Work Estonia

In order to work in Estonia, foreign nationals need to obtain an appropriate permit, which depends on the intended duration of work.

Short-term employment

If you plan to work temporarily in Estonia (up to 365 days within 455 days), you must:

Legal stay in the country: Based on a visa or visa-free regime.

Registration of employment: The employer must register your short-term employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

State fee: As of January 1, 2025, the fee for short-term work registration is 65 euros when applying in Estonia and 48 euros through self-service.

Long-term employment

For long-term work, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit for work purposes:

Find an employer: Secure a job with a company registered in Estonia.

Submit an application: Apply personally at the Estonian diplomatic mission or at the service bureau of the Police and Border Guard Board.

Required documents:

- Completed application form for a temporary residence permit.

- Form with information about close relatives and family members.

- Biographical data.

- Valid passport.

- Digital photo.

- Proof of payment for the state fee.

Conditions for obtaining:

- Relevant education and work experience.

- Employer registered in Estonia.

- Salary not lower than the national average (exceptions exist).

- Employment permit from the Unemployment Insurance Fund for foreign workers.

Processing time: Up to 2 months; after approval, the residence permit card is issued within 30 days.

Note: Requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before applying.

European Union citizens

Freedom of movement and employment: Citizens of EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, have the right to freely enter Estonia and work without needing a special work permit or residence permit.

Residence registration: If staying in Estonia for more than 90 days, you must register your place of residence within the first three months. After registration, an Estonian ID card is issued.

Third-country nationals (non-EU citizens)

Need for a work permit: Third-country nationals must obtain a work permit for legal employment in Estonia.

Short-term employment: For work up to one year you need to:

Registration of employment: The employer must register your short-term employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

Visa D: After registration, you can apply for a long-term visa (Visa D), allowing work in Estonia for up to 12 months.

Long-term employment: For work over one year you need to:

Residence permit for work: Apply for a temporary residence permit for work, which is issued for up to 5 years.

Permission from the Unemployment Insurance Fund: The employer must obtain permission for employing a foreigner from the Unemployment Insurance Fund.

Salary requirements: The salary must be not lower than the average in Estonia, though there are exceptions depending on the type of work.

Please note, requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to check the latest information on official resources or contact migration consultants from the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia before applying. 

Using online platforms

EURES: The European job mobility portal providing information on job vacancies and working conditions in the EU and EEA countries. You can register your resume and receive notifications about suitable job openings.

Work in Estonia: The official portal aimed at attracting foreign professionals to Estonia. It contains information about job offers, candidate requirements, and relocation tips.

CV Keskus: One of the largest Estonian job search portals, offering a wide range of vacancies across various industries.

CV.ee: A popular portal with an extensive job database and the option to post resumes.

Contacting the Estonian Employment Center

The Employment Center provides employment services, including career consultations, workshops, and information about the labor market. Here, you can get support in drafting resumes, preparing for interviews, and finding suitable job vacancies.

Consulting with migration advisors

Migration consultants offer free consultations on issues of moving, working, and living in Estonia. They can provide information on necessary documents, procedures, and adaptation in the country.

Participation in adaptation programs

The adaptation program in Estonia offers thematic educational courses and beginner-level Estonian language studies, which facilitate successful integration and improve employment opportunities.

Networking and professional communities

Establishing professional contacts through events, workshops, and online communities can aid in job searching. Recommendations and personal connections often play a significant role in employment.

It is recommended to actively use available resources, improve skills, and be ready to adapt to the demands of the Estonian labor market.

Language requirements

Estonian language: Knowledge of the official language is a significant advantage and may be mandatory for certain positions, especially in the public sector and fields requiring direct communication with clients. However, there are vacancies that do not require knowledge of Estonian. For example, in the IT and technical specialties, proficiency in English is often sufficient.

English language: Widely used in international companies and the high-tech sector. Good command of English can significantly expand employment opportunities.

Qualifications and work experience

Education and professional skills: To obtain a residence permit for work in Estonia, it is necessary to have the appropriate education, work experience, and professional skills required for a specific position.

Recognition of qualifications: In some cases, confirmation or nostrification of foreign diplomas and certificates may be required, especially for regulated professions (e.g., medicine, education).

