Important Updates
Important Updates
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

e-Governance in Estonia

January 3, 2023

Countries / Territories

  • EstoniaEstonia
  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Ben Morgan, Bianca Stokhorst

Estonia is considered one of the world’s most advanced nations in terms of digitisation. The country has received significant recognition in this field, including being ranked among the top three most digitally-advanced countries in the world, according to a UN e-Government Survey.

Examples of digitisation milestones in Estonia include:

  • Becoming the first country in the world to declare internet access a basic human right in 2000. In fact, almost all public spaces have been covered by free Wi-Fi for the last decade;
  • Holding virtual elections, using the internet, since 2005. Today, 30% of Estonian citizens vote in elections online;
  • Registering births, deaths and marriages remotely from home; and
  • Declaring taxes online.

Although immigration processes are often perceived as complex and time consuming, Estonia is determined to prove that the immigration process can be made simpler through a seamless online process handled by a centralised government agency. This has been achieved by minimising the need for original documents and the creation of an online portal.

Processing Times

Estonia’s processing times are considerably faster than those of many other European countries. As an example of Estonia’s efficiencies, if eligible for the “top specialist” program, a work permit application for a non-EU national can be processed in a single day, whereas many EU countries require several months to review the supporting documents.

Furthermore, once the visa has been obtained, the employee may work immediately upon arrival without needing to obtain any further permits to prove their right of residence.

Even if not eligible for the “top specialist” category, the document requirements are streamlined to avoid any burdensome legalisations abroad that would add to the overall lead time, meaning that in many circumstances, applications can still be filed and approved within one month.

Digital Nomad Program

Digital nomad visas have become a hot topic in recent years due to the shift in working trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Estonia was one of the first EU countries to recognise this and implement a remote work initiative for foreign nationals.

The digital nomad visa was launched in 2020 and was specifically designed for foreign nationals working as employees or freelancers for clients based outside of Estonia and who meet the following requirements:

  • Minimum of EUR 3504 per month (gross) for at least six months preceding the application;
  • Ability to perform work duties remotely, as opposed to on a client or employer site; and
  • Active employment contract with at least one company registered outside of Estonia or proof of recurring engagements with an established client base.

The document procurement takes approximately one-two months to prepare and, once filed at the applicant’s local Estonian consulate, a decision will be made within approximately 30 days from filing. The permit is valid for one year and although it cannot be renewed per se, new applications can be filed as the original visa nears the expiry date.

Estonian e-Residence

Estonia was the first country to offer e-Residency, a government-issued digital identity and status that provides access to Estonia’s transparent business environment. 

As opposed to granting a right of residence in Estonia, this process allows entrepreneurs from outside the country to start and run an Estonia-based company from abroad, entirely online. The e-Residency digital ID card cannot be used for travel purposes, and it does not display a photo for physical identification.

As evidence of how fast the process can be, in 2022, an Estonian e-resident broke the world record for the fastest company incorporation ever in 15 minutes and 33 seconds.

Need to know more?

For further information and advice on this topic, please contact Senior Manager Ben Morgan at [email protected] or Manager Bianca Stokhorst at [email protected]. This blog was published on 3 January 2023, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes.

To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

Countries / Territories

  • EstoniaEstonia
  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

London Manager Ben Morgan

Ben Morgan

Senior Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 207 090 9186

Related offices

  • London
  • Sheffield

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.