How to Get Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia intends to attract the world’s talented to a nation that prides itself on being home to an exciting startup scene."

Digital nomads now have a new option for working in Estonia. Off the back of the success of Estonia’s e-residency program launched in 2014, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa allows eligible location-independent workers the chance to work in Estonia for a year.
 
The Digital Nomad Visa addresses a problem digital nomads and remote workers face, often working in locations on a tourist visa. Estonia intends to attract the world’s talented to a nation that prides itself on being home to an exciting startup scene.
 
Digital nomads are people who use telecommunications technologies to earn an income, and are location independent, often working remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries and co-working spaces. Digital nomads are reliant on wireless internet connections, smart phones, mobile hotspots and laptops to undertake such work, and can often be bloggers, programmers, copywriters or web designers.

Image by InstagramFOTOGRAFIN from Pixabay

How it works
 
Launched on 1 August 2020, remote workers and digital nomads can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa and legally work for their employer or their own company registered abroad.
 
You can apply for the digital nomad visa if you can meet the following requirements:
 

• You are over 18 years of age
• You are able to work independent of location
• You can perform your work duties remotely using telecommunications technology
• You either have an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer for clients mostly outside of Estonia
• You can provide evidence that your income met the minimum threshold during the six months preceding the application. The monthly income threshold is currently €3504 (gross of tax).

How to apply
 

• Review the eligibility requirements
• Fill in the application form online - applications can be made in English, Estonian, or Russian
• Print the form
• Complete the form and sign it
• Make an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate to submit your application ensuring you bring copies of any required supporting documentation.

 
Generally speaking these documentary requirements also need written confirmations and/or certifications, as appropriate, about the nature of the location independent work you are doing and your association to that employer.
 
The state fee for the Digital Nomad Visa is 80€ for a Type C (short stay) visa and 100€ Type D (long stay) visa.

Estonia has a thriving startup ecosystem that attracts ambitious and talented individuals and entrepreneurs from around the world. Image by Angelo Giordano from Pixabay

The impact of COVID-19
 
The coronavirus pandemic has touched all aspects of our lives and there are border restrictions. Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised that there are no restrictions for citizens and residents of the European Union, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, and individuals with a long-stay visa and their family members if they show no symptoms.
 
Outside of this, residents of Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay, can travel to Estonia if they show no symptoms.
 
Citizens of other foreign states without symptoms are subject to a 14-day restriction on the freedom of movement and this includes transport requirements, coronavirus testing and a ban on working or studying until after that 14-day period is completed.
 
Applicants for the Digital Nomad Visa should be aware that entry conditions can regularly change, and sometimes without notice. For the up-to-date information including the list of approved countries, visit Estonia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.