Key Takeaways
• From 2026, most new applicants must pass an A2-level Estonian language test for temporary residency.
• Digital Nomad Visa income requirement increased to €4,500 monthly starting 2025.
• Annual quota of 1,298 permits for third-country nationals fills quickly, favoring IT, healthcare, and engineers.
Estonia has become a popular choice for skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads who want to live in a modern, tech-friendly country. The country’s transparent government, digital services, and strong focus on innovation make it attractive for people from all over the world. However, Estonia’s immigration policies are changing quickly, especially as the country updates its rules, fees, and requirements for 2025 and 2026. If you are thinking about moving to Estonia, it’s important to understand the step-by-step process, what you need to do at each stage, and what you can expect from the authorities.
Here are the Top 10 Cleanest Countries in the World (2025), based on multiple authoritative rankings and their latest EPI scores:
Key Points:
- Estonia excels in air quality, water and sanitation, biodiversity, and climate response. Over half the country is forested, providing natural “green lungs” that filter air and support an exceptionally healthy environment.
- Many of these top-ranked nations are in Europe and benefit from strict regulations, high investment in renewable energy, advanced waste management, and strong public environmental awareness.
- Other countries sometimes listed (based on different criteria or types of cleanliness, such as air-only metrics) include Iceland, New Zealand, Malta, and Singapore, but Estonia currently holds the top overall spot for environmental cleanliness when combining water, air, and sustainability factors.
These results reflect scores and factors as of 2024–2025, when Estonia overtook previous leaders like Denmark and Switzerland thanks to aggressive sustainability measures and remarkable conservation outcomes.
Who Can Move to Estonia? Main Pathways
Estonia offers several main routes for people who want to move there:
- Skilled workers with job offers, especially in IT, healthcare, and engineering
- University students accepted into full-time programs
- Entrepreneurs or startup founders with strong business plans or Startup Committee approval
- Family members of Estonian citizens or legal residents (spouses and children are most common)
- Researchers and scientists working on innovation or sustainability projects
- Digital nomads who meet the higher income requirement
Each pathway has its own set of rules and documents. For example, the Digital Nomad Visa now requires proof of at least €4,500 per month in income, which is a big jump from previous years.
Major Changes for 2025–2026
Language Requirement and Integration Program
Starting January 1, 2026, most new applicants for temporary residence permits must pass an official A2-level Estonian language test. This means you need to show basic ability to communicate in Estonian. Permanent residency still requires a higher B1 level. There will also be a new state-run integration program to help newcomers adjust. If you submit your complete application before December 31, 2025, you don’t need to meet these new language and integration requirements, even if your application is still being processed after that date.
Employer Rules and Quotas
Employers who want to sponsor non-EU workers must have been active in Estonia for at least six months and be listed in the Estonian Commercial Register. For management board member permits, the company must show real business activity for at least five months. The annual quota for third-country nationals remains at about 1,298 permits per year, and these spots usually fill up quickly, often within weeks of opening in December. IT professionals, healthcare workers, and engineers are given preference, and some may get faster processing or be exempt from the quota.
Step-by-Step Guide: Moving to Estonia
Step 1: Choose Your Permit Type
Decide which permit fits your situation: worker, student, entrepreneur, family member, researcher, or digital nomad. Each has different requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid passport (must be valid for at least three months after your planned stay)
- A completed application form (find the official forms at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board)
- Recent passport photos
- Proof of your purpose (job offer, university acceptance, business plan, etc.)
- Proof of enough money (bank statements or job contract)
- Digital nomads: proof of €4,500/month income
- Employees: minimum salary is €1,981/month until March 2026
- Entrepreneurs: Startup Committee approval if needed
- Family reunification: marriage or birth certificates
- Official translations if documents are not in Estonian, Russian, or English
- Criminal record certificate (depending on permit type)
- Proof of accommodation and health insurance
- State fee payment receipt
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply online, at service offices in Estonia, or through Estonian embassies and consulates abroad. Make sure all your documents match and are complete. Mistakes or missing papers are the main reasons for delays or rejections.
