Estonia, a country that already serves global citizens through programmes such as e-Residency, introduced the digital nomad visa on August 1,2020.
Remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads who have always faced ambiguity when working whilst they travel, can now apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa.
A combination of cheap air travel and the vast improvement in technology in recent decades has also contributed.
Who and what are digital nomads?
Digital nomads (also know as remote workers) are the individuals, who choose location independent jobs, to explore the world, without residing in any one permanent location. These include freelance writers, entrepreneurs and artists etc.
The number of digital nomads has been increasing in the recent years, hence pushing the governments to amend their laws for the foreign workers (freelancers).
Moreover, following the pandemic, the remote working category is likely to grow more rapidly as employers embrace working remotely.
What is a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomad visas are the type of visas which allow a person to stay in the concerned countries or particular areas for a longer time (varies from country to country) and continue their works remotely, without being a burden on their economy. With the rise in this trend more and more countries are supporting this kind of work life style. People who don’t have considered this as a viable option will surely realize its potential in the coming years.
Where is the country of Estonia located?
Estonia is a country located in north-eastern Europe, and the northernmost of the three Baltic states which includes Latvia and Lithuania. Since declaring independence from the USSR in 1991, the former Soviet republic has transformed it’s economy. From that of agriculture and manufacturing, to becoming a digital first economy all driven from the capital city of Tallinn.
What is the best time of the year to visit the country of Estonia?
The best time to visit is in either late spring or summer when the weather is at its best. This are the periods during the year when Estonia holds it’s main festivals. Summers are relatively short (mid-June to late August). The daytime temperatures can be hot and dry but the nights cool off considerably.
Why do digital nomads choose Estonia?
Here are some of the prospects for choosing Estonia as a destination for digital nomads:
- One of the most digitally advanced countries in the world.
- Low cost of living compared to neighbours in both Europe and Scandinavia.
- No corporate tax.
- Fast registry procedures.
- The flexible e-Residency programme.
- Simple tax system.
- Tax residents pay no tax on foreign dividends.
- Access to a dynamic start-up ecosystem.
What is the cost of living in Estonia?
Living costs in Estonia are affordable and lower than most Western countries.
- Housing costs depend on the location, and quality of the accommodation with prices per month starting from €250–550 in private flats.
- For a family of four estimated monthly costs are: €3,058
- For a single person estimated monthly costs are: €1,404
What types of visas are available for Estonia?
Estonia offers two types of visa categories, which are as follow:
- Type C – Short stay visa
- Type D – Long stay visa
What is a Type C short stay visa for Estonia?
A Short-stay visa (type C) – is issued for travel through or for a short stay in a country within the Schengen area. For Estonia this type of visa comes with the condition that any stay will be no more than 90 days (or three months) within a period of 180 days.
What is a Type D long stay visa for Estonia?
A Long-stay visa (type D) – is a visa issued for either single or multiple entries into Estonia. The long stay visa can be issued for stays within the country of up to 365 days (or 1 year).
What is the Estonia digital nomad visa programme?
Eligible remote workers, freelancers and location-independent workers apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa . The digital nomad visa will allow the holder to live and work in Estonia for up to a year. With a digital nomad visa, remote workers can work for either their employer or their own foreign registered company.
What are the requirements of the Estonia digital nomad visa?
- You are able to work effectively independent of location.
- Utilization of telecommunications technology remotely is the main way that you perform your work duties.
- Hold an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia.
- All business is conducted through your own foreign-registered company.
- If you are working as a freelancer, the majority of you clients are primarily outside of Estonia.
- Provide evidence that your monthly income is €3504 (gross of tax) and above, during the six months preceding the visa application.
How do I apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa?
- All make sure you review the eligibility requirements, to make sure you still meet them before applying.
- Complete the online application form. Print and sign the form ahead of submitting .
- Book an appointment at your nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate to submit your application. Note: All ensure that you can also provide copies of any required supporting documentation.
How much does it cost for the Estonia digital nomad visa?
The state fee is 80 Euros for a Type C (short stay) visa and 100 Euros Type D (long stay) visa.
What is the difference between e-Residency and the digital nomad visa?
e-Residency
- Secure, government-issued, digital identity for personal & online authentication.
- Remote entrepreneurs gain digital access to Estonia’s e-services:
- Establish and run a company online
- Declare taxes & access banking/payments
- Not a path to Estonian citizenship, residence or right to travel to Estonia or EU.
- Estimated 6-8 week process.
Digital Nomad Visa
- Eligible remote workers can temporarily live and work in Estonia for up to 12 months.
- Digital nomads and location independent workers who can work online:
- For an employer registered abroad
- For their company registered abroad, or
- As a freelancer for clients mostly abroad
- Estimated 30 day process.
Do I have to pay taxes as a digital nomad in Estonia?
If you are a ‘true’ location-independent worker or a digital nomad then it is possible that you won’t be in any one location long enough. In that case, your personal tax residency can usually be considered your ‘home country’.
As digital nomad visa holder, will I need a travel visa for Estonia?
The Digital Nomad Visa does automatically provide an exemption to travel to Estonia. For the latest information please visit the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Conclusion
Remote work is already common within the industries that you would expect e.g. tech, digital marketing, freelancing, etc.). However in recent years and rather surprisingly in more traditional industries such as education, healthcare, and law, remote jobs can now be found.