Usually, being a freelancer means you can up sticks to whichever destination suits you best.
There’s no location dependence involved and, more often than not, you can save a tonne of money by setting up camp in another country.
As most of you know, I spent the last nine months living just outside of Barcelona. This was my first time “living abroad” and I have to say it was a blast. Not just because Spain is an awesome country, but because I managed to save way more than I would have if I had stayed in England.
I get paid in pounds and, with the current ratio to the euro, I was pretty much laughing all the way to the bank. Not to mention living costs in Spain are significantly lower than the UK (half the price for a flat three times the size? Yes please!).
After returning to the UK two weeks ago for summer, I began thinking about some of the best cities in Europe that would make great home bases for freelancers.
First things first…
It’s important to know the rules and regulations of any country you plan on living in, as well as the tax and legal rules in your own country.
I remained a British resident because I still have an address here (which I’ve had for over 2 years) and because the majority of my income comes from the UK. This meant moving to Spain was really simple for me because I didn’t have to change much in terms of self-employed paperwork.
That beings said, it’s vital to look into the options you have to work out what’s best for you and your business.
Okay, now we’ve got the boring legal stuff out of the way, let’s look at some the best cities in Europe for freelancers. (Warning: you will want to move to ALL of them immediately).
Best Cities in Europe for Freelancers
Berlin, Germany
Is it really a surprise that Berlin tops the list? Didn’t think so.
Berlin is an entrepreneur’s dream, with umpteen warehouses drawing in creative types from all over the world. Today, the youthful vibe of the city and its laidback, arty backdrop provides the perfect surroundings for any freelancer (whether you’re a writer on the hunt for rich stories or a designer in need of endless collaboration opportunities).
As well as boasting a lively, energetic start-up atmosphere, a huge amount of co-working spaces have popped up in Berlin over recent years. Quirky offices are being snapped up by individuals and companies to provide inspiring surroundings for freelancers. Co-working is HUGE in Berlin so you’ll never be far from another creative mind.
Add to this the relatively cheap prices for a western country and you have a match made in freelancing heaven.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is a lovely city that really surprised me when I visited a couple of years ago. It features a flurry of wide boulevards and high-rise office blocks that go hand in hand with the well-heeled locals. The Old Town is a pretty picture of ornate architecture and cute restaurants and the prices are extremely affordable.
What’s more, Bucharest is increasingly becoming a creative, entrepreneurial city with plenty of co-working spaces and trendy coffee shops to work in.
Some may question the internet speeds there, particularly those who need fast WiFi to make a living, but you can rest assured that the city has average speeds of around 70Mbps (that’s 7 times quicker than the average speed in the US). Tempted yet?
Lisbon, Portugal
I had a love-hate relationship with Lisbon, but that was in part due to the searing heat and the crowds (that’s what you get for visiting in high season!).
However, I have no doubt that it would make a great base for a freelancer.
All around there are quirky little coffee shops and a creative atmosphere waiting to be tapped in to, not to mention the low cost of living (a standard one-bedroom flat comes in at around £400, which is half the price of a place in London).
Lisbon’s really been coming into its own lately for the freelancing crowd, too, with many location independent workers lapping up the laidback lifestyle and the charming history.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This list wouldn’t be complete without Amsterdam, the start-up capital of Europe. As well as boasting an incredible creative and cultural scene, the city is really making headway in the world of co-working. Hundreds of shared work spaces are popping up everywhere and there is a healthy population of entrepreneurs from all over Europe and beyond.
Amsterdam also has a great lifestyle for freelancers, where green-living is on the rise and places are easy to get to by bike or old-fashioned tram.
One of the best things about Amsterdam, though, is the Dutch work ethic. Characterised by sheer self-motivation and a need for independence, the locals have got it right when it comes to working for yourself.
Barcelona, Spain
How could I not include this little gem?
So many freelancers flock to Barcelona to enjoy the good life and give their businesses a good kick up the arse. As well as fantastic beaches, world-class architecture, and a colourful arts scene, Barcelona has seen an increase in co-working spaces and self-employed folk who are out to beat the high rates of unemployment.
The lack of work within the Spanish corporate world means many locals are hitting out on their own, forming creative mastermind groups to propel them forward. Get yourself into one of these and you’re golden.
In fact, there are more than 100 dedicated co-working spaces in the city, which easily puts it in the running for having that largest co-working population in the world.
Of course, these are only a few of the best cities in Europe for freelancers, there are loads more that are perfect for freelancers, and it’s important to choose the right one for you.
