Visa Types
Estonia Work Visa Essentials
Apply to work in Estonia, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Estonia Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Estonia?
To visit Estonia, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Estonia visa application is made online or offline?
You can fill out the visa application form online, print it, and then submit it to the Visa Application Centre in India.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Estonia visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Estonia?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
|
Visa Type |
Visa Fee in Euro |
|
Long-term visa (D) |
100 € |
|
Long-term visa (D) children 6-11 years |
40 € |
To obtain more information about fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Reach out to the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Schedule an appointment for your visa application.
- Fill out the study visa application form(Long term visa type D) with precision and thoroughness.
- Ensure all necessary information is accurately provided.
- Attend the visa appointment at the scheduled time and date.
- Present all required documents, along with evidence of fee payment.
- Following submission, await communication regarding your visa application status.
- An official response will be sent to you via text or email by the embassy/consulate where you submitted your documents.
- If your study visa application is approved, you'll receive an official notification of approval.
- The notification will include instructions for the subsequent steps.
- With an approved visa, you're permitted to enter Estonia.
- Ensure both your passport and visa are valid for the entirety of your intended stay.
- Once you arrive in Estonia, your next step is to book an appointment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) to apply for a residence permit.
- Personally submit all the necessary documents at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).
- Following your application submission, you must register your residence. This can be done online or in-person at the PBGB.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa (Long term visa type D) to Estonia from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the visa application form(for long term visa type-D) accurately. This can often be done online on the website of the Estonian embassy or consulate.
- Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity period extending beyond your intended stay in Estonia.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specifications set by the Estonian embassy or consulate.
- Employment Contract: A copy of the signed employment contract with the Estonian employer. This contract should detail your position, responsibilities, salary, and other relevant terms.
- Work Permit Approval: A copy of the work permit approval from the Estonian authorities. Your employer in Estonia usually applies for this on your behalf.
- Company Registration Certificate: If the employer is a company, a copy of the company's registration certificate.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from the employer in Estonia, stating the purpose, duration, and details of your employment.
- Proof of Qualifications: Copies of your educational certificates, degrees, and any relevant professional qualifications.
- CV/Resume: A detailed CV or resume outlining your work experience, skills, and qualifications.
- Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of your accommodation arrangements in Estonia, such as a rental agreement or confirmation from your employer.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Documentation proving that you have enough funds to cover your living expenses in Estonia until you start receiving your salary. This could include bank statements or a sponsor's letter.
- Travel Insurance: Proof of valid travel insurance that covers medical and emergency expenses for the duration of your stay in Estonia.
- Flight Itinerary: A copy of your confirmed flight itinerary indicating your entry and exit dates from Estonia.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Depending on the nature of your work and the length of stay, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate from your home country.
- Health Certificate: A medical certificate indicating that you are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
- Language Proficiency: Depending on your job requirements, proof of language proficiency might be needed. This could be in the form of language test results.
- Proof of No Debt to Tax Authorities: A document confirming that you have no outstanding debts to tax authorities in your home country.
- Application Fee: Pay the required visa application fee as specified by the Estonian embassy or consulate.
Click here for more information:
https://newdelhi.mfa.ee/working-in-estonia/
Please don't send any papers to the Embassy's email before your appointment. Everyone must give the papers in person.
Temporary Work Permit:
- Job offer from an Estonian employer.
- Signed employment contract specifying job details, salary, and duration.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Relevant educational and professional qualifications.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
EU Blue Card:
- Proof of high-level qualifications (e.g., university degree).
- Valid job offer or employment contract in Estonia.
- Proof of meeting the minimum salary requirement.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Documents supporting your qualifications and professional experience.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Startup Visa:
- Detailed business plan outlining your startup idea and goals.
- Proof of innovative and scalable business concept.
- Confirmation of acceptance into a recognized Estonian startup incubator or accelerator program.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself and your startup.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Permit:
- Job offer or employment contract in an Estonian ICT company.
- Proof of your expertise in the ICT sector.
- Relevant qualifications and experience.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Seasonal Work Visa:
- Job offer or employment contract for seasonal work in Estonia.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Researcher Visa:
- Invitation or acceptance letter from a recognized Estonian research institution.
- Research proposal or project details.
- Relevant educational and research qualifications.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit:
- Proof of employment with a multinational company.
- Employment contract detailing the transfer.
