Estonia is already hailed as a hub for digital nomads, pioneering the provision of a visa tailored to their lifestyle. Despite its small population, the nation has firmly established itself as a thriving hub for cutting-edge startups and entrepreneurial-minded individuals seeking a fresh professional venture.
Consequently, this captivating Baltic country has emerged as a sought-after hub for aspiring nomads and, fortunately, it provides several accessible opportunities for individuals to both live and work within its borders.
What Is a Digital Nomad Visa?
The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is on the rise in our increasingly online era. This is an individual who resides away from their country of permanent residence and makes a living working online.
A digital nomad visa is what can facilitate this to happen. These visas allow remote workers to legally work overseas in a country of their choice. Though, of course, not all countries offer visas that allow for this to happen.
Luckily, Estonia is one such country. Joining the ranks of select countries worldwide, Estonia provides enticing visa options, attracting innovative-thinking nomads who, in turn, embark on an exciting professional journey in greener pastures.
A digital nomad visa can come in the form of a document or programme and hopeful nomads will need to pass the application processes to be accepted.
Why Pick Estonia as a Digital Nomad?
Estonia holds the distinction of being the first country in the world to open its doors and offer foreign nationals digital nomad visas. But besides this novelty, the country offers a host of practical advantages for digital nomads.
First and foremost, the cost of living in Estonia is notably affordable, significantly lower than in the UK. With an average monthly expense of around £1,300 for rent in the city centre and general living, it presents an attractive option.
Additionally, safety, ease of living (thanks to widespread English proficiency), and plenty of excellent co-working spaces for digital nomads to enjoy further enhance the country’s appeal to the nomadic lifestyle. Estonia also boasts free Wi-Fi in most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, making it the perfect place to work out and about as a digital nomad.
Regarding taxes, for the first 183 days, digital nomad visa holders are not obligated to pay taxes. However, for those wanting to stay for a full year, it’s important to note that tax liabilities will come into play.
If you’re interested in making the move to Estonia, its capital Tallinn, as well as Parnu, Tartu and Saaremaa are all popular cities for digital nomads to settle.
Estonian Digital Nomad Visa Options
For aspiring digital nomads eyeing Estonia as their next destination, it’s essential to explore a few enticing options before embarking on the adventure of relocating to this stunning Baltic nation.
Digital Nomad Visa
Estonia offers two types of digital nomad visas: the Estonia type C digital nomad visa (costing €80), and the Estonia type D digital nomad visa (costing €100). The type C visa allows applicants to stay for up to 90 days in the country, while the type D visa is a long-stay visa that allows you to stay in Estonia for up to one year.
To be eligible for either of the Estonian digital nomad visas, individuals must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate the ability to work remotely from Estonia. This means possessing proof of an employment contract registered overseas and that they will be able to work as a freelancer or digital nomad.
Applicants must also provide proof of a €3,504 monthly salary to show they will be able to financially support themselves, and other necessary documentation such as proof of identification and personal records, which are listed on the official government site.
e-Residency
Apart from the digital nomad visa offered by Estonia, there is an alternative worth considering.
Estonia also offers foreign nationals the chance to apply for e-Residency status. This is a little different from residing in the country under a digital nomad visa but still enables you to work remotely within the country.
All Estonians, no matter their country of residence, possess a state-issued digital identity known as e-IR, or e-Residency. Any holder of e-Residency gains access to a diverse range of digital services. Since 2014, Estonia has been a trailblazer, becoming the first country to open its doors and offer its e-Residency program to global citizens to create a borderless digital society.
The question arises for prospective nomads considering a move to Estonia: should they opt for e-Residency or Estonia’s digital nomad visa?
e-Residency vs Digital Nomad Visa
e-Residency caters to foreign nationals seeking a more permanent residence in Estonia. As outlined on the Republic of Estonia e-Residency site, applying for e-Residency grants individuals a digital identity in the country. This provides them access to Estonia’s e-services and the authorisation to run a company online in the country.
On the other hand, the digital nomad visa allows individuals to work for an employer registered overseas in Estonia for a set duration of up to a year.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the nomads themselves. Depending on their desired length of stay, preference for running their own company or working for an overseas employer, and the need for access to Estonia’s e-services, either e-Residency or a digital nomad visa will better align with the needs of the applicant.
