Foreigners in Estonia: visa regime and residence rules

Foreigners in Estonia: Visa regulations and conditions for obtaining a residence permit

Estonia is a country that attracts many foreign citizens with its opportunities. However, the process of obtaining residence permits (RP) has its own peculiarities that need to be taken into account.

Diversity of Countries of Origin

According to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department, most of the newcomers with residence permits are from Russia and Ukraine. Also, many Finns and Latvians have chosen this country to live in.

It is important to remember that the number of foreign citizens in Estonia should not exceed 0.1% of the permanent population annually, and the national migration quota in 2020 was set at 1,314 people, most of whom are expected to be for work or entrepreneurship.

However, categories of individuals with special conditions, such as citizens of the USA and Japan, as well as those arriving for scientific or research purposes, are not subject to the mentioned quota. It also does not apply to individuals moving to join spouses or close relatives, as well as to major investors.

Types of Visas and Documents

The visa regime in Estonia is diverse. Citizens of Ukraine with biometric passports can visit the country without a visa. Additionally, holders of diplomatic passports from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine do not require a visa. There are various types of visas: airport transit, Schengen, and long-term national visas, each with its own features and rights.

Registration of residence permit in Estonia implies control over the status and rights of foreign citizens on its territory. For successful integration into this favorable state on the Baltic Sea coast, it is necessary to keep your documents in order, follow the laws and fulfill the obligations to the country.

The new bill on the "digital nomad" visa

As of July 1, a new bill has come into effect regarding the introduction of "digital nomad" visas, which allow foreigners to visit Estonia as tourists while also working for a foreign employer. Short-term and long-term visas can be obtained at Estonian embassies or at the Police and Border Guard Department. It is estimated that no more than 1,800 people will apply for the "digital nomad" visa each year.

Documents and requirements for a visa

To obtain a visa, the following is required:

• A valid identification document;
• Completed questionnaire indicating the place of residence in Estonia;
• Justification for the purpose of the trip and documents confirming ties to Estonia.

Financial requirements and necessary documents

You also need financial means for accommodation and covering the costs of stay, namely 108 euros per day, health insurance with insurance coverage of 30 thousand euros, a photograph of 3.5 × 4.5 cm, and the state duty for the application. It is also recommended to subscribe to the Estonian Embassy and Consulate's channel in the social network Telegram.

Embassies and representative offices of Estonia

In different countries, there are embassies and representations of Estonia, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Pskov, Kyiv, Minsk, and Nur-Sultan.

Urgent residence permit

To stay in Estonia for more than 90 days, it is necessary to obtain an urgent residence permit. This can be obtained on the basis of family reunification, study, work, business, participation in criminal proceedings, or international agreements.

Residence permit for entrepreneurs

A residence permit for entrepreneurs is issued to individuals with a company or sole proprietors registered in the Estonian Commercial Register. The residence permit card is valid for up to five years.

Obtaining a residence permit in Estonia

To obtain a residence permit in Estonia, it is necessary to follow certain rules and conditions.

Entrepreneurial activity

A person planning to engage in entrepreneurial activities must have stable financial resources and a well-developed business plan to contribute to the country's economy. A mandatory requirement is to have capital of at least 16,000 euros.

Property owners

Property owners can also obtain a Schengen visa allowing them to stay in the country for up to 90 days, after which they have the right to apply for a residence permit.

Retirees

Elderly people coming to Estonia do not have any privileges or simplified procedures for obtaining a residence permit.

Issuance of a temporary permit

However, a temporary permit may be issued to close relatives of a citizen of this country or holders of a permanent residence permit.

Funds and real estate

If you have the means to support your relatives and property in Estonia, you can also apply for a residence permit. It is important to remember that the residence permit can be revoked if the relative stops living in the country, withdraws financial support from the applicant, or does not have an official address of residence.

Change of circumstances

In case of changes in the circumstances under which the residence permit was issued, it is necessary to inform the police and border service. Failure to comply with obligations related to residence, living, or work may lead to the revocation of the residence permit.

Conclusions

Thus, obtaining a residence permit in Estonia depends on the applicant's planned activities in the country. Regardless of the purpose, it is important to have stable financial means and a detailed business plan for economic development. In case of real estate, it is possible to obtain a Schengen visa with the right to stay up to 90 days, after which it is possible to apply for a residence permit on this basis.

