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.
- Gather the necessary documents for residency application:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Fill out the application form and submit it to the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) with the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Attend an interview with the PPA.
- Receive a decision from the PPA.
- If the decision is positive, apply for an Estonian ID card.
- Gather the necessary documents for the ID card application:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of identity
- Fill out the application form and submit it to the PPA with the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Attend an interview with the PPA.
- Receive a decision from the PPA.
- If the decision is positive, receive the ID card.
- Apply for a Tax Number.
- Gather the necessary documents for the Tax Number application:
- Valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of identity
- Estonian ID card
- Fill out the application form and submit it to the Tax and Customs Board with the necessary documents.
- Receive a decision from the Tax and Customs Board.
- If the decision is positive, receive the Tax Number.
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Estonia?
“If you plan to stay in Estonia for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa or a residence permit for a specific purpose. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Estonia. Additionally, you may need to provide a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and a criminal record check,” said one expat living 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.
