Estonia is becoming a popular choice for anyone seeking a job in Europe. The country has straightforward visa procedures and also allows visitors to bring their families, making it an appealing overseas job location.
Work permit for non-EU citizens
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and wish to work in Estonia for a limited period of time (up to 6 months per year), you must apply for a D-visa. Before filing for a D-visa, your employer can register your short-term jobs with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
If you intend to work in Estonia for more than six months, you must apply for a residence visa.
You must first obtain a temporary residence permit (with your first permit, for work up to 2 years). After living in Estonia for 5 years on a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a long-term residency permit.
If you want to stay in Estonia permanently, you can also apply for a temporary residence permit.
Requirements for obtaining a work visa
- Job offer from a company in Estonia
- A standard work contract from your employer in Estonia
- Permission of the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund for employment (if required)
- Invitation by the employer which shall be completed by the employer and submitted to the Police and Border Guard Board
You can apply for a work visa if you are:
- An employee who has been transferred by your company.
- Working as a temp for a staffing agency.
- Employed on the basis of a blue card from the European Union (EU).
- Hired for scientific research.
- You are a top specialist.
- Working for a start-up company.
- Employed with the Estonian unemployment insurance fund’s permission and in accordance with the salary criterion.
- Working with Estonia’s unemployment insurance fund’s permission and not meeting the salary threshold condition.
- Applying for government-designated shortage occupations without the approval of the Estonian unemployment insurance fund but meeting the salary requirements.
Documents required
- Completed application form
- Copy of valid passport
- Passport-size photo
- Receipt of payment of embassy visa fees which is 100 Euros
- An insurance policy with protection for the length of the stay of at least EUR 30 000
- Documents showing the intent of the travel, such as a letter from the host, job documents, research documents, evidence of family relations
- Biometric information
- Proof of English language proficiency if required by the employer
- Information about your accommodation in Estonia
It will take about 30 days to process the work permit.
