Estonia has quickly established itself as a desirable destination to live in. So, how do you go about becoming an ex-pat in Estonia? We’ve put up a comprehensive reference on Estonia visas, immigration, housing, banking, and healthcare.
Immigrating to Estonia
Expats seeking a lovely property in the Baltics can consider Estonia. The country has embraced the fourth revolution, with 91% of online government services and even e-Residency for internet enterprises. Internet connectivity is a legal requirement. Don’t let the name fool you: Estonia isn’t just for techies and startup enterprises. This nation is nearly half-forested and has over two thousand islands. Estonia is a terrific option for Expats looking for an outdoor experience with a robust Wi-Fi signal. See why so many people chose Estonia by reading our guide to living in Estonia.
Estonian visas and immigration
Being a member of the European Union, Estonia shares several of Europe’s immigration routes. The visa procedure for migrating to Estonia might be simply because it is a forward-thinking and internet culture. However, you must use caution when picking the appropriate alternative. Depending on the purpose of your travel, you can choose from various visa options.
Students with non-EU third-country nationalities must make a reservation by getting in touch with the Republic of Estonia’s closest foreign representative before submitting an application for a long-term visa (D-type). On the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, you may find a list of the foreign representations that handle visa applications.
Tourist visa for Estonia
Estonia belongs to the Schengen zone. For less than ninety days, citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Region (EEA), and the Schengen area do not require a visa. Foreign visitors are subject to COVID-19-related limitations, such as testing and isolation periods. Because these limits are subject to change, you should double-check before leaving. When this happens, security protocols may be tightened.
Long-term visas and permits for Estonia
A tourist visa will not suffice if you intend to stay in Estonia for an extended period. You’ll need to apply for a long-term visa. The kind you require is determined by the reasons for your relocation to Estonia. Estonia, fortunately, has a wide choice of visas, making it one of Europe’s most accessible countries. However, selecting the appropriate visa or residence permit is critical. Furthermore, ensuring that your application is accepted the first time around can save you time and money.
Long-stay visa
A long-stay visa is required if you are moving to Estonia for employment. To apply, you’ll need a letter of confirmation from your host and proof that you’ll be working in Estonia. This visa used to be particularly popular among freelancers. The Estonian Digital Nomad Visa is now more suited to that demographic.
Estonia digital nomad visa
In June 2020, the government launched its game-changing digital nomad visa. With this visa, expatriates running a location-independent business can work in Estonia for up to 2 years. This particular visa necessitates the presentation of three documents:
- Your clients and money come from outside the nation so that you may operate your business from anywhere.
- A monthly pre-tax income of €3,504 during the past six months.
- A short-stay (Type C) visa costs €80, while a long-stay visa costs €100. (Type D).
Visa for Estonian youth mobility
The Working Holiday Maker program is open to Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand nationals between 18 and 35. Under specific conditions, this visa permits you to reside and work in Estonia.
Visa for startups in Estonia
The Estonia Startup Visa program is for entrepreneurs who want to establish a business. To be eligible, your company must satisfy specific requirements. As with other nations that grant startup visas, your company must substantially contribute to the country’s economic development.
Estonian visa for families
Your spouse is presumably an Estonian citizen if one or both of their parents were Estonian citizens at the time of their birth. This implies you may apply for residence in the nation through your spouse, allowing you to live and work there. This option for a family reunion is not limited to Estonian citizens. You may be eligible for this visa if your spouse has held an Estonian residence permit for two years.
Following local legislation (CMB), you must register your marriage or partnership with the Citizenship and Migration Board. Additional checks by the CMB may be conducted to establish that your relationship is legitimate and that you have sufficient financial means. You and your spouse may be interviewed as part of this procedure.
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Estonian residency
Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Estonia. You must, however, register as an Estonian resident if you wish to work in the country. This must be completed within three months of your arrival. A temporary residency permit is required for non-EU and EEA individuals who want to stay in Estonia for more than six months. The residence permit enables you to work in the nation and leads to permanent residency status. You’ll also receive an Estonian ID Card, which gives you access to government services.
You can apply to reside in Estonia permanently after five years. You’ll need to prove your income, housing, and health insurance coverage to be eligible for permanent residency. You must also be able to communicate well in English.
Estonia E-Residency
The unique Estonia e-Residency program gives significant advantages to starting a business here, in line with the modernized policy effort. You don’t even need to visit the nation. You may register a company and become a virtual resident via the e-Residency. This company registration provides you with an Estonian ID card, which you may use to create bank accounts, sign papers, and more.
The e-Residency and ID card are the virtual visas that freelancers and digital nomads require to make their business’s location independent. There’s also the added benefit of becoming a VAT-registered firm in Europe. The friendly bureaucracy and creative, low-tax environment for internet firms are ideal. This program isn’t for those who want to go to Estonia; it doesn’t get you permission to enter or live there.
Getting your Estonia visa
You should hire an expert immigration lawyer to assist you in making the entire immigration procedure stress-free and straightforward:
- Be aware of your condition and requirements.
- Confirm that this is the correct visa for you, and if it isn’t, suggest the quickest route to residency.
- Outline the processes that must be followed and the documents that must be acquired.
- If you’re satisfied, they’ll give you a quotation for handling your application until it’s finished.
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