How to Get a Visa in Estonia as a Digital Nomad

You have decided to give up your home country and live as a digital nomad. Of course, a new adventure awaits you. As you look through the map of Europe, you discover a beautiful country just a short boat ride away from many of the surrounding countries: Estonia!

With its beautiful forests, delightful architecture, and idyllic countryside – plus being a member of the European Union – Estonia seems like the perfect place to set up your new home. But before you can start living the dream, you need to get a visa. This article will tell you everything you need to know about getting a visa in Estonia as a digital nomad.

Understanding Life as a Digital Nomad & Getting Visa

There are different types of visas that you can apply for, depending on your reasons for traveling to Estonia. Meanwhile, the most common type of visa for digital nomads is the Schengen visa. This allows you to stay in Estonia and any other Schengen country for up to 90 days in six months.

To apply for a Schengen visa, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least three months validity remaining
• A completed visa application form
• Two passport-sized photos
• Proof of travel arrangements, including a return or onward ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Estonia (e.g., hotel reservation)Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statement)
• A letter of invitation from a person or an organization in Estonia (e.g., host, company).
• If you are traveling with others, you will also need to provide photocopies of their travel documents.

In addition to the Schengen visa application forms and instruction guide, check out the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for more detailed information on the documents you will need to submit. The visa application process can be time-consuming, so it is important to start as early as possible.

It is also recommended that you have your documents translated into Estonian or English, as these are the two languages accepted by the Estonian Embassy. Once you have submitted your visa application, you will need to wait for a decision. The Embassy usually takes around 15 working days to process visa applications, but it can take longer during peak periods.

Ways to get a Visa in Estonia as a Digital Nomad

The residence permit is a must if you stay in Estonia for over three months. Fortunately, getting a residence permit as a long-term traveler is not too hard and does not require going to Estonia. Residence permits are issued by the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) – an Estonian government agency that deals with law enforcement and border control.

They can be applied for by either you or your spouse if you are married. There are five ways to get a residence permit in Estonia. They include the following.

Applying For a Visa through the Local PBGB Office

The most common way to apply for a residence permit is by applying directly through the local PBGB office. This method requires visiting the Tallinn PBGB office in person and submitting a number of documents, including:

• Passport (must be valid for at least three months)
• Completed application form
• Two passport photos ( meet international requirements )
• Application fee
• Copy of your bank statement showing you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses (12000€ per year, but it varies depending on the PBGB officer reviewing your case and maybe as low as 6000€ or as high as 24000 €).
• Certificate of No Criminal Record. This document needs to be legalized by the nearest Estonian embassy/consulate.

Applying through the e-Residence Program

If you’re not able to visit Estonia, you can apply for a residence permit through the e-Residence program. You’ll need to fill out an application form, scan your passport and bank statement, and upload all of these documents onto the website. There is also a processing fee of 100€.

Applying through Your Estonian Business Partner

If you have an Estonian business partner, he or she can sign what is known as an ‘affidavit of support’ under two conditions:

• The Estonian company must be carrying out its business activities in Estonia and
• He or she must have been a company shareholder for at least 12 months.

Applying for a Visa by Investing in an Estonian Company

If you’re looking to relocate to Estonia and want to invest in the country, there are a number of ways you can achieve this. If you wish to be self-employed in Estonia, you’ll need to invest a minimum of 25000€ into an Estonian company.

If you’re looking to invest in an existing Estonian company, the minimum investment amount is 50000€. In order to qualify for a residence permit through investment, you must be able to prove that the money has been invested into a bona fide company and that it is active in Estonia.

Receiving a Job Offer from an Estonian Company

If you receive a job offer from an Estonian company, you may be able to apply for a residence permit without having to invest or marry an Estonian citizen. To qualify, the job must meet the following criteria.

