Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Estonia vs. Portugal
Comparing Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: Estonia vs Portugal
Introduction
If you're a digital nomad considering Europe as your next work destination, two countries worth considering for their digital nomad visa programs are Estonia and Portugal. Both have something unique to offer, but there are differences between them that you should know before packing your bags.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
| Cost of Visa | EUR 80 for a type C visa, EUR 100 for a type D visa |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 12 months |
| Income Requirement | EUR 3,504 per month |
| Taxation | Yes, digital nomads will be taxed under the Estonian Digital Nomad Visa after 183 consecutive days. |
| Review of Application | The relevant administrative authority will review the application in full and conduct thorough background checks. |
| Renewal | Before the initial visa expires, the applicant can apply for a new one. However, he/she is not allowed to stay in Estonia longer than 548 days within 730 consecutive days |
Work Requirements and Documents
The applicant should work online and be location-independent, either for an employer registered abroad, for their company registered abroad, or as a freelancer for clients mostly abroad. The applicant must hold documents proving that they can work remotely, information about their current work status, and income details like their last six months of income, its regularity, and its sources. Documents about academic and professional history, a valid passport or travel document, and medical or health insurance are also required. If the employer is not registered in the Estonian commercial register, they must register with the Tax and Customs Board as a non-resident employer before starting activities in Estonia.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
| Cost of Visa | EUR 75 for a Temporary Nomad Visa, EUR 90 for a Residency Nomad Visa |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | Temporary Nomad Visa: 91 to 356 days (cannot be extended or converted to a residence permit) | Residency Nomad Visa: issued for an initial period of 120 days and is converted to a residence permit after entry |
| Income Requirement | Monthly income equivalent to at least four times the Portuguese minimum wages monthly, which is around EUR 2,820 per month. |
| Taxation | If the applicant stays in the country for more than 183 days in a year, then he might be considered a tax resident of the country. |
| Review of Application | Required criminal record from the country of residence and every country the applicant has resided in for over a year. Minors under 16 years are exempt from providing any document related to criminal record. |
Work Requirements and Documents
The applicant must continue to remain employed abroad. They need to fill in an application form, provide proof of the average required monthly income for the past three months, proof of employment or self-employment, a passport valid for three months beyond the intended duration of stay, proof of immigration status if not a citizen of the country of residence, return ticket/transport document, two passport-sized photos, and a form that authorizes access for the Portuguese criminal record maintained by SEF.
Conclusion
Both Estonia and Portugal offer attractive visa programs for digital nomads. While Estonia may be more tax-friendly for digital nomads, Portugal has a more streamlined immigration process and has a lower income requirement. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences and the type of environment and experience digital nomads are seeking. Regardless of the choice, both countries have affordable living costs, reliable internet connectivity, and a quality of life worth experiencing.