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Nationals from the EU or EEA member states may enter Estonia without a visa and their presence in the country is subject to the Citizens of the European Union Act. United States citizens do not require a visa if they intend to stay in Estonia less than three months in a six month period.

Regulations on residency and immigration altered somewhat on May 1, 2004, when Estonia joined the European Union. Temporary residency is granted to the spouse of an Estonian citizen, permanent resident aliens who have resided in Estonia legally for at least five years, or the spouse of an alien who has been granted a residency permit on the basis of employment. If the marriage is less than three years old, the alien spouse receives a residency permit that is valid for one year. The permit may be renewed each year for three years. After three years of permanent residency in Estonia, provided the marriage has remained intact, the alien spouse will receive a permit for residency that is valid for three years. If the marriage is more than three years old, the alien spouse will immediately receive a permanent residency permit that is valid for three years.

Temporary residence permits are also issued to aliens who want to settle with a close relative who is an Estonian citizen. A close relative is defined as a parent (in the case of a minor or an adult child who is unable to cope independently due to health reasons or disabilities), a child (in the case of a parent who requires care), or a grandchild (in the case of a grandparent who requires care), or a person under guardianship to settle with their guardian. In most cases of an alien wishing to take up residence in Estonia based on a family relationship, it is a requirement that the family member sponsor maintain a permanent legal income in Estonia.