• The position must be full time (40 hours per week, 2080€ per month)
• It must fall under the occupational categories listed on the ‘List of Occupations’ published by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.
• You must not have any criminal record in Estonia or your home country.
• You should also note that the company must have been in business for at least 12 months, and you must be able to prove the company has at least six employees (excluding family members).

So, if you’re a digital nomad looking to relocate to Estonia, you have a few options when it comes to getting a visa. You can either visit the country or apply for a traditional visa at an embassy or consulate, or you can apply for a residence permit through the e-Residence program and other processes mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Estonia

What are the visa requirements for moving to Estonia?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), you don’t need a visa to move to Estonia. You’ll need to register your residence at the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs (Migri) within three months. There are no restrictions on how long you can stay, but after three years, you will be required to apply for permanent residency.

What is living like in Estonia?

Estonia is a modern country with all the amenities you’d expect. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, as well as a variety of sports and recreation facilities. The cost of living is relatively low, and you can find apartments and homes in all price ranges.

What is the climate like in Estonia?

Estonia has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from -5 degrees Celsius in winter to 17 degrees Celsius in summer. The country experiences a fair amount of rainfall, so pack your raincoat and prepare for the climate when coming here for the first time as an expat.

What is the language like in Estonia?

The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which is a Finno-Ugric language closely related to Finnish. However, most people also speak some Russian, as Estonia was under the influence of the Soviet Union for several decades until 1991. English is widely spoken among younger generations, making language not usually an obstacle in day-to-day life.

What are the best places to live in Estonia?

Many expats choose to live in Tallinn, the capital city. It has a metropolitan feel and is home to many expats, businesses, and cultural attractions. If you’re looking for a more rural lifestyle, however, you may want to consider smaller towns such as Tartu or Pärnu.

What jobs are available in Estonia?

The majority of jobs in Estonia are in the services sector, with the largest employers being the government, transport and communication companies, and financial institutions. The job market in Estonia is excellent for skilled workers, with recruitment agencies actively seeking foreign employees to fill positions in sectors such as information technology, construction, health care, education, finance, tourism, and engineering.

Is it easy to find suitable accommodation in Estonia?

Of course, Yes! It is easy to find suitable accommodation in Estonia. There is a wide range of apartments and homes available, and the cost of living is relatively low. You can find properties in all price ranges, depending on your budget and lifestyle preferences.

What is the healthcare system like in Estonia?

The healthcare system in Estonia is excellent. All residents are entitled to free medical care, and there are a number of hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Pharmacies also offer low-cost medication.

Conclusion

So, you’re a digital nomad. You’ve been living your life working remotely for a while now, but you’ve decided to move on from the places where you have lived so far. Of course, Estonia is the best option! And that’s one reason we’ve compiled this article to meet your requirement. Nonetheless, refer to this ultimate guide about Estonia for more information.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Getting a visa in Estonia is simple. If you are from the European Union or Schengen Area, you can legally reside in Estonia for 90 days without a residence permit. However, many EU citizens choose to spend more extended periods in Estonia and thus apply for a temporary residence permit before their 90-day stay expires.

As of today, there are many reasons that people choose to spend time in Estonia. Some come to work remotely, some want to do business in the EU market, and others simply want to experience life in another country. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, then it would be wise to apply for a temporary residence permit.

The process of applying for a temporary residence permit is relatively simple. You will need to provide documents such as a valid travel document, a recent passport-style photograph, proof of accommodation in Estonia, evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Estonia, and a medical insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in Estonia.

Also, you can apply for a temporary residence permit at the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application process usually takes around two months. This way, be sure to start the process well in advance if you need to stay in Estonia for a longer period of time.

Not to split all we have for you in two paragraphs; you need to read further to know why we compiled this article. Besides, we will walk you through the top-rated tourist attractions in Estonia. Not only is that, but we have explained life as a digital nomad and why getting a visa is essential today.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Estonia

When people think of a destination for a holiday, they generally think about the sun, sea, and sand. However, there are other aspects to consider when planning a trip. The scenery, history, and attractions can provide visitors with experiences they will never forget.

