Labour Migration

Labor migration is the movement of people from one country to another or within their country of residence for the purpose of work or business.

The immigration limit determines how many third-country nationals can start working in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit within one calendar year.In Estonia, the immigration limit is regulated by the Aliens Act.

A foreigner may work in Estonia for a short or long term under certain conditions.

A foreigner who is legally temporarily staying in Estonia and whose employment has been registered with the Police and Border Guard Board before starting work may work in Estonia for a short period of time.
A temporary residence permit can be applied for to live and work in Estonia for a period longer than one year. The residence permit is issued for up to five years.

Additional information about working in Estonia can be found on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board.

Many foreign workers are not aware of their rights, which makes them more vulnerable to exploitation. The Labour Inspectorate provides important information that foreigners should know before starting work in Estonia (including the content of the employment contract, salary, working hours, termination of the employment contract, etc.). Information on the rights and obligations of employers can be found on the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund website.

Residence permit for entrepreneurship and establishing a company in Estonia

A residence permit for business is a temporary residence permit issued by the Police and Border Guard Board to an entrepreneur to engage in business in Estonia.

When does a person need a residence permit to do business in Estonia?

A person needs a residence permit to do business in Estonia if they are not a citizen of a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.

Who is a residence permit for business suitable for?

For a company partner, a sole proprietor, a start-up entrepreneur, and a large investor.

What is a digital nomad visa?

In Estonia, starting in 2020, a foreigner can apply for both a short-term and long-term visa for the purpose of remote work (the so-called digital nomad visa), if the purpose of the foreigner's temporary stay in Estonia is to perform work duties regardless of location.

Who is an e-resident?

An e-resident is a foreigner for whom the Estonian state has created a digital identity based on the identity of the person's country of citizenship. An e-resident can establish a company in Estonia online and actively participate in its management, while living in another country.