Estonia Digital Nomad Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 13, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you're a non-EU citizen working remotely or freelancing, the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is your opportunity to explore the country alongside the other 4 million visitors a year.

An increasingly tech-savvy nation, the DNV, launched as recently as 2020, is the country welcoming you to come, explore, and continue a thriving career while discovering the country’s rich culture and adventure.

Note: The information outlined on the official websites isn’t entirely clear, and the process may not be as simple as other visa applications worldwide. We’ve done our best to compile all the relevant information in one easy guide, but it may be worth using a visa consultant to understand what the process will look like for you.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for an Estonia Digital Nomad visa?

The eligibility criteria for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa are quite simple.

You need to:

• Be capable of working independent of your location, such as not having to work in an office or having remote working opportunities.
• Have an active employment contract with a company registered outside of Estonia, or be able to conduct business with a business registered abroad, or be able to work as a freelancer with clients outside of Estonia.
• Your net monthly income must exceed a minimum of €4,500

If you meet these and can prove it, you’ll be all set to apply for a visa.

Unlike most modern visas, this one simply allows you to access to work within the country without needing a place of work, a work visa, or having to have ties to the country, such as an employment contract or place of residence.

How to apply for an Estonian Digital Nomad visa

This is where things get a little tricky, and the information from the official websites is not necessarily clear.

You cannot apply for a Digital Nomad Visa directly, but rather, it must accompany a Type C (short-stay) visa or a Type D (long-stay) visa. You can apply for one of these visas online (the link is here), but you’ll then need to book an appointment with your nearest embassy or consulate of Estonia within your home country.

You can book an appointment here.

Filling out the online application form, you’ll need to print it out and sign it. Then, gather all other relevant and requested documents and submit them during your appointment.

You can find the relevant applications here:

• Short Stay Digital Nomad Visa Application Form
• Long Stay Digital Nomad Visa Application Form

After submitting, you’ll then need to wait for a response. This process typically takes up to 30 days.

If accepted, you’ll be able to enter Estonia.

The visa allows you entry to the country for up to one year from the application’s approval date, and you’ll be free to explore and work within the country as well as the EU area.

Applying from within Estonia

If you are already legally residing in Estonia and wish to extend your stay with a Digital Nomad Visa, you can apply at a Police and Border Guard Board office. However, ensure you apply with ample time to account for the processing period.

Important note:

The only official ways to apply for the DNV are:

• Directly through an Estonian Representation who handles visa applications
• In person at a Police and Border Guard office in Estonia
• At a VFS office in certain countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Ukraine)

Where to apply for the Estonia Digital Nomad visa

The Estonia Digital Nomad Visa application process involves submitting your application through one of three official channels:

1. Estonian representation: You can apply directly at an Estonian embassy or consulate that handles visa applications. This is the most common method for individuals applying from outside Estonia. Check the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for a list of representations and their contact information.
2. Police and Border Guard Board Office in Estonia: If you are already legally residing in Estonia and wish to switch to the Digital Nomad Visa, you can submit your application in person at a Police and Border Guard Board office.
3. VFS office: In certain countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ukraine, you can apply through a VFS Global office, which has been authorised to handle DNV applications on behalf of the Estonian government.

Important note: It’s crucial to apply through one of these official channels to ensure your application is processed correctly and efficiently. Avoid any third-party agents or services that claim to offer assistance with the DNV application, as they may not be authorised or reliable.

What is the valid duration for an Estonian Digital Nomad visa?

The duration of your stay in Estonia with the Digital Nomad Visa depends on the type of visa you apply for:

• Short-Stay (C) visa: This visa allows you to stay in Estonia and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's suitable for shorter stays or for those who want to test the waters before committing to a longer stay.
• Long-Stay (D) visa: allows you to stay in Estonia for up to one year. It's ideal for digital nomads who plan to stay in Estonia for an extended period and fully immerse themselves in the country's culture and lifestyle.

Regardless of the visa type, it's important to remember that the Digital Nomad Visa can be seen as a temporary residence permit. You can apply for an extension if you wish to stay in Estonia beyond the initial validity period, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.

What are the application costs for the Estonian Digital Nomad visa?

Applying for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa involves a state fee, which varies depending on the type of visa you're seeking.

• Tourist / Business / Family Visit / Other Short Stays: €90
• Study visa: €90
• Nationals of countries with a visa facilitation agreement with the European Union: €35 (This includes: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine)
• Children between 6 and 12 years old: €45
• Children less than 6 years old: €0
• A family member of an Estonian or an EU/EEA citizen: €0
• Citizens of Cape Verde: €67.5

People who don't have to pay the visa fee:

• School pupils, students, post-graduate students, and their teachers who are travelling for study or educational training
• Researchers from outside the EU who are travelling for scientific research
• People invited by the Estonian Parliament or Government
• People who have the right to a free visa because of an international agreement
• Representatives of non-profit organisations who are 25 or younger and are taking part in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations
• People with diplomatic or service passports
• People attending meetings of the United Nations or similar organisations in Estonia

Other important things to know

Beyond the essentials of eligibility and application, here are additional key aspects to consider regarding the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa, all coming together to help ensure the chances of success in your application are at their highest:

Supporting documents

In addition to the general visa application requirements, you must submit documents demonstrating your eligibility as a location-independent employee or digital nomad. This may include:

• Employment contract with a company registered outside Estonia
• Proof of business ownership for your own company registered abroad
• Contracts or invoices demonstrating freelance work for clients mostly outside Estonia
• Income statements or bank statements proving you meet the minimum income threshold

Background checks

All applicants undergo thorough background checks to ensure the visa is used for its intended purpose and by individuals with good intentions.

Application restrictions

Due to current geopolitical situations, visa applications cannot be submitted to certain Estonian representations or Visa Centres in Russia and Belarus. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information.

Remember:

• No one is automatically eligible for the DNV, and all applications are carefully reviewed.
• Always check the official Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website for the latest and most accurate information, as regulations can change.

Talk to a visa consultant

By being well-informed and prepared, you can increase your chances of a successful visa application and enjoy a fulfilling experience as a digital nomad in Estonia.

Of course, this is an exciting opportunity, and one we hope to see more countries offering in the future.

However, if you’re finding the application process or dealing with local regulations complex, it may be time to enlist the help of an immigration consultant who can help simplify the process and handle the paperwork so you can focus on your work and exploring the beautiful country of Estonia.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

Fill out this form

Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].