Estonia has much to offer in the way of experience, including castles, forests, and islands which makes it an ideal tourist location. And we’d love to share some of the top-rated tourist attractions in this wonderful land. Without further ado, below are some of the places to check out.

Tallinn Old Town

The Tallinn Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The city was first mentioned in 1219 and has been under protection since 1971. Many buildings have been restored, and streets reconstructed to look exactly as they did several hundred years ago.

The city is worth visiting year-round, but it’s especially beautiful during the holidays when the streets are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. As an expat coming to this country for the first time, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity of exploring the Tallinn old town.

Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa National Park is the first national park in Estonia. The park has over 40 km of untouched beaches, forests, swamps, bogs, meadows, and more than 1,000 different species of flora. It’s only accessible by boat or hiking trails, so it remains relatively pristine compared to other parks in Europe. Several tour operators offer day trips into the park from Tallinn.

Kadriorg Palace

Kadriorg Palace is a beautiful palace built in the 18th century for Catherine I of Russia. The palace is now a museum with art from the Russian and Finnish Baroque periods. It’s also home to one of the largest collections of Fabergé eggs in the world. The area around the palace is abundant, with parks and green spaces worth exploring on a sunny day.

Rotermann Quarter

The Rotermann Quarter was once an old warehouse district but has since been turned into one of the city’s most popular modern and contemporary art and shopping areas. It’s filled with numerous art galleries, trendy restaurants and cafés, and unique boutiques. There’s also a large movie theatre and performance hall.

Estonian Open Air Museum

This attraction is designed to take you through Estonian rural life over the centuries. There are 40 buildings, including windmills, farmhouses, churches, and cottages. Visitors can see old wooden barns filled with many types of tools used in days gone by. You can also join in traditional activities such as bread-making, blacksmithing, and weaving.

Parnu Beach

Estonia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beaches, but Parnu is a great stop on your Baltic tour. This resort town on the Gulf of Riga has a wide and sandy beach, as well as a lively nightlife scene.  If you’re craving some sun and relaxation after a few days of history and culture, this is your place.

Tartu

Rural Estonia may seem like a strange place to visit on your Baltic tour, but Tartu is home to over 20,000 students and has some fascinating museums. It’s also the birthplace of Estonian independence, so there’s a lot of history here. Check out the Tartu Art Museum, the University of Tartu Museum, and the AHHAA Science Centre for a fun and educational afternoon.

Muha Oimmad Cape in Paldiski

This is a famous place among Estonians. It has a very interesting history, and many legends have been told about this area. In the past, sailors believed that there was a monster living in the deep water off the Muuhamaa coast.

However, visitors will find no monster but plenty of beautiful nature to enjoy. A lighthouse is located on the cape, which can be climbed for stunning views over the area. So, it’s always better to add the Muuhamaa cape to your list to have a good idea of the country and its history.

Pros and Cons of Living in Estonia

Estonia is a controversial country. Many people will tell you that it’s among the best countries to live in, or they’ll say otherwise. Even though I have been living here for more than ten years now, no two days are ever the same. And although some things can be annoying at times, I don’t think anyone could ever claim to be bored in Estonia. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons of living here as an expat.

People Are Very Direct

Firstly, this country is small, and everyone knows everyone, so if you think you can cause havoc without anyone finding out about it, you can forget it! Paide – where I used to live – had about 7 500 inhabitants when I moved here ten years ago.

It may not seem like much, but now I know at least seven people in Paide who can ruin your day if they choose to. Also, if you are considering dating someone Estonian, then be aware that the first time you go out with each other will almost certainly result in them telling you their life story.

However, they might complete it with every detail of the awful thing they have ever done and how it’s led them to where they are now. And not just the really bad stuff, but also those little things that we all do now and then – but which can be quite shocking if they’re not expecting you to feel that way.

