As the cost of living continues to soar worldwide, it’s getting harder to justify the once-oh-so-alluring digital nomad lifestyle, especially when planning to move somewhere notoriously expensive, like Europe.
With that said, those willing to think outside the box and expand their “dream destinations” bucket list might still be able to find that one perfect place that combines a dreamy city scene with reasonable prices.
Don’t believe me?
Just take a look at the latest report released by Global Citizen Solutions on the best countries in the world for digital nomads.
By analyzing factors such as average monthly expenses, income taxes, quality of life, and visa requirements, the company’s researchers were able to generate a list of places where almost all remote workers can get great value for their money.
And the country that topped the list was a name you don’t hear very often across travel websites.
One Of The Best-Value Destinations In All Of Europe
When you think of Estonia, your mind probably goes to a small, cheap Northern European country where not much happens – that would be your first mistake.
A budget of roughly €1000 a month would be enough for you to live comfortably right in the center of Tallinn, the country’s capital – and that’s just a rough average.
Those who don’t mind living a bit farther away from the city center or opt to move someplace else altogether (Tartu or Pärnu are both excellent choices) can cut their living expenses even further without having to sacrifice on quality of life, and that’s a price tag you just can’t beat.
Hungry? A quick pizza meal at Grenka won’t surpass the €10 mark.
Trying to get from one part of town to the other? Unlimited monthly passes are all under €30.
Looking for a modern, spacious office to work from? Lift99 offers unlimited 24/7 access for just €225 a month.
So Much To See And Do
What separates Estonia from other, even cheaper hubs across Europe is that you actually get a true European city experience for what you pay – in other words, you can’t beat the overall value here.
This is a place where you can roam around Tallinn’s Old Town and experience the stunning Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral firsthand, hike in Lahemaa National Park, trek through the country’s 2000 islands, canoe in Soomaa National Park, and take in the local cultural scene through the many exciting annual events (of which the must-attends are definitely Tallinn Music Week and Pärnu Film Festival).
You’ll truly be surprised at how busy the entertainment scene is here, especially in Tallinn.
Just take a look at September’s events calendar – there’s something here for just about everyone!
The Digital Nomad Visa Is Pretty Easy To Obtain
By this point, you’re probably thinking, “We get it. Estonia’s pretty and cheap, but is moving here actually feasible? What does the process of obtaining a digital nomad visa look like?”
I have a feeling you’ll like the answers to both.
Let’s start by saying that Estonia was one of the first countries to officially recognize the importance of digital nomadism; that’s why it introduced a specific visa for remote workers back in 2020, way before most other countries.
Now, obviously, there are some requirements you have to meet to get approved, but they’re pretty realistic for most U.S. citizens. These include:
- Having earned at least 3,500€ a month (gross income) in the last six months leading up to your application.
- Being an employee, partner, or shareholder of a company registered outside Estonia.
- Having a flexible work schedule.
- Paying 60€ for the application.
- Being above 18 years of age.
Once approved, you can stay in Estonia for 12 months, after which you’ll be eligible for a re-application that grants you an extra 6 months.
If you’re interested in submitting an application yourself (as well as gathering some more information) you can head over here.
Keeping Up With All The Paperwork Should Be A Breeze
Most people don’t know this, but Estonia actually has one of the most digitized economies in the world.
This means that most, if not all, bureaucratic tasks can be carried out online through the country’s extensive e-government services.
As someone who tends to prioritize convenience a lot, you really can’t put a price on being able to keep up with all your paperwork digitally (and avoid not only endless lines but also any potential language barriers in the process).
You can even set up and manage your location-independent business entirely from here!
Credit: Source link