- Proof of your position within the company.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Freelance Work Permit:
- Business plan outlining your freelance activities.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Proof of relevant qualifications and expertise.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Employment of Foreign Students:
- Proof of student status in Estonia.
- No objection letter from your educational institution.
- Details of part-time work or full-time work during breaks.
- Employment contract or job offer.
- Passport with at least 6 months' validity.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Completed application form.
- Health insurance coverage.
Any additional documents required by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Note: Remember that document requirements and procedures may change over time, so it's crucial to consult official Estonian government sources for the most up-to-date information before applying for any work permit or visa.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Estonia Visa Application Form
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) Application Form
Family and Relatives Data Application Form
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Estonia Work Visa/Permit(Long Term “D” Type) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Job Offer: You will need a job offer from an Estonian employer before applying for a work visa or residence permit. Make sure the job offer is valid and includes details about your employment, such as job description, salary, and duration.
- Check Eligibility and Requirements: Visit the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) or the Estonian embassy/consulate in India to understand the specific eligibility criteria and requirements for obtaining a work visa or residence permit.
- Apply for a Residence Permit: In Estonia, work permits are often issued in the form of residence permits. You will need to apply for a temporary residence permit for employment. This permit allows you to live and work in Estonia for a specified period.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents for your visa application. These typically include: Valid passport (2 blank pages, extended validity), Completed visa/residence permit form, Passport-sized photos (embassy specs), Job offer or Estonian contract, Qualifications and work experience proof, Police clearance or good conduct document.
- Submit Application and Attend Interview: Follow the instructions provided on the Estonian embassy's or consulate's website to submit your application and, if required, schedule an interview. Attend the interview with all the necessary documents.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee, which can vary. Check the embassy's guidelines for the current fee amount and payment methods.
- Biometrics: You may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for work visas or residence permits can vary. It's recommended to apply well in advance to account for any potential delays.
- Collect Your Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you'll receive a notification about how to collect your residence permit. This permit will allow you to work and live in Estonia for the specified duration.
- Register Your Residence: Once you arrive in Estonia, you might need to register your residence at a local government office. This is typically required within a certain period after arriving.
Click here for more information: https://newdelhi.mfa.ee/working-in-estonia/
Note: Always make sure to verify the specific requirements and procedures from official Estonian sources before applying for a work visa or residence permit. Starting the process early and being thorough with your documentation will contribute to a smoother application process.
- Temporary Work Permit: This permit allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work in Estonia temporarily. It's typically tied to a specific job offer from an Estonian employer. The permit is granted for a specific job and employer, and it's usually valid for up to 1 year, renewable. You need to fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for this permit, including having a job offer that meets certain conditions.
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit that allows highly skilled non-EU citizens to work and live in Estonia and other European Union member states. To be eligible, you typically need to have a higher education degree and a job offer in Estonia with a certain minimum salary threshold. The Blue Card is usually issued for a longer period and offers some advantages in terms of mobility within the EU.
- Startup Visa: The Startup Visa is designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to establish a startup in Estonia. To qualify, your startup idea needs to be innovative, and you must have the potential for growth and international scalability. The startup must be endorsed by a designated startup incubator or accelerator in Estonia.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Permit: This permit is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to their company's Estonian branch as part of an intra-company transfer. It allows skilled employees to work in Estonia temporarily while retaining their employment relationship with the foreign company.
- Seasonal Work Visa: This visa is for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to work in Estonia temporarily for a specific seasonal job, such as agricultural work or tourism-related positions. It's typically issued for a limited period and specific job, following the demand for seasonal labor.
- Researcher Visa: This visa is intended for researchers and scientists who wish to conduct research or work at a research institution in Estonia. You need to have a research contract or invitation from a recognized research institution to be eligible for this visa.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: Similar to the ICT Permit mentioned earlier, this permit allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to their company's Estonian branch for a temporary period. It's applicable to various sectors beyond just ICT and aims to facilitate the mobility of employees within the company.
- Freelance Work Permit: The freelance work permit allows non-EU/EEA citizens to work as freelancers or self-employed individuals in Estonia. To qualify, you need to prove that you have a steady income and sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Employment of Foreign Students: This is not a separate permit but rather a provision that allows students with a valid residence permit for studies to work part-time during their studies and full-time during university breaks or vacations without the need for an additional work permit.
Note: It's important to visit the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or the Estonian embassy/consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding each type of permit or visa.