Step 4: Pay the State Fees
As of January 1, 2025, the main fees are:
- Temporary residence permit: €225 (in Estonia), €255 (abroad)
- Employment-based permit: €250 (in Estonia), €280 (abroad)
- Business-based permit: €350 (in Estonia), €380 (abroad)
- Family reunification: €115 (in Estonia), €145 (abroad)
- Express processing surcharge: +€250 (only in Tallinn)
- E-Residency: €150 (flat fee, anywhere)
- Company registration: €265 (online)
- Children under 15: €115 for permit extension
Discounts are available for retirees and people with disabilities. Picking up your card abroad costs an extra €20. Changing the pick-up location costs €10. Express processing is only available in Tallinn and costs an extra €250.
Step 5: Attend Interview and Provide Biometrics
Some applicants will need to attend an interview, depending on their risk profile or purpose. Everyone must provide fingerprints. Photo booths are free at most offices.
Step 6: Processing Times
Most decisions take one to three months after you submit your application. Employment-based permits can sometimes be processed faster if all documents are in order. Because the annual quota fills up quickly, it’s best to apply as soon as possible after the window opens in December.
Step 7: Collect Your Residence Card
You must pick up your residence card in person unless you have formally authorized someone else. If you collect your card outside Estonia, there is an extra €20 fee.
Taxation Changes Affecting Residents and Businesses
Estonia has made several tax changes that affect both individuals and businesses:
- The corporate tax rate on distributed profits increased to a “22/78” formula from January 1, 2025.
- Personal income tax rose from 20% to 22%.
- VAT will go up from 22% to 24% on July 1, 2025.
- A new defense levy (“kaitsemaks”) adds a 2% surcharge on both personal and company incomes starting January 1, 2026.
These changes mean that both take-home pay and business profits will be slightly lower. If you plan to run a business or work in Estonia, it’s important to plan for these higher taxes.
E-Residency and Digital Services
Estonia’s e-Residency program lets people from around the world start and run businesses online using Estonian digital services. However, e-Residency does not give you the right to live, work, or get citizenship in Estonia. The state fee for e-Residency is now €150, and stricter background checks are in place. From late 2027, Estonia plans to allow biometric ID collection (fingerprints and photos) through mobile devices, making the process even easier.
Practical Realities for Immigrants and Families
Learning Estonian is important. Subsidized language courses are available, but reaching B1 level (needed for permanent residency) usually takes 400–600 hours of study. Permanent residents must not spend more than six months in a row, or ten months in total over five years, outside Estonia or they risk losing their status. Families are welcome if they meet the relationship, income, and accommodation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to move to Estonia now?
Yes, especially after December 31, 2025, when new language and integration rules begin. The digital nomad income requirement is also much higher.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, but you need to show proof of your relationship, enough money, and suitable housing.
Do I need to speak Estonian?
From January 2026, A2-level Estonian is required for most first-time temporary residence permits. B1 is needed for permanent residency.
How much does it cost?
Fees have gone up in almost every category, and express processing is much more expensive.
New Developments to Watch
- The ETIAS travel authorization fee for non-EU visitors will rise to €20 when the system launches in late 2026.
- The annual immigration quota remains tight, so competition is strong.
- Security checks are stricter, especially for applicants from certain neighboring countries.
Practical Tips for Success
- Apply early, especially before major rule changes like the new language requirement.
- Prepare your documents carefully—mistakes are the top reason for delays.
- Watch for tax changes if you plan to work or run a business.
- Stay compliant with all rules, including physical presence requirements.
For the most current information and official forms, always check the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Estonia’s updated immigration policies, higher fees, and new language requirements make the process more demanding, but the country remains open to skilled newcomers who prepare carefully and meet the new standards. By following each step closely and staying informed, you can improve your chances of a successful move to Estonia.
### Learn Today
Temporary Residence Permit → A legal authorization allowing a foreigner to live temporarily in Estonia under specific conditions.
Digital Nomad Visa → A permit enabling remote workers with a minimum monthly income to live in Estonia temporarily.
Integration Program → A state initiative to help immigrants learn Estonian language and adapt to local culture.
Estonian Commercial Register → Official registry listing companies eligible to employ and sponsor foreign workers in Estonia.
E-Residency → An online program allowing global entrepreneurs to establish and manage Estonian businesses digitally without physical presence.
### This Article in a Nutshell
Estonia updates immigration rules for 2025–2026, adding language tests and higher fees. Skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads must follow strict new procedures. Digital nomads face a €4,500 monthly income threshold. Early application is key as quotas fill fast. E-Residency aids online business, but doesn’t grant residency rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
