A free PDF guide — the first nomad visa in the EU
A guide to the nomadvisa of Estonia
The format was settled here before anywhere else in the European Union: a decision in 15-30 days and up to 365 days on the D visa. We set out the income threshold, the difference between the types of visa and the tax side of it.
- PDF in English
- Free of charge
- Verified on 12.08.2026
- Sent by email, WhatsApp or Telegram
Preliminary information is not a guarantee of approval. The visa is not a residence permit.
01 / The essentials first
What to know about the visa before you file
Four things that decide the length of the stay and the set of documents.
- The first nomad visa in the European Union
Estonia brought the format in ahead of the other EU countries, so the procedure is well worn and decisions come quickly.
- Up to 548 days in a row
The long-stay visa gives 365 days; two visas one after the other allow a stay of up to 548 days in all.
- An income from €3,960 a month
Evidenced for the last 6 months before the filing — what matters is steadiness, not a single sum.
- Everything is done online
Estonia is the most digital state in the EU: banking, tax and government services all work remotely.
02 / Income
What you will have to evidence
Choose the type of visa: the threshold is the same, the length of the stay differs.
03 / Two types
Visa C or visa D
The income requirements are identical; the difference lies in the length and the purpose.
The values were checked against the official material on 12.08.2026. Only the rows for which there is no official wording are marked separately.
| Criterion | Visa CShort-stay, up to 90 days | Visa DLong-stay, up to 365 days |
|---|---|---|
| The length of the stay | up to 90 days | up to 365 days |
| Income | from €3,960 a month | from €3,960 a month |
| Evidence of income | 6 months | 6 months |
| Who it suitsA BRIDGES estimate | a short spell, trying the country out | living and working there for a year |
| Renewal | not provided for | a second visa is possible, up to 548 days in all |
| The Schengen area | travel is permitted | travel is permitted |
| The family | files separately | files separately |
- The length of the stay
- up to 90 days
- up to 365 days
- Income
- from €3,960 a month
- from €3,960 a month
- Evidence of income
- 6 months
- 6 months
- Who it suitsA BRIDGES estimate
- a short spell, trying the country out
- living and working there for a year
- Renewal
- not provided for
- a second visa is possible, up to 548 days in all
- The Schengen area
- travel is permitted
- travel is permitted
- The family
- files separately
- files separately
Neither type leads to a residence permit: this is a temporary form of stay.
04 / The country
What the country looks like
Briefly about the country and about what sets the terms of the visa.
- The essentials firstThe key facts of the programme: what decides the matter.
- A comparisonThe terms of the programme in one table.
- How the work runsThe process step by step — from the check to the documents.
- The analysisWhat is checked before the status is granted.
- The limitsWhat affects the timings, the costs and keeping the status.
- Your teamWho runs the case and what each specialist answers for.
05 / The order of work
How the process runs
The procedure is quick; most of the time goes on evidencing six months of income.
- The employment is checked
The employer, your own company or the clients have to be outside Estonia.
- Evidencing the income
Statements for 6 months showing €3,960 a month or more.
- The application and the documents
The form, insurance, contracts, proof of the purpose of the stay and of the housing.
- Filing at a mission
The application is filed at an Estonian embassy or consulate, sometimes through a visa centre.
- The decision
Consideration takes 15-30 days with a complete pack.
- Entry and life in the country
With the visa you may live and work remotely, and travel in the Schengen area.
07 / The check
What is examined in the application
Employment abroad, six months of income, the insurance and the purpose of the stay.
- Employment abroad
A contract with a foreign company, the documents of your own firm, or contracts with clients.
- Six months of income
Statements for 6 months: what is evidenced is that the receipts are steady.
- Insurance
A medical policy valid in the Schengen area for the whole of the stay.
- The purpose and the housing
Proof of your plans for the stay and of where you will live in Estonia.
Steady receipts count for more than one large sum in the account.
08 / The limits
What to take into account in advance
Five limits that bear on what you do once the visa ends.
This is a visa, not a residence permitThe term is limited
The format is built for a temporary stay and leads to no permanent status.
Estonian employers are excludedIncome from abroad only
Work for local companies needs another ground.
The family files separatelyThere is no single application
A spouse and children obtain their own visas under the general rules.
Tax residenceAfter 183 days
A long stay can lead to tax residence in Estonia.
The time does not count towards permanent residenceThe years do not accumulate
Days on the nomad visa are not counted towards permanent residence or citizenship.
09 / Your team
Who runs your case
The work is led by specialists who deal with the Estonian missions.
The editorial record
The material was prepared and checked by
- First published
- 12 August 2026
- Last updated
- 12 August 2026
The official sources
- Digital Nomad VisaThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia · checked 12.08.2026The terms of the visa, the income threshold and how to apply.
- The Police and Border Guard BoardPolitsei- ja Piirivalveamet · checked 12.08.2026The rules on the stay of foreigners and the length of the visa terms.
- The Tax and Customs BoardMaksu- ja Tolliamet · checked 12.08.2026The rules on tax residence during a long stay.
10 / Common questions
Questions about the nomad visa of Estonia
How much do I have to earn?
From €3,960 a month, evidenced for the last 6 months.
How long is the visa granted for?
The long-stay D visa gives up to 365 days; two visas in a row give up to 548 days in all.
Does the visa lead to residence?
No, this is a temporary format: no permanent status is granted on it.
May I work for Estonian companies?
No, the ground is work for clients outside Estonia.
What about the family?
Members of the family apply separately under the general visa rules.
How quickly is it considered?
15-30 days with a complete set of documents.
Does the visa give the Schengen area?
Yes, travel in the Schengen area is permitted on the usual footing.
What about tax?
A stay of more than 183 days can lead to tax residence in Estonia — the sums are worked out in advance.
Free of charge
Take the guide and a check on your income
We will send the PDF with the terms and a preliminary check on your situation.
- The income threshold and the six-month evidence
- The difference between the C and D visas
- The time for a decision and for the stay
- The tax side of a long stay