Estonia Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2024)

Do you want to be a digital nomad in a Baltic country famous for its digitalization and advancements in the IT industry?

Do you want to live in a country with around 2,000 islands on which you can see almost nothing but pristine nature? 

And, finally, do you want to live and work in a land that holds a sauna marathon every year? 

If all your answers are positive, then Estonia’s digital nomad visa might be a dream come true for you! 

Today, we’re going over all the details about Estonia’s digital nomad visa. We’ll also provide additional information about the rules and procedures for getting the visa, and give you an insight into what life in Estonia looks like for a digital nomad. 

So, after reading this guide, you’ll be able to consider all the facts and decide whether applying for the Estonian digital nomad visa would be the right choice. 

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Estonia

Here are some quick facts about the Estonia digital nomad visa.

Estonia visa questions	Estonia visa answers
Does Estonia have a digital nomad visa?	Yes, Estonia’s Digital Nomad Visa.
When was Estonia’s digital nomad visa introduced?	August 1, 2020.
Who can apply for Estonia digital nomad visa?	– People of any nationality employed by a company registered outside of Estonia who need telecommunication technologies to work. –  Anyone who meets the other criteria stated later in the guide under the subheading Who is eligible to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa?
How much does an Estonian digital nomad visa cost?	It depends on the length of your stay:  –  Long-stay visa (D visa) — €100 (~$111.21) –  Short-stay visa (C visa) — €90 (~$100.09) (or less, depending on your country)
Estonia’s digital nomad visa length?	1 year
Minimum stay requirement?	Not stated.
Possible to extend the visa?	No. But you can apply for a new Estonian digital nomad visa that will be valid for up to 6 months.
Minimum income requirements?	€4,500 (~$5,004.45) per month.
Processing time for visa application?	Around 30 days.
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	Yes, but only with your spouse/registered partner and your minor children. If your adult child has some kind of disability or cannot function on their own due to a medical condition, they can come with you too.

What to expect as a digital nomad in Estonia?

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect as a digital nomad in Estonia.

Estonia digital nomad FAQ	Estonia digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– Median download speed — 81.03 Mbps  – Median upload speed — 49.10 Mbps
Best coworking space in Tallinn (highest Google rating and number of voters in the most popular destination):	LIFT 99 Telliskivi Hub (4.8 stars from 165 votes) in Tallinn
Friendly to foreigners:	The predominant feeling is that Estonians are slightly reserved towards foreigners. However, that doesn’t mean they are unfriendly, they just need time to build a relationship.
The most popular place for digital nomads in Estonia:	Tallinn
Weather in Estonia’s most popular place for digital nomads:	– Average annual temperature — ​​6.1°C (42.98°F); – Coldest month average temperature (February) — –5°C (–41°F) – Hottest month average temperature (July) — 18°C (64°F)  – Winters are moderately cold, while summers are mild.
Type of climate:	Temperate
Annual air quality average:	US AQI 20 (Good quality) PM 2.5 — meets the WHO annual air quality guideline value.
Average cost of living:	– Single person: ~€852.9 (~$948.82) per month without rent – Family of 4: ~€2,874.1 (~$3,197.32) per month without rent
Average coworking space cost:	€164 (~$182.56) per month
Crime index:	23.51/100 (considered low)
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	You can become an Estonian resident without even living in Estonia.

Estonia digital nomad visa

By introducing a digital nomad visa in August of 2020, Estonia became the first European country with this type of remote work visa. 

The introduction of the Estonia digital nomad visa was a pioneer move and a continuation of the innovative policies of Estonian authorities — the same government that was the first in the world to establish e-residency, which is ideal for entrepreneurs (and which we will describe later). 

There are 2 types of Estonia digital nomad visas:

• Type C Digital Nomad Visa and 
• Type D Digital Nomad Visa.

The only difference between the 2 visa types is their duration — type C digital nomad visa is valid for 6 months, while the type D digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year. 

The benefits of both types of Estonia digital nomad visas are that:

• You are allowed to stay in Estonia as long as your visa is valid, 
• You pay a flat income tax, 
• You can also work for an Estonian-registered company, and 
• The processing time for a visa application is short — around 30 days. 

Now that you know some basic facts, let’s get into details and analyze every aspect of this type of visa. 

What documents do you need to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa?

Here are the documents necessary for the application for Estonia’s digital nomad visa: 

• A passport (or another valid travel document),
• 2 recent color ID photographs,
• The filled-out visa application form, 
• Proof that you have paid the €35—€90 ($38.97—$100.22) visa application fee (the amount depends on your home country), 
• A criminal record certificate,
• Health insurance, 
• Proof of sufficient financial means — a bank statement showing your income over the past 6 months, 
• A document/statement/employment contract proving you can work as a digital nomad for an entity registered outside of Estonia, 
• A document/employment contract proving you have a gross tax income of at least €4,500 (~$5,004.45) per month,  
• A document/employment contract proving you will continue to work for your employer/clients/company after obtaining the Estonia digital nomad visa, and 
• Relevant degrees, certificates, or documents describing your professional career so far. 

Along with these documents, you can submit a certified document that confirms the details of your employment — your position, role, and field of activity, as well as the details of the company’s legal representative. 

Also, if you are a freelancer and don’t have formal employment contracts with every party you work for, you can show other documents like written contracts or even emails to prove you provide services for clients and get paid for that. 

Who is eligible to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa?

Digital nomads of any nationality can apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa, as long as they meet the other requirements we’ll mention below. 

And when we say any, we really mean it — Estonia is one of the few European countries that allow everyone — even people from EU/EEA countries — to apply for their digital nomad visa. 

