Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa: A Gateway for Remote Workers

As the coronavirus pandemic has prompted organizations to reassess their remote work policies, Estonia has introduced a new visa aimed at attracting digital nomads who are not bound to a physical workplace.

This visionary Baltic nation had previously established an e-residency program that enables international entrepreneurs to access the Estonian government’s digital services and initiate a business within the European Union, without necessarily needing to be physically present. This innovative visa now allows remote workers to relocate to and reside in the country.

Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa

The program is currently open for online applications; however, applicants must fulfill several key requirements, including:

Ability to work independently of location
Possessing a working situation that enables remote capabilities
Having an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, conducting business through a foreign-registered company, or freelancing for clients predominantly outside of Estonia
Providing evidence that your income meets the minimum threshold for the six months preceding the application, which is currently €3504 (gross of tax)

Mart Helme, Estonia’s Minister of the Interior, stated, “The digital nomad visa will strengthen Estonia’s image as an e-state and give Estonia a more influential voice on the international level.”

Scenic summer aerial view of the Old Town architecture in Tallinn, Estonia © Scanrail1/Shutterstock

Since the launch of the e-residency program in 2014, more than 50,000 individuals from 157 countries have gained e-residency. The digital nomad visa aims to allure tech-savvy long-term travelers who will contribute to the local economy without detracting from job opportunities for Estonian residents.

The government will rigorously scrutinize visa applications from digital nomads, comparable to applicants in other visa categories; approval is not guaranteed. More information and application forms can be found here.

Town Hall square in central old Tallinn © Evannovostro/Shutterstock

Additionally, several other European countries—such as Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Czech Republic—offer visa options for visitors or freelancers who can demonstrate a certain level of monthly income. However, Estonia’s visa is distinguished as the first of its kind specifically for digital nomads, which may include those permanently employed by a single company.

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