Guide to Residency in Estonia

Obtaining a residency visa in Estonia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Estonia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Determine the type of residency permit you need
  • Temporary residency: for study, work, or business
  • Long-term residency: for settlement with a spouse, family reunification, or international protection
  • Permanent residency: after living in Estonia for 5 years with a temporary residency permit
• Check if you need a visa to enter Estonia
  • Visit the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to check if you need a visa: https://vm.ee/en/who-does-not-need-visa-visit-estonia
• Find a place to live and register your place of residence
  • You need a registered place of residence to apply for an ID card and residency permit
  • You can register your place of residence at a local government office or at the Police and Border Guard Board
• Apply for an Estonian ID card
  • Submit an application at a service office of the Police and Border Guard Board: https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/estonian-id-card/
  • You will need a passport or other travel document, a color photo, and a document certifying the payment of the state fee
• Apply for a Tax Number (TIN)
  • Submit an application to the Tax and Customs Board: https://www.emta.ee/eng/private-client/registration-estonia/registration-non-resident/applying-personal-identification-code-and-tin
  • You will need an identity document and a document certifying your place of residence
• Gather required documents for your residency permit application
  • Passport or other travel document
  • Color photo
  • Document certifying the payment of the state fee
  • Health insurance policy
  • Documents supporting the purpose of your stay (e.g., work contract, admission letter from a university, business plan)
• Submit your residency permit application
  • Submit your application at a service office of the Police and Border Guard Board: https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/residence-permits/
  • You can also submit your application at an Estonian representation abroad
• Wait for a decision on your application
  • The processing time for a residency permit application can take up to 2 months
  • You can check the status of your application on the Police and Border Guard Board website
• Register with the Population Register
  • After receiving your residency permit, register with the Population Register at a local government office or at the Police and Border Guard Board

Additional Information

It is recommended to learn the Estonian language for better integration into society. You can find language courses offered by various institutions and organizations in Estonia.

For further information and assistance, you can contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or visit their website: https://www.politsei.ee/en

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Estonia?

"In order to visit Estonia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from an Estonian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. In order to obtain residency in Estonia, foreign nationals must apply for a residence permit. The process of applying for a residence permit involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of financial means, proof of health insurance, and any other documents required by the Estonian Immigration Office," commented one member living in Estonia.