If you want to apply for Estonia’s digital nomad visa, you need to:

• Prove you need telecommunication technologies to work and that you can work remotely from Estonia, 
• Work for a non-Estonian company/client or be a shareholder of a Non-Estonian company or be a freelancer whose majority of income comes from non-Estonian clients,
• Have a monthly income of at least €4,500 (~$5,004.45) (gross of tax), and
• Have all of the documents we mentioned above. 

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

Yes, since the Estonian digital nomad visa is intended for expats from all around the world, as a United States citizen, you are eligible to apply for this visa. 

Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?

Yes, as a holder of a US Green Card, you are eligible to apply for the Estonian digital nomad visa. 

As long as you are not an Estonian citizen and you meet all of the aforementioned requirements, you can apply for this type of visa. 

However, be careful because you can lose your US Green Card if you spend more than 1 year outside the US. 

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

Yes, as an EU citizen, you are eligible to apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa. 

Unlike many other European countries that have introduced digital nomad visas that are only available to non-EU/EEA citizens, Estonia has chosen a different, more inclusive path. 

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

Yes, since there are no restrictions based on applicants’ nationalities, as long as they are not Estonian citizens, residents of any country in the world can apply for the Estonia digital nomad visa. 

However, due to the turbulent times we live in, we recommend you do some additional checks regarding eligibility, especially if you’re a citizen of one of the countries that are sanctioned by the Estonian government. 

Can my family apply for the digital nomad visa with me if I’m the breadwinner?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children to Estonia. To come with you, your children must be minors or adults unable to live independently due to health disorders. 

Your family members need to apply for their Estonian visas in the same way you do — by providing the same documentation (except, of course, documentation related to contracts and salaries). 

In some cases, Estonian authorities might even allow your spouse to find a job in Estonia during your stay there. However, that’s a decision that will be made based on the potential conditions of your spouse’s visa.

Bear in mind that:

• The authorities might impose some additional requirements on your family members and 
• Final decisions about visa approvals for family members are made on a case-by-case basis. 

Therefore, be patient, and, if possible, contact the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate, explain your specific circumstances, and check whether you need additional documents for your family.

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Estonia?

The process of obtaining a digital nomad visa for Estonia has a few steps:

1. Complete the online application form, print and sign it. 
2. Gather all the aforementioned documents and take them and the filled out application form to the nearest embassy or consulate that handles visa applications. If no nearby representations are accredited to handle visa applications, visit the nearest VFS office. Alternatively, you can go to the Estonian Police and Border Guard service office, but make an appointment beforehand.

NOTE: Thanks to various agreements VFS has signed with countries worldwide, they can legally perform non-judgemental and administrative duties related to visa applications. They play no part in the decision-making process of whether your request will be accepted or not. 

3. After deciding where you will apply, submit all the gathered documents there.
4. Wait for a response.  

According to Estonian authorities, the processing time for a digital nomad visa shouldn’t be longer than 30 days. 

If everything goes well and your application gets approved, you will be notified when and where to pick up your Estonian digital nomad visa.

What other types of visas suitable for digital nomads does Estonia offer?

If you want to work in Estonia but do not meet some of the requirements, we recommend you check out the possible alternatives such as the: 

• e-Residency,
• D-Type Visa, and
• EU Blue Card

Since 2 out of these 3 visas are not ordinary visas, let’s take a look at their characteristics and how you can obtain them.

Type #1: e-Residency

Because Estonia has one of the best e-governments in the world, it is no surprise they were one of the first countries to come up with a revolutionary type of program — e-Residency.

Although e-Residency does not allow you to become a physical resident of Estonia, it allows you to register and manage a company in Estonia and enjoy vast possibilities thanks to its e-service system. 

However, keep in mind that becoming an e-resident of Estonia doesn’t automatically allow you to travel to Estonia or the EU without an entry visa (if one is required for citizens of your country).

With that said, some of the main advantages of this type of program are the following:

• Establishing and managing a company online from wherever you currently live,
• Signing and verifying documents online,
• Having access to Estonia’s e-services, business banking, and payment services,
• Declaring taxes online, and 
• Establishing connections with other Estonian e-Residents from all around the world. 

To get an Estonian e-Residency, you must meet the following criteria:

• Not be an Estonian citizen, 
• Show in a motivation statement that you clearly understand the e-Residency system and have an entrepreneurship plan,
• Pass the background check, and 
• Submit the proper documentation. 

The whole application process is performed online. If successful, you’ll need to choose the location where you will pick up your e-Residency kit. 

What documents do I need for the e-Residency? 

The first step to becoming an e-Resident is to submit the following documents:

• A copy of your passport or your EU identity card, 
• A document photo, 
• A CV,
• A motivation statement, 
• A description of previous business activities, and
• Proof you have paid application costs and fees.

When you’ve gathered all the documents, submit them along with your online application, and follow further instructions on the website. 

Type #2: D-Type Visa

If you are looking for an opportunity to work in Estonia as a digital nomad but do not meet the criteria for the Estonia digital nomad visa, applying for a D-Type Visa might be your best alternative. 

The D-Type Visa allows you to spend up to 365 days in Estonia, and it can be extended to up to 548 days in total (for a period no longer than 730 consecutive days). 

Your spouse and children can come with you as long as you provide proof of sufficient financial means that covers the costs of staying in Estonia. 

To be able to obtain the D-Type Visa, you need to meet the following requirements: 

• Work on a short-term project that lasts up to 1 year or have a job in an Estonia-registered company, 
• Have documents that prove you are going to work in Estonia, and 
• Have the documents listed below. 

To apply for a D-Type Visa, you need to submit all of the documents we’ll list below, in person, to one of the Estonian representations that handle visa applications or to the office of the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia. 

