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Estonia – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Estonia

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Estonia. The application for a work permit must be made by the expat’s employer. Exemptions from this requirement may apply for certain types of short-term work, such as for business visits or for participating in cultural events.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Estonia

There are several types of work permits for expats in Estonia, including:

  1. Short-term work permit – issued for a period of up to one year for workers who will be employed in Estonia for less than a year.

  2. Long-term work permit – issued for a period of up to five years for workers who will be employed in Estonia for more than a year.

  3. EU Blue Card – issued to highly-skilled workers from non-EU countries who will be working in Estonia for a period of more than one year.

Work Permit Application Process in Estonia

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Estonia is as follows:


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  1. The employer must first register the job offer with the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund.

  2. The expat must then apply for a work permit through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

  3. The expat must also undergo a medical examination in Estonia.

The processing time for a work permit in Estonia is approximately two months.

Work Permit Documents in Estonia

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Estonia:

  1. A valid passport or ID card.

  2. A job offer from an Estonian employer.

  3. Proof of health insurance.

  4. A police clearance certificate from the expat’s home country.

  5. Proof of qualifications and work experience.

Work Permit Costs in Estonia

The cost of applying for a work permit in Estonia depends on the type of permit being applied for and the length of the intended stay. The fee for a short-term work permit is approximately €100, while the fee for a long-term work permit is €300. There may also be additional costs for medical examinations and translation services.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Estonia

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in Estonia from the following sources:

  1. Estonian Police and Border Guard Board – https://www.politsei.ee/en/

  2. Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund – https://www.tootukassa.ee/en

  3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia – https://vm.ee/en/ministry


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