Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Estonia vs. United Arab Emirates
Estonia and United Arab Emirates: Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Are you a digital nomad looking to settle down in a new country? Estonia and United Arab Emirates are two countries offering attractive visa programs for digital nomads. Here's what you need to know about the requirements for these visas.
Estonia Digital Nomad Visa Program
| Cost of Visa | EUR 80 (Type C) or EUR 100 (Type D) |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | Maximum of 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 (after living 183 days within a financial year) |
| Review Process | The relevant administrative authority will review the application in full and conduct thorough background checks |
| Extension | Before the initial Estonia Digital Nomad 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 |
Requirements
- Applicants should work online & independent of location:
- For an employer registered abroad
- For their company registered abroad, or
- As a freelancer for clients mostly abroad
- Must hold documents which prove that the applicant can work remotely
- Documents providing information about the current work status
- Documents providing information about the last six months income, its regularity, and its sources
- Documents about academic and professional history
- A Valid Passport or Travel Document
- Medical Insurance or Health Insurance
- Proof of Accommodation
- If the employer is not registered in the Estonian commercial register, the employer must register with the Tax and Customs Board as a non-resident employer before commencing activities in Estonia
United Arab Emirates Virtual Working Programme
| Cost of Visa | US$611 (including application fees, processing fees, pre-application medical exam, and emirates ID) |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 1 year, renewable upon re-application |
| Income Requirement | A minimum of US$5,000 per month salary |
| Taxation | No |
| Review Process | N/A |
| Extension | N/A |
Requirements
- Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months
- Must have a health insurance with UAE coverage validity
- Proof of employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity
- Must have a minimum salary of US$5,000 per month along with last month's pay slip and 3 preceding months bank statement
- Business owners must provide proof of ownership of their business, and should have an average monthly income of US$5,000 along with 3 preceding months' bank statement
- Virtual Program document holders and their dependents cannot perform work for a local employer in Dubai or provide any services to any person or entity carrying out business in Dubai
Conclusion
The digital nomad lifestyle is increasingly becoming popular, and Estonia and United Arab Emirates are some of the few countries that offer visa programs to suit the needs and desires of digital nomads. Estonia has a more straightforward application process, with an attractive income requirement, while United Arab Emirates' program is slightly more expensive but has specific legal restrictions. Therefore, depending on your preferences, work style and what you aim to experience, carefully evaluate each country's visa program's requirements before making your choice.