Residence permit for employment

For employers

What documents must an employer submit for a foreign national to apply for a residence permit for employment?

For a foreign national to apply for a residence permit for employment in Estonia, you must submit, either personally or through an authorised representative:

The proceedings officer may request additional information or documents if necessary.

What are the employer’s obligations when recruiting a foreign national?

  • Hire a foreign national who has the right education, work experience, health, and professional skills for the job.
  • Ensure your company is registered in Estonia.
  • Pay the foreign national at least the average gross salary in Estonia (general requirement, subject to exceptions).
  • If the foreign national applies for a residence permit, obtain a permit from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to recruit them for the position.

How can you submit the documents for employing a foreign national?

Submit the documents to the Police and Border Guard Board by e-mail at ... or by post to Pärnu mnt. 139, 15060 Tallinn.

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

What obligations does an employer have in connection with receiving a foreign national?

The inviting party is required to:

  • verify that the foreign national invited to Estonia has a legal basis for staying in Estonia,
  • receive the foreign national in Estonia,
  • ensure accommodation for the foreign national, if necessary,
  • cover the costs of the foreign national’s stay in Estonia and departure from Estonia, if necessary.
  • The employer also has an obligation to notify the authorities when hiring a foreign national.

What is the employer’s notification obligation in connection with receiving a foreign national?

As a representative of the employer who has submitted an invitation for the purpose of granting a residence permit to a foreign national, you must notify the Police and Border Guard Board if the foreign national who has been granted a residence permit:

  • does not commence work on time, or
  • experiences changes in the conditions of the residence permit granted for employment
  • has their employment contract terminated.

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