Estonia Long Stay Visas – Eligibility, Requirements and Application
You can apply for an Estonian long-stay visa (D-visa) or a short-stay visa to Estonia (C-visa), depending on the planned period of stay.
Estonia, officially known as the Republic of Estonia is located in northern Europe, shares it borders with Finland, Baltic Sea across from Sweden, Latvia, Lake Peipus and Russia.
There are various requirements that must be met in order to obtain an Estonia Long Stay Visa, including having a valid passport and proof of financial stability.
Read on to find out more about Estonia long stay visa, and its criteria for eligibility, required documents, steps to apply and more.
What is an Estonia long stay visa?
An Estonia Type D Visa permits foreigners to stay in Estonia for a certain period, typically between 6 and 12 months.
The Estonian Type D visas is commonly used by tourists, businesspeople and other people who are in Estonia for a short period and do not need to apply for a residence permit.
Of course, the process of procuring an Estonia long stay visa is very simple. You can surely initiate and complete the process through an Estonian embassy or consulate.
Generally, Estonia long stay visas are of different types and are issued to people for different purposes. The following are the different long stay visas are issued:
- Family reunification visa
- Estonia digital nomad visa
- Student long stay visa
- Estonia investment visa
- Work visa
Required Documents for Estonia long stay visa
While applying for a long stay visa to visit Estonia, you must make provisions for certain documents.
Most importantly, each of these documents must be in English or German language.
Below are list of documents you need during the application process of an Estonia long stay visa.
- A completed Estonia visa application form: Make sure you fill in accurate information as provided in other documents.
In addition, print two original copies of the form and sign at the end of each form. It is recommended you write with capital letters.
- 2 passport photographs: Must be recent passports not older than six months.
- You must have a valid international passport not older than 10 years. It must be within the validity period.
In addition, your passport should have two blank pages so you can affix visa sticker on it.
- Schengen Health Insurance: Without a doubt, it is very important to purchase a health insurance plan of not less than €30,000 to cover medical emergencies associated with your travels.
- You must have your flight Itinerary including, rail tickets, flight reservation or any other form of transportation you intend to use.
- Provide Proof of accommodation for your stay in Germany: such as your hotel booking details or letter of invitation from a host country.
However, if you are staying with a friend/family, provide a copy of their ID and Passport as well as proof that they can finance your stay.
- Proof of civil status; Such as marriage certificate, birth certificate of children, death certificate of spouse etc).
- Proof of financial status: You must provide proof to show that you have 853€ per month to the German embassy.
- Biometric data (fingerprints): You must submit the fingerprints at the embassy or consulate when you submit all the other requested documents.
Estonia long stay visa fee
If you are planning a trip to Estonia, be prepared to pay an Estonia long stay visa fee.
This fee is currently set at €80 for adults and at €35 for children aged below 18. Bear in mind that a refused application does not guarantee a refund.
As the application process of long stay visa is hard to understand at times, it is best for you to ensure an appropriate submission of application including all supporting documents.
Processing time of Estonia long stay visa
There are different factors to consider concerning the processing of your Estonia long stay visa.
The first is that the processing time for an Estonia long stay visa may vary depending on the country you are applying from.
Another thing to consider is submitting the necessary documents early so that your application is processed quickly.
If you are considering an Estonia long stay visa, be prepared for a short processing time. The average processing time for an Estonia long stay visa is 30 days.
Steps to apply for Estonia long stay visa
The application process for the visa is similar to every other Estonia visa application.
However, you can apply at the Estonia embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Follow these systematic instructions:
- Gather all required documents
- Fill out application form
- Pay visa application fee
- Submit application form, along with supporting documents
- Wait for the embassy or consulate’s decision
Step 1: Gather all required documents
The first step to apply for an Estonia long stay visa is to put together all documents required during the application process.
These documents include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, proof of health insurance coverage, among others.
Step 2: Fill out application form
This requires you to download the visa application form from the official website. Afterwards, you have to fill out each field on the form.
Step 3: Pay visa application fee
While applying for an Estonia long stay visa, you must pay an application fee of €80 or €35 for adults and children (below 18) respectively.
Most importantly, the embassy will not process your application without the fee.
Step 4: Submit supporting documents
At this stage, you can now submit the filled out visa application form, as well as all your supporting documents.
Step 5: Wait for the embassy or consulate’s decision
Embassies take up to 15 days (2 weeks) to process applications for persons who want to travel via an Estonia long stay visa.
Upon the successful completion of your visa application, you can await the approval of your application.
If you get your visa, make sure to understand carefully the labels attached to the visa, including the period it permits you to remain in the country.
If your visa application is denied, read the reasons why the consulates or embassy did not grant you a visa and try to fulfil it the next time you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for D-visa in Estonia?
Children under 6 years, citizens of an EU country or EEA country can apply for D-visa in Estonia.
Who does not need a visa to visit Estonia?
Nationals of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and any third country citizen holding a residence permit of a Schengen State do not need a visa to enter Estonia.
How do I become a permanent resident of the EU?
To get a document certifying your right of permanent residence, you must submit proof that you have been living legally in the country for 5 years.
More so, you need to send different supporting documents with your application, depending on your situation (employed, self-employed, jobseeker, pensioner or student).
How long can you stay in Estonia without a visa?
Americans, Australians, British and Canadians can travel to Estonia, and any other Schengen countries, without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
When should I apply for an Estonia long stay visa?
The most appropriate time to apply for a long stay visa to journey through an Estonian airport is two (2) weeks before you intended date of travel.
Besides, you should know some other things before applying for this visa. These include possessing a valid passport, travel insurance, among others.
How can I stay in Estonia forever?
You can stay forever in Estonia if you have a Permanent Settlement Residence Permit.
To achieve this, you first need to apply for naturalization (That is, becoming an Estonia Citizen), which is only possible after 10 years as a permanent resident.
Can I study in Estonia with a long stay visa?
Yes, you can study in Estonia using a long stay visa.
However, you have to meet a number of conditions, and avail documentation that confirms that your relationship with the person sponsoring you in the country.
Who can apply for Estonia long stay visa?
An Estonia long stay visa is a type of visa that allows someone who is not a citizen of Estonia to stay in the country for a period of one year.
Citizens of the Schengen zone who meets the necessary requirements can apply for Estonia long stay visa.
More so, applications are processed based on an individual’s nationality and the purpose of their visit.
How much bank balance is do i need for an Estonia long stay visa?
You need to show a minimum balance of €3000 over the last 6 months.
However, if you do not have this amount in your bank, you could show a family member or guardian’s statement instead, with an enclosed letter stating that they are sponsoring your travel and stay.
Is Estonia safe?
Estonia is a small country located in the Baltic region. It has a population of just over 1 million people and an area of just over 100,000 square kilometers.
Despite its size, Estonia has a strong security apparatus in place. The government maintains a tight grip on the media, which limits information available to the public.
Additionally, the country has a well-trained military and police force.
Conclusion
In summary, it is very easy to get Estonia long stay visa if you follow the steps we have provided.
Whether you want to get a long stay visa for work, study, or even family reunion. You have seen the various documents needed to apply for the visa.
So, tidy up and take the first step to move to Estonia.
