Overview
A significant week for digital nomad visa policy, with Greece tightening its application process and Spain’s new climate permit taking shape. The UK government signalled its intent to make flexible working the legal default, while the EU AI Act compliance deadline for hiring tools moves closer.
Country Updates
Spain
Climate permit now in force — Spain’s new climate permit legislation allows employees to take up to four paid days off when severe weather prevents travel to work, with extensions possible until conditions improve. The law also promotes remote work as an alternative where the role allows it, and protects workers from penalties for using the entitlement. AEMET’s colour-coded alert system serves as the trigger. Source: Cuatrecasas
SMI increase affects DNV threshold — On 17 February, Spain’s Council of Ministers approved Royal Decree 126/2026, raising the minimum interprofessional salary (SMI) by 3.1% to EUR 1,221/month. Since the digital nomad visa requires 200% of SMI, the effective income threshold has risen accordingly. Source: RemotifyEurope
Greece
In-country digital nomad applications abolished — As of 5 February 2026, Greece no longer allows applicants to apply for a Digital Nomad residence permit while in the country on a tourist visa. Under Law 5275/2026, all applicants must now obtain a 12-month Digital Nomad Visa from a Greek consulate before arrival, then convert to a 2-year residence permit in-country. This closes the popular “arrive on tourist visa, apply once there” route. Source: My Greek Expat Journey
United Kingdom
Government consultation: flexible working as the default — The UK government launched a consultation (open until 30 April 2026) on making flexible working the legal default under the Employment Rights Bill. Employers would need to prove refusals are “reasonable”, with Employment Tribunals gaining power to assess the fairness of rejections — not just whether procedures were followed. Source: HR Grapevine
Hybrid work holding steady — ONS data shows 27% of UK workers in hybrid arrangements and 13% fully remote as of October 2025. Source: Commons Library
Poland
Four-day week trial launches — Poland’s ‘Shorter Working Hours — It’s Happening!’ scheme began on 1 January 2026, with 90 companies trialling shorter working weeks for 12 months at full pay. The scheme received nearly 2,000 applications, with just 4.5% selected. Source: EUobserver
EU-Wide Developments
EU AI Act: August 2026 hiring compliance deadline — Companies using AI tools for candidate screening, CV ranking, or interview scoring in EU-based roles must comply with high-risk system requirements by 2 August 2026. Obligations include bias testing, human oversight, documentation, and worker notification. Non-EU companies hiring remotely into the EU are also in scope. From 2027, fines of up to EUR 35 million or 7% of global turnover apply. Source: Crowell & Moring
Right to disconnect: second-stage consultation — The European Commission has begun second-stage talks with trade unions and employers on a potential EU directive covering telework and the right to disconnect. Six member states (France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Greece) already have national legislation in place. Source: ETUC
EES full rollout: 9 April 2026 — The EU’s Entry/Exit System biometric border controls become mandatory at all Schengen external borders from 9 April. ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals is expected to follow in Q4 2026. Digital nomads on short stays should factor in potential border delays during the transition period. Source: Etias.com
EU-INC legislative proposal expected — The European Commission’s EU-INC (European Unincorporated Private Company) proposal is expected in March 2026. It would allow digital incorporation in 48 hours, under EUR 100, with a single set of rules across all 27 member states — potentially significant for remote freelancers and micro-companies operating cross-border. Source: Remote Work Europe
Return-to-Office Watch
Europe holds hybrid line against US RTO push — European banks average 3.4 required office days vs 4.2 in North America. Over 40% of European job seekers say they would reject a role without remote options. European SMEs continue to commit to flexible work, with governments backing them through policy and incentives. Source: CRE Daily
Strategic Opportunities
- UK flexible working consultation closes 30 April 2026 — relevant for any organisation with UK employees or hiring into the UK
- EU AI Act compliance deadline 2 August 2026 — companies using AI hiring tools for EU roles should begin audit now
- Italy’s DNV has processed over 1,500 applications since April 2024, with the lowest income threshold of any major Western European country at EUR 28,000/year — Source: Global Citizen Solutions
Next report: Monday 16 March 2026.