What documents do I need for an Estonian D-Type Visa? 

To get an Estonian D-Type Visa, you need to submit the following documents:

• A passport, 
• The filled-out, signed, and printed visa application form,  
• Proof that you have paid visa fees:
  • For applicants over 11 years the fee is €100 (~$111.26);
  • For children 6-11 years the fee is €40 (~$44.50); 
  • Children under 6 years are exempt from paying the fees;
• A color ID photograph (35×45 mm),
• Health insurance that is valid for as long as your issued visa, 
• A document/contract proving the purpose of stay — proof you will work in Estonia, 
• Proof of having enough funds at your disposal in accordance with Chapter 5 of the official document that outlines the procedure and terms for obtaining and extending the long-stay visa, and 
• Biometrical data — 10 fingerprints collected in the representation that handles your visa application. 

It is important to note that the consular officer might ask for some additional documents during the application process. 

Also, we recommend you contact the Estonian embassy or consulate to see if you are going to need some additional documentation for your family members (if they are applying with you). 

Type #3: EU Blue Card 

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen with higher education or 5 years of relevant professional experience, the EU Blue Card might be a good option for you. 

The EU Blue Card allows you to work in highly-paid positions in some of the sectors in which Estonia lacks employees. 

The specific thing about EU Blue Card issued in Estonia is that it is valid as long as your employment contract is valid, plus 3 months. However, that time period can’t be longer than 2 years and 3 months.

But if that’s not enough time for you, don’t worry — after your EU Blue Card expires, you can renew it. 

You can apply for the Estonian EU Blue Card in Estonian consulates, embassies, and some of the Police and Border Guard Board offices. 

What documents do I need for the EU Blue Card? 

To get the EU Blue Card in Estonia, you need the following documents: 

• Your passport, 
• A recent, color ID photograph,
• The filled-out visa application form,
• Proof that you have paid the visa fee (€125 (~$139.49)),
• A certificate of a clean criminal record,  
• Higher education certificate or certified proof you have at least 5 years of relevant working experience,
• Your employment contract with the company that lasts for at least 1 year, 
• Proof that your gross salary will be 1.5 times higher than the average gross salary in Estonia — meaning you’ll need to have an annual gross salary of at least €24,084 (~$26,618.18) (based on the average monthly pay in Q2 of 2024), 
• Health insurance, and
• If needed — visas for citizens of the countries that have visa regimes with Estonia. 

If you want to submit a higher education certificate, prior to your application, you must get an assessment of a higher education certificate issued by the Estonian ENIC/NARIC Centre. Also, before applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia, check how much the country’s average salary is by visiting the Estonia Statistical Office. That way, you’ll know whether you’re eligible for the card or not.

Which Estonia visa type is best for digital nomads?

The Estonia digital nomad visa is the best option for digital nomads who want to live and work in this Baltic country. 

As a digital nomad in Estonia, you’ll pay a flat tax rate of 20% and enjoy many benefits, one of which is traveling visa-free all around the Schengen Area. 

Moreover, you’ll also be free to work for an Estonia-registered company. However, there’s a caveat, as most of your income still needs to be coming from outside of Estonia.

As long as your main source of income originates from outside Estonia, Estonians don’t have anything against you earning some additional money from an Estonian company. 

The best alternative to the Estonia digital nomad visa is the D-Type Visa. 

For all those digital nomads who have found jobs in Estonian companies, a D-type visa might be a better choice. Plus, the application process is somewhat easier because your employer can help you during the application. 

If you don’t like the fact that both the Estonia digital nomad visa and the D-type visa are valid for up to 1 year and 6 months (if extended), there is always the possibility to apply for a residence permit that lasts for up to 5 years and can be extended to up to 5 more.

The e-Residency is best for digital entrepreneurs. 

Namely, as a holder of e-Residency, you can get help establishing your company and enjoy the digital services of tech-savvy Estonia. 

Established this way, your company becomes equal to any other Estonian or EU/EEA-registered company, and most importantly, you get access to the vast EU business ecosystem. 

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Estonia

Now that you know the rules and procedures for getting the Estonia digital nomad visa, it is time to learn more about life in Estonia — starting with how much it costs.  

Here are some of the expenses you need to take into account before deciding whether moving to Estonia is a good move for you or not. 

Expense #1: Accommodation

Accommodation prices in Estonia are moderate, if not low. 

Although the country’s rental market has gone through turbulent times before, it seems that 2024 has brought an even more significant increase in real estate prices for Estonia. 

Still, you can find a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in the center of Tallinn for a somewhat reasonable price — around €500 (~$552.49). 

In other Estonian cities, the accommodation prices are even lower. 

Taking into account that, as a holder of an Estonia digital nomad visa, your (gross of tax) monthly income is at least €4,500 (~$4,722), the amount you’ll spend on rent won’t make a huge dent in your budget. 

Now let’s see how much you will need to spend, on average, per month for 1-bedroom apartments in some of the most popular Estonian cities.

City in Estonia	Accommodation costs
Tallinn	€600–€800 (~$662.92–$883.90)
Tartu	€450–€700 (~$497.19–$773.61)
Pärnu	€350–€650 (~$386.80–$718.35)
Narva	€180–€250 (~$198.93–$276.29)
Kuressaare	€450 (~$497.19)

Expense #2: Groceries

Since Estonia currently has one of the highest inflation rates in Europe, we expected the prices of groceries to be higher than in other European countries — especially since a recent analysis has shown that the costs have continued to rise by the month in 2024.

However, compared to other European countries, it seems that prices of groceries in Estonia are still moderate. 

Here are the average prices of some most commonly bought groceries in Estonia. 

