A New Year, A New Life in Europe
Every new year offers fresh perspectives and for many, the opportunity to find a new place to call home…
From sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines to well-connected European cities, 2026 offers enticing opportunities for UK and US buyers, as well as renters, in search of favourable tax regimes, pathways to residency, and an enhanced lifestyle.
Key Routes for UK & US Citizens
Digital Nomad Visas
Ideal for remote workers: Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and Estonia offer visas that allow work and residence without immediately triggering full tax residency. However, it’s important to note that tax residency typically applies if you remain in the country for more than 183 days within a year.
Retirement / Passive Income Visas
Strong options include Portugal’s D7 and Greece’s financially independent visa, both welcoming UK and US retirees with stable passive incomes.
Property / Investment Residency
Real estate thresholds vary but approximate examples include:
Greece: €250,000 – €400,000+ depending on region and scheme.
Cyprus: ~€300,000 + income proof.
(Portugal’s property golden visa no longer includes real estate, focusing instead on funds, job creation and cultural projects.)
Spain – Digital Nomad & Lifestyle Hub
Programme: Digital Nomad Visa (up to 5 years, renewable).
Income requirement: approx. €2,400 – €2,800/month.
Tax perks: Special Expatriate tax regime (“Beckham Law”) offers approx. 24 % flat tax on qualifying foreign-sourced income for up to six years.
Property investment: Spain’s traditional golden visa via property investment has been discontinued; alternative residency routes like the non-lucrative visa exist for retirees.
Summary: Best for UK/US remote workers who want urban living, seaside life and structured tax breaks, without needing large property purchase.
 |
Portugal – Passive Income & Flat Tax Prospects
Visas:
-
D7 Passive Income Visa: for retirees or those with passive income (~€900/month proof).
-
D8 Digital Nomad Visa: remote workers with ~€3,480/month proof.
Tax regime: New flat-rate scheme available for certain professions (~20 % tax on qualifying income); foreign income may be exempt before tax residency.
Property investment: Portugal still offers Golden Visa via fund investment or cultural/research contributions (~€500,000+), but real estate no longer qualifies.
Summary: Ideal for retirees and remote professionals seeking EU residency with favourable tax planning and path to permanent residency and citizenship.
 |
Greece – Historical Charm & Reduced Taxes
Visa: Digital Nomad Visa with monthly income proof ~€3,500.
Tax benefit: Newer schemes include up to 50 % tax reduction on certain incomes for qualifying residents.
Property investment: Greece still offers property-based residency options with investment thresholds roughly €250,000 – €400,000+ depending on location and project type.
Summary: Attractive for those seeking Mediterranean climate, culture and relatively lower property investment requirements.
 |
Cyprus – Mediterranean Base with Flexible Tax Rules
Visa: Digital Nomad (~€3,500/month) and other residency routes available for third-country nationals.
Tax incentives: Non-dom regime can offer low taxation on foreign-sourced income for new residents.
Property investment: Minimum ~€300,000 property purchase plus proof of stable income often required for investment residency.
Summary: Good option for remote professionals and families wanting tax optimisation and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
 |
Estonia – Digital Nomad & Tech-Friendly Choice
Visa: Digital Nomad Visa with minimum income ~€3,500 – €4,500/month.
Tax environment: Simple and transparent tax system; corporate tax only on distributed profits.
Property: No specific property threshold for residency; focus remains on remote work status.
Summary: Best for tech professionals and entrepreneurs who prioritise digital infrastructure and clarity.
What to Expect in 2026
-
Spain and Portugal remain two of the most popular hubs for UK/US remote workers, with renewed digital nomad visas and evolving tax incentives.
-
Greece’s progressive tax reductions for new residents make it competitive for lifestyle-minded relocators.
-
Cyprus and Estonia offer clear alternatives for long-term remote living or strategic tax planning.
-
Property-based routes continue to exist but subject to regulatory adjustments and local conditions.
Tips Before You Move…
✔ Check tax residency rules – most apply if you stay >183 days per year.
✔ Consider healthcare and insurance requirements; these vary widely.
✔ Always seek personalised legal and tax advice in both your home country and destination.
Discover top professional experts across Europe and explore property listings in the leading European countries right here.
NEWS UPDATE!
Europe Properties are excited to launch their NEW Itinerary Planning Service!
With over 15+ years experience as real estate professionals. We are pleased to offer a bespoke service to assist you in finding your dream home in France!
Get in touch to find out more…. finders@europe.properties
NEW Flights Schedules from the UK for 2026
In recent weeks, airlines from across the globe have revealed their flight schedules for 2026, and we’ve taken a closer look at the exciting new routes coming to the UK. For a detailed breakdown of the best upcoming flights, we recommend checking out this comprehensive guide from Metro, which highlights the most promising destinations set to take off in the next few months.
From quick city escapes to long-haul adventures across Asia, 2026 is shaping up to offer an impressive range of new connections and competitive fares. Don’t miss out on these fresh opportunities to explore the world.
https://metro.co.uk/2026/01/02/full-list-best-new-flight-routes-coming-uk-2026-26006429/
Sources: Euronews Travel; Investopedia; Barron’s; Savory & Partners; Nomad Millionaire; Richys.co; Project WELAR (EU-funded research)
