Working in Estonia for a foreigner
General Information
How to come to work in Estonia?
- Under a visa-free agreement by registration of short-term employment by the employer.
- On the basis of a visa by registration of short-term employment by the employer.
- By applying for a residence permit for employment.
What is short-term employment?
Short-term employment is suitable if you are staying in Estonia temporarily and also wish to work during that time. Staying in Estonia is possible on the basis of a visa or under a visa-free agreement. Short-term employment shall be registered by the employer. No action is required on your part to have your short-term employment registered.
When is short-term employment in Estonia permitted without registration of the short-term employment?
Short-term employment in Estonia without registration with the Police and Border Guard Board is permitted in certain exceptional cases, provided that you have a legal basis for the stay in the country. You have the right to work, for example:
- for up to 5 days within a 30-day period
- if you are staying in Estonia during the permitted period following the expiry of your residence permit.
What is a residence permit for employment?
A residence permit for employment is a temporary residence permit issued by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for employment in Estonia. Upon being granted a residence permit, you shall be issued a residence card.
Who needs a residence permit?
A residence permit for employment in Estonia is required if you are not a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Employment grounds:
- skilled workers (general condtitions)
- seasonal workers (only short-term employment)
- top specialists
- members of the management body of a company
- experts
- ministers of religion
- workers in a start-up company
- scientists, lecturers
- teachers
- sportsmen
- persons engaged in creative activities
- EU Blue Card (only residence permit)
- Estonian high school graduates
- workers posted from EU or EFTA countries
- intra-corporate transferees
- or otherwise in exceptional cases.
Different rules apply to every ground of employment that the alien and employer must fulfill. When applying, there might be a requirement to submit additional data or evidence.
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 will a residence permit be valid?
A temporary residence permit is valid for up to 5 years.
For how long may a residence permit be extended?
A temporary residence permit may be extended for up to 10 years at time.