How to get a residence permit in Estonia in 2022

Visa-free entry to the EU and access to social programs are not the only advantages of a residence permit in Estonia in 2022. The country boasts low taxes, fast business registration speed, and IT technology. Today we will talk about how to get a long-term residence permit in Estonia in 2022.

When you get a residence permit in Estonia

Residence permit in Estonia is issued on the basis of the following reasons:

• business in the country;
• work in Estonia;
• family reunification;
• studies in a local institution;
• serious achievements in science, culture or sports;
• official income received in another country, which is capable of ensuring the residence of a non-resident here;
• refugee;
• former resident of Estonia.

How to obtain a residence permit for an EU or EEA citizen

The easiest way to get a permit is to be a resident of Europe. The main requirement is to live in the country for 5 years in a row with a certificate of temporary residence. It is possible to get a residence permit earlier under these conditions:

• The person was employed or self-employed for at least 12 months, and reached retirement age.
• The person worked in Estonia for 2 years and received a disability.
• The person was injured at work and became disabled.
• Non-resident worked in the country for at least 3 years, now works in another EU country, but will return here at least once a week.
• To take a residence permit, an EU resident must submit an application form, passport, and a document that confirms payment of the state duty. The answer will be received within one month of the application.

Residence permits for non-EU residents 

People who are not EU citizens may apply for a long-term residence permit, if they have lived legally in the country for 5 years. During this time, studying in Estonia can be counted at the rate of 4 years for 2 years of residence.

In order to receive a long-term residence permit, you have to do the following:

• be the holder of a valid temporary residence permit;
• register your place of residence in Estonia in a special register;
• have legal income to pay for your stay in the country;
• be insured in the local health insurance system;
• know Estonian language, etc.

Paperwork for non-EU residents

• Questionnaire filled out correctly in Estonian;
• Valid passport;
  Certificate of proficiency in Estonian (level B1);
• Medical insurance contract in Estonia;
• Document confirming legal income for the last 6 months;
• Tax receipt.

Filing of documents

The application must be submitted in person to the Police and Border Guard Board. You can also do it by email if it is less than 2 years since the last application for a residence permit and fingerprinting. Within 3 weeks of submitting the application, the authorities will make a decision.

If this is not the first time you have applied for a residence permit and you already have a residence permit, you have to reapply at least 2 months before the expiry date of the valid permit. If there are less than 10 days before the expiration date of the previous residence permit, the authorities will consider the application faster; but due to the rush, the decision may not always be positive.