An Estonia residence permit is an official authorization granted by the Estonian government that allows a non-Estonian citizen to legally live and stay in Estonia for a specific period. Residence permits are issued based on various criteria, such as work, study, family reunification, investment, and more. They enable individuals to reside and, in many cases, work or study in Estonia for a longer duration than allowed by a regular tourist visa. Residence permits may be temporary or long-term, depending on the circumstances and the purpose of the stay. They are subject to specific requirements, documentation, and procedures set by the Estonian government’s relevant authorities, typically the Police and Border Guard Board.

Types of Residence Permit:

1. Temporary residence permit

An Estonia Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is an official document issued by the Estonian government that allows a non-Estonian citizen to legally reside in Estonia for a specific period of time. The TRP is intended for individuals who plan to stay in Estonia for longer periods than allowed by a regular tourist visa, but who do not qualify for permanent residency. Temporary Residence Permits are typically issued for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, business, or investment.

If you’re not a European Union citizen, you can apply for a temporary residence permit in these situations:

1. To live with a spouse
2. To live with a close relative, including:
   • A minor child with a parent
   • An adult child with a parent
   • A ward with a guardian
   • A parent or grandparent with a child or grandchild
3. To settle in Estonia permanently
4. For studying
5. For working
6. For business
7. To be part of criminal proceedings
8. To extend an existing residence permit with legal income

When applying, an alien (non-EU citizen) is subject to Estonia’s immigration quota, except for certain cases like being a US or Japanese citizen or applying for research/study. Fingerprints are taken from applicants over 6 years old, stored in a residence card. Temporary residence permits can last up to 5 years, extendable to 10 years. The Aliens Act regulates residence permit issuance.

2. Long-term residence permit

An Estonia Long-Term Residence Permit is an official authorization granted by the Estonian government that allows a non-Estonian citizen to legally reside in Estonia for an extended period, usually longer than a Temporary Residence Permit but without granting citizenship rights. It is intended for individuals who have legally resided in Estonia for an extended period, often under a Temporary Residence Permit, and meet certain criteria for long-term residency.

The Long-Term Residence Permit is typically granted to individuals who have demonstrated stable and legal residence in Estonia for several years, have integrated into the society, and fulfill specific conditions, such as continuous employment, studies, family ties, or business activities. It allows the holder to reside and work in Estonia for a prolonged duration.

If you’re not a European Union citizen, you can apply for a long-term residence permit in Estonia under these conditions:

1. If you’ve had a permanent residence through a temporary permit for five years.
2. If you hold a valid temporary residence permit.
3. If your residence details are in Estonia’s population register.
4. If you have a stable legal income to live in Estonia.
5. If you have health insurance (Eesti haigekassa).
6. If you meet the integration requirement, which includes knowing Estonian at a B1 level or equivalent.

If you settled in Estonia before 01.07.1990 and have continuously resided there, some requirements don’t apply.

You can’t apply for a long-term permit if you got a temporary permit for study or if it’s in substantial public interest.

Apply for the long-term permit at least 2 months before your temporary permit expires.

Apply at a Service Office. If less than 5 years passed since the last application and fingerprinting, you can apply by post. A minor’s application must be submitted by their legal representative.

Required documents include the filled-in application form, identity documents, Estonian language proficiency proof (if needed), a photo, and proof of state fee payment.

For children under 1 year, you need a birth certificate and identity document if available.

The decision on the permit is made within 2 months of application submission. If approved, you get a residence card.

For restoring a cancelled long-term permit, you must have lived in Estonia for 2 years on a temporary permit, have legal income, and health insurance. Similar documents as the initial application are needed.

Click here for more information: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/residence-permit/tahtajaline-elamisluba/