Guidance

Travel to Estonia for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Estonia and how to get one if you do.

From:
Department for Business and Trade
Published
27 July 2021
Last updated
15 April 2024 — See all updates

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.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Estonia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

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.

Estonia is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Estonian 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 embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements

If you’re working in more than one country, you 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 embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)

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 do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Estonia for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

  • attending business meetings
  • buying goods for sale outside the country
  • providing consultations
  • touring or inspecting a company facility
  • fitting, maintaining, or repairing equipment
  • attending trade shows, seminars, conferences or conventions
  • attending training

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your entire stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip
  • an invitation letter or training plan from your employer that explains your trip

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:

  • working on a one-off temporary basis for up to 5 days in a 30-day period
  • a journalist accredited by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for up to 270 days in a 12-month period
  • a supervisor or director of an Estonian branch of a non-Estonian company for up to 5 days in a 30-day period

If you hold a visa or residence permit issued by another Schengen country you may not need an Estonian visa or permit if:

  • your employment in Estonia is related to work in Estonia
  • you have the right to stay in Estonia

Exemptions are covered by the Schengen 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:

  • an assignment letter
  • employment confirmation
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Estonia’s embassy or immigration authorities.

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 immigration authorities.

If you already have a legal basis to stay in Estonia, you can apply for a permit through the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).

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 Schengen visa waiver.

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit. Find out about residence permits for family members.

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:

Residence permits are valid for up to 2 years and can be extended for up to 5 years at a time.

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.

Short-term employment can be registered for a longer period of time for teachers and lecturers, research work, top specialists and to start a company.

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:

  • have the required qualifications, professional skills and knowledge, state of health and work experience for the job
  • be working for a company registered in Estonia
  • be paid the average annual gross salary in Estonia or 1.5 times that salary if you’re a top specialist

It can take up to 15 business days for your short-term employment to be registered or rejected. You can work in Estonia from the day your employer receives written confirmation of your registration.

There is a fast-track process available for the following types of employment, which allows your employer to register your employment 1 business day before your employment start date instead of the usual 15 business days. This applies to:

  • a teacher or a lecturer
  • research work
  • a top specialist
  • employment with a residence permit of an employee transferred within a company of another EU member state
  • employment at a start-up company
  • participation in seasonal work if you have been employed as a seasonal worker in Estonia during the last five years and the registration of short-term employment is still valid

Your right to work can be withdrawn if you don’t meet the conditions.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Your employer should apply for your registration of short-term employment. They must do this at least 15 days before you need to start working.

  2. 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:

  • completed application form for short-term employment registration
  • completed application form for long-stay visa (if needed)
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • colour passport photo taken within 6 months of applying - 1 digital photo (1,300px x 1,600px) for the short-term employment registration and 1 printed photo (35mm x 45mm) for the long-stay visa (if needed)
  • most recent bank statements
  • proof of your booked return ticket
  • travel and medical insurance certificate
  • proof of your accommodation in Estonia
  • support letter from your UK employer
  • invitation letter from Estonia

Certain types of work and activities may require additional documents including:

  • teachers or lecturers at an educational organisation
  • research activities
  • top specialists, experts, advisers or consultants
  • work for a start-up
  • seasonal work – this can only be registered for up to 270 days in a 365-day period
  • holders of an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) permit issued by another EU country
  • minister of religions, such as a nun or monk
  • arts activities, such as working for an art organisation
  • sports activities and jobs, such as coaches, referees and athletes
  • transferred (posted) workers, including those providing services to Estonian clients – if you continue to be employed, paid and under the management of your UK company
  • youth programs approved by the Ministry of Education

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:

  • teacher
  • lecturer
  • researcher
  • top specialist
  • for a start-up company

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:

  • work in the information and communication technology, finance, or marketing sectors
  • be able to work remotely, independent of location
  • have a UK employment contract, or carry out business for your own UK-registered business, or work as a freelancer for clients outside Estonia
  • meet minimum income requirements for at least 6 months prior to submitting the application

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 need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You complete your Digital Nomad Visa application and submit it to the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  2. You 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 colour photograph (35mm x 45 mm) taken within 6 months of applying
  • proof of the minimum income requirement for the last 6 months before applying, showing the amount, regularity and source of income
  • proof of your academic and professional history
  • signed UK employment contract, if applicable
  • written confirmation from your UK employer that you can work remotely, if applicable

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Estonia

Intra-company transfer (ICT) temporary residence permit

You need an ICT temporary residence permit if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Estonia to work for:

  • up to 3 years, if you’re a manager or specialist
  • up to 1 year, if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have worked for your UK company for at least 1 year if you’re a manager or specialist, or 6 months if you’re a trainee
  • earn at least the average gross monthly salary in Estonia
  • have a high level of qualifications and experience, or a 3-year bachelor’s degree if you’re a trainee
  • have professional knowledge in the field
  • keep your UK employment contract

The ICT temporary residence permit takes about 2 months to get. It’s valid for up to 3 years if you’re a manager or specialist or 1 year if you’re a trainee. It can’t be extended.