Beautiful apartment in Tallinn

The apartment is located in Tallinn and has a beautiful view to the south. Its location makes it very attractive to potential buyers. This residential complex is situated in the Pirita district, which is known for its coziness and picturesque surroundings. The apartment is just 3.5 km from the beach and yacht harbor, making it an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts.

Amenities and safety

The building that houses the apartment is made of monolithic reinforced concrete and is equipped with double-glazed windows, providing good sound insulation from external noise. There is also a video surveillance system installed to ensure the safety of the residents.

Apartments in the center of Tallinn

Apartments in the center of Tallinn are also available on the market. There is a great option for an apartment with a closed balcony, measuring 46 square meters.

A quiet green corner

For those who prefer a more peaceful lifestyle, a 130-square-meter apartment is available for sale in Tallinn. This is the perfect option for anyone looking for housing in a quiet and green area.

A picturesque little town

Another option is an apartment in a picturesque small town in northeastern Estonia. There are excellent transportation infrastructure and comfortable living conditions here.

Elite apartments in Tallinn

Three-room apartments in the elite residential complex of Tallinn are also consistently popular.

Real estate in Estonia

We offer real estate for sale in different parts of Estonia.

An apartment in Tallinn at a reasonable price

The total area of the apartment in Tallinn is 93.1 square meters. It can be used as office space or a living area. The apartment is equipped with air conditioning, so it will be pleasant and comfortable to stay indoors during the summer. Its price is 185,000 euros.

Apartments in Sillamäe

Beautiful and cozy apartment in Sillamäe is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The first floor of a four-storey brick house with an area of 31,9 sq.m is sold for 10 000 euros. It consists of one room, an entrance hall, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen and a pantry. The view from the windows is towards the south and south-east.

Affordable housing in Püssi

If you're looking for more affordable housing options, consider Püssi. For those who enjoy peace and quiet, there are properties for sale in the Roosna-Alliku area.stylish and spacious 3-room apartmentThe area is 68.2 square meters. Its price is 55,000 euros. The property is located just 15 minutes' drive from the city of Paide and 55 minutes' drive from Tallinn.

Another option in Pussy is an apartment on the third floor of a three-storey building in the center of a small town. It has a total area of 49 square meters with a balcony. Its price is only 6,000 euros. The apartment is in good condition and has central heating.

Apartment in Pärnu

A 4-room, 2-bathroom apartment in Pärnu has an area of 78 sq.m. It is for sale for 13,000 euros. Contact the Habita agent for more information about this property.

Land plot in Kuusalu

If you are interested in buying a plot of land, a plot of 10,582 m² is offered in the Kuusalu region. On this plot you can build 6 buildings, including one 2-storey residential building and 5 non-residential buildings with a building area of 600 m². It is only 30 minutes drive from Tallinn and 600 meters from the sea.

Additional information

Contact our representative for more information about any of these properties. Secure your corner of sunny Estonia today!!

Buying real estate in Estonia

In Estonia, numerous opportunities are opening up for those looking to purchase real estate, whether it be residential homes, commercial properties, or land plots. One of the key advantages of acquiring real estate in this country is the high level of transportation infrastructure, which ensures convenient connections with other cities and the capital. The availability of buses and trains highlights the comfort and convenience of getting around.

A plot of land in Western Estonia

Not far from the capital you can find a plot of 44126 square meters on the island of Saaremaa. This gem, offered by Andrei Prokofjev Kinnisvara for 80,000 euros, impresses with its beautiful coastline and building rights.

Investing in the Estonian economy

An organization aimed at stimulating economic growth within Estonia can take advantage of a special fund for investing in local companies. These investments should be sustainable and continue as part of the residence permit (RP) acquisition program. It is important to note that, despite possible changes in the company or investment fund, the total amount of investments must remain unchanged, thereby supporting the growth and development of the Estonian economy. Notably, actual residence in the country is not required to obtain an RP under this program.

Obtaining a residence permit in Estonia

The process of submitting documents for obtaining a residence permit in Estonia includes a stage of processing at the Police and Border Guard Department. The set of required documents may vary depending on the grounds for obtaining the residence permit. The main documents include an application, passport, proof of residence in Estonia, a photograph, health insurance, a document confirming payment of the state fee, proof of income, and other relevant documents.

