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EstoniaWork permitsLast checked October 19, 2026

Temporary residence permit for employment

Non-EU nationals working in Estonia long-term need a temporary residence permit for employment from the Police and Border Guard Board. As a general rule the employer must be registered in Estonia, pay at least the Estonian average gross salary (€2,092 a month for applications from 5 March 2026) and obtain a permit from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. An annual immigration quota applies, with exemptions. The permit lasts up to 5 years and can lead to long-term residence after 5 years.

See requirements ↓

Life in Estonia

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

76

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

Flat 22%

Income tax (national)

VAT 24%

Flat 22%; basic exemption EUR 700/month (EUR 8,400/year) from 2026. A planned rise for 2026 was cancelled.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.4

#44 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU nationals hired by an Estonian employer, including skilled workers, agency workers, top specialists, ICT and start-up staff, and graduates of Estonian universities.

Eligibility

  • Employer

    The employer is registered in Estonia and, as a general rule, has a permit from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund to recruit a foreign national for the post.

  • Salary

    €2,092
    for applications accepted from 5 March 2026 to March 2027

    At least the annual average gross monthly salary in Estonia (general rule, with exceptions): €2,092 for applications accepted from 5 March 2026 to March 2027. Some categories use 0.8, 1.24 or 1.5 times this rate.

  • Skills

    Education, work experience, health and professional skills suited to the job.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementQuota
  • Document checklistTemporary residence permit application and family data form
  • FeesState fee for a temporary residence permit for employment

The full requirements are for members

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 4 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 4 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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