Visiting Researcher's Guide - EURAXESS Estonia

ENTRY, RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMITS
3.3 Citizens of third countries.
Long-term residence (more than 6 months)
ENTRY
Citizens of third countries who stay in Estonia for work lasting longer than 6 months must apply
for a residence permit for employment. You should submit an application to a diplomatic
representation of the Republic of Estonia before coming to Estonia. A residence permit for
employment is issued for the period for which you have guaranteed employment in Estonia.
The residence permit for employment is valid for up to two years, and can be extended for up
to five years at a time.
You should apply for a residence permit for study, if you wish to study at a university in
Estonia (incl. doctoral studies). A residence permit for study is issued for a period of up to one
year but no longer than the estimated duration of the studies. The permit may be extended
by one year at a time but not for longer than six years altogether. In the event that you have
been issued a residence permit for study, you are exempt from the immigration quota. You
may take employment in Estonia without a work permit in order to participate in practical
training pursuant to the curriculum, but for work not directly related to your studies, you need
to apply for a separate work permit. For the period of study you need to obtain a private health
insurance contract.
The family members of the citizen of a third country
must apply for a residence permit. Citizens of third
countries may apply for a temporary residence
permit for settling with their spouse to whom
a residence permit for employment has been
granted. For your children, you should apply for a
residence permit for settling with a close relative.
The applications for residence permits for family
members can be submitted at the same time as the
researcher’s application. The decision whether or
not the family members will be granted a residence
permit will be made after the decision concerning
the researcher has been made.
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