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

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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.

Estonia on Europe's map
Image via Wikimedia Commons

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

Estonia has been amazing. I was looking for something fairly safe and calm to start my nomad life, but also wanted to know I wasn’t in Kansas anymore Toto. I think Estonia hit the mark; it’s clean, safe, the people are friendly…everything just works.

Posted by u/OrdinaryGymRatAbroad

Just got the visa, and my passport back in a fedex bag. I applied on the 22nd, and here I have the visa and my passport in hand on the 28th. So super quick and easy!

Posted byu/No_Valuable_587

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

Here are the steps to apply for the Estonian DNV:

  1. Collect all the required documents

    Ensure that you have all the right documents in place. Attest them if needed. it helps to have a checklist in place so you do not miss out on any one piece. Remember that all the documents are important.

  2. Fill out the application form online

    The Estonian’s digital nomad visa application form has to be filled out online. The form can be found here. Download and print the form when you are done. Attach the required images.

  3. Submit the form

    You have to submit the application form at the nearest Embassy or Police and Border Guard office. Double-check that you got all the documents right.

  4. Collect the visa from the embassy

    Go back to collect your visa. With that, you are ready to travel! Please note that visa approval is subject to the embassy’s clearance.

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:

What makes Estonia’s digital nomad visa so special?

Estonia’s digital nomad visa is special because it was one of the first countries in Europe to launch such a program.

Do you need a job in Estonia to apply for a digital nomad visa?

You cannot hold a job in Estonia. Your employer must be based outside the country.

How long is Estonia’s digital nomad visa valid?

The visa is valid for a stay of up to one year.

How long does the application process take?

The application process might take up to 30 days.

Can you travel to other European countries on this visa?

The visa allows you to travel to other Schengen Member states and stay there for a period of 90 days.

Can you become a permanent resident on this visa

No, this visa does not lead to residency options.

Editorial
Editorial
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