3+ months - Work in estonia!

before coming to estonia

1

find a job
Have a look at the latest offers
Here
2

sign an employment contract
Agree on working conditions with your new employer and sign a job contract. You can learn more about employment contracts
Here
3

find a home
The housing market in Estonia is heating up, so you’ll want to start looking right away. Luckily, we’ve got all the information you need.
Learn more here

travel to-do list

valid travel documents (take care to confirm their eligibility beforehand)
immunisation passport or certificate (if required)
check the latest border crossing regulations
bring travel tickets
purchase travel health insurance
research bank and wire transfer options
research your destination city
make sure you have somewhere to stay
bring a hat, scarf, and warm gloves. Essential if arriving in winter, spring, or fall

apply for right of residence

Now that you’re here, the first order of business is to apply for your Estonian personal identification number. Your Estonian ID code is a unique 11 digit number that is used for identification and will allow you to access Estonia’s social services. This includes health care, free language courses, and free public transport (Tallinn only).

Visit a local government services office in Tallinn or Tartu. You can also visit the International House of Estonia but an appointment is required.
Prepare the application form and be sure to bring your passport along. Find the form here
The appointment will take approximately 30 minutes and you’ll receive your code immediately.

Register your address in Estonia at your local government service office or at the International House of Estonia (appointment required).

Good to know

If the rental property is owned by more than one person, all the owners’ signatures need to be on the lease.
Came with family? You have the option to submit a joint address registration form.

Planning on moving? Yes, you’ll need to re-register. But don’t worry, with your Estonian ID or temporary residence card it can be completed online at eesti.ee

You can apply for an Estonian ID card at the Police and Border Guard Board. It’ll function as your identification documentation going forward, but it’s also the key that unlocks all the e-services Estonia is famous for. With your Estonian ID card in hand, you can take care of almost everything online!

What to bring

Application form: can be completed in advance or on-site.

Find the form here

Passport or identification document.
A colour photo measuring 40×50 mm. All state offices have a booth where you can get the photo taken for free.

A document that certifies you’ve paid the state fee

good to know

According to subsection 6 (1) of the Income Tax Act, you’re considered a tax resident of Estonia if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

Your place of residence is in Estonia
You reside in Estonia for at least 183 days of the year
You’re an Estonian diplomat in the foreign service

Yes, you can. Once your tax residency has been changed to Estonia, you’ll have the option to join the pension system, which withholds 2% of your gross monthly salary to be reinvested for your retirement.

We’re sorry to see you go! You’ll want to notify the Tax Board of your decision by submitting another form R.

Form R

De-register your Estonian residency address at the Population Registry, either online, via email or at one of their service bureaus.

More info

find a doctor

As long as your employer has registered you in the Employment Registry, you’ll be eligible for full health care on your 15th day of employment. Once you’ve found a specific doctor or clinic to your liking you can submit a registration application. You’ll receive a confirmation once you’re accepted. The change will be effective on the first day of the month after you initially submitted your application.

Learn more

getting around

In Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, public transport is free for all registered residents. You’ll want to buy an Ühiskaart card (which you can purchase at any post office or R-kiosk) and then personalise it so you can start accessing the public transport system. Every time you ride, hold the card up to any automatic ticket reader. Wait for the beep, then take a seat!

Learn more

arriving with family

The Estonian health care system will cover all eligible family members, but additional documentation might be necessary.

Learn more

Private health insurance providers

The spouse programme programme is available for foreign partners/spouses interested in working in Estonia, and includes complimentary career counselling services.

Learn more

important links

housing
We recommend you start looking for an apartment as soon as you arrive in Estonia. You could even start a week before (no point in starting too early—the rental market is pretty busy and most apartments will be gone within a week).
open a bank account
Keep in mind that many banking service providers have limited offers for foreign nationals without a residence permit. For instance, opening a bank account can take about a week and cost up to 250 euros.
find a doctor
To have access to quality primary health care, submit a registration application to the specific clinic in your residence area where you want to register. Once you’ve applied, you’ll get a confirmation if you are accepted.
register a vehicle
To register a vehicle in Estonia, gather the required documents like proof of ownership, ID, and technical inspection report. Visit a local Road Administration office, submit the documents, pay the fee, and get your new Estonian registration plates. Don't forget to arrange valid motor insurance before driving the vehicle on Estonian roads.
get a public transport card
Passengers without a ticket, and also those using the discount ticket without a document, entitling them to the benefits, will be fined with up to 40 euros as stated under the Public Transport Act. A valid transport ticket will grant you travelling in public transport vehicles of Tallinn.
international house of estonia
Feels like a lot to handle? The International House of Estonia is there to support you and answer all your questions about paperwork, settling in, networking, and jobs. Appointment required!

relocation guide

Download a free copy of relocation guide

Everything you need to know about relocating to Estonia, getting around, settling in with all the helpful tips and tricks.

download relocation guide