The issue of residence permits to the third country nationals and persons with undetermined citizenship is regulated by the Aliens Act.

Residence permit may be temporary (validity period up to five years) or long-term.

Temporary residence permit may be issued to an alien:

- married to a person with permanent residence in Estonia;
- for settling down with a close relative permanently residing in Estonia;
- for working;
- for studies at an Estonian educational institution;
- for business;
- whose permanent legal income ensures his/ her subsistence in Estonia;
- whose application for residence permit is based on an international agreement.