Estonia Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [4 Steps]

The very first country to ever offer a long-term living solution to remote workers was Estonia. Launched in 2020, the Estonia digital nomad visa allows remote workers to live in the beautiful European country for up to 12 months with their family members. 

The forward-thinking and digitally advanced nation introduced the Estonia digital nomad visa just a few years after introducing its E-Residency Program. This program allows non-Estonian residents to open companies in Estonia and take advantage of participating in the EU market and favorable tax schemes. 

There are two of Estonia digital nomad visa options available: C-type visa and D-type visa. 

The C-type visa is for stays less than 90 days and is required by citizens who cannot freely enter the Schengen Area without a visa. 

The D-type visa is for stays of more than 90 days, which is required by those who wish to live in Estonia for the full year on the digital nomad visa. 

Estonia digital nomad visa holders will also have visa-free access to the 27 other member states of the Schengen Area. They can be present in these countries for 90 out of 180 days. 

Additionally, Estonia digital nomad visa holders will become tax residents of Estonia if they stay in the country for 183 days out of the year. Don’t let this scare you away, though! Estonia offers a favorable flat tax rate of just 20%, which could actually help you save on your taxes. 

Following in Estonia’s footsteps, countries such as Latvia, Romania, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, and Malta have introduced digital nomad visas, welcoming remote workers to relocate abroad. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A digital nomad visa is for remote workers, business owners, and freelancers who wish to live in a foreign country for longer than a tourist visa allows. 

Technically, these visas are more resident permits, allowing digital nomads to live in the country. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must work for a foreign company (not one in the country where you’re living), own a business, or work as a freelancer with foreign clients. 

This is perfect for digital nomads who want to settle down somewhere without worrying about border-hopping or overstaying their tourist visas. 

Estonia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Estonia digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria. 

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid at leat three months after the visa term
• Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner of a company or clients established outside of Estonia
• Earn 4,500€ gross tax per month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage in Estonia for the duration of your stay
• Clean Criminal Background – You must submit a clean criminal background check 
• Address of Accommodations – You must show a rental agreement or reservation of where you will live in Estonia

If you meet the requirements, then you may proceed with your Estonia digital nomad visa application. 

How to Apply for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

The application process for the Estonia digital nomad visa is fairly straightforward. It takes place both online and in person at an Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. 

Step 1: Gather Documents

One of the longest parts of the application process is collecting the necessary documents. 

To apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa, you must submit the following:

• Copy of Passport with two blank pages
• Two passport photos that meet the Schengen Visa Photo Requirements
• Bank statements from the last six months
• Proof of international health insurance
• Certified criminal background check 
• Address of Accommodations
• Proof of Relationship to Dependents (if applicable)

You may submit your documents in English or Estonian. 

Step 2: Submit Application Online

After gathering your documents, you may begin your online application using the Estonian official website.

You will register an account, fill in your information, and print and sign the completed application. 

Make an appointment with the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate to submit your digital nomad visa application. 

Step 3: Attend Visa Appointment

When you attend your visa appointment at the Estonian embassy or consulate, make sure to bring your signed visa application and required documents. 

You may be required to answer some questions and go through an interview process during your appointment. 

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Wait for your application to be processed and to be notified of a decision. Processing times take between 15 and 30 days. 

Estonia for Digital Nomads

Why wouldn’t you want to live in this beautiful European country? 

Estonia is one of the hottest digital nomad destinations right now. There are massive communities of remote workers living in Tallinn. You’ll find trendy cafes, coworking spaces, and amazing WiFi speeds here. 

Not only will you get to admire the beauty of Estonia, but you’ll also be supporting one of the first countries to advocate for the digital nomad movement. 

With interesting museums, gorgeous landscapes, delicious food, and a town right by the sea, there is something for everyone in Estonia. 

Another perk of holding the Estonia digital nomad visa is having access to the 29 countries in the Schengen Area. For Americans, a tourist visa only allows access to this area for 90 days in a 180-day period. With this visa, you’ll have the chance to explore Western Europe for an entire year! 

Apply for Digital Nomad Visas Worldwide with Professional Legal Assistance

Applying for a digital nomad visa can be overwhelming and confusing. That’s why so many remote workers choose to work with an immigration lawyer to handle their visa applications.

Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads is scouting for the best immigration lawyers worldwide to assist our members with their visa application and relocation abroad.

With our Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service, you can sit back, relax, and increase your chances of visa approval with our hand-selected local immigration lawyers.

Want to get notified when we offer our visa service for Estonia? Complete the form in this article and be the first to know when we have a partner to assist you.

See which other digital nomad visas you might be eligible for with our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with helpful guides like this, applying for the Estonia digital nomad visa can be confusing and overwhelming, leaving you with questions. 

Below are answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Estonia digital nomad visa.