yourmovemap

Moving to Estonia

2 routes for people from the US, Canada and the UK, each checked against official sources. Find the one that fits, then check it with the source before you apply.

Check which fits you
Keep your job, work remotely

Estonia digital nomad visa

Digital nomad visa (Type C short-stay or Type D long-stay visa)

Remote employees of a foreign employer, owners of a foreign company, or freelancers with mostly foreign clients who earn at least EUR 4,500 gross a month and want up to a year in Estonia.

What you need
  • Gross income of at least EUR 4,500 a month, shown for each of the six months before applying. The figure is a benchmark of EUR 150 a day, not indexed to a wage statistic. (EUR 4,500 a month)
  • Funds for at least the first month of the stay.
  • Proof of remote work: employment with a foreign employer, ownership of a foreign-registered company, or freelance contracts mostly with foreign clients.
  • Travel medical insurance as for any Schengen or national visa.
Not for
  • Working for Estonian employers or clients
  • Anyone wanting a residence permit or a path to permanent residence (it is a visa only)
  • Russian and Belarusian citizens (applications restricted)
  • Confusing it with e-Residency: e-Residency gives no right of residence, citizenship or travel
Where you apply
From home or inside the country. Estonian embassies or consulates that take visa applications, VFS centres with delegated authority, or a Police and Border Guard Board office if already legally in Estonia (US citizens can enter visa-free and apply in Estonia). Pre-fill the form online, then submit in person.
How long it takes
At least 15 days, about 30 days on average (official e-Residency page).
First permit
Type D: up to 12 months. Type C: up to 90 days.
Renewal
Not renewable or extendable. A second digital nomad visa may be issued for at most 6 months. EU rule cited: national visa stays may not exceed 548 days within 730 days.
Family
Family members need their own visas; there is no dependant income uplift stated on the official page.
Sources e-Residency (Republic of Estonia): Digital nomad visa, updated 2026-03-11 (official)EMN ad-hoc query 2024.25, conditions for naturalisation (official) Checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not immigration advice.
Treaties and special cases

Estonia startup visa

Startup visa and temporary residence permit for start-up entrepreneurship

Founders of an innovative, scalable technology startup registered in Estonia that the Startup Committee approves.

What you need
  • Positive evaluation of the startup by the Ministry of the Interior's expert committee (Startup Committee), unless already evaluated or on the exemption list. The committee decides within 10 working days of a complete application. The company must be registered in Estonia and be no more than 10 years old.
  • Income of at least four times the subsistence level (residence permit stage). The subsistence level is set yearly in the State Budget Act; for 2026 it is reported as EUR 220 a month, giving about EUR 880 a month. (EUR 880 a month)
  • Health insurance contract meeting Aliens Act section 120.
  • Shareholding in a company entered in the Estonian Business Register.
Not for
  • Ordinary small businesses, consultancies or freelancing without a scalable tech product
  • Anyone without a company registered in Estonia (needed for the residence permit)
Where you apply
From home or inside the country. Committee application first. The long-stay startup visa is applied for at an Estonian representation; the temporary residence permit at a Police and Border Guard Board office or representation.
How long it takes
Committee: 10 working days. Residence permit: decision within 90 days, card issued within 30 days after (official).
First permit
Startup visa: up to 365 days, extendable by 183 days. Temporary residence permit: up to 5 years.
Renewal
Temporary residence permit can be extended for up to 10 years at a time.
Longer term
Permanent residence after about 5 years. Citizenship after about 8 years.
Family
Spouse, minor children and dependent adult children can be included on the visa and its extension (Startup Estonia). Family residence permits are applied for separately.
Sources Police and Border Guard Board: residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs (official)Startup Estonia: Startup visa (official)Riigi Teataja act citing 2026 subsistence level EUR 220 (official) Checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not immigration advice.