Migration questions Estonia

In Estonia, there are two main types of residence permits: temporary and permanent. A temporary residence permit is typically issued for up to 5 years and can be renewed, while a permanent residence permit is granted for an indefinite period.

Requirements and process for obtaining a temporary residence permit

Grounds for obtaining: A temporary residence permit may be granted for work, study, entrepreneurial activity, or family reunification.

Required documents

- Completed application for a temporary residence permit.

- Valid passport.

- Digital photo that meets the requirements.

- Documents confirming the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, admission letter from an educational institution).

- Document confirming sufficient means of subsistence.

- Proof of health insurance coverage.

- Payment receipt of the state fee.

Processing time: The application review takes up to 2 months. After approval, the residence permit card is produced within 30 days.

Requirements and process for obtaining a permanent residence permit

Conditions for obtaining:

Continuous residence in Estonia for at least 5 years based on a temporary residence permit.

Having a stable and sufficient income.

Having valid health insurance.

Knowledge of the Estonian language at level B1, confirmed by a certificate.

Required documents

- Completed application for a permanent residence permit.

- Valid passport.

- Digital photo.

- Documents confirming compliance with the above conditions.

- Payment receipt of the state fee.

Processing time: The application review takes up to 2 months. The permanent residence permit card is produced within 30 days after approval.

Features of temporary and permanent residence permits

Temporary residence permit:

Limited to a specific period, usually up to 5 years.

Requires renewal upon expiration.

May be granted for specific purposes (work, study, or family reunification).

Permanent residence permit:

Granted for an indefinite period.

Does not require renewal.

Offers broader rights, similar to those of Estonian citizens, including the possibility to participate in local elections.

Please note that requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to check the current information on the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before applying. 

1: Determine the grounds for obtaining a residence permit:

Work: You need to find an employer in Estonia who is willing to provide you with a job.

Study: Confirmation of enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Estonia is required.

Family reunification: For example, for spouses, children, or parents wishing to join relatives living in Estonia.

2: Prepare the necessary documents: Depending on the chosen grounds, you will need to gather a specific set of documents.

3: Pay the state fee: The fee amount depends on the type of residence permit and the method of application submission.

4: Submit the application:

In Estonia: If you are in the country, submit the application at a service bureau of the Police and Border Guard Board. It is recommended to book an appointment online in advance.

Outside Estonia: Contact the nearest Estonian foreign representation. Confirm the application submission rules at the specific representation before visiting.

5: Provide biometric data: Personal presence is required for fingerprint submission. Exceptions are possible if:

You submitted fingerprints less than 6 years ago.

You have a permanent inability to provide fingerprints.

6: Receiving the residence permit card: The card can be collected in person at the selected service bureau or foreign representation specified in the application. When collecting, you must present an identity document and, if available, the old residence permit card.

Additional recommendations

Keep the information provided up-to-date and make timely updates when changes occur. It is recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department before submitting an application. 

Staying in Estonia

Short-term stay: EU/EEA citizens can stay in Estonia without registration for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Long-term stay: If planning to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to register your place of residence with the local government at your place of living. After registration, an Estonian personal code is issued.

Working in Estonia

Employment: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Estonia without the need to obtain a work permit or residence permit. However, it is recommended to notify the Police and Border Guard Department of your stay and work activity.

Working conditions: Employers are required to comply with Estonian labor laws, ensuring equal working conditions for all employees, regardless of their citizenship.

Social security and taxation

Social security: After registering a place of residence, EU/EEA citizens gain access to Estonia's social security system, including healthcare and other social services.

Taxes: Those working in Estonia are obligated to pay taxes in accordance with Estonian law.

Education

Education: Children of EU/EEA citizens have the right to free education in Estonia’s state educational institutions.

Additional information

Documents: A valid passport or national identity card is required to cross the border.

Family: The rights to residence and work also apply to family members of EU/EEA citizens, even if they are not EU citizens.

For more detailed and updated information, it is recommended to visit the official Estonia portal for foreign citizens. 

Entry to Estonia

Visa: Non-EU citizens typically require a visa to enter Estonia. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of stay. For short-term stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period), a short-term Schengen visa may be obtained. For longer stays, a long-term visa or a residence permit must be obtained.