Important:To successfully obtain a residence permit, the candidate must also provide fingerprints, which need to be updated every six years. The initial submission of documents for the residence permit is done through the Estonian embassy or consulate in the country of residence. The decision on the issuance of the residence permit is usually made within two months after the application is submitted. If the decision is positive, the candidate is issued an ID card confirming their right to reside in Estonia.

Extension of residence permit

If it is necessary to extend the residence permit, you need to contact the police and border guard department or submit a request via email if less than two years have passed since the last request or fingerprinting.

Preparation of documents for extending temporary residence in Estonia

To request an extension of your temporary stay in Estonia, you need to start preparing the documents well in advance of the expiration date of your current visa. To submit the application, personal presence is required at the Citizenship and Migration Department or at the Estonian diplomatic mission abroad. While waiting for a response to your request for a new status, your old visa will remain valid.

Reasons for refusal to extend temporary stay in Estonia

However, there are several possible scenarios in which your application may be rejected. For example, if the information about you is filled out incorrectly, you did not provide all the necessary documents, or you provided deliberately false information. In such situations, there is a chance to correct your mistakes through the police station or the prefecture.

It is important to consider that even with strict adherence to all rules, obtaining a temporary visa is not guaranteed due to limited quotas. Additionally, you may be denied an extension of your stay if you have broken the law, been absent from the country for more than 183 days, or if the basis for your temporary stay has become irrelevant.

Fee for extending temporary residence in Estonia

The fee for extending temporary stay depends on the reason and ranges from 25 to 190 euros. Payment is made only at the consulate by cashless means.

Obtaining a residence permit in Estonia

To obtain a residence permit, you will need to live in Estonia on a temporary residence basis for at least 5 years, meeting certain conditions, including having a valid visa, legal income, registration at your place of residence, health insurance, and knowledge of the Estonian language at least at level B1. Some of these requirements may be waived if you have completed your education (basic, secondary, or higher) in the Estonian language.

Other conditions for extending temporary residence in Estonia

While waiting for the review of the application for a new status, the old visa regime remains in effect. The amount of the state fee for extending temporary residence depends on the basis and ranges from 25 to 190 euros. Payment is made only at the consulate via cashless transaction.

• Failure to comply with the deadlines for extending temporary stay may lead to restrictions on crossing the border and even deportation from the country.
• In case of a refusal to extend your temporary residence, you must leave the country within the specified timeframe.

Obtaining a long-term residence permit in Estonia

Except for income, other conditions do not apply to foreigners who moved to Estonia before July 1, 1990, and are currently residing here. To obtain a long-term residence permit, an application should be submitted two months before its expiration. The application submission locations are specified for different cities: Tallinn - A. H. Tammsaare Street, 47, P. Pinna Street, 4; Pärnu - Aida Street, 5; Tartu - Rii Street, 132; Jõhvi - Rahu Street, 38; Narva - Vahtra Street, 3. To obtain a residence permit, it is necessary to provide an application, a photo, an identity document, and a receipt for the state fee payment. The fee amount depends on the basis for the application and ranges from €60 to €190. During the application review process, the foreigner has the right to stay in Estonia. The status of the application can be checked online.

Obtaining citizenship and additional requirements

For a foreigner with a long-term residence permit, no work permit is required to be employed or engage in entrepreneurship in Estonia. Citizenship can be obtained after living in the country for at least eight years, of which the last five must be permanent. It is also necessary to have registered property in the country, pass an Estonian language exam at the Tallinn State Examination and Qualification Centre, take a test on the constitution and citizenship law, have a legal income, and pay the state fee. Estonia does not recognize dual citizenship, so one must renounce their original citizenship. A residence permit provides foreigners with a number of advantages, benefits, and allowances available to local residents, including medical care, education, and other social benefits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article about foreigners in Estonia can highlight the following: this small Baltic country attracts a significant number of foreign citizens, and their numbers are strictly controlled by quotas set by the government. The visa regime includes a variety of visa types, providing opportunities for work, study, business, and cultural exchange. It is important to note that the process of obtaining a residence permit requires the appropriate documents and a careful approach to formalities; however, Estonia also offers simplified visa solutions for certain categories of citizens. The country is actively developing digital innovations in its visa policy, which enhances its attractiveness on the international stage.