With the rise of remote work and the growing trend towards a nomadic lifestyle, more and more people are opting to obtain digital nomad visas that allow them to live and work legally in different countries around the world.
In Europe, two of the most popular digital nomad visas are Estonia's Tech Visa and Germany's Freelancer Visa. In this article, we will compare these two visas in terms of requirements, benefits, and costs to help those interested in obtaining a digital nomad visa make an informed decision.
Requirements:
To obtain Estonia's e-Residency, applicants must register online and provide personal information, including a government-issued ID and a passport photo. There are no specific requirements related to income or business activity, but e-Residents can use their digital identity to start and run an Estonian company remotely.
The Freelancer Visa in Germany is aimed at self-employed individuals and freelancers. To be eligible, applicants must prove that they have sufficient income to support themselves in Germany, either through client contracts or savings. The minimum income requirement is around €2,500 per month, and applicants must also provide proof of health insurance and a German address.
Costs:
The cost of obtaining e-Residency in Estonia is €100 for the initial application and another €100 for the digital ID card. Additional fees may apply depending on the services used. The Freelancer Visa in Germany does not have a specific fee, but applicants should be prepared to cover the costs of health insurance, taxes, and any other business expenses.
Benefits:
Both e-Residency in Estonia and the Freelancer Visa in Germany offer a range of benefits for digital nomads. With e-Residency, individuals can access Estonia's digital infrastructure, including its banking system, business registry, and e-government services. They can also run a company remotely from anywhere in the world.
The Freelancer Visa in Germany provides the opportunity to live and work legally in Germany as a self-employed individual or freelancer. Visa holders can enjoy the benefits of Germany's strong economy, high standard of living, and central location within Europe.
Processing time:
The e-Residency application process in Estonia typically takes around 4-6 weeks. This includes the time it takes to review the application and issue the digital ID card.
The Freelancer Visa application process in Germany can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the individual circumstances and the workload of the local embassy or consulate. It is recommended to start the application process well in advance of the intended arrival date in Germany.
Duration:
The e-Residency in Estonia is valid for 5 years and can be renewed as many times as needed. The digital ID card, which is necessary for accessing Estonia's digital services and starting a company, is valid for 3 years.
The Freelancer Visa in Germany is initially valid for 3 months, after which it can be extended for up to 3 years. However, to extend the visa, the applicant must show that their business is viable and that they have sufficient income to support themselves in Germany.
Both e-Residency in Estonia and the Freelancer Visa in Germany offer unique benefits for digital nomads. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preferences and goals, such as access to specific industries or regions, language requirements, and the costs involved.
So, if you are interested in finding out more about digital nomad visas and its opportunities, contact us today! Below this article, you will find a link to set up a free fifteen-minute consultation with us to discuss your options further.
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