Residence permit for study for a foreigner

What is a residence permit for study?

A residence permit for study is a temporary residence permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board to a student for studying full time in an educational institution recognised in Estonia. Upon being granted a residence permit, you shall be issued a residence card.

What is a residence card?

A residence card is a document proving your right of residence in Estonia, which also serves as your identity card. The residence card contains your personal details, residence permit details, photo and fingerprint images.

For how long?

A residence permit for study shall be issued for the completion of a full-time curriculum for up to the whole period of study. The duration of the period of study depends on the level of study. The maximum period of validity of a residence permit for study is 5 years.

Who needs a residence permit?

A residence permit for study is required if:

you are not a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
your period of study is longer than one year; and
you have not been granted a residence permit on another basis.

A residence permit for study is suitable for:

primary, basic and upper secondary school students
vocational school students
university students enrolled in Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral studies
participants in foundation courses
participants in traineeships at an educational institution
voluntary service within the framework of a youth project or program.

How can I find the most suitable educational institution?

For information about Estonian higher education institutions and curriculums, visit the Study in Estonia website. Once you have selected the most suitable curriculum, contact the school for additional information about the entry requirements.

How to apply for a residence permit for study?

Find a suitable school on the Study in Estonia website and pass the entrance exams.
Submit the required documents and pay the state fee.
You shall receive an answer within 2 months and your residence card shall be issued within 30 days after approval.

How to get a residence permit for study if you are an alien?

The school must confirm that you will be studying there.
You must have sufficient income (four times the subsistence level) for subsistence in Estonia, which you shall confirm by signing the application. The subsistence level shall be established each year in the State Budget Act.
You must have a medical insurance policy, which you shall confirm by signing the application. The requirements regarding the medical insurance policy are listed in section 120 (“Insurance cover”) of the Aliens Act.
After receipt of the residence permit, you must move to Estonia and register your place of residence in the Population Register.

What to do to retain the residence permit for study?

The residence permit for study shall be granted for the completion of a full-time curriculum. In order to retain the residence permit for study and complete your studies successfully, you must:

commence the studies within the prescribed term
fully complete the curriculum
not interrupt your studies.

Is the residence permit for study also suitable for working in Estonia?

If you have received a residence permit for study, you are permitted to work during your studies if working does not impede your studies and you continue to study full time.