Residence permit for a permanent resident

What is a temporary residence permit for permanent residence in Estonia?

A temporary residence permit for permanent residence in Estonia is issued to enable a foreign national who has settled in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit and whose continued residence in Estonia is in line with public interest. When a residence permit is granted, you will receive a residence permit card.

How long is a residence permit issued for?

A temporary residence permit is issued for up to 5 years.

How long can a residence permit be extended for?

A temporary residence permit may be extended for up to 10 years at a time.

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.

What are the requirements for applying for a temporary residence permit for permanent residence?

You can apply for a residence permit for permanent residence in Estonia if you meet the following conditions:

• You have settled in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit granted on another basis and your continued stay in Estonia is in line with public interests.
• You have resided in Estonia for at least 3 out of 5 consecutive years on the basis of a residence permit or right of residence. Important! Time spent in Estonia on a residence permit for study is not taken into account.
• You have successfully integrated in Estonia.
• You have met the integration requirement and have knowledge of the Estonian language at least at level A2.
• You have passed the basic training for the adaptation program.
• Your activities so far have complied with the purpose and conditions of the residence permit granted to you.
• You have sufficient income (equal to the subsistence level) to support yourself in Estonia, confirmed by signing the application. The subsistence level is established annually by the State Budget Act.
• You have a health insurance contract, confirmed by signing the application. The requirements for the health insurance contract are set out in § 120 of the Aliens Act (insurance coverage).

Special conditions apply if you hold a doctoral degree or if you have resided in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit granted for settling with a close relative.

How to meet the integration requirement?

Your Estonian language skills are assessed in an exam. See information about taking the exam.

If you have obtained basic, secondary or higher education in Estonian, you do not need to take the exam.

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