The situation is similar when you move here as a foreigner. You’ll be introduced to just about every person who is essential in your new community. Not only is that, but you’ll quickly learn that it’s not polite to ignore someone when they say hello. And yes, people actually say ‘hello’ here – even to strangers.

You’ll Never Be Bored in Estonia

As long as you’re not spending your time complaining about the bureaucracy, then there are plenty of things to do around here – and most of them are free! With vast forests, picturesque lakes, rivers full of sea fish, and plenty of other wildlife to enjoy, it’s easy to see why Estonia is often called the ‘Land of Forests.’ There are also plenty of cultural events happening all year round, and almost every town has its own annual festival.

Estonians Love Their Saunas

Saunas are an important part of Estonian culture, and it’s not unusual for people to have one in their own homes. I’ve often joked that it should be an official requirement because you’ll need to go into one at least three times a week just to get through the winter! Saunas are not just for relaxing either – they’re also used to treat health problems like asthma and arthritis.

The Public Transport Is Excellent

Compared to some other European countries, the public transport in Estonia is excellent. In fact, it’s often said that the infrastructure here is more developed than in some of the bigger cities. Buses and trains are running everywhere, and even though the tickets can be a little bit expensive sometimes, it’s still cheaper than owning a car.

The Food Is Really Good

Estonians are known for their love of good food, and there are plenty of great restaurants around the country. My personal favorites are the grill restaurants, where you can get a delicious meal for fewer than 10 euros. And if you’re not into meat, then don’t worry – there are plenty of vegetarian options, and some of the chefs are actually vegetarian themselves.

The Nightlife is great

If you like partying, then Estonia will keep you more than happy. There are plenty of places for house music lovers in Tallinn – usually starting around 11 pm and going all night long. If that’s not your thing, then you can join the pub crawls – but be prepared for a lot of walking! Besides, you’ll enjoy living in Estonia as an expat.

Everyone Is Really Friendly

Even though there are some things that foreigners might find strange about Estonia, people are universally helpful and friendly. Most Estonians speak English reasonably well, so it’s easy to get by without learning any Estonian. Even if you do speak some Estonian, don’t be afraid to use it – people will appreciate the effort!

The Seasons Change All Year Round

Even though Estonia is known as the ‘Land of Autumn,’ there are lots of changes regardless of the season. There’s plenty of snow in winter, and during summer, it can get up to 30 degrees in the middle of the day. As long as you’re prepared for anything, it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Sports Are Important Here

Even though Estonians aren’t quite as crazy about football as some other countries are, they are still pretty passionate about their sports in general. You’ll see people playing all sorts of sports in the parks and forests, and there are plenty of competitions happening all year round. In fact, the country is doing so well in international competitions that they’ve even been given the nickname ‘The Vikings of the North.

Cons

1.    Long winters, Short Summers

Estonia gets a lot of snow during the winter – which isn’t so bad if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding! But the summers are short – during the peak of summer, you can expect around 19 hours of light per day (which is nice), but until early June and after mid-August, it’s dark almost all the time. As someone who doesn’t like the cold, it isn’t easy to get out of bed in winter!

2.    Expensive Housing & High Taxes

Housing in Estonia is unfortunately quite expensive, especially in the larger cities. If you’re looking for a place to live, be prepared to spend a lot of your monthly salary on rent or a mortgage. Taxes in Estonia are also relatively high when compared to other European countries. This can be a pro or a con depending on your perspective, but it’s definitely worth knowing about if you’re considering moving to Estonia.

3.    Limited Career opportunities

Some people love that there aren’t huge differences between jobs in Estonia, while others find that this limits their career opportunities significantly. The lack of hierarchy also means hiring managers to pass over qualified candidates in favor of friends with someone at the company.

5. Limited entertainment options

Compared to other places in Europe (or even in Estonia’s neighboring countries), there aren’t a lot of entertainment options in smaller towns and villages. This can be frustrating if you don’t have your own way of entertaining yourself.

