Residence permit for a family member

What is a residence permit to settle with a family member?

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 can apply for a residence permit to settle with your child or grandchild if:

• you are a foreign national, and
• you require care that cannot be provided in your country of residence or in another country

• 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).

What are the requirements for the child or grandchild?

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

• You are an Estonian citizen or a foreign national residing in Estonia on the basis of a permanent residence permit.
• Your place of residence is registered in the Estonian Population Register, and you have actual housing in Estonia.
• You have sufficient income (double the subsistence level) to support yourself in Estonia and to cover the care and medical expenses of the parent or grandparent. The subsistence level is established annually by the State Budget Act.

By signing the invitation, the child or grandchild also confirms compliance with all these conditions.

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.