Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa - Type C): Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Estonia and the Schengen Area.
Temporary Resident Visa (D Visa): Typically valid for 6 to 12 months, used for work, study, or digital nomads.
Temporary Residence Permit: Grants residence for 1 to 5 years, renewable, commonly used for work, entrepreneurship, or family reunification.
Permanent Residence Permit: Grants indefinite stay but must be renewed every 5 years.
Visa cost
Tourist Visa (Schengen Visa): Around $87 (€80).
Temporary Resident Visa (D Visa): Approximately $108 (€100).
Temporary Residence Permit: Costs vary by category, typically $194 to $216 (€180 to €200).
Permanent Residence Permit: Approximately $216 (€200).
Visa extension
Tourist Visa: Not typically extendable unless in exceptional circumstances (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons).
Temporary Resident Visa: Yes, can be extended for up to 12 months total.
Temporary Residence Permit: Yes, renewable every 1 to 5 years.
Permanent Residence Permit: Not applicable; must be renewed every 5 years.
Visa processing time
Tourist Visa: Usually processed within 15 days, but can take up to 45 days in some cases.
Temporary Resident Visa: Takes around 30 to 60 days for processing.
Temporary Residence Permit: Typically processed within 2 to 4 months.
Permanent Residence Permit: Processing time is 3 to 6 months.
Who can apply?
Tourist Visa: Citizens of most countries outside the EU/Schengen Area require a visa for short stays.
Temporary Resident Visa: Available for students, workers, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and researchers.
Temporary Residence Permit: Granted to those with long-term work contracts, family reunification needs, or startup founders.
Permanent Residence Permit: Open to individuals who have lived legally in Estonia for at least 5 years on a temporary residence permit.
Where to apply?
Visa applications are submitted at Estonian embassies or consulates abroad, or through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for residence permits.
How to apply:
Determine Visa Type: Choose between a Tourist, Temporary Resident, or Permanent Residence Permit.
Temporary Resident Visa: Employment contract, proof of study, or proof of digital nomad status.
Temporary Residence Permit: Proof of employment, entrepreneurship, family reunification, or long-term stay.
Permanent Residence Permit: Proof of 5 years of legal residency and financial stability.
Submit Application: Apply at the Estonian consulate or the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
Pay the Visa Fee: Fees depend on the visa category.
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applicants may need additional screening.
Await Processing: Wait for approval and follow any further instructions.
Minimum income requirements
Tourist Visa: No specific income requirement, but travelers must show proof of sufficient funds (typically $75 per day).Temporary Resident Visa:
Work Visa: Must earn at least $1,600 per month (€1,500).
Digital Nomad Visa: Requires proof of remote work with a minimum income of $4,300 per month (€3,500).
Entrepreneur Visa: Requires investment in an Estonian business with at least $19,400 (€18,000) in capital.
Permanent Residence Permit: Requires stable income and integration into Estonian society.
Popular cities
Tallinn: The capital and tech hub of Estonia.
Tartu: Known as the university city with a strong cultural scene.
Pärnu: A popular seaside resort town.
Narva: A city with strong Russian cultural influences.
Viljandi: A charming town with historical sites and music festivals.
Minimum income requirements
Official Language: Estonian.
Other Languages: English is widely spoken, especially in Tallinn and among younger generations. Russian is also spoken by a significant portion of the population.
