Europe is a popular destination for many digital nomads, as most can stay in these countries for three months (90 days) on a tourist visa. However, European countries are beginning to offer digital nomad visas for people who want to stay even longer. These programs provide more legal clarity and allow digital nomads to stay in one destination for an extended period. The Digital Nomad Visa in Estonia offers a convenient and streamlined process for individuals looking to work remotely while enjoying the benefits of residing in this beautiful Baltic country. To begin the application process, aspiring digital nomads can reach out to the Estonian embassy or consulate in their home country for guidance and assistance.
In this article I will explain to you how to obtain your digital nomad visa in Estonia, why it's a great idea and how you will love spending time there.
Estonia launched the digital nomad visa program in August 2020. This program allows location-independent workers to live in Estonia for up to one year if they meet all the application requirements. The Estonia digital nomad visa allows anyone to live and work in Estonia if they work for a foreign company, work as a freelancer, or operate their own business. The government website states that most of the applicant’s clients must come from outside of Estonia. As noted, this visa is not appropriate for someone who wants to work for a company in Estonia. The country's advanced digital infrastructure and widespread internet connectivity enable digital nomads to work efficiently and seamlessly from any corner of the country.
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Work remotely while enjoying the benefits of residing in this beautiful Baltic country
Eastern Europe is an excellent destination for digital nomads, and Estonia, in particular, is an interesting location for digital nomads to set up shop. Estonia is a low-cost destination with a firmly established tech scene. The Estonia digital nomad visa is also relatively popular, so digital nomads may find that living in Estonia can provide solid networking opportunities. Estonia also has a lot of exciting attractions to visit, including national parks, coastal towns, castles, and other attractions in smaller cities. Despite these attractions, Estonia has remained under the radar, and many tourists who pass through Eastern Europe skip this country.
Estonia is also a short train ride or flight away from other countries in Eastern Europe, which is convenient for digital nomads who want to establish a base first, and then explore the region. Also, while residing in Estonia, digital nomads can maintain their ties with their home country. Once the Digital Nomad Visa is obtained, visa holders gain access to Estonia and can work from anywhere within the country.
Digital nomads have the option to set up a home office or utilize co-working spaces provided by Estonia's thriving startup ecosystem. These co-working spaces offer a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, fostering collaboration, networking, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The embassy provides valuable services for who applies for the digital nomad visa
The income requirements for this digital nomad visa are high relative to other programs in Eastern Europe. However, Estonia is still a relatively affordable place to live and is only slightly more expensive than destinations like Croatia and Romania. The average gross monthly wage in Estonia is around €1,593, while the minimum wage is €654/month.
Estonia is a relatively low-cost hub, and it is very cheap to travel to neighbouring countries. Accommodation options in Estonia are attractive, as Airbnb apartments are available for as low as $340/month. Digital nomads who meet the income requirements should have no problem living an enjoyable life and saving money.
Once the Digital Nomad Visa is obtained, visa holders gain access to Estonia and can work from anywhere within the country
The tech scene in Estonia makes it a viable location for digital nomads interested in networking. Since gaining independence from Soviet rule in 1991, Estonia has focused extensively on building a digital economy, as processes like voting, filing taxes, and filling prescription drugs are all filed online. There are also multiple tech start-up companies in the region, and Estonia has established itself as a tech hub of Eastern Europe. Accordingly, it should be easy for digital nomads visiting Estonia to network in the country and find opportunities.
One thing to note is that the digital nomad visa does not support individuals who want to work for a company in Estonia. You need to apply for a different visa if you work for a company in Estonia.
Digital nomads are welcome to explore the country, immerse themselves in the local culture, and participate in various activities
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When applying for the Digital Nomad Visa, it is important to note that Estonia has specific requirements and guidelines. The visa application process entails providing the necessary documentation, including proof of income, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. However, Estonia's visa program is known for its relatively straightforward and efficient procedures, making it attractive for digital nomads seeking hassle-free relocation.
You can either apply online or in person for this visa. The fee for this visa is either €80 for a short stay (Type C) or €100 for an extended stay (Type D) visa. The type C visa is for individuals who stay for up to 90 days, and the Type D visa is for individuals who stay in Estonia for more than 90 days. Most people should apply for more than 90 days, especially since many people can stay in Estonia for 90 days on a tourist visa.
The online application form can be found here, and the complete list of Estonian consulates is on this website. Most digital nomads will choose to apply online, but it may be more convenient to apply in person in some cases. It usually takes 15-30 days or less for the visa to be approved, so it is crucial to plan in advance.
You must also provide the following documentation along with your application:
The requirements are in line with other digital nomad visas in the region. However, the income requirement for this visa is notably higher. It may be possible to avoid this by showing sufficient savings or a combination of income and savings. However, it is best to show six months of statements proving you made €3,504 or more every month. Anything short of this could put you at risk of not receiving approval.
Autumn Tallinn, Estonia
Estonia has an intriguing digital nomad visa program to consider if you can meet the relatively higher income requirements. Estonia’s infrastructure is suitable for digital nomads and tech entrepreneurs, and it could be a great place to network and explore other long-term residency options. Estonia is an extraordinary tourist destination that is often overlooked in the region, and it is also near other Eastern European gems such as Lithuania and Poland. The Digital Nomad Visa in Estonia, supported by embassy services and appointment assistance, provides convenient access to the country for remote workers from anywhere in the world.
One thing to note is that if you plan to stay in Estonia for more than 183 days, you are considered a tax resident and are legally required to pay taxes. One can avoid this by applying for a digital nomad visa, staying for less than six months, and then moving to a nearby country. There are plenty of countries in the area that are digital nomad friendly or other countries that offer 30-90 day tourist visas.
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