Work permits and visas in Estonia: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Estonia? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of visa or permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Estonia. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work visas in Estonia, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Estonia?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Estonia, whether permanently or for short-term employment, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s visa and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Estonia

Who needs a work visa in Estonia?

Anyone who is not an Estonian citizen and wants to work in Estonia generally needs a residence permit for employment, with the exceptions of:

• Citizens of European Union (EU) countries
• Citizens of Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein

Note that workers in these categories must obtain an EU Registration Certificate within three months of entering Estonia.

For employers, it’s your responsibility to confirm that every foreign national you hire has the legal right to work. This usually means checking their residence permit card, passport, or other official travel documents before employment begins.

Note that Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Estonia, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

Types of work permits in Estonia

Estonia doesn’t issue work visas in the traditional sense for long-term employment. Instead, the system combines short-term visas with residence permits that include work authorization. The right option depends on how long you intend to employ the foreign national and the nature of their role.

Here are the main visas and permits:

Temporary residence permit for employment

For long-term employment, non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals require a temporary residence permit for employment. This permit is valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to five years, and it authorises both residence and work. It can be renewed if the employment continues.

The employer must demonstrate compliance with Estonia’s salary thresholds (generally at least the national average salary, with exceptions for shortage occupations) and register the employment with the authorities.

Short-term employment with a type D visa

Foreign nationals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland can work in Estonia for up to 365 days (within a 455-day period) if their employment is registered with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

To do this, they must also have a long-stay type D visa, which allows multiple entries into Estonia during this period. This route is typically used for short-term employment, project-based work, or temporary hires, and you must register the employment before the individual begins work.

EU Blue Card

The European Union Blue Card is a long-term residence permit that enables highly skilled professionals from outside the EU to live and work in most of the 27 member states. 

The EU Blue Card is also a valid Estonian work permit, and holders can live and work in Estonia without requiring additional visas or permits.

However, the requirements for obtaining an EU Blue Card are strict. Learn more about EU Blue Cards.

Other work permit types

There are also special provisions for certain types of work, such as researchers, startup founders, and seasonal workers. For example, foreign nationals working in research or teaching may be subject to simplified rules, while those working in Estonia’s startup ecosystem can apply for fast-track long-term residence permits under the country’s startup visa program. Seasonal workers, on the other hand, may be employed for shorter periods with tailored permits.

Does Estonia offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes, Estonia offers a fully operational digital nomad visa. Launched in 2020, it enables remote workers, freelancers, and digital entrepreneurs to legally live in Estonia while continuing their online work with employers or clients abroad, with no requirement for local employment. It is valid for up to one year.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they can work remotely, either through employment with an overseas-registered company, freelancing for clients abroad, or running their own foreign-registered business. A key requirement is meeting the minimum income threshold, which changes each year. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of health insurance, a valid passport, and a clean criminal record.

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

What about the Schengen Visa?

The Schengen Visa is simply a travel authorization for those who wish to stay in a member state of the Schengen Area (such as Estonia) for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period). By itself, it does not give holders legal permission to work in Estonia.

What are the visa requirements in Estonia?

Across all visa routes, standard visa requirements apply. As well as submitting a visa application form, the employee must:

• Hold a valid passport
• Submit passport photographs
• Provide proof of health insurance
• Demonstrate a clean criminal record

If qualifications or degrees are required for the role, these documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated into Estonian. Employers, in turn, must show proof of their legal registration in Estonia, tax compliance, and the capacity to pay the agreed salary.

How do you apply for an Estonian work visa?

The visa application process begins with registering the foreign employee’s work. For short-term hires, you must submit an application to the Police and Border Guard Board to register the individual’s employment, after which they can apply for a type D visa.

For longer-term roles, you will need to support the worker in applying for a temporary residence permit by supplying the employment contract, proof of company registration, and confirmation of salary and tax compliance.

Once the employment is registered and the documentation is in order, the employee submits their visa or residence permit application either at an Estonian embassy or consulate abroad, or directly with the PBGB in Estonia (depending on where they are applying from). The application is reviewed by Estonian authorities, who may request further details or clarification. Processing usually takes 30 to 60 days for a residence permit and less time for a type D visa.

When the visa or residence permit is granted, the employee can enter Estonia and begin working in line with the registered contract. You must then ensure the employee’s details are correctly recorded in country’s population and tax registers., including the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund.

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Estonia, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Estonia on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Estonia, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.