Applying for a residence permit

A residence permit is a permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board to reside in Estonia and fulfil the corresponding purpose. When a residence permit is granted, you will receive a residence permit card.

For how long?

A residence permit is issued according to its purpose and the duration of that purpose. The initial residence permit may be issued for up to five years.

Who needs it?

You need a residence permit in Estonia if:

• you are not a citizen of a European Union Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland,
• your purpose of stay in Estonia lasts for more than one year, and
• you do not already hold an Estonian residence permit on other grounds.

A migration consultant is available to help you every step of the way. Seek advice from a migration consultant.