Estonia
Retire in Estonia
Last updated on Feb 02, 2023
Summary: Retirees are attracted to Estonia for its low cost of living, excellent healthcare system, and vibrant culture. Estonia also offers retirees a peaceful and safe environment, with a high quality of life. The weather in Estonia is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit in the summer, and the mid-teens to the mid-30s Fahrenheit in the winter.
What is it like to retire in Estonia?
"Retirees in Estonia and its surroundings enjoy a high quality of life. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and friendly people. There is an active expat community in Estonia, with many retirees taking advantage of the country's low cost of living and excellent healthcare system. Cultural attractions abound, from the medieval Old Town of Tallinn to the stunning coastal towns of Pärnu and Haapsalu. There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking to sailing and fishing. For those looking for nightlife, Estonia's cities offer a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants," said one retiree in living in Estonia.
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What are the most challenging aspects of retiring in Estonia?
"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Estonia is the language barrier. Although English is widely spoken, many official documents and services are only available in Estonian. Additionally, the cost of living in Estonia is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to stretch their pension income. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Estonia is not as comprehensive as in other countries, so retirees may need to purchase additional health insurance to cover any medical expenses. Finally, the climate in Estonia can be quite harsh in the winter months, making it difficult for retirees to stay active and healthy," remarked one retiree in Estonia.
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What are the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Estonia?
"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Estonia is the low cost of living. With a low cost of living, retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. Additionally, Estonia is a beautiful country with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The country also offers a wide range of cultural activities, from museums and galleries to music and theatre. Furthermore, Estonia has a strong healthcare system, providing retirees with access to quality medical care. Finally, the country is known for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to retire," commented one retiree living in Estonia.
What are healthcare services like in Estonia?
We asked retirees if they have access to good medical care in Estonia. They wrote:
"Estonia has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides free healthcare to all citizens. The healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by family doctors, while secondary and tertiary care is provided by hospitals and specialized clinics. Estonia also has a number of private healthcare providers that offer a range of services. The country has a well-developed network of pharmacies and medical laboratories, as well as a number of health insurance companies. In addition, Estonia has a number of health promotion and disease prevention programs in place," said one retiree in living in Estonia.
How do I meet people in Estonia?
When we asked people living in Estonia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Estonia often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals alike," commented one retiree living in Estonia.
"British Chamber of Commerce American and Canadian Chambers of Commerce. Get a hold of This Week in Tallinn )a bimonthly puiblication) and Baltic Times weekly newspaper to find names of clubs and churches that might be of interest," explained one retiree living in Tallinn.
What is life like in Estonia?
When we asked people living in Estonia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Estonia is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its high quality of life, with a low cost of living and a vibrant culture. The country is also very welcoming to foreigners, with a large expat community and plenty of opportunities for networking. The country is also very tech-savvy, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work remotely. The capital city of Tallinn is particularly popular with expats and digital nomads, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Overall, Estonia is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live and work," said one retiree in living in Estonia.
"Life here is family oriented up to a point, but many marriages are broken. Young people go out frequently to bars and clubs where English is generally well spoken. Foreigners are received in a friendly and welcome manner. In fact, they are plesantly surprised to see you here. Do not be shy about opening conversations," explained a retiree in Tallinn.
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What do I need to know before retiring in Estonia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Estonia, they said:
"Before retiring in Estonia, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Estonia, as prices can vary significantly depending on the city or region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the healthcare system in Estonia, as private health insurance may be necessary. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for Estonia, as these can vary depending on the individual's nationality," commented one retiree living in Estonia.
"Come here first and meet the people, and see how you like it. For winter, bring heaps of extremely warm clothes. Culturally it is a dream, with the concert hall and opera house performing 9 mos of the year, and best seats at only 11 dollars. Dining out at fine restaurants is no bargain. Bring Seasoning Salt in abundance, and boxes of seasoned stuffing if you like roast chook )or you'll have to make your own). MORE cigarettes also canä' be found here. You can join the Academic Library and check out books in English and many other languages," explained one retiree living in Tallinn.
What type of recreational activities are there in Estonia?
"In Estonia, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and forests. There are also many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. Additionally, Estonia is home to a number of spas and wellness centres, offering a range of treatments and services. Finally, Estonia is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from," said one retiree in living in Estonia.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Estonia?
"People living in Estonia typically buy groceries from supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers' markets. Other shopping can be done at department stores, malls, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Estonia," explained one retiree living in Estonia.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- How do I meet people in Estonia?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- Is there a lot of crime in Estonia?
- What do I need to know before retiring in Estonia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Estonia accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Estonia like?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Estonia?
- What are healthcare services like in Estonia?
- Is the cost of living in Estonia high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Estonia?
- What is the weather like in Estonia?
- Are there good restaurants in Estonia?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Estonia?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Estonia?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Estonia?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Estonia?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Estonia?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