Additional requirements

Salary: The employer is obliged to pay a salary not lower than the average in Estonia, although there are exceptions depending on the type of work.

Health: Some professions may require confirmation of health conditions appropriate to the duties performed.

Skilled labor

Information technology: Estonia is known for its developed IT sector and seeks to attract specialists in programming, software development, and cybersecurity.

Engineering and industrial manufacturing: There is a significant demand for engineers in the manufacturing industry, particularly in areas such as mechanical engineering, industrial technology, and scientific research. Local universities cover only a third of the demand for engineers, hence companies actively seek specialists from abroad.

Scientific research and development: Companies are interested in attracting specialists for conducting research and developing new products and technologies.

Unskilled labor

Agriculture: Seasonal periods require a workforce for harvesting and other agricultural work.

Construction: The demand for construction workers, such as carpenters, bricklayers, and laborers, remains stable.

Service sector: Restaurants, hotels, and retail enterprises often need staff for tasks that do not require high qualifications, such as waiters, salespeople, and cleaners.

First level (I stage): State pension

Funded by taxes from current taxpayers and designed to provide a minimum income in old age. Includes:

Old-age pension: for individuals who have reached retirement age.

Survivor's pension: for families who have lost a breadwinner.

Social pension: minimum pension for those who do not have sufficient employment duration or contributions to receive an old-age pension.

Second level (Level II): Funded pension

Since 2021, participation in the second level has become voluntary, and everyone can decide whether to continue making contributions to individual pension accounts or to exit the system.

Third level (Level III): Additional funded pension

Voluntary contributions that allow individuals to independently accumulate additional funds for a higher standard of living in retirement. The state provides tax incentives to encourage participation at this level.

Retirement age and flexible retirement

From 2027, the retirement age in Estonia will be linked to life expectancy, ensuring the sustainability of the pension system. Additionally, from 2021, a more flexible retirement system was introduced, allowing individuals to choose the most suitable time for ending their employment.

Features for immigrants

Foreign nationals working in Estonia and paying social taxes are entitled to participate in the pension system on par with Estonian citizens. Upon relocation, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with bilateral social security agreements between Estonia and the country of origin to understand how pension rights accumulated in different countries will be considered.

More detailed information about the Estonian pension system can be found on the official resources of the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Estonian Pension Registry.

Pension insurance

More detailed information about the pension system can be found on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia.

Medical insurance

Medical insurance ensures access to medical services and covers treatment costs. Employees and self-employed persons are automatically insured through social tax contributions paid by the employer or independently. The unemployed and certain other population groups also have the right to medical insurance under certain conditions.

Unemployment insurance

In the event of job loss, compensations and benefits are provided to help offset a portion of lost income and aid in finding new employment. Unemployed individuals receive unemployment insurance or benefits. Additional information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia.

Family benefits and parental compensations

The state supports families with children through various benefits and leave, including:

Childbirth allowance: a one-time payment to support the family upon the birth of a child.

Child benefit: a monthly payment for each child up to a certain age.

Parental leave and compensations: provide parents the opportunity to spend time with children and receive compensation for the period of leave.

Social services and local government benefits

Local governments organize the provision of social services, provision of social benefits, and other assistance at the place of residence of a person registered in the population register. This includes support in the form of social services and benefits for those in need of assistance.

Please note that to qualify for various types of social insurance and benefits, certain conditions and requirements must be met. It is recommended to review detailed information on official resources or contact specialists for consultation.

Dismissal

Employer's initiative: An employer may terminate an employment contract on certain grounds, such as company liquidation, staff reduction, or employee incompetency. In doing so, notice periods, which depend on the employee's length of service, must be observed:

Less than 1 year: No less than 15 calendar days.

More than 1 year: No less than 30 calendar days.

Employee Initiative: The employee has the right to terminate the employment contract by notifying the employer no less than 30 calendar days in advance.

Compensation: When dismissed at the initiative of the employer, the employee is paid compensation equaling one average monthly wage. Additionally, the Employment Center may provide compensation depending on the length of service.

Vacations

Annual Basic Leave: Employees are entitled to an annual paid leave of no less than 28 calendar days. For minors and employees with special needs, the duration of leave is no less than 35 calendar days. During the leave, the average earnings of the employee are maintained.

