Residence permit for a family member

What is it?

A residence permit allows you to come to Estonia at the invitation of an Estonian citizen or a foreign national residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit, in order to join a close family member living here, or to settle together in Estonia upon arrival. When a residence permit is granted, you will receive a residence permit card.

Who needs it?

You need a residence permit to settle in Estonia with a family member if:

• you are a foreign national
• you do not already hold an Estonian residence permit on other grounds.

Who is a foreign national?

A foreign national is a person who is not a citizen of Estonia or of the European Union (that is, not a citizen of an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland).

Who is a minor child?

You can apply for a residence permit for a child if the child is a foreign national under the age of 18 and:

• is not married
• does not live independently
• does not live in a separate family

When to apply?

You can apply for a residence permit for your minor child if the child is a foreign national and you are either an Estonian citizen or a foreign national residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit, and you wish the child to settle with you in Estonia.

When does a child automatically receive a residence permit?

A child is automatically granted a residence permit at birth if:

• one of the parents is a foreign national residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit
• the child is born in Estonia or settles in Estonia within one year of birth
• the child’s birth in Estonia or the foreign birth details have been registered in the Estonian Population Register

If both parents are foreign nationals who are just moving to Estonia and neither parent held an Estonian residence permit at the time of the child’s birth, then a residence permit must also be applied for the minor child.

For more detailed information on registering a child’s birth or entering the birth details, please contact the civil registry office of your local municipality of residence.

If a child is granted a residence permit automatically, it is mandatory to apply for a residence permit card for the child from the age of 15.

You should apply for a residence permit card earlier if you wish to travel with the child and cross the state border.

What are the requirements for a parent?

To apply for a residence permit for a minor child, you must fulfil the following conditions as a parent:

• You are either an Estonian citizen or a foreign national residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit
• Your place of residence is registered in the Estonian Population Register and you have actual accommodation in Estonia – this is not required if you are arriving in Estonia together with the family member with whom you will settle

How long is a residence permit to settle with a family member issued for?

A residence permit to settle with a family member is issued for up to 5 years, but not longer than the validity of the residence permit of the inviting party.

How long can a residence permit to settle with a family member be extended for?

A residence permit to settle with a family member may be extended for up to 10 years at a time, but not longer than the validity of the residence permit of the inviting party.

What restrictions do I need to take into account?

The period of validity of your residence permit depends on the period of validity of the residence permit of the inviting party, if the inviting party is not an Estonian citizen.

How can your foreign family member visit you in Estonia for a short time?

If your family member is a foreign national and wishes to visit you in Estonia for a short time, they must have a legal basis for doing so. A legal basis for visiting Estonia may be a visa, or visa-free travel in the case of some countries.

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