Estonia

Digital Nomad Visa

Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) allows foreign nationals who work remotely to reside legally in Estonia for up to one year while continuing to work for employers, clients, or their own companies registered outside the country. Launched on 1 August 2020, Estonia was one of the first European countries to create a dedicated digital nomad visa category, building on its well-established e-state and e-Residency ecosystem. The visa is administered by the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) within Estonia and by Estonian embassies and consulates abroad.

• Must be able to perform work duties independently of location using telecommunications technology
• Must be employed by a company registered outside Estonia, a partner or shareholder of a company registered outside Estonia, or a freelancer serving clients mostly based outside Estonia
• Minimum gross monthly income of €4,500, demonstrated over the six months preceding the application
• Valid travel document issued within the last 10 years with at least 2 blank pages, valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry
• Valid travel medical insurance covering the entire visa period
• Proof of accommodation in Estonia (hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation letter)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Open to all nationalities without age restrictions

• Completed and signed visa application form (pre-filled online)
• Colour passport photo (35x45 mm, ICAO compliant, taken within 6 months)
• Valid travel document
• Travel medical insurance
• Written statement of telework intentions
• Employer confirmation that remote work is possible
• Employment or service contract
• Tax and social contribution payment certificates from the applicant's country
• Company registration certificate (for business owners)
• Bank statements showing income for the preceding six months
• Curriculum vitae with education and employment history
• Proof of accommodation in Estonia
• Criminal records certificate
• Biometric data (10 fingerprints)
• All foreign public documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated into Estonian or English

The D-visa is valid for up to 365 days within 12 consecutive months. A shorter C-visa option is available for up to 90 days within 180 days. The DNV cannot be renewed or extended, but a second DNV application is possible after the first expires. Two consecutive long-stay visas cannot exceed a cumulative 548 days within 730 consecutive days, meaning a second visa applied for immediately after the first will be limited to approximately six months.

A DNV holder's spouse (including same-sex partners, as Estonia recognises same-sex unions), minor children, and adult children unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may apply for a visa under the same conditions. Each dependant must submit a separate application with their own supporting documents. The main applicant must demonstrate sufficient means to support the family. Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) must be provided.

DNV holders who stay in Estonia for 183 days or more within a 12-month period become Estonian tax residents and must declare worldwide income to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. Estonia's flat income tax rate is 22%, increasing to 24% in 2026, with a tax-free allowance of €700 per month (€8,400 per year). Estonia has double taxation agreements with many countries to prevent taxation of the same income twice. Tax residents must complete Form R for determination of residency status. Pensions and social contributions continue to be collected in the applicant's home country.

1. Pre-fill the visa application form online, then print and sign it
2. Gather all supporting documents
3. Schedule an in-person appointment at the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate, a PBGB service office in Estonia (Tallinn, Tartu, Johvi, Narva, Parnu), or a VFS Global office (available in the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Ukraine)
4. Submit the completed form, supporting documents, pay the state fee (€120 for D-visa, €90 for C-visa), and provide biometric data
5. Processing takes approximately 30 days from submission
6. Successful applicants are notified when they need to visit the embassy or PBGB office to verify identity and collect the visa

Upon entering Estonia, DNV holders are not required to obtain a residence permit or register with additional authorities beyond standard Schengen entry procedures. Estonia is a Schengen Area member, so D-visa holders may also travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa itself serves as the legal basis for stay.

The main purpose of the visa holder's stay must be remote work for foreign entities as specified in the application. Holders may work for Estonian employers in a limited capacity, but remote work for foreign entities must remain the primary activity.

• The DNV does not provide any pathway to permanent residency or citizenship in Estonia
• The DNV is distinct from e-Residency, which provides a digital identity for managing an Estonian company online but does not grant any right to reside in Estonia
• Freelancers who lack formal contracts may submit emails or other correspondence as evidence of client relationships
• Upon visa expiry, the holder must depart Estonia with no specific grace period

Links

• https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/nomadvisa/
• https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/visa-and-extending-period-of-stay/long-term-visa
• https://visitestonia.com/en/what-to-do/digital-nomad-visa
• https://www.vm.ee/en/consular-visa-and-travel-information/visa-information/application-long-stay-d-visa

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Europe