With the advent of technology and the internet, the concept of working remotely has gained popularity. Digital nomads, who are location-independent professionals, can work from any part of the world as long as they have a stable internet connection. However, constantly moving from one country to another can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to legal documentation. This is where the digital nomad visa of Estonia comes into the picture, making it easier for digital nomads to legally reside in the country while working remotely.
How do I get an Estonian digital nomad visa?
Estonia designed the digital nomad residence permit, officially called the digital nomad visa, for non-EU citizens who work remotely and wish to live in Estonia for a period of up to a year. Who work remotely and wish to live in Estonia for a period of up to a year. The application process is entirely online, and you don’t need to visit the embassy or consulate of Estonia in your country.
The first step towards getting the Estonian digital nomad visa is to apply for an e-Residency. Which is a digital ID card that allows non-Estonians to access Estonia’s e-services remotely. The e-Residency application process involves filling out an online form and providing relevant documents, such as your passport and a passport-size photograph. Once the authorities approve your e-Residency application, you can collect your e-Residency card from the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country.
Once you have obtained an e-Residency, you can apply for the digital nomad residence permit through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board’s website. The application involves filling out an online form and providing relevant documents. Such as a valid travel document, proof of sufficient means of subsistence, and proof of accommodation. You also need to pay a processing fee, which varies depending on the length of your stay in Estonia.
Estonia’s digital nomad visa requirements
To be eligible for Estonia’s digital nomad visa, you need to fulfill certain requirements, which include:
- You should be a non-EU citizen who works remotely and is not employed by an Estonian company.
- You should have a valid travel document and health insurance that covers Estonia.
- You should have proof of sufficient means of subsistence. This means you need to have a stable income source that is at least equivalent to the Estonian minimum wage (currently 584 euros per month).
- You should have proof of accommodation in Estonia. Which can be in the form of a rental agreement or a hotel reservation.
How much income is required?
As mentioned earlier, one of the requirements for Estonia’s digital nomad visa is proof of sufficient means of subsistence. You need to have a stable income source that is at least equivalent to the Estonian minimum wage. Which is currently 584 euros per month. This income can be from any source, such as freelance work, remote employment, or business income.
Can I live in Estonia with an e-Residency?
While obtaining an e-Residency allows you to access Estonia’s e-services remotely. It does not give you the right to live or work in Estonia. However, with an e-Residency, you can start and manage a company in Estonia remotely. Which can help you obtain the digital nomad residence permit. Once you have obtained the digital nomad residence permit, you can legally reside in Estonia and work remotely.
Estonia digital nomad visa spouse
If you are married or in a civil partnership. Your spouse or partner can also apply for the digital nomad residence permit as a family member. The application process is similar to that of the primary applicant, and the family member also needs to have proof of sufficient means of subsistence and proof of accommodation in Estonia.
Check out: 11 countries with digital nomad visas.
