Spouse TRP in Estonia

If your residence permit (TRP) in Estonia is based on marriage or registered partnership there are things to bear in mind.

This permit gives you all the rights of a temporary residence permit including the right to work (without a minimum salary obligation).

Legally this permit is tied to the marriage or partnership. In case the marriage or partnership ends, so does also the basis for the permit.

In Estonia a residence permit is not cancelled or terminated automatically if a basis falls away. By law, the parties should notify about the divorce or ending of the partnership which can then lead to the start of termination proceedings of the TRP.

To avoid this situation it is wise to assess if your spousal TRP can be exchanged to a residence permit on another basis. Most likely the following options could be considered:

1. TRP for settling permanently (if you have resided for at least 3 years);

2. Permanent residency (if you have resided for at least 5 years);

3. TRP based on employment.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@expatlegalestonia.com