Working in Estonia for a foreigner

What are the requirements for applying for a residence permit for employment as a skilled worker in Estonia?

• You must have the appropriate training, work experience and state of health as well as the necessary professional skills and knowledge for the job.
• The employer must be registered in Estonia.
• The employer must pay you remuneration that is at least equal to the annual average gross salary in Estonia.
• The employer must seek permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to recruit an alien.
• After receipt of the residence permit, you must move to Estonia and register your place of residence in the Population Register.

For temporary employment in Estonia, your employer may also apply for the registration of your employment as short-term employment.

 * Starting from 01.01.2023 amendment in Aliens Act when working for growth company.

** Starting from 24.05.2022 amendment in Aliens Act there are no employment grounds where 2 time criteria applies. This means that new permits or short-term employment rights do not follow the 2-time criteria. The 2-time criteria still applies to permits issued previously before the amendment.

If the residence permit or short-term employment does not fall under the set salary condition, the salary needs to be sufficient for subsistence in Estonia.

Migration advisers will assist you every step of the way. Ask a migration adviser.