Estonia Permanent Residence Permit Requirements

4 min readNov 2, 2023

Estonia, an idyllic Baltic nation famous for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, offers individuals interested in making it their permanent home an opportunity to obtain a Permanent Residence Permit that allows them to take full advantage of Estonia’s high standard of living, educational opportunities, and business prospects.

In this article, we’ll outline all the requirements necessary to obtain such an EU Permanent Residence Permit.

Why Choose Estonia For Permanent Residence?

Before we delve into the specific requirements, let’s briefly address why Estonia is an attractive destination for permanent residency:

1. Quality Of Life

Estonia has long ranked high on international indices of quality of life. It offers strong healthcare services, superior education programs, and safe environments to residents.

2. Schengen Area Access

Estonia is part of the Schengen Area and allows its residents free travel within 26 European countries, making it an attractive option for international tourists.

3. Business Opportunities

Estonia has long been known for its vibrant tech ecosystem, making it an attractive location for both entrepreneurs and investors alike.

4. Cultural Variety

Estonia boasts an eclectic cultural legacy with influences spanning Nordic, Baltic, and European traditions that offer residents an unforgettable experience.

Common Requirements For Estonia Permanent Residence Permit

In order to be eligible for an Estonia Permanent Residence Permit, generally you will have to meet certain criteria:

1. Legal Residency

In order to meet residency requirements in Estonia, one must legally reside there for at least five years on a temporary residence permit and stay in the country for up to 183 days per year.

2. Sufficient Income

Applicants must demonstrate they have an alternative source of legal income that allows them to support themselves and their dependents without depending on social benefits.

3. Criminal Record

Maintaining a clean criminal history is of utmost importance to secure permanent residency status in Canada. Applicants who have committed serious offences will not be granted permanent residence permit status.

4. Health Insurance

In Estonia, having health insurance is mandatory, covering your medical costs in case of emergencies or accidents.

5. Language Proficiency

Certain applicants, such as those applying for work-based permits, may need to demonstrate a certain level of Estonian language proficiency in order to be considered for approval.

6. Integration Requirement

Successful integration into Estonian society is necessary, including knowledge of its culture, history, and society.

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Specific Requirements For Each Category

Depending upon the type of Permanent Residence Permit you are applying for, additional requirements may need to be fulfilled:

1. Work-Based Permanent Residence Permit

In addition to meeting general residency requirements, an employment contract with an Estonian employer and a valid temporary residency permit for employment will be necessary in order to apply for this type of permit.

2. Business Investor Permanent Residence Permit

In order to qualify, an Estonian company should make a substantial investment that contributes to the development of its economy and should have been approved as part of this permit program.

3. Family Member Permanent Residency Permit

In order to apply for this permit, you must be either an Estonian citizen or an existing permanent resident, fulfilling all applicable criteria, such as income and health insurance requirements.

4. Studies-Based Permanent Residence Permit (Srrp)

To qualify, one must have completed studies at either an Estonian university or vocational institute and fulfilled all applicable criteria.

The Application Process

Applying for an Estonia Permanent Residency Permit involves several steps.

1. Gather Documents

Ascertain all required documents such as proof of income, health insurance and language proficiency according to your chosen category.

2. Submit Application

Once complete, send your application either electronically or directly to the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).

3. Process Timeframe

Processing times vary based on your category and volume of applications submitted. In general, however, they typically take several months.

4. Biometrics And Interview

As part of your application process, you may need to provide biometric data as well as participate in an interview.

5. Decision

Once your application has been processed, a decision regarding your Permanent Residence Permit will be issued.

6. Residence Card

Once approved, if approved you will be issued with a residence card serving as proof of permanent residency in Estonia.

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