An alien residing in Estonia on the basis of residence permit who is intending to stay outside Estonia for more than 183 days per year, has to register one’s staying away from Estonia with the Police and Border Guard Board. Staying away can be registered only onwards.  An alien can register his/her staying away from Estonia for up to two years at a time.

The Police and Border Guard may register the staying away of an alien from Estonia, if the alien intends to stay temporarily in a foreign country for the following purpose:
1) study;
2) employment;
3) serve time in foreign armed forces; or
4) other temporary reason which presumes  staying away of an alien from Estonia.

In case if an alien has registered his/her staying away from Estonia, then the time of his/her staying away from Estonia shall be calculated into his/her permanent residence time in Estonia.

Upon registration of the staying away from Estonia or upon submission of an application for considering the staying away to be justified an alien must certify the reason and circumstances for his/her staying away.