Even if you don’t plan on moving abroad long-term, it’s well worth dipping into another cultural for a short while to learn new ways of thinking and to surround yourself with different kinds of creative people.
I totally agree that Barcelona is an awesome city for freelancers! Beach, mountains and great food are only some of the off-hours perks! Madrid is also great, super open minded and lots of co working spaces!
Lauren recently posted…5 Outdoor Cinemas in Barcelona
So true Lauren! It’s the perfect city for freelancers 🙂
I have to say, despite the current headlines, I love living in Athens, Greece. Greece is a beautiful country and I urge people to come and visit.
Bex recently posted…Zakynthos: Blue Caves & Shipwreck Beach
I’ve heard great things about Greece from freelancers and fellow creatives – I definitely wouldn’t be adverse to trying it out!
Good list. Lisbon is on my list of places to go, but, unfortunately, I had to skip it for this fall: it looks like it’s becoming too popular and it was impossible to find modest accommodation.
My other favorite place that I highly recommend is Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia. We spent amazing summer there last year.
Cheers!
Elena recently posted…Under The Radar Airlines
Lisbon is lovely, but I found it was very crowded. I’d love to spend some time there in the off-season to see if it’s any different! I’m planning on checking out more of Spain towards the end of this year, and Andalucia is definitely on the list 🙂
Great little blog! I’d love to base myself in Positano on the Amalfi Coast but then reality hits me, good for you for getting out there; cheers!
Yes, the Amalfi Coast would be lovely! Thanks for the kind words, John, and I’m glad you like the blog 🙂
Great post! I haven’t been to any of these cities. Wondering if you could provide some insight—which of these do you think would be best for a freelance graphic designer? It’s the last year I can apply for a working holiday so I only get to go to one place!
Hi Kat! Glad you like the post 🙂 I can’t speak from experience, but I would say that Barcelona or Berlin would be the best bets as they have that arty, designer-y edge over the others. Let me know what you decide!
I’ve seen Prague on many “digital nomads” lists as well. Too bad that as a Canadian I can only spend 90 days in Europe every 6 months.
Marie-France (a.k.a. BigTravelNut) recently posted…Should you buy travel insurance?
Prague’s definitely one of my “want-to-live” places! I’m very grateful I can travel as much as I want around Europe, though I know a lot of US and Canadian citizens who spend 3 months in Europe, then 3 months elsewhere.
Marie, I’m an American and my tourist visa only lasts 90 days as well, but luckily I was approved for a Freelance visa in Germany (Berlin to be exact) and it was super easy, I just had to have all of the paperwork. It was approved for 13 months on the spot during my visa appointment, on top of my original 3 months here before getting the visa, and this pretty much allows me to live in any of the Schengen countries for 13 months (since they do not stamp or check passports when traveling between these countries). Hope this helps!
I really like your list! Barcelona is a great place to be a freelancer, indeed. I have few friends (designers) who moved there and they really enjoy being freelancers there. I am also planning to move from London and start work as freelance designer and photographer but I feel like trying few cities and honestly I am very interested in Bucharest as a creative, cheap and very cultural city! Thanks for the post! I appreciate it! 🙂
Yes, I’d definitely try a few and see which one works best for you! Bucharest is piquing my interest at the moment, too 🙂
So I’m a bit late to this conversation but just wanted to comment on Barcelona where I am presently located (I am a musician). Would be very interested to know how freelance artists are dealing with the local freelance system and taxes, which if you are a full-on tax resident of Spain, seems positively draconian. I in fact found this article while trying to research some place in Europe that might be more freelance-friendly.
Hi Lizzie
I highly recommend Belgrade as well! I’ve lived in both Berlin and Barcelona and I’m so glad to see them make your list! I visited Lisbon but had the same feeling about the city as you. Amsterdam is expensive in my opinion, and I hope to visit Bucharest soon. Thanks for the article!
Best,
Glad you liked it, Nikhil! Yes, Amsterdam is pretty expensive compared to the others – I’m heading there next week for the first time in 5 years, so it’ll be interesting to see if anything’s changed.
Very interested to know impressions of Amsterdam as I am considering it as a move.
Great list! I am thinking of moving from the U.S., so I need lists like this to help me make my decision!
This article really makes me want to earn the money to visit Berlin, Amsterdam, and Spain. I’m not even joking with that either. I need to get my freelance writing business off the ground first so I can leave my corporate job. There’s no use in me feeling miserable, is there?
Lisa Fourman recently posted…My Life, My Job, My Career: 5 Simple Ways Overwhelm Helps Me Succeed in My Business