Estonia is a great place for companies looking to establish a European presence. Thanks to simple visa requirements, many individuals are drawn to the prospect of a job in the country.
If your company is looking to expand, however, you’ll need to know how to get a work visa in Estonia to stay compliant, avoid fines, and harness the talent of a global workforce.
Types of work visas in Estonia
Estonia has 3 different visa categories:
- Type A: Airport transit visa for those passing through international transit areas of airports within Schengen Area member states.
- Type C: Short-term visa for individuals staying in the Schengen Area for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Type D: Long-stay visa used for single or multiple entries for a period of up to 365 days within 12 consecutive months.
Type A and C visas are Schengen visas and allow for entry to other member states. The type D long-stay visa also allows holders to travel throughout other countries in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if the visit involves traveling to multiple Schengen member states within a 2-month period on a type A or C visa, the applicant must submit their application in the country of their main destination.
While there are some exceptions, most employees will apply for a type D long-stay visa. They can do so in person with an Estonian representation that handles visa applications or at the service point of the Police and Border Guard Board in the country.
Requirements to obtain Estonia work visas
Employees will need to meet Estonia’s work visa requirements to work legally in the country. The first step is obtaining a job offer from an Estonia-based employer. Companies should also provide a recognized work contract and a letter of invitation that must be submitted to the Police and Border Guard Board. In some cases, the applicant will need permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund for employment. If the employee is a top specialist, they may need to meet additional requirements.
Application process
Companies will need to submit several documents to obtain a long-stay work visa in Estonia, including:
- A travel document issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months beyond the visa’s expiration date, and containing at least 2 blank pages for visas.
- A completed and signed application form.
- A photo.
- An insurance policy with at least EUR 30,000 coverage for the duration of the stay.
- Documents showing the purpose of the journey, such as a letter from the host, work documents, study documents, proof of family ties, and proof of accommodation.
- Biometrical data, including 10 fingerprints.
- Payment of the visa fee.
Other important considerations
Estonia is a member of the European Union (EU), meaning that citizens of other EU member states, as well as EEA and Swiss nationals, do not need a visa or residence permit to live and work in the country. However, they must register as Estonian residents at the Population Register of Estonia within the first 3 months of their stay. Additionally, within 1 month of completing their residence registration, they must apply for an Estonian ID card.
Starting July 2023, international workers renewing their temporary residence permits must demonstrate their Estonian language proficiency. Some applicants are exempt from this language proficiency requirement if they are intra-company transferees, academic staff and researchers, or hold an EU Blue Card.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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