Digital Nomads and ETIAS: What You Need to Know

The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is a new travel requirement for visa-exempt nationals visiting 30 European countries. Launching in late 2026, it is not a visa but a travel authorization designed to enhance security within the Schengen Area. For digital nomads, who often leverage short-term travel rules to work remotely across Europe, understanding ETIAS is crucial for continued mobility.

ETIAS applies to citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom who can currently enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. The authorization is linked to your passport and will be valid for up to three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple short stays, typically up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

As a digital nomad, an approved ETIAS will streamline your entry into the participating European countries. The application is completed online and is expected to be a quick process, with most approvals granted within minutes. However, it is important to remember that ETIAS is for short-term stays for tourism or business purposes, not for long-term residency or employment.

The most significant regulation for digital nomads in Europe is the 90/180-day rule. This rule states that visa-exempt travelers can stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS does not change this rule; it simply enforces it more rigorously through a centralized system. For digital nomads, this means careful planning is essential to avoid overstaying.

The 180-day period is a rolling window. To calculate your stay, you must look back at the last 180 days from your current date of entry or exit. Any time spent in a Schengen country during that window counts toward your 90-day limit. This system requires nomads to track their travel days meticulously to ensure they remain compliant. Exceeding the 90-day limit can result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.

Many digital nomads "hop" between Schengen and non-Schengen countries to reset their 90-day clock. For example, spending time in countries like Ireland, Croatia, or the Balkan nations can be a strategic way to manage your time in Europe without violating the Schengen rules. With ETIAS, your entries and exits will be electronically recorded, making adherence to the 90/180-day rule more critical than ever.

The ETIAS application process is designed to be straightforward and entirely online. As a digital nomad, you will need a valid passport from an eligible country, a credit or debit card for the application fee, and an email address. The application form will ask for personal information, travel document details, and answers to background and security questions.

When applying, it is important to be truthful and accurate. The information you provide will be checked against various security databases, including those managed by Europol and Interpol. While you do not need to provide a detailed itinerary, you will be asked to state your intended country of first entry. For digital nomads who value flexibility, this should be your most likely first destination in the Schengen Area.

Most applications are expected to be approved within minutes. Once approved, your ETIAS authorization is electronically linked to your passport. You will receive a confirmation email, and it is advisable to keep a digital or physical copy of this confirmation for your records. If your application is denied, you will be given a reason for the decision and the right to appeal.

A common point of confusion is the difference between an ETIAS authorization and a digital nomad visa. ETIAS is a travel authorization for short stays; it is not a visa and does not grant the right to work or reside in a European country. It allows you to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days for purposes like tourism and business meetings.

Digital nomad visas, on the other hand, are long-stay visas offered by individual countries that specifically permit foreign nationals to reside in that country while working remotely for a foreign employer. These visas typically have specific income requirements, proof of remote work, and health insurance obligations. They allow for stays longer than 90 days and often provide a path to temporary residency.

The following table highlights the key differences:

The question of whether digital nomads can legally work while traveling on a tourist visa or travel authorization like ETIAS is a legal gray area. Most countries do not explicitly forbid remote work for a foreign company as long as the individual is not engaging in the local labor market. However, it is your responsibility to understand and respect the laws of each country you visit.

Under ETIAS, you are technically a tourist. This means you should not take up employment with a local company, perform services for local clients, or establish a business presence. The work you do should be for your employer or clients based outside the Schengen Area. To avoid any issues, it is best to be discreet about your work activities and ensure you have sufficient funds to support your stay without relying on local income.

If you plan to stay in one country for an extended period or wish to have clear legal standing for your remote work, applying for a digital nomad visa is the recommended path. Many European countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Germany, now offer such visas. These provide peace of mind and a clear legal framework for your activities.