Groceries	Grocery prices in Estonia
Loaf of bread	€1.16 (~$1.28)
Water 1.5 l (50.72 fl oz)	€0.98 (~$1.08)
Milk 1 l (33.814 fl oz)	€1.05 (~$1.16)
Chicken breasts 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€7.14 (~$7.89)
Local cheese 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€9.84 (~$10.87)
12 eggs	€2.48 (~$2.74)
Apples 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€1.73 (~$1.91)
Tomatoes 1 kg (2.2 lbs)	€2.50 (~$2.76)

Expense #3: Utilities

According to the leading statistical office of the EU, Eurostat, the average price of electricity in Estonia is €0.23 (~$0.25) per 1 kWh. 

That means that if you spend 100 kWh per month, you will have to pay €23 (~$25.37).

Another utility bill you have to pay is heating.

Unfortunately, you can expect this bill to be quite high. Due to political turmoil in the nearby countries, heating prices rose so much that the Estonian government had to introduce subsidies in 2022. 

The amount you’ll have to pay for water depends on where you live and, naturally, the amount of water you use. 

In Tallinn, 1㎥ of water with wastewater disposal and treatment fees is €1.04 (~$1.15) including VAT. On the other hand, in other towns or cities, the water bills can be even higher. 

Finally, there is a possibility that you will pay a monthly amount for some other services, such as cleaning, so it is best to check the exact sums with your landlord before moving into your accommodation. 

Expense #4: Gas and public transportation

Would you like to drive on real ice roads over the Baltic Sea? 

During winter months, if the ice is at least 20 cm thick, the Estonian authorities allow people to drive over the Baltic Sea to get to nearby islands. 

But, driving in Estonia comes at a price, so let’s take a look at the petrol prices. 

Type of gas	Price
Diesel	€1.51/l (~$1.66/l)
Unleaded 95	€1.63/l (~$1.80/l)
LPG	€1.12/l (~$1.23/l)

The public transportation in Estonia is well-organized, regardless of the city. 

Naturally, since it is the biggest city in Estonia, Tallinn offers the most variety when it comes to public transport — buses, trams, and trolleybuses. 

On the other hand, in other cities, such as Tartu or Pärnu, buses are the only means of public transportation.

You can buy prepaid tickets for all means of public transportation in Estonia in R-kiosks or online. R-kiosks are located in every bigger city or town, so finding them shouldn’t be a problem.

Here are the public transport ticket prices in some of the most popular Estonian cities.

Place in Estonia	Public transport ticket price
Tallinn	€2 (~$2.23) — for 60 minutes  €30 (~$33.39) — for 30 days
Tartu	€1/€1.5 (~$1.11/$1.67) — for 60 minutes  €18.50/€27.75 (~$20.59/$30.88) — for 30 days *lower prices are for residents and higher prices are for non-residents
Pärnu	€1.5 (~$1.67) — for 60 minutes
Narva	€0.60—€1 (~$0.67—$1.11) — for 60 minutes (depending on the route)
Kuressaare	All bus tickets in Kuressaare are free.

Bear in mind that ticket prices can spike from time to time, so it is best to keep an eye on the latest news. 

Expense #5: Bars and restaurants

Although Estonia is not famous for its nightlife, there are still bars and restaurants you can visit to enjoy a drink or a pleasant meal. 

For a meal for 2 in a mid-range restaurant, you will need to spend around €60 (~$66.76). 

On the other hand, a lunch menu meal for 2 in a local affordable restaurant costs around €24 (~$26.71). 

In case you go out for a drink, you’ll have to pay around €5 (~$5.57) for a pint of beer, while a cappuccino is around €3.45 (~$3.84). 

Of course, you may find some cheaper places but, until you do, you will most likely see these average prices in Estonian bars.

Drinks	Average drink prices in Estonia
Beer 0,5 l	~€5 (~$5.57)
Pepsi/Coca–Cola 0,5l	~€2.17 (~$2.42)
Coffee/espresso/cappuccino	~€3.45 (~$3.84)
Fast food/pub meal	~€8.60  (~$9.57)

Expense #6: Coworking spaces

If you prefer to work in coworking spaces, you should know that the average price for a desk is €164 (~$182.56) per month.  

Most coworking spaces are in Tallinn. Therefore, if you live in the Estonian capital, there is a chance you’ll manage to find a desk for an even lower price.

On the other hand, other cities don’t have such a wide variety of choices, which means you’ll probably have to pay an above average price for a desk.

Expense #7: Internet

The Internet in Estonia is not very fast. Furthermore, the price of the Internet is high compared to the prices in some neighboring countries.

The average prices of fixed broadband Internet in Estonia (according to the latest data) are as follows.

Internet speed	Average price
≥10 – <30 Mbps fixed Internet	€18.3 (~$20.16)
≥30 – <100 Mbps fixed internet	€23.18 (~$25.53)
≥100 – <200 Mbps fixed internet	€32.3 (~$35.58)
≥200 – <999 Mbps fixed internet withfixed phone	€37.18 (~$40.96)

As you can see, there is also a possibility to purchase a double or triple bundle in Estonia — a package that includes the internet service and cable or internet and phone services, or even all 3 together. Naturally, the prices of those packages are higher.

Do digital nomads pay tax in Estonia?

Yes, if you spend more than 183 days in Estonia, you become a resident for tax purposes and have to start paying personal income tax there. 

The tax rate should be 20%. 

However, you should contact the Tax and Customs Board to check:

• Whether you should pay taxes in Estonia or in the country where your employer is registered (if there is an active Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with that country), and
• What your tax rate will be — because if your income comes from abroad and you have a certificate to prove it, the tax rate might change.

