changing jobs

Simply planning to get an extra job? Then it’s all quite straightforward.

As long as you keep the job that your residence permit is based on (and the conditions of that job don’t change), you can get a second job without any special requirements for you or either one of your employer(s).

Leaving your job to join a different company? Your new employer needs to apply to the Police and Border Guard Board to register your change of workplace.

The good news is that you don’t need to apply for a new residence permit or residence permit card through this procedure. You can continue with your existing permit, keeping in mind that:

• Your new employer must submit a digitally signed application, a copy of the personal details page of your passport and, where required, permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. Some types of employment may require additional permits or approvals, which should be submitted with the application.
• Applications are reviewed within 30 days. Before you start working at your new job, you need to wait for confirmation from the Police and Border Guard Board that the change is permitted.
• Permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund is not required if you change positions under the same employer. It is also not required if you change jobs under your existing residence permit for employment, provided that you have lived and worked in Estonia for at least 12 consecutive months based on that residence permit.
• Once you start your new job, your new employer takes over the obligations of your previous employer as your sponsor. Your previous employer must notify the Police and Border Guard Board when your employment contract ends.

This procedure does not apply if you hold a temporary residence permit for an intra-company transfer or are a posted worker under the Working Conditions of Posted Workers Act. In these cases, contact the Police and Border Guard Board’s migration advisers to discuss your options.

If your employment has ended and your residence permit is linked to that specific employer, this may affect your right to live and work in Estonia. Your employer is required to notify the Police and Border Guard Board that your employment has ended.

If you want to stay in Estonia—and we hope you do—here’s what you should do:

• Contact the Police and Border Guard Board’s migration advisers as soon as possible. Ask how the end of your employment affects your residence permit and how much time you have to arrange your next steps.
• Start your job search. Before accepting a new position, check whether you can use the change-of-workplace procedure described above.
• Once you find a new employer, ask them to submit the required application and documents. If you use the change-of-workplace procedure, you must wait for positive confirmation from the Police and Border Guard Board before starting your new job.

For more details and support, please contact the Police and Border Guard Board’s migration advisers or book a consultation at the International House of Estonia.

are you taking on multiple jobs?

Simply planning to get an extra job? Before you get started, check how this fits with the conditions of your residence permit.

Let the Police and Border Guard Board’s migration advisers know that you plan to keep your current job and take on another one. They can confirm whether any additional requirements apply to you or your employers.