Estonia Residence Permit: Eligibility, Requirements and Application
Estonian residence permits are issued to foreigners who intend to live in Estonia indefinitely and have a job or study place available.
If you want to live in Estonia, you will need a residence permit. After that, you can marry an Estonian citizen, be employed in Estonia, establish a company, or have sufficient funds to support yourself. However, If you are not from the European Union or European Economic Area, you will also need a visa.
There are three types of residence permits. The most generic is the temporary residence permit. This is valid for up to five years, and it is renewable. You can also apply for a permanent residence permit after living in Estonia for five years on a temporary residence permit.
However, the application process is relatively simple. You will need to tender documentation proving that you meet the eligibility requirements. Therefore, this guide explores all you need to know about the Estonia residence permit.
Types of Estonia Residence Permit
There are three types of Estonia residence permits that you can obtain, and they include;
#1. Permanent Residence Permit
The permit is issued to an individual who has resided in Estonia for five years with a temporary residence permit and has not committed any serious crimes. However, a permanent residence permit holder is exempt from the requirement to hold a valid travel document and may stay in Estonia for an unlimited period.
Requirements for Estonia Permanent residence permit
To obtain a permanent residence permit in Estonia, you must meet specific requirements. These include:
- Have an Estonian residence permit
- Be a resident of Estonia
- Have a principal place of residence in Estonia for at least five years.
- You must also be able to support yourself and your family members financially.
- In addition, you must have no criminal record and pass a medical examination.
Benefits of Estonia Permanent Residence Permit
The advantages of having a permanent residence permit in Estonia are numerous.
- One of the most significant advantages is traveling freely in the Schengen Area.
- You do not require a visa to visit other Schengen countries. Also, you can stay for up to 90 days without any restrictions.
- Another benefit is that you can work without limitations in Estonia or any other Schengen country.
- If you have children, they have the right to attend school in Estonia free of charge.
- You can also apply for Estonian citizenship after living in Estonia for five years with a permanent residence permit.
#2. Temporary Residence Permit
The permit can be issued for up to five years and allows its holder to reside in Estonia. In addition, a temporary residence permit may be renewed, provided the grounds for issuance still exist.
Requirements Estonia Temporary Residence Permit
Requirements for the Temporary Residence Permit in Estonia are:
- The applicant must be a foreigner.
- Applicants must have a legal basis for staying in Estonia.
- The applicant must have valid travel documents and health insurance.
- Also, the applicant must not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health.
Benefits of Estonia Temporary Residence Permit
Suppose you want a hitch-free way to travel and work in the European Union (EU). In that case, the Estonia Temporary Residence Permit may be the right option for you. This permit offers several benefits, including:
- A straightforward application process that is easy to understand.
- The ability to move within the Schengen Area.
- No requirement to speak Estonian or live in Estonia permanently.
- The possibility of working in Estonia without obtaining a separate work permit.
- The ability to apply for permanent residency after five years of holding a temporary residence permit.
#3. Work-based Temporary Residence Permit
The permit is issued to anyone who has been offered employment in Estonia or their family members. However, The work-based temporary residence permit is usually valid for one year and can be renewed once.
Requirements for Estonia Work-based Temporary Residence Permit
Requirements for the Work-based Temporary Residence Permit in Estonia are:
- Be a citizen of a country within the European Union or European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
- Have a valid passport or travel document.
- Be able to prove that you have adequate health insurance coverage.
- Be able to provide evidence that you have secured employment in Estonia.
- Meet the financial requirements, including having at least €560 per month available to cover your living expenses in Estonia.
Benefits of Estonia Work-based Temporary Residence Permit
Estonia offers a unique opportunity for foreigners looking to establish a presence in the EU. By obtaining a work-based temporary residence permit, you can live and work in Estonia while maintaining your visa status in your home country. There are myriad benefits to this type of permit, including:
- You can live and work in Estonia for up to two years, giving you plenty of time to settle and find a job.
- You don’t need to speak Estonian to apply for or hold this permit.
- Additionally, you will have access to all of the same rights and benefits as Estonian citizens, including healthcare, social security, and education.
How to apply for Estonia Residence Permit
To apply for an Estonia residence permit, you will need to obtain a temporary residence permit and then apply for a permanent residence permit. You can find the application forms and more information on the Police and Border Guard Board website.
Additionally, the first step is to obtain a temporary residence permit. Also, this can be done by applying to the Police and Border Guard Board. In addition, the application must be accompanied by documents that prove that you meet the requirements for a temporary residence permit. These documents may include:
- Proof of accommodation in Estonia
- Proof of income or financial security in Estonia
- Certificate of registration from the Estonian Tax and Customs Board
- Criminal record certificate from your home country or country of residence
- Health insurance policy valid in Estonia
- The temporary residence permit is valid for up to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to process an Estonia residence permit?
The processing time for an Estonia residence permit can vary, typically around two months. Besides, you will need to provide a range of documents to support your application, including proof of identity, accommodation, and financial stability.
What is the cost Estonia residence permit?
Technically, the cost of a residence permit in Estonia varies depending on the type of permit you are applying for. Different types of permits are available, including temporary, permanent, and EU residence permits. The cost of a temporary residence permit is around €100, while the cost of a permanent residence permit is around €270. An EU residence permit costs about €510.
Can I become a citizen of Estonia?
Yes, you can become a citizen of Estonia if you meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible, you must have been a legal resident of Estonia for at least five years and have a basic knowledge of the Estonian language. You must also prove that you are of good character and have no criminal record.
Is it easy to travel to Estonia?
Yes, it is easy to travel to Estonia. There are also several international airports in Estonia, so finding flights to the country is easy.
How much does accommodation in Estonia cost?
Accommodation in Estonia varies in price depending on the city you are visiting. Tallinn, the capital city, expects to pay around €60-100 per night for a hotel room. Although, You can find cheaper rates if you are willing to stay in a hostel or Airbnb. Outside Tallinn, prices drop significantly, and you can find rooms for as little as €20 per night.
Is there an employment opportunity in Estonia?
Yes, the country has a thriving economy and requires qualified workers. Also, obtaining a work visa is relatively straightforward, and the government offers programs to help foreign workers settle in the country.
What is a good salary in Tallinn?
As a city in Estonia, Tallinn is known for being one of the most livable and affordable places in Europe. With its thriving startup scene, the booming technology sector, and competitive salary market, Tallinn offers excellent opportunities for talented professionals looking to make a significant income. Although the city’s cost of living may be high by some standards, salaries here are typically much lower than in larger metropolitan areas such as London or Berlin. However, salaries in Tallinn vary greatly depending on the position, experience, and company size. The average salary for a Tallinn resident is €2200-€2700 per month.
Conclusion
The residence permit offers many benefits to those looking to establish themselves in a new country. However, the process is relatively simple, and the permit allows for various activities, including working, studying, and living in Estonia. Therefore, with its growing economy and convenient location, the Estonia residence permit is an excellent choice if you intend to start a new life.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop a comment, and we will be glad to reply. You may check this out.
