Estonia Digital Nomad Visa – Requirements and Process
Overview
Unknown to many, Estonia was the first European country to offer visas to digital nomads. The Estonian digital nomad visa was first introduced in July 2020, allowing remote workers to live in Estonia for one year and work or do business remotely.
Dubbed the Silicon Valley of Europe because it has five times more startups per capita, Estonia is a haven for digital nomads and freelancers who have the freedom to work anywhere. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, Estonia has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, with nearly 50% of the country covered by forests. If you are a digital nomad who loves nature and dreams of living in a country where nature is never far away, you should consider moving to Estonia.
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https://nomadlawyer.org/category/travel-laws/
Estonia is truly a great country to live as a digital nomad. But before you take the plunge, it’s worth knowing the requirements and application process for a digital nomad visa for Estonia. So here’s everything you need to know.
Who are Digital Nomads?
Digital nomad is someone who can work remotely from any location (remote workers). We usually hang out at coffee shops, libraries, coworking spaces, or anywhere we can find wifi. Since we are not anchored in one place, we can travel to any amazing country!
The best thing about being a digital nomad is that you get to see a thousand different things that you never thought you would.
For example, If someone has got a job of writing articles then he or she could write it from anywhere sitting in any place if they are a digital nomad. You won’t find that in the office!
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa is a travel permit that allows nomads to live and work legally in the country. Like most other visas, the Digital Nomad visa requires you to submit certain required documents along with the application form. You will generally find that you must meet certain income requirements before you can apply.
Digital nomad visa is a term used primarily by digital nomads. It is not the official name of the visa. Some countries have their own name for this type of travel authorization. For example, Croatia has a Digital Nomad Residence Permit, which is not actually a visa.
About the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
The Estonian digital nomad visa was the first visa ever introduced in Europe. Introduced in July 2020, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when almost all countries are closing their borders, Estonia’s digital nomad visa was the first of its kind in the world.
The Estonia digital nomad visa allows you to live in the country for one year and work remotely for a company based outside the country. While it won’t give you the same benefits as Estonian citizenship, it can serve as a building block to permanent residency if you decide to live in the country permanently.
If you are a citizen of a European country or one of the countries of the European Economic Area, you do not need to apply for a digital nomad visa. You can stay in Estonia for up to three months without a visa. However, it should be noted that it is technically illegal to work in any country as a tourist.
An Estonian digital nomad visa can be useful for digital nomads from countries outside Europe who want to stay longer in Estonia. With this visa, you can stay in the country for a year and work remotely with the full approval of the authorities.
Eligibility criteria for Estonia digital nomad visa
To apply for a digital nomad visa, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- At least 18 years old.
- In Estonia, you can work remotely using any form of telecommunications technology.
- A partner, shareholder or employer of a company based outside Estonia.
- Offer consulting services to companies abroad and can submit a copy of the contract.
- It must prove that you are a digital nomad or freelancer.
- You are financially stable, earning at least €3,500 per month.
Required documents for the application of Estonia digital nomad visa
After checking your Estonia digital nomad visa eligibility and making sure that you are eligible for the visa, the next step is to prepare the following documents required for your visa application.
Valid passport – your passport must remain valid for at least 3 months after your return date. It should still have 2 blank pages.
Application – get a copy of the application form online, print a hard copy, fill it out and sign it. Make sure you fill out the form completely and provide the correct information. Any incorrect or false information may cause your visa application to be rejected.
Bank statement – request a bank statement from your bank containing information about your bank details for the last six months. It should prove that you have enough income to finance yourself in Estonia.
Employment contract – submit proof of a valid employment contract from your employer outside Estonia. You must also include a letter from your employer stating that you are allowed to work remotely.
Proof of accommodation – submit a document proving that you have a place to stay in Estonia. It can be an invitation letter, hotel reservation, lease agreement, etc.
Health insurance – you need a valid health insurance covering the entire Schengen area. Insurance coverage should be at least EUR 30,000.
Criminal record – a document proving that you do not have a record in the criminal record. You can obtain this document from the police in your home country.
University Education – Submit any university certificates, training certificates and other certificates.
Process for the application of Estonia digital nomad visa
Once you have all the documents needed for an Estonian digital nomad visa, it’s time to apply. Here are the steps:
1. Schedule an appointment
Once you’ve gathered all the documents and filled out the application form, it’s time to schedule your appointment. Call the nearest embassy or consulate of Estonia in the country where you live. Request an appointment for your visa application. They usually have a website where you can get their contact information to request an appointment. Some countries will require you to make a reservation online.
2. Show up for your appointment
Make sure you show up on the day of your appointment. Bring all the above documents and prepare for the personal interview. Embassy staff will ask you questions such as the purpose of your visit and other details about your decision to move to Estonia as a digital nomad. Make sure your answer matches the information in your supporting documents.
After the interview, submit biometric information, which means that the staff will ask for your fingerprints and a digital photo. This step may no longer be required if you have visited a Schengen country in the last five years.
3. Wait for the visa to be processed
After submitting your application for a digital nomad visa to Estonia, just wait for it to be processed. Processing time will vary, but usually takes 15 to 30 days. If you applied from Estonia, the waiting time is shorter.
You will receive notification of the outcome of your application either by email, telephone or regular mail. If your application is not approved, you have the option to appeal the decision.
4. Apply for an E-Residency Card
Once you have an Estonian digital nomad visa, you can enter Estonia with it. Once you are in the country, you must apply for an e-residence card.
The Estonian government issues an e-residence card to all residents of the country, which gives the card holder access to e-government services. It will also allow the holder to do business or work online while living in Estonia.
Living in Estonia as a digital nomad
Estonia is an attractive destination for digital nomads for many reasons. It is part of the European Union and the Schengen area, which means that living in Estonia allows you to easily travel to other EU countries.
In addition, Estonia has reliable internet and a pleasant working environment. You will have everything you need to set up a digital work environment in Estonia. Therefore, you won’t have any problems with adaptation if you decide to set up in Estonia. There is also a growing community of digital nomads and plenty of coworking spaces where you can start working and meet other digital nomads.
You can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while living as a digital nomad in Estonia. The country has the perfect landscape for outdoor activities, making it a great place to live for those who love outdoor adventures. When you’re not at work, you can find yourself hiking or camping in its lush forest. In winter, you can enjoy ice skating, skiing and snowmobiling.
Tallinn, the capital of the country, is a great base for digital nomads in Estonia. And despite being home to some of the best-preserved mediaeval cities in the world, it has modern amenities and excellent infrastructure. Public transport is cheap and efficient, making it easy to get around the city.
While the cost of living in Tallinn is a bit on the higher side, there is plenty of affordable accommodation in the city centre. The average cost of renting a studio apartment in the centre of Tallinn is $902 per month, which is cheaper than in many other European countries. In addition, the locals are hospitable and especially in Tallinn, English is spoken.
Contributed by Ankit Raj Sharma
Edited by Imtiaz Ullah