Key Takeaways:
- Non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens need an Estonia Work Visa; EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens must register and get an ID card.
- Key visa conditions: employer registration, valid work contract, qualifications, good health, and several specific documents.
- Work visa application involves employer registration, consulate application, residence permit upon entry, and may take up to 30 days.
Do I Need a Visa to Work in Estonia?
Anyone who is not a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland needs to apply for an Estonia Work Visa to work in Estonia. For non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens, a work visa is mandatory and initially valid for one year, but can be renewed. However, EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens do not need a work visa; they must register as an Estonian resident in the Population Register of Estonia within the first three months of their stay and apply for an ID card within the first month.
What are the Conditions to Obtain an Estonia Work Visa?
Before starting your application for an Estonia Work Visa, ensure you meet the following conditions:
- Employer Registration: Your employer must register your employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board beforehand.
- Valid Work Contract: You need a valid work contract.
- Qualification: You must have the required qualification for the requested work position.
- Good Health: You should be in good health condition.
What Are the Estonia Visa Requirements?
To apply for an Estonia Work Visa, you must provide several documents:
- Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least three months after your return date and have two blank pages. Include copies of any previous visas.
- Two Passport-Size Photos: Photos should be in color, taken within the last six months with a light background.
- Application Form: Complete the long-stay D visa application form online, print it, and sign it.
- Fee Payment: Pay the visa application fee (usually €100) and attach the receipt.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance covering at least €30,000 within the Schengen area.
- Proof of Accommodation: Documents like rental agreements or letters of invitation proving your lodging.
- Cover Letter: Explain your purpose of visit in detail.
- Criminal Record: A clean criminal record certified by your home country’s police authorities.
- Work Contract: A detailed employment contract.
- Qualifications: Documents such as your educational diploma, CV, and driver’s license (if applicable), translated into Estonian or English. Original or notarized copies are required.
“Note: The Estonian embassy may request additional documents, so ensure every requested document is submitted to prevent visa refusal.”
What is the Work Visa Application Process?
Step 1: Register Employment in Estonia
Your employer in Estonia must register your short-term employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. For this, provide a copy of your passport, photo, and other personal details to your employer. This process will give you an ID code, a unique 11-digit number used to identify you in Estonia.
Step 2: Apply for the Work Visa at an Estonian Embassy/Consulate
- Book an Appointment: Contact the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate in your country and schedule an appointment.
- Submit Documents: Collect all required documents and present them during your visa appointment. You may need to undergo an interview.
- Wait for a Response: The embassy/consulate will contact you via email or text with the result of your application.
Step 3: Apply for a Residence Permit Upon Entering Estonia
- Appointment at PBGB: After entering Estonia, book an appointment with the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) and submit all required documents for a residence permit.
- Register Residence: Register your residence online or at the PBGB.
“Note: Receiving your residence permit can take up to two months. Meanwhile, you can use your ID code.”
How Long is the Processing Time for an Estonia Work Visa?
The standard processing time for an Estonia Work Visa is 30 days. However, it may extend due to various factors like the complexity of your case, political reasons, or peak application periods such as summertime or holidays.
How Much is the Estonia Work Visa Fee?
The application fee for an Estonia Work Visa is €100. Payment can be made in cash or by card when submitting your documents to the embassy or consulate in your home country.
How Long Can I Stay in Estonia with a Work Visa?
The Estonia Work Visa allows a stay of 365 days. To stay longer, apply for a temporary residence permit upon arrival in Estonia, valid for up to five years and renewable.
Additionally, you can visit other Schengen countries for up to three months within any 180-day period.
Can I Extend an Estonia Work Visa?
Extending your Estonia Work Visa is possible. Apply in person at any of the Police and Border Guard Board offices at least three working days before your visa expires.
Can I Bring My Family Along with an Estonia Work Visa?
Yes, you can bring family members with an Estonia Work Visa. They can work, study, and stay in Estonia. Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Cohabiting partner
- Children under 18
- Lonely relatives over 65 with health problems
What Should I Know About Working in Estonia?
If you plan to work in Estonia, keep these important points in mind:
- Average Salary: The average monthly salary is €1,150, though it could be higher depending on your job.
- Living Costs: Monthly living costs for a single person (excluding rent) are around €661.
- Health Insurance: Premium health insurance can cost approximately €188 per month.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on Estonian immigration policies, visit the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website where you can find official guidelines and documentation requirements.
By following these steps and understanding the requirements, you can successfully apply for an Estonia Work Visa and embark on a new chapter of your professional journey in Estonia.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Estonia Work Visa: A legal document required by non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens to work in Estonia. It is initially valid for one year and can be renewed.
- EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens: Individuals who are nationals of countries in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland. These citizens do not need a work visa to work in Estonia but must register as residents.
- Employer Registration: A mandatory step where an Estonian employer must register the employment details of a foreign worker with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board before the worker can start employment.
- Long-Stay D Visa Application Form: The official form required for applying for a long-stay visa in Estonia, which allows a stay exceeding 90 days, typically for work or study purposes.
- Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB): The Estonian government authority responsible for managing border control, migration, and the issuance of visas and residence permits.
These definitions aim to clarify some of the specialized terms related to obtaining a work visa and residing in Estonia.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need a work visa to be employed in Estonia. This visa, valid for one year, can be renewed. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a visa but must register as residents. Requirements include a valid work contract, employer registration, and health insurance, among other documents.
— By VisaVerge.com
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.
Read More
- Estonia Visa Fees: Complete Guide to Application Costs
- Estonia Visa Guide: Types, Policy, and Application Process
- Essential Visa Rules and Documents for Traveling to Estonia
- Essential Documents for Traveling to Estonia
- Estonia Transit Visa: Requirements for Airport Transit
- Estonia Schengen Visa Guide for Tourists
