Conditions for permanent residency in Estonia

Long term residence permit in Estonia (not to be confused with the permit for settling permanently) is an option that becomes available after residing in Estonia for at least 5 years based on a temporary residence permit.

So how to get a long-term residence permit? There are the obvious conditions like having health insurance and your residence registered. We will touch upon the others below.

The first hurdle would be the language requirement - in this case the required level is at least B1. One can live in Estonia based on a temporary residence permit without having any language skills so a jump to B1 can be significant. Also, the Police will ask about your life in general, also go through your social media etc to see how you have integrated. The Police will also ask about how you have integrated into the society and culture, what kind of hobbies do you have and what is your daily family life like.

The 5 year residing requirement means permanent residing. It is OK to be away for a period of less than 6 months but not more than 10 months in the total 5 year period. The time lived in Estonia for studying is taken into account in half of the amount and only if the person received a TRP on another basis later on.

And as a final note - this permit is issued for up to 10 years and the legal income requirement is the substinence level (https://www.eesti.ee/en/pensions-social-services-and-allowances/benefits-and-allowances/subsistence-level-and-subsistence-benefit ). The permit obviously allows travelling in the EU.

If you have further questions or want to apply, please contact us at info@expatlegalestonia.com or send us a message here: https://www.expatlegalestonia.com/contact-us