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?

A residence permit for an adult child (i.e. over 18 years of age) can be applied for if the child:

• is a foreign national, and
• is unable to cope independently due to a health condition or disability.

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 parent of an adult child?

To apply for a residence permit for an adult 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 child will settle in Estonia after receiving the residence permit, and you will register their place of residence in the Population Register.
• You have sufficient income (double the subsistence level) to support yourself in Estonia, which you confirm by signing the application. The subsistence level is established annually by the State Budget Act.
• Your child has a health insurance contract, confirmed by signing the application. The requirements for the health insurance contract are listed in § 120 of the Aliens Act (insurance cover).

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.