Moving from Estonia to Spain: Complete Guide for Estonian Citizens
Key Facts for Estonian Citizens
- Visa Required: No. EU citizen with full freedom of movement
- Registration: Required after 90 days (EU Certificate)
- Work Permit: Not required. Full EU labor market access
- Tax Treaty: Yes (2003)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years legal residence
- Dual Citizenship: Complex. Estonia prohibits for naturalized citizens; Spain requires renunciation
- Spanish Embassy: Tallinn
Why Estonian Citizens Choose Spain
Estonia’s reputation as a digital pioneer means many Estonians already work remotely. Spain’s time zone alignment with Central Europe, reliable internet infrastructure, and established coworking culture make it a practical base for location-independent professionals. Running an e-Residency company from Barcelona is straightforward, with most business handled online.
Estonia Spain Visa: You Don’t Need One
Let’s clear up the Estonia Spain visa question immediately: there isn’t one. Estonia joined the EU in 2004, giving you full freedom of movement across all member states. You can move to Spain tomorrow with just your Estonian passport or ID card.
No visa application, no minimum income requirements to enter, no time limits on your stay. For the first 90 days, Spain treats you exactly like a Spanish citizen. You can explore cities, apartment hunt, and test the job market without registering anywhere.
EU Registration After 90 Days
If you’re staying beyond 3 months, Spanish law requires registration. This isn’t a permit that can be denied. It’s documentation of your existing EU right.
You’ll need:
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your tax ID number for Spain. Essential for bank accounts, rental contracts, phone plans, and employment.
EU Registration Certificate: Proof of legal residence. Apply at the Oficina de Extranjería or police station handling foreigner documentation.
Requirements: Estonian passport or ID, proof of address in Spain, and evidence you fit one category: employed, self-employed, student with health insurance, or financially self-sufficient (about €6,000 savings plus insurance).
Barcelona appointments book 3-4 weeks out. Smaller cities often have faster availability.
Digital Nomads and e-Residency: Tax Implications
This is where things get interesting for Estonians. Some people have Estonian e-Residency companies, expecting to continue operating tax-free from Spain. It doesn’t work that way.
Once you spend 183+ days per year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident. Spain taxes worldwide income. Your Estonian company profits, dividends, and fees must be declared to Spanish authorities.
If you manage your Estonian company primarily from Spain, authorities may argue it has a “permanent establishment” here, triggering Spanish corporate tax. Get tax advice before relocating. We work with advisors who understand both Estonian e-Residency and Spanish tax obligations.
Estonian Community in Spain
The Estonian community in Spain is small but tech-savvy. You’ll find fellow Estonians primarily in Barcelona’s startup ecosystem, Madrid, and along the Costa Brava. Digital nomad coworking spaces often have Estonian members.
The cultural adjustment is significant. Spanish bureaucracy moves at a different pace than Estonia’s famous e-government. Patience becomes essential. Government offices close for lunch, appointments get delayed, and paperwork takes longer than you’d expect.
Tax Treaty: Estonia-Spain
Estonia and Spain signed a double taxation agreement in 2003, modified by the MLI (Multilateral Instrument). This treaty prevents paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Qualifying professionals can pay flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Popular with tech workers. Check eligibility
- e-Residency Warning: Estonian company income is taxable in Spain if you’re tax resident here
- Credit Method: Tax paid in Estonia can be credited against Spanish liability
- Compliance: Form TM3 (Spanish residency certificate) needed for preferential treaty rates in Estonia
Healthcare Options
If you’re employed or registered as autónomo (self-employed) and paying Spanish social security, you get full public healthcare coverage. Spain’s system is excellent.
Before that kicks in, you have options:
S1 Form: Request this from Estonia before leaving. It transfers your healthcare entitlement to Spain temporarily.
EHIC: Your Estonian card covers emergencies but isn’t meant for long-term residents.
Private Insurance: Many Estonian clients prefer this initially. Basic coverage starts around €50/month for someone in their 30s. Faster access to specialists.
Path to Spanish Citizenship: 10 Years
Estonian citizens need 10 years of continuous legal residence for Spanish citizenship. No EU shortcut exists. The 2-year fast track is reserved for nationals of Latin American countries, Philippines, Portugal, and Andorra.
During those 10 years, keep absences from Spain under 6 months per year. When you apply, you’ll pass the DELE A2 (Spanish language) and CCSE (civic knowledge) exams.
Dual Citizenship: A Real Problem for Estonians
This is important. Estonia strictly prohibits dual citizenship for naturalized citizens. If you’re an Estonian citizen by naturalization (not birth), acquiring Spanish citizenship means losing your Estonian passport.
If you’re Estonian by birth or descent, the situation is more complex. Estonia considers birthright citizenship inalienable, but Spain still requires a renunciation declaration. The practical outcome depends on individual circumstances.
Many Estonian clients choose EU permanent residency in Spain instead of citizenship. You get nearly identical practical benefits without the nationality complications.
Spanish Embassy in Estonia
Tallinn – Embassy of Spain
Liivalaia 13, 6th Floor, 10116 Tallinn
Tel: +372 667 6651
Consular: +372 667 6658
Emergency (24h): +372 502 73 57
Email: [email protected]
NIE Appointments: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Estonian citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. As an EU citizen since 2004, you have full freedom of movement. Live and work in Spain without any visa. Just register after 90 days if staying long-term.
Can I keep running my Estonian e-Residency company from Spain?
Yes, but with tax implications. Once you’re Spanish tax resident (183+ days/year), you must declare worldwide income including Estonian company earnings. Get professional tax advice before moving.
Can I keep my Estonian passport if I become Spanish?
It depends on how you got Estonian citizenship. If naturalized, Estonia prohibits dual citizenship and you’d lose it. If Estonian by birth, the situation is more complex. Many people choose permanent residency instead.
How long to get Spanish citizenship?
10 years of legal, continuous residence. You’ll also need to pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and civic knowledge (CCSE) exams. There’s no faster route for EU citizens.
Can I use my Estonian EHIC for healthcare?
Only for emergencies during temporary stays. For permanent residence, get private insurance or enroll in Spanish social security through employment. You can also request an S1 form from Estonia before leaving.
We Handle the Complexity
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Estonia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.