The basics of Estonian immigration
- Ingmar Lääts
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
Updated: May 19
Estonia has become an attractive destination for expatriates, entrepreneurs, and remote workers due to its advanced digital infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and high quality of life. Whether you're considering relocating for work, study, or business, understanding Estonia’s immigration system is essential.
Residency Options
The legal basis for staying in Estonia for third country nationals is mostly either a visa or a residence permit.
Estonia offers various types of residence permits for non-citizens, depending on the purpose of stay. These include:
Temporary Residence Permit: Generally issued for employment, entrepreneurship (also investment), study, or family reunification. Temporary residence permits are valid for up to five years and can be extended.
Long-Term Residence Permit: After legally residing in Estonia for five years under a temporary residence permit, individuals can apply for a long-term residence permit. This requires proof of integration, including language proficiency and stable income.
Estonia also has an immigration quota that limits the number of new immigrants annually. However, this quota does not apply to citizens of the European Union (EU), the United States, Japan, UK, employment in IT, approved start-up, high-skilled work and a few other options.
Employment is also tied to a minimum salary obligation (with a few exceptions).
Visa applications can be based on employment, study, visiting family, business.
Work and Business Immigration
For those seeking employment in Estonia, the country has streamlined processes for hiring skilled foreign workers:
EU/EEA Citizens: Do not require a residence permit but must register their place of residence if staying longer than three months.
Non-EU Citizens: Need a residence permit or a visa for employment, which is typically employer-sponsored. The employer can also be the applicant's own company.
Start-up Visa: Estonia has a special visa for entrepreneurs looking to establish an innovative start-up. The application process involves approval from the Estonian Start-up Committee.
Digital Nomad Visa: This visa allows remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancers to legally reside in Estonia while working online. It is available for stays of up to one year.
e-Residency Program
Estonia is well known for its e-Residency program, which allows individuals worldwide to establish and manage an EU-based business online. e-Residents receive a digital ID that grants access to Estonia’s digital services, including company formation, banking, and tax filings. However, e-Residency does not grant physical residency, citizenship, or the right to enter Estonia.
Conclusion
Estonia’s immigration policies are designed to attract skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs while maintaining an organized and efficient system. Whether you are moving for work, study, or business, understanding the visa and residence permit requirements will help ensure a smooth transition to life in Estonia.
We are happy to help you navigate the different options and let you know if and what option would be suitable in your case.
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