Estonia is a youthful country where skills and talent count more than hierarchy, and everybody can have a chance at a great career. It is no surprise that thirty-somethings in Estonia can be government ministers, twenty-somethings create unicorn startups, and hardworking talents can can find themselves moving quickly up the corporate ladder. Estonia has been rated as Europe's most entrepreneurial country, and we have the highest number of startups per capita in Europe. With the right attitude and good skills, you can make your work dream come true in Estonia.
EU, EAA, & Swiss citizens
All European citizens can start their work life in Estonia without any special permit. Just send out your resume, find an employer, and start working! In our post-COVID world, many companies offer remote jobs, and you could even work from abroad. Your employer has to register your employment at the Tax & Customs Board employment registry. You need to have an Estonian personal identification code for that. Keep in mind, though, that you may reside and work in Estonia without registration of temporary residence for a period of up to 3 months.
You can find a step-by-step guide about the relocation process here: https://www.workinestonia.com/coming-to-estonia/
Find more details about requirements and exceptions from here: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/working-in-estonia/
Non-EU Citizens
Short Stay
If you plan to work in Estonia for less than a year, you can work on the basis of a long-stay visa or short-term employment registration. Read about the detailed requirements for short-term employment registration here: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/working-in-estonia/registration-of…
Take notice that this kind of short-term work will not give you an Estonian residence permit card or any of the social benefits that come with registering your address. (For example, you couldn't register for a family doctor, or use free public transport.)
Long Stay
If you plan to stay for a longer period, you can then apply for a temporary residence permit for employment. Estonia is one of the easiest countries for starting or continuing your career, because we have a quick and hustle-free process.
You can either: 1) Apply for a temporary residence permit and ID code at the Estonian foreign embassy, and then travel to Estonia when you receive it, or 2) Travel to Estonia on the basis of visa/visa-free, and start short-term employment work registration. You can then apply for a residence permit for employment. It takes approximately 2 months to receive a temporary residence permit.
Here is an overview of the documents needed for a temporary residence permit: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/residence-permit/tahtajaline-elami…
You can find a step-by-step guide about the relocation process here: https://www.workinestonia.com/coming-to-estonia/