DIGITAL NOMAD ESTONIA
Nomads in Estonia
Estonia was one of the very first countries to introduce the Estonian digital nomad visa. And they made this crazy move during Covid when many countries were closing their borders!
Since 2020 nomads have been utilizing visas to Estonia, which comes with privileges to the rest of the EU.
Estonia immigration official website.
Digital Nomad Estonia Budget
Meal at Local Restaurant
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)
Cappuccino (regular)
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
Basic Utilities (Monthly)
Internet (Monthly)
Fitness Club (Monthly)
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$ 10 – 12
$ 4
$ 3.50
$ 1
$ .30+
$ 1.25
$ 70+
$ 15 – 60 (speed)
$ 45+
$ 500 – 800
🚨 Emergency Numbers
💶 Money Handling
🗣 Communication
😷 Health
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ Friendly
🗺 Cultural Tolerance
💃 Nightlife
Police / Ambulance / Fire
Currency
Max ATM Withdrawl
Tipping
Language
Calling Code
Time Zone
Tap Water
Mandatory Vaccinations
Covid Restrictions
Yes, Estonia is generally considered a LGBTQ-friendly country.
Estonia tends to be more tolerant compared to other Baltic states and Eastern Europe.
8/10
112
Euro
$ 200 – 1,000 (Contact Bank)
10% Common
Estonian
+372
Eastern European Time (EET)
Generally Safe
None
Removed
Tere
Tere hommikust
Tere päevast
Tere õhtust/Head ööd
Nägemist
Jah
Ei
Palun
Aitäh
Pole tänu väärt
Vabandust
Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
Kus on …?
Arve, palun
Toidu
Õlu
Kohv
Hello
Good Morning
Good Afternoon
Good evening/Good Night
Goodbye
Yes
No
Please
Thank you
You’re welcome
Sorry
Do you speak English?
Where is …?
The bill, please
Food
Beer
Coffee
A FEW THINGS YOU'll NEED
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
There are two different visas to Estonia.
The Short-Stay Visa (Type C)- The short-stay visa is valid for stays in Estonia not exceeding 90 days within a 180-day period. This is ideal for digital nomads in Estonia who plan to stay for a shorter duration or wish to test out living in Estonia before committing to a longer stay. The application fee for the Estonia remote worker visa is €80. As they are in the EU many countries, like the US, UK, and Canada, have the privilege of staying for 90 days without applying for a visa.
The Long-Term Visa (Type D)- The long-stay visa, also known as the digital nomad visa in Estonia allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in Estonia for up to a year! It’s designed for those who are employed outside of Estonia. You must conduct business through your own company registered abroad, or work as a freelancer with clients outside of Estonia.
As of 2023, the monthly estonia digital nomad visa requirements threshold is €3,504 before tax. The application fee for the long-stay visa is about €100.
The processing time for both visas can vary but generally takes around 15 to 30 days.
It’s recommended to apply for the e-Estonia visa at least 15 days before the planned trip and can be done at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate.
Coworking in Estonia
- LIFT99: Known for hosting tech and startup events, this space is located in the creative Telliskivi area.
- Spring Hub: This coworking space is popular among startups and freelancers for its modern design.
- Workland: Workland Group has multiple centers in Tallinn and is the largest network of coworking spaces in the Baltics.
- Regus: A global brand providing flexible office solutions with several locations in Tallinn.
- SPARK Demo: Located in Tartu, this center provides a coworking space for entrepreneurs and innovators.
- Tehnopol Startup Incubator: While not strictly a coworking space, this incubator provides a collaborative environment for tech startups.
- Coworking Pärnu: This space offers a variety of coworking options and is conveniently located in the city center.
How to Get Around Estoina
Public transportation in Estonia is well-developed, making it easy and convenient to travel around the country. Here’s some information about the various modes of public transportation available:
Free Public Transportation:
Interestingly, Tallinn offers free public transportation for its residents. This includes buses, trams, trolleys, and even trains within the city limits! This includes your Estonia work permit.
