Residence permit in Estonia

• Temporary – is a residence permit in Estonia for a 5-year period;
• Long-term – is a permanent residence in Estonia that is issued on the basis of residence permit in case of 5-year residency in the country. Citizenship application can be made following permanent residence.

Aliens who intend to stay in Estonia for more than 3 months, have to contact local authorities for residence permit. That applied to all foreign nationals, including EU citizens.

Residence permit in Estonia is an ID card specified the card holder’s data. In order to obtain residence permit, it is required to appeal directly the prefecture in Estonia or one of its international departments.

• Family reunification;
• Official employment in Estonia;
• Business operating and country’s economy investments;
• Scientific activities in Estonia;
• Outstanding achievements of academics and artists, athletes, international prize winners, who benefit the country and enhance its prestige;
• Refugee status;
• High and lawful income from abroad, as a rare exception.

Estonian national or an alien who resides in the country on the basis of temporary or permanent residence permit is entitled to invite his family members.

The following categories of persons are entitled to family reunification:

• Marriage partner;
• Children under 18 years old (minors);
• Adult children with serious health problems who are unable to take care of themselves (confirming certificate from medical facility is required);
• Dependents on an individual lawfully residing in Estonian national territory;
• Parents and grandparents of an individual lawfully residing in Estonian national territory, in case they need special care due to health problems or some other reasons.

Residence permit is obligatory for official employment.

In view of official employment the wage shall not be less than € 1350 per month (compulsory condition for all foreign nationals).

Employment contract for 1-year period with details regarding a place of employment is a prerequisite.

Foreign national is eligible for:

1. Being employed with several employers;
2. Holding managerial positions;
3. Extensions of residence permit for 5-year period under condition of extension of employment contract.

Estonia is one of the most attractive countries for business entries with further residence permit obtaining.

The Estonian State encourages business entries in its territory, as well as investments in country’s economy due to  citizen-oriented taxation system with tax deductions etc.

1. The authorized capital stock of the limited liability company is not less than € 2500, and for business starting it should be not less than € 16000.
2. Residence permit for 5-year period under investments in the country’s economy starting from € 65000.
3. Possibility to maintain business activity via e-Residency (aided by Internet-based resources). It is available if the company already exists, and the residence permit is in the process of registration;
4. Investments can also include the company’s share capital;
5. Possibility to provide business-plan in English.

Foreign national is eligible to study in six state and three private higher educational establishments in Estonia. Taking into account the fact than Estonia is a member of EU, Estonian diploma will be recognized in all EU member states.

It is easy enough to enter Estonian university. Contract conclusion with the university and invitation from it will be enough.  The only obstacle can appear to be the proficiency in Estonian language or the necessity to pass IELTS (5.5 – 6) or TOEFL (70 – 80) instead.

Foreign students are eligible to work during their education process.

Residence permit is issued for the whole period of study.An average tuition fee is € 1500 per year.