Estonian residence permit based on short-term employment from 2023
From the 1st of January 2023 a new basis for a residence permit will come into force (link to law: https://www.riigiteataja.ee/akt/114052022001 ) and it will most likely be very popular.
People working with a short-term employment registration and a long-term visa will have a chance to apply for a residence permit. This would give them more security of stay and also a digital residency card that is very useful and practical in Estonia. So what are the conditions, pros and cons?
It is issued for up to 2 years so not long. Also the law says it cannot be extended. The law does not exclude the possibility to apply for a new residence permit though - if a person has an existing residence permit they need not worry about the immigration quota and upon expiry could apply for a residence permit based on employment for example;
There is still the salary requirement of the average monthly Estonian salary which can be high. It is published here: https://www.stat.ee/en/find-statistics/statistics-theme/work-life/wages-and-salaries-and-labour-costs/average-monthly-gross-wages-and-salaries
Prior to applying for the residence permit the employment at the same employer based on short-term employment should be at least 9 months and salaries correctly paid. So from the 1st of January quite a lot of people could apply and also their family members could apply;
The employer's reputation will also be assessed according to law.
All in all this is a good opportunity to settle in Estonia more permanently and should be explored by people interested in that.