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.

• Research the types of residency permits available
  • Visit the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website for information on different types of permits: Residence Permit for Living in Estonia
  • Choose the appropriate permit based on your situation (work, study, family relations, etc.)
• Check if you need a visa to enter Estonia
  • Consult the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for visa requirements: Visa Information
  • If required, apply for a visa at the nearest Estonian Embassy or Consulate
• Prepare the necessary documents
  • Gather personal identification documents (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Obtain any additional documents related to the purpose of your stay (employment contract, letter of acceptance from an educational institution, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Apply for a residency permit
  • Fill out the application form available on the Police and Border Guard Board website: Application Form
  • Submit the application along with the required documents and pay the state fee
  • Applications can be submitted at an Estonian Embassy or Consulate abroad or at a Police and Border Guard Board service office in Estonia
• Wait for the decision
  • Residency permit processing times can vary, so check the expected processing times on the Police and Border Guard Board website
  • Be prepared to attend an interview if requested
• Register your place of residence
  • Once you have received your residency permit, you must register your place of residence in the Estonian Population Register
  • This can be done at a local government office or electronically via the eesti.ee portal: eesti.ee
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Estonian Tax and Customs Board website to learn about the tax number application process: Estonian Tax and Customs Board
  • Apply for a personal identification code, which also serves as your tax number, at a local Tax and Customs Board office or online
• Open a bank account
  • Choose a bank in Estonia and gather the required documents (residency permit, identification, proof of address, etc.)
  • Visit a bank branch in person to open an account
• Understand your rights and obligations
  • Read about your rights as a resident, such as access to healthcare, education, and social services
  • Learn about your obligations, including tax liabilities and the requirement to renew your residency permit before it expires

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and changes in legislation. Always refer to the official Estonian government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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.