Estonia Digital Nomad Visa for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa? Yes. One of the three eligible categories is running business activity for a company registered abroad in which you are a partner or shareholder. Freelancers with clients mostly abroad also qualify. Local work is allowed. Income needed: €132 per day (€3,960 per month) of sufficient funds according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs table. The e-Residency FAQ (March 2026) instead gives €150 per day, €4,500 per month gross. Proof is income for the preceding months showing amount, regularity and source.
Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | Estonia's Digital Nomad Visa is a long-stay D-visa (or short-stay C-visa) for people who work location-independently using telecommunications. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Income | Sufficient funds for teleworking: €132 per day, stated as €3,960 per month. Applicants show income for the three months before applying, with amount, regularity and source. | vm.ee |
| Own company | You qualify if you run business activity for a foreign-registered company in which you are a partner or shareholder. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Local work | Local work is allowed as additional work, as long as remote work for the foreign company, customers or employer stays the main purpose. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Stay | Up to 365 days within 12 consecutive months, with up to 90 days in 180 in other Schengen states. | vm.ee |
| Renewal and residence | It cannot be extended or renewed; you may apply for a second one. It is a temporary stay, not a residence permit, and does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Fee | State fee €120 for a D-visa, €60 for children aged 6 to 11. | vm.ee |
| How to apply | In person at an Estonian representation in your country of residence, or at a Police and Border Guard Board service point in Estonia. | vm.ee |
| Processing time | At least 15 days, around 30 days on average. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Health insurance | Travel medical insurance covering illness or injury for the whole visa period is required. | vm.ee |
| Tax | Staying more than 183 days in a consecutive 12-month period makes a DNV holder an Estonian tax resident. | e-resident.gov.ee |
| Family | A spouse and minor children may apply for a visa under the same conditions; spousal visas are decided case by case. | e-resident.gov.ee |
Questions founders ask about Estonia
- Can I run my own company on the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa?
- Yes. One of the three eligible categories is running business activity for a company registered abroad in which you are a partner or shareholder. Freelancers with clients mostly abroad also qualify.
- Can I work for clients in Estonia on it?
- Allowed as additional work. The official FAQ says a DNV holder can also work for an Estonian company or employer, but the main purpose of the stay must remain the remote work for a company, customers or employer abroad.
- How much income do I need for the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa?
- €132 per day (€3,960 per month) of sufficient funds according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs table. The e-Residency FAQ (March 2026) instead gives €150 per day, €4,500 per month gross. Proof is income for the preceding months showing amount, regularity and source.
- How much does the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa cost?
- €120 for a D-visa (children aged 6 to 11: €60). That's the government fee on the official page; translations, insurance and legal help cost extra.
- How long can I stay on the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa?
- Up to 365 days within 12 months. It cannot be extended or renewed, but you can apply again, within a cap of 548 days in 730. It is not a residence permit and gives no advantage towards residence.
- Do I become tax resident in Estonia?
- Staying more than 183 days in a consecutive 12-month period makes a DNV holder an Estonian tax resident. A visa doesn't settle where you pay tax, so take advice on your own case.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Digital Nomad Visa (long-stay D-visa for teleworking)
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Allowed
- Stay
- Up to 365 days within 12 months. It cannot be extended or renewed, but you can apply again, within a cap of 548 days in 730. It is not a residence permit and gives no advantage towards residence.
- Government fee
- €120 for a D-visa (children aged 6 to 11: €60)
- Official page
- vm.ee
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check vm.ee before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.