The deadline for submitting tax returns is around the 2nd of May each year, but authorities have the right to change the date. For example, in 2023 the deadline was the 30th of April.

Don’t forget to check if the country where your employer is registered has signed the Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Estonia because you probably don’t want to pay the same taxes twice.

In addition, if you come from an EU/EEA country, you might get the right to a tax-free income, meaning that some part of your income will be non-taxable.

The process of paying taxes in Estonia

As a holder of the Estonia digital nomad visa, you must contact the tax authorities (Tax and Customs Board) and inform them about your circumstances and reasons for coming to this Baltic country. 

Then, you must go through the process of determination of residency. 

During this process, you will get a non-resident code, and you’ll need to complete and submit form R. Based on that form, the Estonian authorities will decide if you must pay taxes in Estonia and in what amount. 

There are various ways to submit form R: 

• Via the e-MTA (e-services of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board), 
• By emailing it to emta@emta.com, or
• In-person to the nearest service bureau. 

However, if you already pay income taxes in another country, then you’ll have to submit form TM3 before doing anything else. To be effective, your TM3 form must be certified by the state authorities of the country where you’re already paying taxes.

Finally, when you have all the information — about whether you need to pay taxes and, if you do, how much —  you’ll need to fill in the tax return. 

There are a few ways to fill in your tax return:

• Fill out the tax return online and submit it to the e-MTA, 
• Fill out the tax return form in one of the service bureau offices, or
• Download and print the appropriate tax return form, complete it, and submit it to the Tax and Customs Board.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Estonia?

If you have been asking yourself a question such as “Is Estonia a good place to live?” or “Would it be good to settle in Estonia for some time?”, the following benefits of living in Estonia might provide you with an answer.

Benefit #1: Low crime rate

We have great news for all digital nomads who plan to get the Estonia digital nomad visa — Estonia is a safe country with a low crime rate. 

According to Numbeo, Estonia’s crime index is 23.51/100 which is considered low. Estonia’s “safety walking alone during night” is at 69.60/100 which is considered high.

Furthermore, Freedom House’s country report states that Estonia is a free country — meaning that democracy is well-developed and stable there. 

In other words, Estonia’s system functions well, and there is no threat of organized crime and corruption — you don’t even have to deal with complicated bureaucracy. 

Benefit #2: Efficient e-services 

Imagine a country with no queues, crowded waiting rooms, or tiring bureaucracy. That’s Estonia in the 21st century.

The e-services help Estonian citizens and residents obtain what they need without completing a mountain of paperwork or visiting a dozen different institutions.

The fact that Estonia holds 7th place in Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life Index proves that internet and e-services quality in the country is exceptionally high. 

Therefore, no matter which public service you need, there’s no need to be anxious or worried about how you’ll go about getting it. It is just a few clicks away.

Benefit #3: Moderate cost of living

Compared to other EU countries, the cost of living in Estonia is moderate. 

Accommodation is much cheaper than in many EU countries. For example, in the center of Tallinn (the Estonian capital), you can get a luxurious 1-bedroom apartment for around €700 (~$771.57) per month. 

Despite the economic turbulence in 2023, the prices of groceries are still reasonable, although some groceries are much more expensive than they used to be.

Still, buying a week’s worth of groceries in Estonia’s capital shouldn’t cost you more than €60 (~$66.11) per person.

It seems that the biggest expenses in Estonia are utility and internet bills. 

Depending on the price of the internet package you purchased and how much electricity/water/heating you use, you can expect your bills to be between €150 (~$166) and €210 (~$232.5) per month. 

Naturally, if you end up going to Estonia with your family members, you can expect your monthly expenses to be much higher. But still, considering how much you need to earn to come to Estonia in the first place — the bills probably won’t have a huge impact on your monthly budget. 

Benefit #4: Clean environment

Estonia is one of the countries with the cleanest environment in the world. 

Pretty bold statement, isn’t it?

Well, we wouldn’t make it if it wasn’t true.

In the era of increased air pollution, Estonia stands out in all the good ways, as it is one of the countries with the cleanest air in Europe. 

What’s more, according to EEA’s European city air quality viewer, 2 Estonian cities (Narva and Tallinn) are in the top 10 list of cities with the highest air quality.

The fact that Estonia is one of the most forested countries and that it has an environmental strategy to preserve its nature helps keep Estonia quite high on the list of countries with the cleanest environments — and guarantees that people in Estonia will breathe clean air in the future, as well. 

Another contributing factor is that the authorities have plans to move towards a low-carbon economy and eliminate carbon emissions by 2050. 

Pretty ambitious, some would say, but, judging by everything Estonia has managed to do to preserve its environment so far, we’d say it’s definitely doable. 

Estonian food has a much lower level of pesticides than food from other European countries. That’s partially the result of: 

• Good agricultural practices, 
• Low levels of air pollutants, and 
• Responsible farming.

All these facts confirm that Estonia digital nomad visa holders will spend time in a country that cares about the health of its people and where they don’t have to worry about potential health hazards. 

Benefit #5: Reliable healthcare system 

The Estonian healthcare system is well-organized and reliable. So, if you find yourself in need of medical assistance in Estonia, know that you’re in good hands. 

At the very core of Estonia’s healthcare system is the so-called family physician — a primary care practitioner who takes care of their patients and coordinates further treatments. Afterward, if necessary, the family physician refers the patient to secondary and tertiary care in hospitals or clinics. 

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Estonia, as the country is dealing with a persisting problem — a shortage of healthcare workers. 

To get access to healthcare in Estonia, you need to get health insurance. 

If you or your employer pays social taxes in Estonia, you are qualified for health insurance provided by EHIF (Estonian Health Insurance Fund). 