Estonia’s Public Transport Portal:
For planning trips and checking schedules, the Estonian Public Transport Portal is a useful resource. It provides information on nearly all bus, tram, trolley, train, and ferry routes in the country.
Public Transport Cards:
In Tallinn and Tartu, you can use a contactless smart card called Ühiskaart for fare payment. The card can be topped up with money or various types of tickets and is valid for buses, trams, trolleys, and trains within the city limits.
Overall, public transportation in Estonia is reliable and efficient, making it easy to explore the country without a car.
Buses:
Buses are the most common form of public transportation in Estonia. There are numerous local and long-distance bus routes connecting different cities and towns. Tallinn, the capital city, has an extensive network of buses, trolleys, and trams that operate daily.
Trains:
Trains in Estonia are operated by Elron and connect several major cities, including Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva. The trains are comfortable and offer free WiFi. Tickets can be bought online, at the station, or on the train itself.
Taxis and Rideshares:
Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable in the larger cities. Bolt, a rideshare app similar to Uber, is also widely used.
Ferries:
Ferry services are available for travel to Estonia’s islands, including Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The largest ferry operator is TS Laevad.
Solo Travel & Safety
Estonia is always referred to as one of the safest countries in Europe. It is generally considered a safe bet for solo female digital nomads. The crime rate stays relatively low and the locals are known for their friendliness and helpfulness. It’s been noted that even walking alone at night is not typically a problem even in big city areas.
English is widely spoken in Estonia. You can bet that most younger people and people in the tourist areas speak English. Making it easier for travelers to navigate and get help if needed.
Best Time to be a Digital Nomad Estonia
The most popular time to visit Estonia is during the late spring and summer months, typically between June and September. During these months, the weather is at its best, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours due to the “white nights” phenomenon.
This is also when numerous Estonian festivals take place, including the Tallinn Old Town Days, Parnu Film Festival, and many others. The country’s beautiful natural landscapes, such as national parks and beaches, are particularly appealing in this season.
However, some digital nomads in Estonia also enjoy visiting in October and March, which offer lower hotel prices, fewer tourists, and unique experiences like autumn colors or snow-covered landscapes.
Winters in Estonia are cold and dark, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, often down to -20°C (-4°F) or lower. Snow is common and can start as early as November and last until March. Days are short, with only a few hours of daylight in the depths of winter.
Spring is generally mild, with temperatures gradually increasing from around 0°C (32°F) in March to about 15°C (59°F) by May. The landscape comes alive with blooming flowers, making it a beautiful time to visit.
Summers in Estonia can be pleasantly warm but are often unpredictable. Temperatures range between 15-30°C (59-86°F), with July usually being the warmest month. There are also long daylight hours during this season due to Estonia’s northern location, a phenomenon known as the “white nights.”
Autumn sees cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Temperatures drop from an average of 15°C (59°F) in September to around 5°C (41°F) in November. The leaves changing color create picturesque landscapes, especially in Estonia’s many forests.
Internet Speed in Estonia
Estonia has impressive internet speeds. According to Speedtest Intelligence®, Telia was the fastest mobile operator among top providers in Estonia with a median download speed of 91.34 Mbps. The median speed was reported to be 58.33 Mbps.
Cultral Awareness to know about Estonia
Punctuality: Estonians value punctuality. It’s considered respectful to be on time for both business and social occasions.
Personal Space: Estonians are known for their respect for personal space. They might stand further apart during conversations compared to what some other cultures may be used to.
Direct Communication: Estonians tend to be quite direct in their communication. This isn’t considered rude, it’s just their way of being honest and straightforward. At first, it may seem abrupt, but you will earn to appreciate it.
Digital Society: Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, with strong internet connectivity and e-residency programs. As a digital nomad in Estonia, you’ll find a tech-friendly environment almost everywhere.
Nature: Estonians have a deep respect for nature. There are many national parks, forests, and lakes to explore. Follow any posted rules and respect the natural surroundings when visiting these areas.
Sauna Tradition: Sauna is a big part of Estonian culture. It’s considered a place for relaxation and even for business meetings. If you’re invited to a sauna, it’s a sign of friendship and trust.
