The Estonia digital nomad visa is intended for persons who desire to work remotely for any employer registered outside of Estonia while residing in Estonia.
There are two types of digital nomad visas available in Estonia. Depending on the length of your stay, you can select which one to obtain. There are two kinds of Estonia digital nomad visas:
- The Estonia digital nomad visa type C. (a visa that allows you to stay for up to 90 days)
- The Estonia digital nomad visa type D. (Long-term visa allowing you to stay in Estonia as a digital nomad for a year)
About the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
The Estonia digital nomad visa was the first visa to be issued in Europe. The Estonian digital nomad visa was the first of its sort in the world, introduced in July 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when practically all governments were sealing their borders.
The Estonia digital nomad visa allows you to live in the country for a year while working remotely for a company based elsewhere. While it will not provide you with the same privileges as Estonian citizenship, it can serve as a step toward permanent residency if you decide to live in the nation permanently.
You do not need to apply for a digital nomad visa if you are a citizen of a European country or one of the nations in the European Economic Area. You can stay in Estonia without a visa for up to three months. It is important to note, however, that working as a tourist in any country is technically unlawful.
The Estonia digital nomad visa may be advantageous for digital nomads from outside of Europe who wish to stay in Estonia for an extended period of time. With this visa, you can stay in the country for a year and operate remotely with complete government authorisation.
Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Estonia
To be eligible for an Estonian digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Have a flexible work schedule so that you can work from home.
- Be an employee, partner, or shareholder in a corporation registered in a country other than Estonia.
- Be a freelancer or consultant to firms and clients in other countries, and you must have a contract or an employment contract with them.
- Demonstrate your status as a freelancer or digital nomad.
- Check your financial stability and ensure your monthly salary or income is at least €3,500.
The Advantages of the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
Here are some of the advantages of obtaining an Estonia digital nomad visa:
- Excellent internet connection. Because you intend to operate as a digital nomad in Estonia, you will require a good internet connection, which the country provides.
- Tax optimization. With an Estonian digital nomad visa, you do not have to pay taxes for the first 183 days.
- Mobility in the Schengen zone. The Estonia digital nomad visa allows you to freely travel throughout the European countries that are part of the Schengen area. You can only stay in a Schengen country for three months in a six-month period.
- Low living expenses. Depending on your lifestyle, Estonia is reasonably priced.
- Language. Most individuals in Estonia can speak more than one language, which makes it easier to get by, especially because the majority of them know English.
- Environmentally friendly. Estonia is one of the most environmentally friendly countries. Forests cover half of the land, and the residents take recycling seriously.
- A digitalized nation. For a long time, Estonia has been a digitalized country. The majority of your needs can be met online.
- A secure country. Because of its low crime rate, Estonia is regarded as a safe place to live.
- Sightseeing in Estonia. Estonia is a wonderful country with many places to visit while working as a digital nomad. Soomaa national park, Rakvere and Narva castles, Hiiumaa island, Lahemaa national park, and other attractions are available.
Document Checklist for an Estonian Digital Nomad Visa Application
When applying for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must submit the following required documents:
- Valid Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of return, have two blank pages, and be in good condition. Please include a copy of any previous visas (if any).
- Application form. You must complete the application form online, print a printed copy, and sign it at the end. Make certain that you fill out the application form completely and truthfully. Keep in mind that any inaccurate information may result in your visa being denied.
- Work agreement. Proof confirming you have a legitimate work contract with a foreign employer, a company registered abroad or a client outside of Estonia.
- A letter from your boss stating that you intend to work from home.
- Bank statement. Your bank’s document from the last six months. The paperwork must demonstrate that you have adequate monthly income threshold to support yourself while in Estonia.
- Accommodation documentation. Supporting documents proving that you have a place to stay in Estonia. This document could be a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, an invitation letter, or anything else.
- No criminal history. Document issued by your own country’s police. This document must demonstrate that you have no criminal history in your home country and will not be a concern for the Republic of Estonia.
- Valid health insurance. You must be in possession of adequate health insurance that covers the entire Schengen area. Your health insurance must provide €30.000 in coverage.
- A university diploma. Diploma, study certificate, training certificate, and other certifications (if any).
How Do I Apply for an Estonian Digital Nomad Visa?
There are three ways to apply for an Estonia digital nomad visa:
Digital nomads can make an application at an Estonian embassy. They must schedule an appointment with the nearest Estonian embassy and provide all necessary documentation.
- In Estonia, you can apply at any Police and Border Guard office. If you do not require a Schengen visa to enter Estonia, you may enter visa-free and submit your application, along with all necessary documents, to the Estonian Police and Border Guard.
- You can apply at any VFS location. You can also apply at a VFS office that is authorized to handle digital nomad visa applications for the Estonian government (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ukraine).
- You can enter Estonia and apply for an E-residence card at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board once your application has been granted. You can begin the application process online by visiting the EPBG website. You can use this card to access the EU business environment and public e-services.
