Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements, Visa Fee, and More

Going hand in hand with the rapidly changing digital trends across the world, Estonia has introduced its very own digital nomad visa. The travel document allows anyone to work abroad while staying in the country.

Estonia’s digital nomad visa is a relief for workers who constantly have to get tourist visas or individuals who have always dreamt of working in the digital goldmine of the world.

Why Estonia: some amazing facts

To begin the discussion, naturally, the first question that would pop up is, why Estonia? So here are some fascinating facts about the country that explain why it can be a great options for new and established digital nomads:

• Estonia is a multilingual country
• Estonia has the cleanest air in the world, thus hinting at an eco-friendly environment
• Most state services in Estonia are online
• Estonia has a high number of start-ups in Europe, which makes it an interesting place for entrepreneurs
• Longest paid maternity leave
• UNESCO has listed several cultural sites in Estonia

Estonia might just be the country that gives you the space to truly get in touch with your digital nomad side.

Also read: Digital Nomad Visa 101: Everything You Need To Know

Estonia for digital nomads

Ideally, there are certain aspects that any nomad would consider before choosing a destination to settle for. Interestingly, Estonia checks so many items on this list.

Here’s why this country in Northern Europe is an ideal pick for digital nomads:

• Estonia is an easy place to start a business venture. It takes only five minutes to use your e-id and initiate your venture. Estonia has been ranked 1 in Europe for startup friendliness, with over 1300+ startups.
• Estonia’s e-taxation is quick and requires no paperwork. It contains automated data that only requires a digital ID that pays your taxes in the blink of an eye. The best part is that a person becomes tax-resident only if they work for 183 days consecutively. That means you don’t have to pay taxes with a short-stay visa.
• Estonia ranks fifth on the ITU global cybersecurity index. This protects one’s data from unauthorized access, boosts the company’s credentials, and attracts more stakeholders to invest in the country.
• Estonia’s e-residency programs welcome and nurture freelancers from all over the world. Simply put, it allows digital access to the country’s trustworthy, transparent services and business environment.
• Estonia’s internet supports freedom of speech — not in the financial term, but the ability to share information. The free internet makes freedom of expression come true, resulting from high internet access levels, citizen participation, and a firm belief and support for freedom of expression.

What people say about being a digital nomad in Estonia

Who can apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa?

The visa is open to all location-independent workers. According to Estonia’s e-residency website, you might well be eligible if you work remotely using telecommunications technology.

Also read: Best Digital Nomad Jobs To Consider in 2022

The website also notes that applicants should have an active employment contract with a country outside Estonia or their own company registered abroad. Applicants can also be freelancers who derive income from online work outside Estonia.

Requirements for Estonia’s digital nomad visa

As per the eligibility criterion shared by the Estonian government, the eligibility for Estonia’s digital nomad visa for remote workers looks like this:

• You must be over 18 years old
• You should know your way around the telecommunication technology; earn income through the internet
• Your clients or company must be registered abroad
• You must be financially stable before applying for the visa. You should be good to go if your current monthly income is at least 3504 euros (gross of tax). You must also prove that your income met the minimum requirements six months before filing the application.

Required documents for Estonian DNV

Here are the documents that you will need to submit along with your application so you can be considered for this visa:

• Signed application form
• A photo (size 35x45mm)
• Insurance covering the duration of your trip
• A proof of your remote job. A letter signed by your employer can do the job.
• A work contract to show the legitimacy of your job
• Bank documents proving the regularity of your income for the past six months
• Details of your professional and academic past

What is the type of visa for digital nomads in Estonia?

For digital Nomads, Estonia issues a Type D visa.

The Type D visa is a temporary stay allowance for up to 12 months. During this period, you are permitted to visit any of the Schengen Member states for 90 days.

On the other hand, a Type C Visa will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period — quite similar to the rules of a Schengen visa.

Step-by-step process to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa

Wrapping up

Applying for a visa in Estonia is a wise decision considering the country’s tech-savvy identity, supportive environment, and tremendous benefits. Good luck expanding your horizons. May the odds be in your favor.

Update: Estonia is not accepting applications from citizens of Russia and Belarus, except only in exceptional cases, the details of which can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the common questions asked about this visa: