Coliving & Remote Work Glossary
What is Digital Residency?
Digital residency is a government-backed program that allows people to access certain services of a country - like starting a business or signing documents - without physically living there. Estonia made it famous with its e-Residency program, giving people around the world a digital ID and access to European business infrastructure.
It’s like being a virtual citizen - for practical, not personal, reasons.
Why Does the Term Matter for Remote Workers or Travelers?
Digital residency opens doors for location-independent professionals. You can register a business, open a bank account, or sign contracts abroad - all remotely. It’s especially useful for freelancers, remote business owners, or nomads who need a legal and efficient way to run their operations from anywhere.
It’s not the same as tax residency or a visa, but it’s a useful tool in a nomad’s setup.
How Does Nomadico Relate to Digital Residency?
Many Nomadico guests are freelancers or entrepreneurs running remote businesses, so digital residency programs like Estonia’s often come up in conversation. While we don’t help with the process directly, our community often shares tips, insights, and firsthand experiences over coworking chats or during skillshares.
We also believe in helping nomads build long-term, sustainable setups - and digital residency can be a smart part of that puzzle.
Common Misconceptions About Digital Residency
“It’s the same as a visa or citizenship.”
Nope - digital residency doesn’t give you the right to live in the country or access benefits like healthcare.
“It’s only useful for EU citizens.”
Not true - many programs, like Estonia’s, are specifically designed for non-EU nomads and entrepreneurs.
“It’s too complicated to apply.”
While it involves paperwork and sometimes a background check, many find the process surprisingly straightforward.
Related Terms
E-Visa (Digital Nomadism)
Remote-First (Digital Nomadism)
Digital Nomad Tax (Digital Nomadism)
Digital Nomad (Digital Nomadism)
Remote Worker (Digital Nomadism)
