Immigration

Temporary Residence Permit in Estonia

TRP for work, study, family, and business

TRP Overview
Up to 5 years
Validity
€100
State fee
2-4 months
Processing time
183+ days
Stay required

Types of TRP

Employment-Based TRP
  • • Regular Employment: Work for Estonian employer with job contract
  • • Top Specialist: Higher salary threshold, faster processing
  • • Startup Visa: For founders of innovative startups
  • • Intra-Company Transfer: Transfer from foreign company to Estonian branch
Minimum Salary: Estonian average salary (€1,820/month in 2025) [VMS]
Digital Nomad Visa
  • • Work remotely for foreign employer or own company
  • • Minimum Income: €4,500/month (last 6 months) [VMS]
  • • Valid For: Up to 1 year
  • • Can Apply: From abroad or while in Estonia on visa
Student TRP
  • • Full-time study at Estonian educational institution
  • • Work Allowed: Yes, without restrictions
  • • Valid For: Duration of studies (renewable)
  • • After Graduation: 9 months to find employment [VMS]
Family Reunification TRP
  • • Spouse of Estonian resident
  • • Minor children of TRP holder
  • • Adult child to care for elderly parent
  • • Proof Required: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or proof of relationship [VMS]
Other Types
  • • Business: Major investment (€65,000+) or significant business activity
  • • Research: Scientific researchers at approved institutions
  • • Permanent Income: Sufficient legal income (pension, investments) [VMS]
  • • Legal Income: Other legal grounds established by law

Application Process

1

Gather Documents

Collect all required documents (see list below). Get translations certified.

2

Submit Application

From Abroad: At Estonian embassy or consulate
In Estonia: At PPA service point (if legally present) [PPA]

3

Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photo at embassy or PPA.

4

Wait for Decision

Processing takes 2-4 months. Track status online at politsei.ee.

✓

Collect Permit

Receive your residence permit card. Register your address within 30 days. [VMS]

Required Documents

General Documents

  • ✓Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • ✓Passport-size photos (35x45mm)
  • ✓Health insurance coverage
  • ✓Proof of accommodation in Estonia
  • ✓Proof of sufficient funds
  • ✓Completed application form
  • ✓State fee payment receipt (€100)

Purpose-Specific Documents

  • Employment: Work contract, employer registration
  • Study: Acceptance letter, education credentials
  • Family: Relationship proof, sponsor documents
  • Startup: Business plan, Startup Estonia approval
  • Digital Nomad: Remote work contract, income proof

Costs

Fee TypeAmount
Standard TRP application€100
Expedited processing€190
Digital Nomad (short-stay)€100
Digital Nomad (long-stay)€100
Residence permit card€25
TRP extension€100

Processing Times

Standard Processing
Most TRP applications
2-4 months
Expedited Processing
Additional €90 fee
30 days
Short-Term Employment
Up to 365 days
15-30 days
Digital Nomad Visa
Simplified process
15-30 days

Rights & Obligations

Your Rights
  • • Live and work in Estonia [VMS]
  • • Access to healthcare system
  • • Open Estonian bank account
  • • Travel in Schengen area (90/180 days)
  • • Bring family members
  • • Apply for permanent residence after 5 years [VMS]
Your Obligations
  • • Register address within 30 days [VMS]
  • • Maintain the grounds for your permit
  • • Report any changes (job, address, status)
  • • Pay Estonian taxes if working
  • • Maintain valid health insurance
  • • Spend at least 183 days/year in Estonia [VMS]

Related Guides

e-Residency
Digital identity without physical residence
Permanent Residence
After 5 years of TRP
Official Sources

Sources