Netherlands Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide
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Have you ever considered travelling and working in Estonia? While it may not be the first country that comes to mind for a Working Holiday Visa, it offers a unique opportunity for those seeking cultural immersion, career growth, and a fresh start in a new environment.
Estonia is a fascinating blend of medieval heritage and cutting-edge digital innovation, making it an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and professionals alike. Through the Working Holiday Visa programme, participants can explore Estonia’s stunning landscapes, gain valuable work experience in one of Europe’s most forward-thinking economies, and enjoy access to EU benefits—all while embracing a new way of life.
See if you are eligible for an Estonian work visa:
Who is Not Eligible:
Conditions:
To apply for an Estonian work visa, you have to meet these conditions:
Top Tip: Prepare your financial proof well in advance - banks often take 3-5 business days to provide official statements with required stamps.
The Estonia Working Holiday Visa application involves several straightforward steps that must be completed.
Top Tip: Embassies can have different processing times and requirements, so contact your nearest Estonian embassy to confirm.
Estonia's thriving tech scene and seasonal tourism industry offer diverse employment options for working holiday participants.
Top Tip: Many tech startups hire English speakers with minimal Estonian language skills.
It’s important to understand your tax obligations while working and travelling in Estonia. This will ensure you’re complying with tax laws and are fully aware of what to expect when it comes to earning and paying what you owe.
The tax requirements in Estonia function with a simple, straightforward system and demand proper registration and timely filing. All working holiday visa holders should fulfill these requirements:
Top Tip: The e-Tax platform (e-maksuamet) enables filing taxes online in English and offers a calculator tool to estimate your tax refund before officially submitting.
When you enter Estonia, your working holiday journey begins, and you must complete several administrative procedures to legally reside in the country.
Top Tip: Register for e-Residency digital services during your first week. It grants access to hundreds of online services that simplify everything from tax filing to contract signing without visiting government offices.
Guests can easily explore the country through Estonia's efficient transportation system, which delivers excellent connectivity throughout the nation.
Public transportation serves as the backbone for mobility in Estonia. The comprehensive bus system offers scheduled routes everywhere in Estonia, from cities to towns and most villages. Tickets can be bought online and directly from drivers using either card or cash payment systems. Elron trains regularly connect main cities, offering comfortable transportation between Tallinn and Tartu, the most active route.
Tallinn residents can travel within the city using buses, trams, and trolleybuses for public transportation. The Tallinn Card available for purchase offers unlimited access to public transit and museums nationwide, while Smartcards (Ühiskaart) provide regular travel options.
Ridesharing apps Bolt (an Estonian company) and Uber deliver reliable service to users in larger cities at competitive rates. Rental cars provide the best option for exploring rural regions of Estonia since its roads are well maintained and traffic flows lightly.
Summer is the perfect time for cycling since Estonia provides bicycle routes throughout cities and through scenic coastal areas. The Tartu Smart Bike system enables budget-friendly access to city bikes, and multiple hotels in Estonia provide bike rental services.
Top Tip: You can use the ELRON train app to save money by booking in advance since it offers discounts of up to 30%.
Despite its small size, Estonia is a country that seamlessly blends rich medieval history with breathtaking natural landscapes. From its well-preserved old towns to vast national parks, Estonia offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers looking to explore both culture and nature. Whether you're drawn to ancient castles, picturesque coastal villages, or dense forests teeming with wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
If you're embarking on a working holiday in Estonia, make the most of your time by visiting these must-see destinations:
Tallinn Old Town
In Tallinn Old Town, you can visit extensively preserved medieval buildings belonging to the UNESCO World Heritage site from the 13th and 16th centuries. The winding cobbled lanes lead you past merchants' homes as you can climb the walls and then go inside Toompea Castle for remarkable views.
The Gothic Town Hall stands alongside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the vibrant arts district in Telliskivi Creative City outside the old walls, which you should definitely not miss. You can observe the classic medieval European atmosphere and digital advancements as two distinct elements of the town.
