Applying for a residence permit

Where can you apply for a residence permit?

You can apply for a residence permit:

How to apply for a residence permit at a foreign mission?

If you are abroad, submit your residence permit application to an Estonian foreign mission. See the list of foreign missions. Before submitting your application, check the specific submission rules of the relevant foreign mission.

How to apply for a residence permit at a service office of the Police and Border Guard Board?

If you are in Estonia, submit your residence permit application at a service office of the Police and Border Guard Board. To do this, book an appointment online.

Do I need to apply for a residence permit in person?

You need to submit the application in person to provide your fingerprints. Fingerprints are not required if:

you provided your fingerprints less than 6 years ago, for example when previously applying for a residence permit, or
you have been declared permanently unable to provide fingerprints.

What documents are required to apply for a residence permit in Estonia?

When applying for a residence permit in Estonia, you need to submit:

Application for temporary residence permit, completed in block letters
Data concerning close relatives and family members, completed in block letters
Biographical data
Additional form
Identity document
Documents certifying legal income (income during the six months preceding the application, showing at least the amount, regularity and sources of the income)
Criminal record certificate (or proof of no criminal record) from a foreign country. The certificate must be issued within six months prior to the application date and is required for applicants aged 14 and older.A certificate must be submitted from every foreign country where the applicant has resided for at least three consecutive months during the past three years.
Digital photo
proof of payment of the state fee, such as a payment order.

Additional documents

When applying for a residence permit, you must also provide additional documents depending on the purpose of the residence permit. The proceedings officer may request additional information or documents if necessary.

Residence permit for employment

When applying for a temporary residence permit for employment, the employer or their authorised representative must submit the invitation by employer and a permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to employ the foreign national.

Residence permit for study

When applying for a temporary residence permit for study, the educational institution must submit an invitation by an educational institution.

Residence permit for a minor child to settle with a parent

When applying for a temporary residence permit for a minor child to settle with a parent in Estonia, the following additional documents must be submitted:

completed form – invitation by a parent – if the application is submitted by the parent with whom the child intends to settle, the invitation does not need to be submitted
birth certificate of the child, if the birth has not been registered in the Estonian Population Register
identity document of the child, if available
if your name on the identity document differs from the name on the child’s birth certificate, a document proving the name change (for example, a marriage certificate) – required if your name was not changed in Estonia
confirmed consent of the other parent for the minor child to settle in Estonia
your identity document

Residence permit to settle with a spouse

When applying for a temporary residence permit to settle with a spouse, an invitation by a spouse must be submitted, completed and signed by the spouse with whom the applicant intends to settle, along with a document certifying the marriage, if the marriage was concluded abroad and not in Estonia.

Residence permit for an adult child to settle with a parent

When applying for a temporary residence permit for an adult child to settle with a parent in Estonia, the following additional documents must be submitted:

invitation by a parent – filled and signed by the parent who you are settling with
the birth certificate, if the birth is not registered in the Estonian Population Register
a document certifying health status, if the need for care arises from health status

Residence permit for a ward to settle with a guardian

When applying for a temporary residence permit for an adult child to settle with a parent in Estonia, the following additional documents must be submitted:

invitation by a guardian – filled and signed by the guardian who you are settling with
a Document confirming guardianship

Residence permit for a parent or grandparent to settle with a child or grandchild

When applying for a temporary residence permit for a parent or grandparent to settle with a child or grandchild in Estonia, an invitation by a child or grandchild, documents certifying the family relationship and a document certifying the health status of the parent or grandparent, if the need for care arises from their health status, must be submitted.

Residence permit for business

When applying for a temporary residence permit for business, you must also submit a business plan and a document proving the investment.

Residence permit for start-up business

When applying for a temporary residence permit to engage in start-up business, you must also submit the decision of an expert committee regarding the application.

Residence permit for large investors

When applying for a temporary residence permit as a major investor in Estonia, you must submit documents proving the investment.

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