Working in Estonia

Short-term employment: Non-EU citizens can work in Estonia based on short-term employment registered by the employer. Such employment allows working in Estonia for up to 365 days within a 455-day period. For seasonal work, the maximum period is 270 days within a year. Registration of short-term employment does not provide residence rights; a valid visa or other legal status is required for this.

Residence permit for work: For long-term employment, a temporary residence permit for work must be obtained. This requires:

Job offer: Having a job contract or offer from an employer in Estonia.

Qualifications: Relevant education, work experience, and professional skills necessary for performing the duties.

Unemployment Insurance Fund permit: In some cases, the employer must obtain permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to hire a foreign worker.

Salary: The employer must pay a salary not lower than the Estonian average, unless otherwise specified by law.

Residence and social guarantees

Place of residence registration: After receiving a residence permit, the place of residence must be registered in Estonia's population register.

Social security: Foreign citizens with a residence permit are entitled to certain social guarantees, including healthcare, in accordance with Estonian law.

Taxation

Foreign workers are obligated to pay taxes in Estonia according to local tax law.

Restrictions and quotas

Estonia sets annual immigration quotas for certain categories of foreign workers. It is recommended to verify the current data before submitting an application.

Consultations and Support

The Estonian Police and Border Guard Department provides consultations on migration issues. It is recommended to contact them for up-to-date information and support during the document processing procedure. 

Application deadlines: It is recommended to apply for an extension of the residence permit at least 2 months before its expiration date.

Required Documents

- Completed application form – application for the extension of the temporary residence permit.

- Form containing information about close relatives and family members (if the data has changed).

- Biographical data (additional form).

- Valid passport.

- Digital photograph that meets the requirements.

- Document confirming payment of the state fee (e.g., a payment order).

Application Submission

In person: The application is submitted in person at the service bureau of the Police and Border Guard Department. It is recommended to book a slot online in advance.

By email: If you have submitted fingerprints in the last 6 years and have a valid residence permit, you can apply for an extension via email.

Processing Times

If the application is submitted in a timely manner, the decision on the extension of the residence permit is made no later than 10 days before its expiration date.

Extension Term

A residence permit can be extended once for up to 10 years. However, the residence permit card is valid for a maximum of 5 years, so if the residence permit is for a longer period, the card must be renewed upon its expiration.

State Fee

The amount of the state fee depends on the type of residence permit and method of application submission.

Additional Recommendations

Updating Data: Ensure that all provided data is up to date. If there are changes in family member information or other circumstances, attach the relevant documents.

Consultation: If questions arise, it is recommended to contact a migration consultant at the Police and Border Guard Department.

It is recommended to review the latest information on the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department before submitting an application. 

To obtain a residence permit in Estonia, you must have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses for the entire duration of your stay.

State Health Insurance

Employment: If you are officially employed in Estonia, your employer is required to register you in the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, which provides state health insurance.

Self-employment: Self-employed individuals must independently pay social contributions to qualify for state health insurance.

Private Health Insurance

Students: Foreign students studying in Estonia must arrange private health insurance that covers the entire period of their studies.

Other categories: Individuals not eligible for state insurance are required to purchase a private insurance policy that meets the requirements of Estonian legislation.

Requirements for a private insurance policy

Coverage: The policy must cover medical expenses, including emergency care and treatment of chronic illnesses.

Validity period: The insurance must be valid for the entire planned stay in Estonia.

Minimum coverage amount: It is recommended that the policy provides a sufficient coverage amount for potential medical expenses.

Providing proof of insurance

Documents: When applying for a residence permit, you must provide proof of valid health insurance that meets the requirements of Estonian legislation.

Note that health insurance requirements may change. It is recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department before applying. 

The grounds for obtaining Estonian citizenship are clearly regulated by the Estonian Citizenship Act. Citizenship can be obtained in the following ways:

Citizenship by Birth

Automatic citizenship: A child automatically receives Estonian citizenship if at least one of the parents is an Estonian citizen at the time of birth.

Citizenship for children of stateless individuals: A child born in Estonia to parents without citizenship can obtain Estonian citizenship under certain conditions.

Citizenship for Minor Children

Children under the age of 15 can obtain citizenship through their parents who apply for naturalization.