On the other hand, if you pay taxes in some other country, you will need to purchase private insurance. 

Benefit #6: Great English proficiency

According to English proficiency rankings, Estonians speak English quite well. Estonia ranks 23rd on this list, and its overall English proficiency is considered high. 

According to the latest data, 48% of the Estonian population speaks English as a foreign language, so you shouldn’t have any problems when it comes to communication with the locals. 

Apart from knowing English, 39% of Estonians are fluent in Russian, as well.

Other languages you might hear while living in Estonia are German and Finnish.

Nevertheless, if you plan to stay in Estonia for a longer period, it would be nice to learn at least some Estonian so that you can fit into the community better.

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Estonia?

Although it might seem like a dream destination, there are still a few drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Estonia. 

Here is a list of disadvantages that potential Estonia digital nomad visa holders should bear in mind. 

Drawback #1: Lack of social life

Estonia is not known for its nightlife or especially friendly people. Sorry, Estonians, we’re sure you’re all lovely, but that is simply the predominant feeling foreigners usually have.

If you come from buzzing cities with crazy nightlife and friendly people, you might find it slightly challenging to get used to the social life in Estonia. It takes time to meet new people because Estonians might be somewhat reserved towards foreigners and need time to establish some kind of close relationship or friendship with you. 

Also, if you prefer, let’s say, a casual approach to work, we doubt you’ll find a lot of like-minded Estonians since they usually have a strong Lutheran work ethic. After all, that is one of the secrets of their fast-paced development over the last 30 years. 

Overall, if you like meeting new people or cities bustling with energy, Estonia might not be the place of your dreams. 

Drawback #2: Lack of accommodation for rent

If you are looking for a place to live in Estonia, you might face difficulties due to the lack of accommodation for rent. 

Namely, since Estonia is not known for colossal housing projects, and various city areas are considered heritage protection areas (which means no new buildings can be built there), the problem of finding accommodation is constantly on the rise. 

The issue of housing scarcity is especially eye-catching in bigger cities such as Tallinn.

Unfortunately, there is no solution in sight. 

Because Estonia is becoming increasingly attractive to professionals and digital nomads worldwide, we recommend you start searching for an apartment as soon as you start the process of obtaining  an Estonian visa.

Drawback #3: Gloomy weather

Some might say that the signature cold weather is an advantage of the country. 

However, since a lot of people probably prefer sunny over gloomy weather, the weather in Estonia is a drawback for most.

For example, there are around 125 rainy days annually in Tallinn. Most rainy, snowy, and generally sunless days are in December and January. 

The climate in other parts of Estonia is not much different. On the contrary, some cities have even more gloomy days than Tallinn. 

Hence, if you come to Estonia, prepare yourself for less sun and more clouds. 

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Estonia

As you have seen, living in Estonia has its advantages and disadvantages. 

The same applies to Estonian cities — some are more suitable for digital nomads than others. 

But which ones are the best? 

Here’s a list of the 5 best destinations for Estonia digital nomad visa holders.

Tallinn — The biggest and most popular city in Estonia 

Population: 437,811

City area: 61.5 mi² (159.2 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average Internet speed: 84.2 Mbps (median download speed); 29.1 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €900.5 (~$1,001.93) per month for a single person (without rent); €3,037.8 (~$3,379.97) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: €600–€800 (~$667.56–$890.08) per month (1-bedroom apartment in the city center)

Biggest advantage: City organization

Biggest drawback: Rent prices might go up at some point 

The majority of professionals who are working in Estonia live in the Estonian capital — Tallinn. 

Tallinn is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland and represents the financial, economic, and industrial center of Estonia. 

It is also a city of great historical significance for the whole of northern Europe, which means it’s full of historical landmarks and museums we recommend you visit in your spare time. 

One of the first things you notice about Tallinn is that the city has been developing in accordance with the needs of its citizens. 

What has caught our eye is that Tallinn has:

• Free public transport system for its permanent residents,
• No traffic jams, 
• A well-developed public infrastructure, and 
• Well-preserved historic districts. 

However, there’s one big problem in Tallinn — housing capacities can’t keep up with the demand. Unfortunately, that has and will lead to a spike in rent prices. So, €600—€800 (~$667.56—$890.08) per month, which is currently enough for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center, might not be sufficient in the time to come. 

That will also raise the overall cost of living in Tallinn — that’s already the highest in the entire country. 

However, compared to the cost of living in other European capitals, especially those in Western Europe, even with the rent price spike, the cost of living in Tallinn is moderate, if not low. 

Where to work in Tallinn

Tallinn has a plethora of coworking spaces. According to Google reviews, LIFT 99 Telliskivi Hub has the highest rating (4.8 stars from 165 votes).

Narva — Ideal for digital nomads driven by wanderlust 

Population: 54,409

City area: 32.6 mi² (84.51 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average Internet speed: 38 Mbps (median download speed); 16.3 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €800 (~$890.09) per month for a single person (without rent); €2,800 (~$3,115.32) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: €300 (~$333.79) per month (1-bedroom apartment in the city center)

Biggest advantage: Ethnic diversity

Biggest drawback: Potential turmoil due to geopolitical reasons

Narva is one of the most eastern cities of the European Union. It is the 3rd largest city in Estonia, just 2 km away from the Russian city of Ivangorod. 

Before the recent political turmoil in nearby countries, the city was a bridge between East and West, but now, it seems that that bridge is temporarily closed, left to wait for some better times. 

However, that doesn’t mean life in the city has stopped. 

On the contrary, life goes on as usual, and the city still offers various benefits for digital nomads who opt to settle in Estonia. 