If you have a spouse, any children under 18, or parents they can join you with this permit type. Find out about residence permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit your ICT temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  2. 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 colour passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • diploma or other qualification certificate and transcripts relevant to the job
  • registry extract showing the UK company and Estonian branch belong to the same group (notarised and legalised with an apostille)
  • signed employment contract with your employer
  • signed assignment agreement with your employer
  • marriage certificate, if applicable
  • birth certificates for any children
  • health insurance in Estonia for the anticipated entire length of your stay

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. 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 with this permit type. Find out about residence permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit your EU Blue Card temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  2. 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 15 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 colour passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • diploma or other qualification certificate
  • CV
  • employment contract or offer with your Estonian employer
  • health insurance cover for Estonia for the length of your anticipated residence permit
  • declaration stating reasons of your employment with Estonian employer
  • marriage certificate, if applicable
  • birth certificates for any children

Temporary residence permit for employment

To qualify for a temporary residence permit for employment you must:

  • have an Estonian or UK employment contract
  • be either on Estonian or UK payroll
  • have the relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills and health for the position
  • earn at least the latest annual average wage in Estonia

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 with this permit type. Find out about residence permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. 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.

  2. You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  3. 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 colour passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • diploma or other qualification certificate or relevant experience for the job
  • health insurance cover for Estonia for the entire length of your anticipated stay
  • employment contract
  • binding offer of employment or letter of consent to employ you from the Estonian company, if applicable
  • letter of support from your employer
  • invitation letter from the Estonian employer
  • permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund for your employer to hire a non-Estonian, if a labour market test was carried out
  • marriage certificate, if applicable
  • birth certificates for any children
  • details of all living and deceased close family members

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 with this permit type. Find out about residence permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  2. 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 passport photograph taken within 6 months of applying
  • documents showing financial investment
  • business plan if you’re self-employed
  • approval from the expert committee for start-up businesses
  • proof of significant investment for major investors
  • sufficient income to support your business or investments
  • health insurance cover for Estonia for the length of your anticipated residence permit
  • marriage certificate, if applicable
  • birth certificates for any children

Research work

To qualify for a temporary residence permit for research you must:

  • have a hosting agreement for a research position with a recognised research and development institution in Estonia
  • meet the appropriate education and professional requirements for the position
  • have a permanent income to support yourself
  • have health insurance covering your stay in Estonia

The research institution must have enough financial means for the research project and either:

  • be recognised by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research and positively evaluated in at least one field
  • have a valid institutional accreditation, or its main registered activity listed as research and development in the state register

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 with this permit type. Find out about residence permits for family members.

How it works

You need to check with Estonia’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit your temporary residence permit application at the Estonian embassy or consulate.

  2. 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:

  • completed application form
  • UK passport for you and any dependants, valid for 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • 1 passport photo taken within 6 months of applying
  • hosting agreement with an Estonian research institution
  • degree or other qualification certificates
  • enough money to support yourself
  • health insurance cover for Estonia for the length of your anticipated residence permit
  • marriage certificate, if applicable
  • birth certificates for any children

Estonian government guidance

Read official Estonian government information on visas and residence permits and from the 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.

Updates to this page

Published 27 July 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

  1. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 15 March 2024.)

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  3. The income requirement for a top specialist registering for short-term employment from twice the average annual gross salary to 1.5 times that salary. The processing time to be registered or rejected for short-term employment is now 15 business days. Updated links for registration of short-term employment, local police and border guard service office for registration of short-term employment. Passport size for a Digital Nomad Visa has changed from 35mm to 45mm. Added links to the requirement and instructions for the document photo for intra-company transfer (ICT) temporary residence permit, requirement and instructions for the document photo for an EU Blue Card, requirement and instructions for the document photo for temporary residence permit for employment, requirement and instructions for the document photo for self-employed work, investing in or starting a business in Estonia, requirement and instructions for the document photo for research work. New requirement for details of all living and deceased close family members in application for temporary residence permit for employment. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  4. There are new online forms for the Digital Nomad Visa and population register. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  5. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  6. Updated the application documents needed for the ICT and temporary residence permits. If you already have a legal basis to stay in Estonia, you can apply for a permit through the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB). The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  7. Content reviewed. No changes made. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  8. First published.

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