Following independence in the early 90s, Estonia has developed into a prosperous EU country focused on the digital economy and innovation. Many companies in Estonia seek to hire overseas talent through a work visa, and similarly, many foreign nationals seek a visa to work in Estonia — particularly those interested in a flexible European base of operations.
Here we set out the different types of Estonia work visa, and describe the steps that need to be taken in order to acquire such a visa.
Strictly speaking, Estonia does not have a system of work visas or work permits. Instead, individuals receive a residency permit with a condition enabling the individual to work.
There are several different types of visa in Estonia that enable an individual to work in that country: Note, that a visa is not required for EU/common market nationals due to freedom of movement within the EU.
We consider each relevant visa in turn:
The process for applying for a work visa in Estonia depends on the visa sought, but generally the process proceeds as follows:
The processing time for a work visa application in Estonia can vary but is usually up to two months.
Visas that permit individuals to work in Estonia are highly sought after by individuals and businesses alike. To check which visa may be appropriate for an employee, it may be worth using the services of a visa support partner to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
An international Employer of Record (international EOR) specializes in hiring individuals internationally and often provides work visa assistance to speed up the process. Check out our list of the best EOR companies in 2023 to find a provider that may be able to assist you.
The processing time for a work visa in Estonia can vary, though in our experience they are usually processed within about two months.
Yes, the D-Visa and EU Blue Card will usually require an employer sponsor. Note, however, that there are other options in Estonia such as the Digital Nomad visa that do not require a sponsor.