If one of the parents is an Estonian citizen, the child is also entitled to citizenship.

Restoration of Citizenship

Estonian citizens who have lost their citizenship in the past may apply for its restoration under the following conditions:

Permanent residence in Estonia.

Renunciation of any other citizenship, if applicable.

Exceptional Cases

The Estonian government can decide to grant citizenship in exceptional cases, for instance, for outstanding services to the state or in the event of special humanitarian circumstances.

Dual Citizenship

Estonia officially does not recognize dual citizenship for adults, except in the following cases:

Children who acquire citizenship by birth may retain two citizenships until the age of 18.

Persons with international protection (refugees).

Citizenship through Naturalization

The following conditions must be fulfilled for naturalization:

- Possession of a permanent residence permit or long-term right of residence.

- Residence in Estonia for at least 8 years, of which 5 years on a permanent basis.

- Proficiency in the Estonian language at level B1 or higher.

- Successful completion of an examination on the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the Citizenship Act.

- Having a permanent lawful income.

- Registration of a place of residence in Estonia.

- Renunciation of another country's citizenship (except for cases of dual citizenship for children and those with international protection).

Additional Recommendations: To obtain citizenship on any grounds, it is necessary to contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. It is recommended to familiarize yourself in advance with the current information on the official website: politsei.ee. 

Yes, possessing a temporary residence permit in Estonia entitles you to freely leave the country and return. However, to cross the border without hindrance, you must have the following documents:

A valid passport: Your national passport must be valid at the time of crossing the border.

Residence permit card: This is a mandatory document evidencing your resident status in Estonia. The residence permit card is valid for up to 5 years and confirms your right to reside in the country.

Please note that the residence permit card is a mandatory internal identification document for a foreigner who is not a citizen of the European Union and resides in Estonia based on a valid residence permit or right of residence.

For further information and consultations, it is recommended to contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or visit their official website. 

Analysis of Denial Reasons

Official Notification: After a denial, you will receive a written notification with reasons stated. Carefully study it to understand the grounds for the denial.

Appealing the Decision

Right to Appeal: You have the right to contest the decision of the residence permit denial. To do this, you need to file an appeal with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

Submission Deadline: The appeal must be submitted within 30 days from the receipt of the denial notification.

State Fee: When filing an appeal, a state fee of 80 euros must be paid.

Contact Details for Submitting the Appeal:

Postal Address: Pärnu mnt 139, 15060 Tallinn, Estonia

Email: info@politsei.ee

Preparing the Appeal

Documents: In the appeal, specify your details, the essence of the objection, and attach copies of documents supporting your position.

Argumentation: Provide additional evidence or explanations that may refute the reasons for refusal.

Alternative Actions

Reapplication: If the appeal does not result in a positive outcome, you can address the identified shortcomings and submit a new application for a residence permit.

Consultation: It is recommended to consult a migration consultant at the Police and Border Guard Department for detailed recommendations.

Temporary Stay

Legality of Stay: Ensure that your stay in Estonia remains legal during the appeal process or reapplication. If necessary, obtain the appropriate visa or extend your stay.

Additional Information

Details about the appeal procedure are available on the official website of the Police and Border Guard Department of Estonia. Please note that procedures and requirements may change. It is recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the Police and Border Guard Department of Estonia before submitting an application. 

When Translator Services Are Needed

Translation of Official Documents: Documents submitted to Estonian governmental institutions as part of migration procedures must be in Estonian. If the originals are in another language, they need to be translated. Some institutions may accept documents in English or Russian, but it is recommended to clarify the requirements with the specific agency.

Notarized Translations: In cases where official confirmation of the translation's accuracy is required, you must contact a sworn translator who will certify the document with their signature and stamp. Such translations are recognized as official and accepted by government authorities.

How to Find a Sworn Translator in Estonia

Sworn Translator Offices: Estonia has specialized offices that provide sworn translator services.

Online Resources: Many translation agencies have their own websites where you can familiarize yourself with the list of services, language directions, and prices.

Please note that translation requirements for documents may vary depending on the specific migration procedure. It is recommended to clarify the requirements in advance at the relevant institutions or consult with migration consultants.