Estonia made waves with its groundbreaking e-residency program, facilitating foreign entrepreneurs in efficiently managing their EU-based businesses through digital signatures. In June 2020, Estonia introduced a one-year digital nomad and freelancer visa, enabling individuals to reside in the country and work remotely. This initiative marked Estonia as the pioneer in establishing the world’s first official digital nomad visa.
Visa category
Digital Nomad Visa
What are the visa fees/charges?
EUR80 for a type C and EUR100 for a type D visa
Is there a minimum income threshold applicable for digital nomad/remote work visa?
Yes – income must meet the minimum threshold (EUR4,500 gross of tax per month) during the six months preceding the application.
Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to income tax?
Yes – Digital nomads will be taxed under the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa after 183 consecutive days (after living 183 days within a financial year)
Are digital nomad/remote work visa holders subject to social security contributions?
Yes – Digital nomads will be taxed under the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa
Is there Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) relief available in the country?
Yes
Is there an income tax requirement in the country, in general?
Yes
Is there a social security requirement in the country, in general?
Yes
Are criminal checks required for this visa?
The relevant administrative authority will review the application in full and conduct thorough background checks
For how long is the digital nomad/remote work visa valid?
• 12 months
• Before the initial Estonia Digital Nomad Visa expires, the applicant can apply for a new one. However, he/she is not allowed to stay in Estonia longer than 548 days within 730
consecutive days
Is the applicant bound to any work restraints/limitations?
The applicants should work online & independent of location:
• For an employer registered abroad
• For their company registered abroad, or
• As a freelancer for clients mostly abroad
What are the standard requirements for the digital nomad/remote work visa?
• Must hold documents which prove that the applicant can work remotely
• Documents providing information about the current work status
• Documents providing information about the last six months income, its regularity, and its sources
• Documents about academic and professional history
• A Valid Passport or Travel Document
• Medical Insurance or Health Insurance
• Proof of Accommodation
• If the employer is not registered in the Estonian commercial register, the employer must register with the Tax and Customs Board as a non-resident employer before commencing activities in Estonia
Which countries are eligible to apply for the digital nomad/ remote work visa?
Available for all nationals
Is applicant required to provide proof of employment?
Yes
Cost of living index: 55.9 – (40 out of 140)
Internet fixed: 71.6 Mbps (Median) speedtest.net May 2023
Internet mobile: 82.8 Mbps (Median) speedtest.net May 2023
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