An alien, who is residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit, has a right to work in Estonia, unless otherwise stiulated by the law.

It is allowed to work in Estonia for a short term without the work permit up to 6 months within a year. In Estonia, an alien may work without the work permit, if his or her working is registered before taking an employment. Registering of working for a short term may be applied by:

• an alien who arrives to Estonia on the basis of visa or visa-free;
• an alien staying in Estonia on the basis of visa or visa-free.

A citizen of the EU have the right to work in Estonia starting from entering the country for three months and also, if right of residence has been granted (work permit is not needed). Family member of the EU citizen may work in Estonia in case he or she has been granted the right of residence (work permit is not needed). More detailed information about applying for temporary right of residence of family members of the EU citizens can be found here.

More detailed information about registering of short-term working can be found here.