6 Places to Live In Estonia as a Foreigner

Estonian people love to hate on themselves. “The worst country in the world,” they say, “worst language,” adds some guy at a party who probably took one semester of Estonian in the University of Tartu back in 1991.

Well, we can tell you firsthand that they are wrong! There is so much beauty and good living to be had in Estonia that it’s difficult to find a reason not to go. If you’re considering moving here, below, you’ll find the six places where I would recommend living.

Tallinn (Capital)

Tallinn is the most easily accessible city from Western Europe and has the largest expat community of any Estonian town. The city is clean, modern and it makes for an excellent epicenter to the rest of the country. Tallinn is also home to many international companies who have settled here due to its proximity to Western Europe, Russia & Scandinavia.

Pärnu – The “Summer Capital”

If Tallinn is the hectic and urban big brother, Pärnu is the chilled-out and coastal little sister. Located on the west coast, Pärnu is Estonia’s summer capital – and when Estonians talk about summer, they’re not just talking about that beautiful time of year when the sun doesn’t set till 10 pm.

Estonians primarily reside in Tallinn during winter because it can get really cold here (the average January temperature hovers around -5 degrees), but flock to Pärnu and other coastal towns as soon as the weather warms up the spring. So if you’re looking for a place where you can actually wear shorts in winter, Pärnu is your best bet.

Tartu – Estonia’s Student City

Tartu is Estonia’s oldest city and second-largest, after Tallinn. The city is home to Estonia’s oldest and most prestigious university, Tartu University, which is also known as the student city. Aside from the students, Tartu is a great place to live thanks to its buzzing nightlife, excellent restaurants, and beautiful surroundings. If you’re looking for a place with a bit of everything, Tartu is the perfect destination.

Saaremaa – Estonia’s “Island Of Happiness”

Saaremaa is Estonia’s largest and most populated island, known as the “island of happiness.” The island has everything you could want from a holiday destination, including beautiful views, friendly locals, and lots of space to enjoy yourself. The island’s capital, Kuressaare, offers everything you could wish for in a small town – from art galleries to concerts by the seaside.

Põlva – The Small Town with Big City Amenities

Põlva is another great place to live in Estonia if you’re looking for a small-town feel with all the amenities of a big city. The town is home to a number of excellent schools, several hospitals and plenty of sports and cultural venues. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and there’s always something going on in Põlva.

Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa National Park is a beautiful forested area on Estonia’s east coast, perfect for nature lovers. The park is home to a number of excellent hiking trails, as well as picturesque villages, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, head to Lahemaa.

Frequently Asked Questions about Estonia

What is Estonia known for?

It is a good question to start with, as it would be the first thing I would think of if somebody asked me what Estonia was known for. Estonia is probably best known for (in the eyes of foreigners) is Skype, which was created in Estonia in 2003.

However, Estonia is also known for its contributions to the digital world, one of the first countries to enable online voting and e-government services. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is also one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

What language is spoken in Estonia?

The official language in Estonia is Estonian. However, many people also speak Russian as a second language due to many Russians who have made Estonia their home in recent years. English is also increasingly common, so most people will understand you if you do not know any Estonian.

How do I get to Estonia?

There are many options for getting to Estonia, depending on your budget and how quickly you would like to arrive at your destination. There are often deals on flights from London Heathrow with Estonian Air, which departs daily around 2 pm and arrives in Tallinn around 4 hours later. There are also ferries from Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden, which take 3-4 hours.

What time zone is Estonia in?

Estonia is in the Eastern European Time Zone, Greenwich Mean Time minus two hours. This means that during the winter months (from October to March), it is the same time as GMT, and during the summer months (from April to September), it is one hour ahead of GMT.

Conclusion

Living in Estonia is one of the best things you should consider today. It can be a fun and exciting experience for people from all around the world. Nonetheless, there are plenty of job opportunities natively and through outsourcing, meaning you won’t have to worry about finding a job in Estonia.