Lahemaa National Park
The largest national park of Estonia is one hour away from Tallinn and displays the country's remarkable natural scenery. You can follow hiking paths between coastal woodlands and moist bogs constructed with wood materials and move along the wild Baltic shoreline.
To understand Estonia's aristocratic heritage, visit the Palmse and the Sagadi manor houses. If you are a nature enthusiast, you can find numerous animal species at the park, but you must be patient when looking for moose, brown bears, and lynx.
Saaremaa Island
Large stretches on Saaremaa Island create an authentic historic atmosphere because of their traditional windmills alongside juniper groves and ancient stone fences. The 14th-century Episcopal Castle in Kuressaare stands prominently as the principal cultural attraction of the island.
The destination includes three stops: the Kaali meteorite crater, the unique Angla Windmill Hill, and natural therapeutic mud baths for visitors to experience. The island environment receives better sunlight levels than other parts of Estonia.
Tartu
Estonia is home to the oldest university in the Baltic (founded in 1632), yet the country maintains a youthful energy. Tallinn offers visitors the playful sculpture of the “Kissing Students,” the Art House cinema, and the Estonian National Museum dedicated to the culture of the Baltic countries. Supilinn, or “Soup Town,” has wooden houses and bohemian places to eat, which students prefer.
Parnu
It is well known for being the summer capital of Estonia, with wide sandy beaches and a tradition of spas that started in the 19th century. During the summer, the beach boulevard is quite crowded with residents and tourists, and various spas are open throughout the year.
The pearl of the town is the Old Town, which is made of picturesque wooden houses and offers many restaurants with local fish dishes.
Top Tip: Visit Tallinn during weekdays to avoid cruise ship crowds that significantly impact the Old Town experience.
Can I extend my Estonia Working Holiday Visa beyond 12 months?
No, the Estonia Working Holiday Visa permits only one term of 12 months and does not provide any option for extension beyond this initial period.
You must request alternative visa options like student or work visa or exit Estonia before your present visa period ends. Any application for different types of visas needs to be filed no less than 15 days before your current visa expires.
Am I required to work the entire duration of my stay in Estonia?
No, working is optional for people holding the Working Holiday Visa in Estonia as long as you have the money to fund your stay. Under this visa, you can work to pay your travel expenses, but there is no obligation to work.
The visa grants complete freedom to participate in educational programs, cultural activities, and travel within your designated period.
Can I study while on a Working Holiday Visa in Estonia?
Yes, the Working Holiday Visa permits you to enroll in educational programs at Estonian facilities. You may freely attend language courses, university classes, and vocational training at Estonian educational institutions. The key reason for your presence in Estonia should be vacation time, even though you may occasionally work.
Will the Working Holiday Visa cover medical expenses when I become sick in Estonia?
Your travel insurance will handle emergency medical costs based on your selected policy conditions. Non-emergency medical care through local family doctors (perearst) is available after registration with rates up to €5.
The European Health Insurance Card grants EU citizens medical coverage for their necessary medical needs.
Do you need to speak Estonian language for the visa or finding work?
Foreign visitors do not need to know Estonian during the visa application period. Most jobs and technological positions in major cities use English as their operational language and Russian as an additional common language. Locals will appreciate knowing basic Estonian phrases, but getting employed or a visa is not required.
At the end of your working holiday in Estonia, you will not only leave with memories but also with international working experience, cultural understanding, and international contacts.
Estonia, a small country in northern Europe, combines tradition and modernity to change your perspective on the world and give you a great experience in your career.
Whether you go back home, continue with the holiday, or look for ways to extend your stay in Estonia, this working holiday is a highly enriching learning experience.
If you want to learn about the working holiday visa’s for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Portugal and more coming.
Jessie Chambers
Jessie Chambers is the adventurous spirit behind the Global Work & Travel blog. A passionate globetrotter, Jessie has explored over 30 countries.
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