work and boost both tourism and local economies.
In 2025, Spain, Slovenia, and Bulgaria are revolutionizing Europe’s tourism and work landscape by providing unprecedented opportunities for remote workers and skilled professionals. These countries are paving the way for a new era of international mobility, where travel is not just about leisure but also about integrating work and lifestyle seamlessly. With their innovative visa programs, they are setting a benchmark for others to follow and are well-positioned to benefit from the growth in both business and tourism.
