With its affordable living costs, digital infrastructure, and low crime rate, Estonia can be an attractive location for international contractors and Digital Nomads to live and work. As Estonia is a member of the Schengen Zone, visa holders in Estonia can travel the wider Schengen area visa-free. Additionally, Estonia is famous for adopting digital technologies, making it an excellent option for digital nomads.
Types of visas and how long they are valid for:
Estonia currently has two visa offerings for digital nomads. These are the Estonia type C digital Nomad visa and the Estonia type D digital nomad visa. These permits enable digital nomads to live and work in Estonia once they work for an employer registered in a country outside of Estonia.
The type C digital nomad visa is for those who wish to stay in Estonia over a short period. This visa allows one to live and work in Estonia for a maximum of 90 days.
The type D digital nomad is for those who wish to stay in Estonia for a more extended period. This visa allows one to live and work in Estonia for one year. Currently, you cannot extend your digital nomad visa. However, one can apply for another visa once one is in Estonia.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for Estonia's digital nomad visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements.
- One must satisfy the financial requirement criteria, earning a minimum of 3,504 monthly.
- One must be over 18 years of age.
- One must work freelance or be employed by an organisation based outside of Estonia.
- One must be able to show proof of employment, digital nomad status, or freelance organisation.
- One must be able to reliably fulfil one's work duties by utilising telecommunication technologies.
Documents required to apply for Estonia's digital nomad visa:
Before applying for an Estonian digital nomad visa, one should ensure they have the following documents supporting their application:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of accommodation (reservation confirmation or leasing agreement).
- Proof of income/finances (a recent bank statement).
- Letter from employer confirming remote working arrangement
- Work contracts (This is to show evidence that your employer/client is based outside Estonia).
- A completed and signed application form.
- Health insurance documents (all applicants must obtain health insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 that will cover them for the duration of their time in
- Two passport photos. Photo requirements are listed here.
Please see the Visit Estonia website for more information on Estonia's digital nomad visa and its requirements.
Where to apply for Estonia's digital nomad visa:
Currently, there are three places where one can apply for an Estonian digital nomad visa. These are as follows:
- At a VFS office:
- At an Estonian Embassy: Find your nearest Estonian Embassy here.
- At an Estonian Border Gaurd and Police station: Note that this option only applies to those who do not require a Schengen visa to enter Estonia
Visa cost & processing time:
Currently, the fee is €100 for Estonia's digital nomad visa. The time it takes for an Estonian digital nomad visa can range between two weeks and two months. However, the processing time usually ranges from two weeks to one month.
Importance of compliance:
All digital nomads must ensure tax compliance before issuing their application for a country's residence permit/ digital nomad visa. Failure to comply with the relevant legislation may negatively impact one's application. Many countries use the 183-day rule to help determine where an individual is tax resident and liable for taxation on their worldwide income. Generally speaking, the 183-day rule applies to the number of days within a 12-month rolling timeframe or calendar year an individual spends in that country. One important distinction to note is that the criteria for this varies from country to country. Please check out our article here to learn more about the 183-day rule and how it impacts you. To best ensure compliance, speak with taxation experts before issuing your application. Our team at 3C Global are experts in European tax compliance and can help you ensure you comply with the relevant tax laws.
In conclusion:
If you are a digital nomad or looking to hire a digital nomad in Estonia, please get in touch with us at 3C Global. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to assist our clients with whatever their international query entails. Whether it is employment structures, invoicing, insurance, immigration queries or more, our team is on hand to help.
Please do not hesitate to contact us today.
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