9 EU Countries With the Most Affordable Work Visas in 2026
Dreaming of working in Europe without spending a fortune on visa fees? Several EU nations still offer budget-friendly work visa options—even as many countries increase application costs. Whether you’re a skilled professional, a digital nomad, or looking for long-term stability, 2026 brings a range of affordable choices.
Below is a fresh, detailed look at nine EU countries offering the lowest-cost work visas, along with who each one is best suited for.
- Germany
Germany continues to be one of the easiest and cheapest entry points for professionals relocating to Europe. With strong demand for IT experts, engineers, and healthcare workers, the country offers accessible visa pathways at a low cost.
- Visa Options: Skilled Worker Visa / EU Blue Card
- Fee: €75
- Validity: 1 year (renewable)
- Spain
Perfect for remote workers and tech professionals, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa is both affordable and lifestyle-friendly. You can legally work while enjoying Spain’s warm climate and relaxed culture.
- Visa Option: Digital Nomad Visa
- Fee: €80
- Validity: 1 year
- Luxembourg
Luxembourg offers one of the longest long-term visa durations in Europe, making it a strong choice for workers seeking stability. It’s especially attractive for those in finance, IT, and healthcare.
- Visa Option: EU Blue Card
- Fee: €80
- Validity: Up to 96 months
- Poland
Poland’s D-Type visa is popular among first-time migrants because of its affordability and easy processing. Job opportunities are strong in IT, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
- Visa Option: National D-Type Work Visa
- Fee: €135
- Validity: 1 year
- Austria
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card is straightforward to obtain for skilled workers, particularly in engineering, healthcare, and technical fields. It also provides a comfortable two-year stay.
- Visa Option: Red-White-Red Card
- Fee: €160
- Validity: 24 months
- Sweden
Known for innovation and high living standards, Sweden offers a two-year work permit ideal for professionals in R&D, engineering, and IT.
- Visa Option: General Work Permit
- Fee: €182
- Validity: 2 years
- France
France’s Talent Passport is slightly more expensive but offers exceptional long-term benefits. It’s ideal for professionals in tech, finance, arts, and high-skilled sectors planning to build a multi-year career in Europe.
- Visa Option: Talent Passport
- Fee: €324
- Validity: Up to 4 years
- Netherlands
English-friendly and innovation-driven, the Netherlands provides a long-duration work visa with a fast route to permanent residency—perfect for engineers, tech workers, and researchers.
- Visa Option: Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
- Fee: €405
- Validity: Up to 5 years
- Finland
Although the Specialist Permit costs more, Finland delivers one of the fastest processing times in the EU. It’s ideal for software developers, researchers, and data specialists seeking a modern workplace culture.
- Visa Option: Specialist Permit
- Fee: €490
- Validity: 1–2 years
Final Thoughts
If your goal is affordability, Germany and Spain stand out with low visa fees. For those aiming for advanced technology environments or long-term stability, Finland and the Netherlands offer excellent value despite higher costs.
Choosing the right visa depends on your profession, budget, and the lifestyle you want in Europe—but 2026 offers plenty of attractive options for all kinds of workers.
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