First of all, the cost of living in Narva is lower than in any other city in this guide. 

A single person could cover all the necessities with between €1,000 and €1,100 (~$1,115.41–$1,226.95) (and that includes rent). 

Secondly, the city parks, river promenades, and surrounding landscapes are great for long walks or hiking.

Finally, by living in Narva, you could get a specific insight into the times we live in and how it is to reside in a border town during these turbulent times.

An Estonian city where Russians are the majority and that has become a new home to many Ukranians over the past couple of years, Narva truly is an interesting place — probably the most unique one on our list. 

It has enormous potential and can be a perfect spot for all adventurous digital nomads looking for more than just an ordinary home. 

Where to work in Narva

If you are looking for a coworking space in Narva, it seems that the hub called OBJEKT leaves others in the shade. 

It has the highest rating on Google — 4.6 stars from 54 reviews.

Pärnu — Estonian tourist hotspot 

Population: 40,228

City area: 12.44 mi² (32.22 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average Internet speed: 81.6 Mbps (median download speed); 32.5 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €750 (~$834.63) per month for a single person (without rent); €2,800 (~$3,115.95) per month for a family of 4 (without rent)

Average cost of rent: €350–€650 (~$389.43–$389.43) per month (1-bedroom apartment in the city center) 

Biggest advantage: The most vibrant Estonian city during the summer

Biggest drawback: Not too exciting when the holiday season is over

Pärnu is located in the southwest of Estonia, and it is one of the most popular destinations in this Baltic country.

It proudly wears the title of the most vibrant city in Estonia (at least during the summer).

In the summertime, many Estonians and various tourists from neighboring countries spend their vacations there and enjoy different festivals and events. The city is full of energy and life.

Although the average temperatures in Pärnu during the warmest months are around 20℃ (68℉), that does not stop tens of thousands of locals and visitors from swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches of Pärnu. 

However, when the temperatures get lower and the tourist season is over, there aren’t too many things you can do. Of course, there are events, restaurants, and bars you can visit throughout the year, but the energy in the city is not the same during and after the summer. 

In any case, if you get the Estonian digital nomad visa, we recommend you at least pay a short visit to this coastal town, since it has a lot to offer. 

Where to work in Pärnu

When you’re not spending your days swimming and sunbathing in the Estonian tropical paradise, you can visit some of Pärnu’s coworking spaces.

The one that outshines all others is Forwardspace (5.0 stars from 34 votes on Google).

Tartu — The perfect alternative to Tallinn  

Population: 91,407

City area: 15 mi² (38.80 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average Internet speed: 39.9 Mbps (median download speed); 16.2 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €826.6 (~$919.33) per month for a single person (without rent); €2,781.9 (~$3,094.42) per month for a family of 4

Average cost of rent: €450–€700 (~$500.55–$778.64) per month (1-bedroom apartment in the city center) 

Biggest advantage: The spirit of Tartu 

Biggest drawback: The spirit of Tartu (no, this isn’t a mistake) 

“Tartu is fun. I often think I want to die here.”

You might bump into this sentence (or one of similar sentiment) while researching the second-largest city in Estonia, Tartu. 

It might be a perfect description of the Tartu residents’ witty spirit. It is not for everyone, but if you give it a chance and eventually understand it, Tartu might become one of your favorite cities. 

Always in the shadow of Tallinn, Tartu citizens have developed a strong sense of local patriotism, distinguished by great humor and pride.

And, if you look carefully, you’ll see that they have every right to be proud of their city. It is home to:

• The oldest university in Estonia — the University of Tartu, est. in 1632,
• Ministry of Education and Research,
• Estonian National Museum, and 
• Various ICT companies. 

As you see, Tartu is a city with great history, but also a city whose authorities think about the future. And, the future looks bright — more and more people want to live in Tartu, which is resulting in higher rent prices. 

However, to live a comfortable life in Estonia’s capital of education and science, you will still need less money than you would in Tallinn — around €826.4 (~$919.33) per person per month should be enough (excluding rent). 

Where to work in Tartu

Among a few other coworking spaces, SPARK HUB caught our attention due to its Google rating (4.8 stars from 82 reviews).

Kuressaare — The coolest off-the-beaten-track destination 

Population: 12,698

City area: 5.77 mi² (14.95 km²) 

Time zone: UTC+2 (EET); Summer (DST): UTC+3 (EEST) 

Average Internet speed: 19.8 Mbps (median download speed); 10.9 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €800 (~$889.69) per month for a single person; €2,600 (~$2,891.49) per month for a family of 4

Average cost of rent: €450 (~$500.45) per month (1-bedroom apartment in the city center) 

Biggest advantage: Amazing nature 

Biggest drawback: Lack of social life 

Kuressaare is the administrative center of the Saaremaa region. 

Since the city is located on an island and has only around 13,000 inhabitants, it is a perfect place for those who like to work in very peaceful surroundings. 

On the other hand, those who would like more opportunities for social interaction might not find this town attractive.

Apart from the lack of events or places where you could meet other people and enrich your social life, Kuressaare lacks accommodation, as well. Therefore, we recommend you start looking for a place in this town as soon as you decide you actually want to live there. 

However, once you settle in Kuressaare, the beauty of Saaremaa nature, nearby castles, and fishing villages will astonish you.

Although a lot of young people have left the Saaremaa region and Kuressaare in search of better job opportunities elsewhere, that doesn’t mean that this region is not well-developed or well-connected.  

For example, you’ll find a quicker and more stable internet connection in Kuressaare than you will in Athens. 

Furthermore, the town has an airport in its vicinity, regular ferry transport lines, and during the winter season (which can be pretty long), you can drive your car to mainland Estonia via ice roads. 

