By RELOCATE SUPPORT
Moving to Estonia
Step-by-step Immigration Guide
Moving to Estonia
If you're considering relocating to Estonia, a country known for its reasonable living costs, rich history, beautiful coastlines, and medieval cities, this guide will help you understand the process and reasons to move there.
Who Can Move to Estonia?
Who Can Move to Estonia?
Estonia welcomes anyone seeking a change of scenery. However, the process varies for EU nationals and non-EU nationals:
EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals
EU/EEA and Swiss Nationals
These citizens can enter Estonia without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. For longer stays, they must register their residence within the first month and apply for an Estonian ID card.
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Nationals
Non-EU citizens must apply for an Estonia long-stay visa to enter the country for various purposes such as work, study, retirement, or family reunification. A temporary residence permit is also required upon arrival.
Moving to Estonia for Work
Moving to Estonia for Work
Non-EU citizens planning to work in Estonia should apply for a long-stay work visa, which is valid for a year. After entry, they must apply for a temporary residence permit, valid for up to five years and renewable for ten years.
Freelancers can work in Estonia through the digital nomad visa, valid for one year and extendable with another long-stay visa. Skilled workers may apply for an Estonia EU Blue Card residence permit.
Freelancers can work in Estonia through the digital nomad visa, valid for one year and extendable with another long-stay visa. Skilled workers may apply for an Estonia EU Blue Card residence permit.
Moving to Estonia to Study
Moving to Estonia to Study
Non-EU citizens intending to study in Estonia must obtain a student visa. This visa allows studying, working, and living for one year. If the studies exceed a year, a temporary residence permit is required, valid for five years. After completing studies, graduates have nine months to search for a job and apply for a temporary residence permit for work purposes.
Moving to Estonia for Family Reunification
Moving to Estonia for Family Reunification
Family reunification in Estonia involves applying for a family visa. Eligibility criteria include being a spouse/partner, dependent child, parent, grandparent, or dependent family member (older than 65 years) of someone living in Estonia. The family visa is valid for one year, and after arrival, a temporary residence permit can be obtained, allowing a stay of up to five years.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Estonia
Pros and Cons of Moving to Estonia
Estonia offers numerous advantages and some challenges:
- Cost of Living: Estonia is one of Europe's most affordable countries, offering a lower cost of living compared to the US.
- Digital Society: Estonia is renowned for its highly advanced digital society, allowing various tasks to be accomplished online with ease.
- Friendliness: Many expats find the locals in Estonia to be friendly and welcoming.
- Air Quality: Estonia boasts excellent air quality, ranked second in the world after Finland by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Higher Education: Estonia invests significantly in education, with opportunities for postgraduate studies in English or Russian for EU students.
- Lack of Diversity: Estonia lacks cultural diversity, with a majority of the population being Estonians or of Russian descent.
- Complex Language: Estonian is a challenging language to learn, and it is predominantly spoken only within Estonia.
- Infrastructure: While Estonia has been working on infrastructure development, rural areas may still lack development.
- Weather: Estonia experiences overcast, cloudy, and extremely cold winters with temperatures as low as -20℃.
- Job Market: Finding employment in Estonia can be challenging, particularly if you're not proficient in the Estonian language.
Moving with Pets to Estonia
Moving with Pets to Estonia
If you plan to move to Estonia with your pets, here are the essential requirements:
- Each pet must have a microchip for identification.
- Pets traveling from the EU should possess an EU pet passport issued by an authorized veterinarian.
- Pets traveling from a non-EU country must have a health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian no more than ten days before traveling.
- Health certificates must be accompanied by a declaration of non-commercial movement, signed by the pet owner or an authorized person.
- You are allowed to move with a maximum of five pets.
Where to Stay in Estonia
Where to Stay in Estonia
When considering a place to stay in Estonia, you'll find several cities that are popular among expats:
Tallinn
Tallinn
- Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is renowned for its medieval architecture, notably the Toompea hill area.
- The Old Town of Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by its well-preserved 15th-century architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
- Despite its smaller size compared to other European capitals, Tallinn offers a safe environment, excellent infrastructure, and cultural events year-round, including music concerts, athletic events, and art exhibitions.
Pärnu
Pärnu
- Pärnu, often referred to as the "summer capital" of Estonia, is a popular destination for both locals and expats.
- The city boasts a beautiful white sandy beach with dunes and offers an indoor water park called Vee Park, making it a great place to visit in both summer and winter.
- Pärnu is also known for its health and wellness offerings, including mud baths.
- The cost of living in Pärnu is relatively low, making it an attractive option for expats.
Tartu
Tartu
- Tartu, the second-largest city in Estonia, has a more laid-back and bohemian atmosphere compared to Tallinn.
- Home to the University of Tartu, the city is considered the intellectual hub of the country.
- Tartu is the oldest city in Estonia and offers a quality of life with accessible transit, green spaces, and excellent healthcare.
- The city prides itself on its safe and welcoming environment.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa
- Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia, offers diverse landscapes, including forests, open views, and farmsteads.
- With a population of around 12,000, the island is not crowded, providing ample space and tranquility.
- The town of Kuressaare on Saaremaa features a 14th-century castle and a unique local community.
- Saaremaa is known for its inviting and moderately traditional atmosphere.
Fun facts about Estonia
Fun facts about Estonia
- Estonia is covered by more than 50% forest.
- The country boasts 2,000 islands, 1,000 lakes, and 7,000 rivers.
- Estonia has produced a remarkable number of international supermodels.
- It is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Estonia is known for its digital advancements, offering a range of e-services.
- The country ranks among the least religious in the world.
- Estonia celebrates two independence days.
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FAQ
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Moving Your Belongings to Estonia
Moving Your Belongings to Estonia
When it comes to relocating to Estonia with your belongings, you have various transportation options, including air, land, or sea. Your choice may depend on factors like urgency and budget.
For EU Residents
For EU Residents
If you're an EU resident, you have the advantage of no tax restrictions on your belongings when moving to Estonia. Customs procedures are generally straightforward.
For Non-EU Residents
For Non-EU Residents
Non-EU residents, however, may face more complex customs procedures. To qualify for a tax exemption, you must have owned your belongings for a minimum of six months. It's important to note that any items you import to Estonia cannot be sold within twelve months of their importation. If you bring a vehicle, you must register it within five days after clearing customs.
How Can I Move Permanently to Estonia?
How Can I Move Permanently to Estonia?
After legally residing in Estonia for five years with a temporary residence permit, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. This step allows you to move to Estonia permanently and must be initiated at least two months before the temporary residence permit expires.
How Can I Get Citizenship in Estonia?
How Can I Get Citizenship in Estonia?
Estonian citizenship can be obtained through these methods:
Citizenship by naturalization: After five years of legal residence with a permanent residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship by descent: If one of your parents is an Estonian citizen, or if your Estonian parents revoked their citizenship before you turned 18 and you wish to reinstate it.
Citizenship by marriage: Available if you are married to an Estonian citizen or a permanent resident in Estonia.
Citizenship by naturalization: After five years of legal residence with a permanent residence permit, you can apply for citizenship.
Citizenship by descent: If one of your parents is an Estonian citizen, or if your Estonian parents revoked their citizenship before you turned 18 and you wish to reinstate it.
Citizenship by marriage: Available if you are married to an Estonian citizen or a permanent resident in Estonia.