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Estonia

Residence permit in Estonia

Move to a developed country

The residence permit in Estonia is a document that allows residents of other countries to live in their territory, including to work and study legally. Estonia grants short-term and long-term residence permits (not exceeding 5 years) to foreigners. Since 2017, Estonia has abolished the rule of compulsory residence on its territory for at least 183 days a year, which greatly simplifies the migration process.

Grounds for obtaining a residence permit

Studying

For foreign citizens, it is necessary to issue a residence permit to study in universities of the country. Temporary residence permit is issued for the entire period of the study. To extend the residence permit, you must submit documents two months before the expiration date. Also, students who have received resident status must register their place of residence within 30 days after the approval of the residence permit.

Employment

To move to the country for the purpose of employment, a foreigner must obtain a residence permit. A residence permit is granted on the basis of an employment contract with a local employer. The conditions for submitting an application depend on the characteristics of the field of activity. Also, you will need to confirm your education, experience, skills. It should be borne in mind that the employment of foreigners is possible only if there are no suitable candidates among EU citizens and residents of Estonia.

Family reunification

Close relatives of foreigners (parents over 65 years of age, minor children, common-law spouse, financially dependent family members) may apply for a residence permit. The obtained residence permit for relatives to stay in the country will be valid for the duration of the residence permit card of a foreigner residing in Estonia.

Business

Persons wishing to open an enterprise on the territory of Estonia can apply for a residence permit as individual entrepreneurs. In this case, the residence permit is usually issued for a period of up to 5 years and is subject to further extension. According to the legislation, a foreigner can apply for permanent residence if they have health insurance, a stable income of more than 260 euros per month, as well as language skills at level B1.

Registration stages

Preparation and submission of an application

To obtain a residence permit, you need to visit the Police and Border Guard Board, a representative office in your country or send documents by e-mail. The application shall be filled out in Estonian, English or Russian, and a photo shall be attached that complies with the requirements of the Identity Card Law.

Payment of state duty

A foreigner shall pay a financial fee for processing an application for registration of documents. The fee can be 10-65 euros, in addition, when submitting documents to a foreign representation of Estonia, there is an additional fee of 20 euros. Certain categories of persons may have a reduced tax rate.

Obtaining a residence permit

Documents for obtaining a residence permit are considered two months from the date of application registration. The final decision on the issuance of a residence permit is made by the Police and Border Guard Board, if approved, you will receive a resident card with personal data.

Package of documents for registration of residence permit

Applicants over 6 years old, when applying for a residence permit, must submit their fingerprints, which are entered in the electronic card of the resident. Also, the package of documents for a residence permit, depending on the grounds, will include:

  • Application and statement for a residence permit
  • Digital color photo
  • ID card
  • Receipt for payment of state duty

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