Work remotely from Estonia with the Estonia digital nomad visa
Nestled in Northern Europe, Estonia may not be the first destination on your move abroad list, but in 2020, it became a trailblazer on the international scene by launching the world’s first digital nomad visa. Thank you Estonia for starting the DNV movement!
This forward-thinking nation, which gained independence in 1991, stands as one of the world’s most digitally advanced places, boasting more firsts: it was the first country to have online voting and the first to provide e-residency.
Estonia has opened its arms to remote workers, offering an unique opportunity for those seeking a European adventure where English is widely spoken. If you’re attracted by the charm of cooler temperatures, have a deep love of nature, and are curious about sauna culture, keep reading to learn all you need to know about Estonia’s digital nomad visa.
Moving to Estonia
This Baltic state is one of Europe’s greenest countries, with sweeping forests and upwards of 2,000 islands. It also happens to be one of the least populous EU member states and the world’s least religious country. Estonia borders Latvia and Russia, but its language and culture are said to be closely related to its northern neighbor, Finland.
In recent years, the country has seen a growing number of tourists, particularly in the capital city of Tallinn, with its medieval architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. If you are looking to move to Estonia, integration should be fairly easy because people are friendly and language will not be a barrier—English is commonly spoken!
Digital nomad visa Estonia paves the path
Home to the offices of Skype and Wise, Tallin (the capital of Estonia) is sometimes called the Silicon Valley of Europe. In fact it has one of the continent’s highest number of startups per Capita. And one of the only ways to get a visa to Estonia in the past was to snag a work visa which was really only an option for highly-skilled workers in tech and finance.
However, Estonia drummed up excitement when it launched the first digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to live there for one year while working for a company registered abroad or their own company. They paved the way for many digital nomad visas in Europe and around the world!
For such a digitally advanced nation, it’s no wonder that Estonia is trying to attract even more digital nomads. If you’re looking for a place to call home for a year then why not consider joining the growing population of remote workers in Estonia? And if you need help finding a remote job to qualify for this visa be sure to check out our list of 20 work from anywhere companies!
Let’s take a look at the requirements for Estonia’s digital nomad visa.
Estonia digital nomad visa requirements
The digital nomad visa requirements for Estonia are fairly straight forward. To qualify f, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Application form
Fill out the online visa application form, print it, and sign it. - Letter of intent
A statement declaring that you will be working remotely and will not engage in any work for an Estonia-based employer. - Be a remote worker
To be eligible for the digital nomad visa, you will need to show proof of remote work as a freelancer, remote employee, or entrepreneur for an entity outside of Estonia. - Proof of remote work
You must have an employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia. You will need to submit a letter from your employer stating your intention to work remotely. If you are self-employed you will need to show proof that your clients and/or business is located outside of the country - Financial means
One of the key requirements for this visa is demonstrating financial stability. The Estonia digital nomad visa income requirement is €3,504/month. - Proof of income
You’ll need to provide proof of income which can be demonstrated with a bank statement from the last six months showing a steady stream of income and that you meet the financial requirements. - Address of accommodation
Show evidence of accommodation in Estonia, such as a rental agreement or hotel reservation. - Health insurance
Have valid health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay, with a minimum coverage of €30,000. - Criminal background check
You must have a clear background check. The background check must be issued within three months prior to the submission of the visa application.
How to apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa
To apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa you’ll need to complete the online application for a long-stay D visa. This visa lets you stay in Estonia for 365 days and the visa that is required to live in Estonia as a remote worker.
Next you’ll need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. You can also apply from Estonia if you are currently there legally. In either case, the turnaround time is fast. If approved your Estonia digital nomad visa application will take less than a month to process!
Frequently asked questions about Estonia’s digital nomad visa
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Estonia?
If you live in Estonia for 183 days or more you will be considered a tax resident. As a tax resident you will be liable to file taxes in Estonia. If you are required to pay taxes you will be subject to a flat tax rate of 20%.
How does the Estonia digital nomad visa renewal work?
Estonia’s digital nomad visa is issued for one year and unfortunately cannot be renewed. However, you can submit a new application but you will only be allowed to stay in Estonia for 6 additional months.
How many digital nomad visas are issued each year?
Good news for you! There is no cap on the number of digital nomad visas issued.
What's the difference between Estonia's digital nomad visa vs eResidency?
The digital nomad visa allows you as a remote worker to legally live in Estonia and work remotely for an entity located outside of the country. On the other hand e-Residency is a hassle free way to register your business in Estonia but it does not give you rights to live or stay in Estonia.
What is the easiest digital nomad visa in Europe to get?
The easiest counties to move to in Europe are Albania and Georgia because you don’t need a visa to live there for one year. However, for Portugal and Spain’s digital nomad visas are some of the easiest to qualify for and are certainly the most popular. Greece’s digital nomad visa is also fairly easy to obtain.
Are you ready to get your Estonian digital nomad visa?
If you need more resources to help you move abroad check out the following:
- Sign up for the next Move Abroad After 30 Masterclass to see if a move abroad is a possibility for you!
- Join our Facebook Group for women age 30 and up who want to move abroad
- Grab your copy of our Ultimate Visa Guide to Living in Europe as an American
