Digital nomad visa to Estonia for Ukrainians: how to obtain, requirements, and legal nuances

Ukrainians who work remotely can apply for a special visa to Estonia. Find out how to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa, what documents are required, and what requirements will apply to digital nomads in 2025

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In today's world, more and more people are choosing a life without being tied to an office or place of residence. For such professionals — freelancers, IT workers, consultants, entrepreneurs — a special format for legalizing their stay in other countries has been created: digital nomad visas. One of the countries that has officially introduced this type of visa is Estonia.

This article is a step-by-step guide for Ukrainians who want to take advantage of the opportunity to live and work in Estonia legally for up to one year. We will look at the main requirements, the package of documents, the risks, the specifics for families, and the role of legal support.

Read also: Emigration to Estonia – how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

What is a Digital Nomad Visa in Estonia?

The Digital Nomad Visa in Estonia is a long-term D-type visa that allows you to live in the country for up to 12 months and continue working remotely for a company outside Estonia or run your own online business. The main condition is that your activity must not be related to the Estonian economy.

The visa is aimed at professionals who work online: freelancers, consultants, entrepreneurs, programmers, designers, SMM specialists, etc.

Who in Ukraine can apply for a digital nomad visa?

Ukrainians who meet the following criteria can apply for a digital nomad visa:

● They work for a foreign company that is not registered in Estonia, or are freelancers with proven sources of income, or have their own online business and conduct entrepreneurial activities remotely;

● Have earned a minimum income of €3,500 (gross) per month for the last 6 months;

● Can provide proof of income (contracts, bank statements, tax returns);

● Are willing to provide documents confirming the availability of housing and medical insurance.

Required documents

To apply for a Digital Nomad Visa, you will need:

1. Completed visa application form;

2. Valid foreign passport;

3. Photo in the required format;

4. Documents confirming income for the last 6 months;

5. Contract with an employer or documents regarding freelance work/own business;

6. Letter explaining the reason for the visa application;

7. Medical insurance covering the entire period of stay;

8. Documents regarding accommodation (rental agreement, booking confirmation, etc.).

Read also: Insurance for entry into Estonia – rules for different visa categories and where to buy

How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa to Estonia?

You can submit your documents:

● at the Estonian Embassy in the country where you are located (for example, in Warsaw or Berlin);

● directly in Estonia, if you are already there on another legal basis.

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Important details for Ukrainians applying for a digital nomad visa

1. Do not confuse this with temporary protection. This is a separate visa category that does not provide automatic access to social assistance or temporary shelter.

2. Tax obligations. If you stay in Estonia for more than 183 days, you may be considered a tax resident. This means that you will have to pay taxes in Estonia on your income.

3. Family issues. The Digital Nomad Visa does not automatically grant the right to bring your family with you. Family members will need to apply separately for a family reunification visa or a tourist visa.

4. Ban on employment in Estonia. With this visa, you cannot take up employment with an Estonian company or register as a sole trader in Estonia.

Your activities must remain “extraterritorial.”

5. Difficulties with proving income. This is especially true for freelancers who work without official contracts. In such cases, you will need well-prepared documentation, including bank statements, invoices, payment system records, and an explanatory letter.

How can a Visit Ukraine lawyer help?

Applying for a digital nomad visa is not just a matter of gathering documents. Often, legal support determines the success of the application.

Visit Ukraine lawyers offer comprehensive support:

● Analysis of the chances of a successful application: verification of sources of income and compliance with criteria;

● Verification of contracts with customers and the legality of sources of income;

● Compiling a package of documents: questionnaires, motivation letter, financial reports;

● Tax advice: when obligations arise, how to avoid double taxation;

● Submission to the consulate: appointment, verification, consultation;

● Assistance for family members: separate application strategy for partners and children.

Contact our specialists — we will analyze your situation, prepare a personalized strategy, and accompany you at every stage.

The Digital Nomad Visa to Estonia is a real opportunity for Ukrainians to live legally in the EU without changing their professional activities. However, like any visa, it requires strict compliance with requirements, a complete set of documents, and proper legal processing. That is why legal support is not a formality, but a tool for safe and effective relocation.

We remind you! The Digital Nomad visa provides legal residence for remote workers employed by foreign companies. Read about the residence and work rights it grants and how it differs from regular visas in our previous article.

Photo: Depositphotos

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