Childcare Leave

Paternity Leave: A father is entitled to 30 calendar days of leave, which can be taken in one part or in parts from 30 days before the expected date of the child's birth until the child reaches the age of three.

Parental Leave: One of the parents is entitled to parental leave until the child reaches the age of three. During this period, a parental allowance is paid.

Study Leave: Employees combining work with studies are entitled to study leave with preservation of average earnings. The duration of such leave is determined depending on the study program.

Public Holidays

In Estonia, the following public holidays are established, on which employees are given a day off:

January 1: New Year.

February 24: Independence Day.

Easter Sunday (date changes annually).

May 1: Spring Holiday.

June 23: Victory Day.

June 24: Summer Solstice Day (Jaan's Day).

August 20: Restoration of Independence Day.

December 24: Christmas Eve.

December 25: Christmas.

December 26: Boxing Day.

If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are paid double the rate or given an additional day off.

Additional Provisions

Vacation Pay: Vacation pay is issued no later than the penultimate working day before the start of the vacation, unless otherwise agreed between the employee and the employer.

Vacation Transfer: By mutual agreement, the vacation can be transferred to the next working year but must be used no later than within the year following the end of the working year for which it is granted.

Main Trade Union Associations in Estonia

The Central Union of Estonian Trade Unions: The largest association, including 16 sectoral trade unions representing employees in the public and municipal sectors, education, healthcare, transport, industry, and services.

The Confederation of Professional Employees’ Trade Unions: Unites trade unions representing the interests of professional workers in various sectors, including culture, science, and education.

Independent Unions: There are also independent unions, such as the Estonian Doctors' Union, the Estonian Nurses' Union, and the Estonian Education Workers' Union, which actively protect the interests of their members in respective professional fields.

How Unions Can Help Workers

Representation in Negotiations: Unions conduct collective bargaining with employers, seeking to improve working conditions, increase wages, and ensure social guarantees for their members.

Legal Support: Union members receive consultations on labor law issues and protection in cases of labor disputes or rights violations by the employer.

Training and Development: Unions organize training sessions and seminars to enhance employees' qualifications and professional development.

Rights Protection: Unions actively participate in the development and improvement of labor legislation, ensuring the protection of workers' rights at the national level.

Union Membership: Joining a union is voluntary. Union members typically pay dues, which are used to fund the organization's activities and services for members.

Additional Information

For more detailed information about unions in Estonia and opportunities for joining, it is recommended to visit the Tööelu portal, which provides information on various unions and their activities.

In Estonia, business activities are characterized by a transparent and stable legal environment that is conducive to business development. Foreign investors have equal rights and obligations with local entrepreneurs, making Estonia attractive for business operations.

Main forms of business activities

Sole Proprietor: An individual entrepreneur with unlimited liability for their obligations. Simplicity of registration and record-keeping.

Limited Partnership: The most popular form for small and medium enterprises. The minimum share capital from 2023 is 1 euro cent, facilitating the process of setting up a company. Participants are liable within the limit of their contribution.

Joint Stock Company: Intended for large businesses with a large number of shareholders. Requires more significant share capital.

Business operation features in Estonia

E-Governance: Estonia is known for its advanced electronic services, allowing companies to be registered online and managed remotely. The e-Residency program offers foreigners the opportunity to obtain electronic residency for conducting business in Estonia without the need for physical presence.

Tax system:

- Zero tax rate on undistributed and reinvested profits encourages company growth.

- Tax on distributed profits is 14–20%.

Transparent legal environment: Estonian legislation provides stable conditions for entrepreneurship, with equal rights for local and foreign investors.

State support: The "Enterprise Estonia" fund offers various grants and support for business development, including assistance in export and attracting investments.

Additional resources

Invest in Estonia: Provides detailed information on doing business in Estonia, including legal aspects and investment opportunities.

Startup Estonia: Supports the startup ecosystem, offering resources and programs for budding entrepreneurs.

Estonia offers favorable conditions for entrepreneurs due to its digital infrastructure, transparent legislation, and support from the government. This makes the country attractive for starting and developing businesses, both for local and foreign investors.