07/27/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/27/2021 08:19
This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.
Entry requirements
If you're going to Estonia to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.
On the day you travel, you'll need your passport to both:
If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
If you're going for other types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.
Estonia's authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.
You must always check with Estonia's government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements
If you're working in more than one country you'll need to check the entry rules of each country.
If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.
Visa and permit documents
This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Estonia. It includes a checklist of documents that you'll usually need to include when applying.
It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Estonia's authorities or embassy.
You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:
Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa. This guide uses the same terms used in Estonia, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Estonia's authorities.
Check if you need a visa or permit
You don't need a visa or permit if you're travelling to Estonia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:
These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.
Border checks
At the border, you may be asked to show:
Check Estonia's exemptions
Certain types of work-related activities don't require a visa or permit because they're exempt.
All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country's authorities.
For Estonia you may not need a visa or permit if you're:
Exemptions are covered by the visa waiver.
Show proof of exemption
You need to be able to show proof that you're exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:
Further checks
If you're not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Estonia's embassy.
Applying for a visa or permit
This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you'll need to check the exact rules and processes with Estonia's embassy or other authorities.
Taking your family
If you're going to Estonia for short-term work, family members won't be able to get dependant permits. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver.
There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit.
Short and long-term visa and permits
You can get a short- or long-term visa if you're:
You need to apply for a temporary residence permit if you're in Estonia for 1 year or more because you're:
Temporary residence permits are valid for up to 5 years depending on which one you need.
Short-term employment registration
The registration of short-term employment allows you to carry out work in Estonia for up to 365 days in a 455-day period.
If you travel to Estonia without a visa you will still need to ensure that your travels are in line with the Schengen visa waiver rules. If you do not want to use your 90 in 180-day Schengen day allowance, or you need to stay in Estonia for more than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa.
To qualify you must:
It takes 15 business days for the short-term employment to be registered. In urgent cases, you can start working in Estonia as soon as your application has been submitted. Your right to work can be withdrawn if you don't meet the conditions.
How it works
Your employer applies for your registration of short-term employment. They can do this online, in person (or via an authorised representative) at a local police and border guard service office, or by post. They must do this at least 10 days before you need to start working.
You apply for a long stay visa from the Estonian consulate or embassy if needed.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Certain types of work and activities may require additional documents including:
You should check what documents you would be expected to show with the Estonian authorities.
Registration is valid for the duration of your assignment up to 365 days in a 455-day period.
It may be possible to register your employment for longer if you're working as a:
Estonia's authorities decide this on a case-by-case basis.
You can't extend your registration beyond 365 days and will need to wait for 90 days before re-applying or apply for a temporary residence permit.
Digital Nomad Visa
To qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa you must:
The Digital Nomad Visa takes 30 days to get. It's valid for up to 1 year. You can't extend it. You can apply for a new visa for an extra 6 months. You must leave the country after 1.5 years in Estonia.
How it works
You submit your Digital Nomad Visa application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You should apply for a C visa if you're staying up to 90 days or a D visa for more than 90 days.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Estonia
You need an EU temporary residence permit if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Estonia to work for:
To qualify you must:
The EU temporary residence permit takes about 2 months to get. It can't be extended beyond 3 years or 1 year if you're a trainee.
If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you as dependants with this permit type.
How it works
You submit your EU ICT temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You register your residence in the population register once in Estonia.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Working for a company in Estonia on a long-term Estonian contract
You need one of the following residence permits if you have an employment offer with a company in Estonia:
EU Blue Card
To qualify for an EU Blue Card temporary residence permit you must:
Your education or experience must be recognised by the Ministry of Education and Research for regulated professions.
If your profession is not regulated it must be recognised by the Estonian ENIC-NARIC Centre of the foundation Archimedes (Academic Recognition Information Centre).
An EU Blue Card takes around 2 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and 3 months. You can extend it. This permit type can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.
If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you as dependants with this permit type.
How it works
You submit your EU Blue Card temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You register your residence in the population register once in Estonia.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
To qualify for a temporary residence permit for employment you must:
Performing artists and professional athletes, coaches, referees and sports officials also qualify for this permit type.
The temporary residence permit takes about 2 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.
If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you as dependants with this permit type.
How it works
You need to check with Estonia's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.
If you've been offered an Estonian contract your employer carries out a labour market test with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. They check if the Estonian company has tried to hire Estonian or EU workers for the position first. A labour market test is not required if your job is exempt.
You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You register your residence in the population register once in Estonia.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Additional documents may be requested such as confirmation from the sports federation if working in sports or proof that you are a performing artist. You can find out more by contacting the Estonian embassy or consulate.
Self-employed work, investing in or starting a business in Estonia
You can apply for a temporary residence permit for business if any of the following applies:
The temporary residence permit for business takes 2 months to get. It's valid for up to 5 years and you can extend it.
If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you as dependants with this permit type.
How it works
You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You register your residence in the population register once in Estonia.
If you're self-employed, you'll need to provide a detailed business plan, including financial forecasts for the first 2 years.
If you want to start up a new business you'll need approval from the expert committee of the Ministry of Interior.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Research work
To qualify for a temporary residence permit for research you must:
The research institution must have enough financial means for the research project and either:
The research residence permit takes 2 months to get. It's valid for 2 years and you can extend it.
If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you as dependants.
How it works
You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.
You register your residence in the population register once in Estonia.
Application documents
Estonia's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:
Estonian government guidance
Read official Estonian government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits and from Estonian police.
Check for travel changes
European governments may update or change their rules without notice.
You should always check foreign travel advice for Estonia on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings) before travelling, or planning to travel.