Where to work in Kuressaare

There are not too many coworking spaces in Kuressaare. However, from what we have seen on Google, Kuressaare Edukontor looks best with an average Google rating of 4.9. 

Tips for digital nomads in Estonia

There is a saying “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, meaning that you should always adapt to the customs of the locals, and try, to some degree, to behave as they do. 

To help you do as the Estonians do, we have a few useful tips for digital nomads in Estonia. 

Tip #1: Wear a reflector 

Wait, what? These were our first thoughts when we saw a law regulating wearing a reflector outside during long Estonian nights. 

According to Estonian laws, you must wear a reflector during poor visibility periods or nighttime. 

Not wearing a reflector means playing a risky game. It can get really dark in Estonia, and not all drivers have great night vision. Furthermore, if the police catch you without a reflector, they will fine you. 

In case you worry that wearing a reflector might ruin your style, don’t — thanks to this law, the fashion industry in Estonia has broken the conventional boundaries and created fashionable reflectors that you’ll have fun picking out (and wearing).

Tip #2: Give Estonians time to get to know you better

As we mentioned already, a lot of Estonians will probably be reserved at the beginning of your acquaintanceship. They might need some time to get to know you better and begin to open up. Therefore, we recommend you give them what they need and wait until they accept you completely. 

Naturally, if you come from, for example, southern Europe, where people are open and outspoken, this will probably feel strange to you. But, hey, getting familiar with other people’s customs is a part of the journey, as well.

Tip #3: Prepare for the lack of sunlight

Estonia doesn’t have too many sunny days. Therefore, the chances of you getting Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are higher than in other places (like sunny Spain, for example).

To prevent SAD from plaguing your mind, do the following:

• Mentally prepare for the weather conditions, 
• Take enough vitamin D,
• Find the daily routine that suits you best to fill your days, and 
• If needed, visit a psychologist/psychiatrist. 

Tip #4: Travel 

While you live in Estonia, try visiting as many places there as possible. 

If you live, for example, in Tallinn, don’t stay there all the time. Instead, whenever possible, go to other parts of Estonia because there is a lot to see in this Baltic country — from historic cities to nature reserves. 

Also, since spa tourism is well-developed in Estonia, it would be a pity not to try various different saunas all around Estonia and unwind after a tough day at work. 

And, when you run out of things to see in Estonia (if that’s even possible), you can always visit nearby Finland, Lithuania or Latvia.

Further reading for digital nomads in Estonia

To help you get used to life in Estonia, we have made a list of useful sources for further reading.

• If you are looking for accommodation in Estonia, visit the websites of kinnisvara24 and Kv. 
• The website Peatus.ee might help you plan your journeys to Estonian cities. You only need to enter your location and destination, and it will show you the best way to get there. 
• If you live in Tallinn, you’ll find the city of Tallinn website useful. You can find the latest news and general information about the city and its services there.
• To find more information about public transport tickets in Tallinn, visit the official ticket information for tourists page. 
• Interested to see if you can buy an e-ticket or regular tickets for public transport in Tallinn online? It is your lucky day! You can do it via the Tallinn transport website. 
• To learn all about Pärnu and find out if there are some events, nice restaurants, or landmarks worth visiting, check out the Visit Pärnu website. 
• More good news for Tartu and Pärnu residents — you can purchase the tickets for public transport online by visiting Tartu and Pärnu public transport tickets websites. 
• Learn more about Narva and find useful information about the city by going to the Visit Narva website.  
• To find more information about the tax system in Estonia, visit the article about declarations and forms created by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board. 

Boost your digital nomad adventure in Estonia with Pumble

Working as a digital nomad has many benefits. But it’s also not without its challenges. To operate your business or do your tasks from many miles away, you’ll definitely need a way to communicate with your team efficiently and run your business smoothly.

That’s where Pumble comes in.

Pumble is a team communication app that allows digital nomads to run things their way, while enhancing team connectivity and boosting productivity. Pumble’s features include:

• Direct messaging — for important 1-on-1 conversations, 
• Channels – group spaces for team-related topics, 
• File sharing — for simplifying remote collaboration, 
• Video conferencing — for face-to-face virtual meetings.

When it comes to anything team communication-related, Pumble’s got your back. You can rest assured your business will be done as efficiently as ever — no matter where you are.

Keep your work focused, relax, and enjoy Estonia! Try Pumble for free today.

Estonia digital nomads visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Estonia digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Estonia-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article has been written in Q3 of 2024, so any changes that are made in the Estonia digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References: 

• Eesti.ee. (March 13, 2024). Traffic — Traffic Management — Pedestrian. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.eesti.ee/en/traffic/traffic-management/pedestrian
• ef.com. (n.d.). English Proficiency Index — 2023 Edition. Global Ranking of Countries and Regions 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/
• Estonian World. (August 31, 2024). Prices in Estonia continue to rise. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://estonianworld.com/business/prices-in-estonia-continue-to-rise/
• Freedom House. (n.d.). Freedom on The Net — Estonia — 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://freedomhouse.org/country/estonia/freedom-net/2023
• IQAir. (n.d.). Air quality in Estonia. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.iqair.com/estonia
• Republic of Estonia e-Residency. (June 10, 2024). 5 steps how to start a company online. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://learn.e-resident.gov.ee/hc/en-us/articles/360000624838-5-steps-how-to-start-a-company-online
• Republic of Estonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Estonian representations which are handling visa applications. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://vm.ee/en/consular-visa-and-travel-information/visa-information/estonian-representations-which-are-handling
• TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Museums in Tallinn. Retrieved September 17, 2024, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g274958-Activities-c49-Tallinn_Harju_County.html