Relocating to Estonia is an attractive option for many foreign workers due to the country’s growing economy and high standard of living. One viable method for short-term relocation is through the registration of short-term employment under the Estonian Alien Act. This pathway allows non-EU nationals, referred to as “aliens” in legal terms, to work in Estonia without needing a long-term residence permit immediately and get a 2-year residence permit after nine months of stay on the basis of a visa.

Under § 106 of the Alien Act, short-term employment in Estonia allows foreign nationals to work for up to 365 days within a 455-day period.
This means that on the basis of such registration, it is possible to apply for long-term D-visa.
Registration is handled through the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), and it must be completed before employment begins (and visa application is submitted). Employers play a crucial role in this process, as the foreign worker must have an employer registered in Estonia, and the employment must generally be for a full-time position.

While short-term employment is generally limited to a full-time basis and a specific duration, there are important exceptions based on the type of employment:

• Top Specialists: Foreign professionals with advanced skills can work in Estonia if they are paid at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Estonia. This is an attractive opportunity for high-demand fields such as technology and research.
• Teachers and Researchers: These roles benefit from exceptions to the general requirements. Teachers and academic staff may work part-time in approved institutions, and the limits on employment duration may not apply to them.
• Seasonal Workers: Seasonal work is another common method for short-term employment in sectors like agriculture. However, seasonal workers are limited to 270 days within a 365-day period.

The worker must also meet certain qualifications, which include relevant work experience, training, professional skills, and health requirements. These conditions ensure that the foreign worker is suited to the position and can integrate into the Estonian workforce efficiently.

Key Conditions and Exceptions

• the employer is registered in Estonia (Estonian or foreign company registered as employer);

• the employer shall pay the alien remuneration in the amount of the annual average gross monthly salary in Estonia last published at the time of the application. Example: 1832 EUR gross (Resulting in 2451.22 EUR wage cost for the employer and 1481.10 EUR net salary for the employee)

• The state fee for short-term employment registration is €55, and the state fee for a D-type visa is €100.

Our consultants offer end-to-end assistance and expert guidance throughout the entire process, whether it involves company formation or foreign entity registration. This includes managing state fee payments and submitting applications to the Police and Border Guard Board. We also handle all subsequent communications with authorities, ensuring a seamless experience for you.

In addition, our legal team can draft customized employment contracts, while our accountants efficiently manage HR administration, payroll declarations, and oversee all accounting and compliance matters, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

Estonia’s thriving startup ecosystem has additional provisions for foreign workers employed by startups and growth companies.

Once the necessary documentation is submitted and employment is registered, the foreign worker may begin employment on the same day, making the process extremely efficient.
Additionally, in cases where the economy or labor market demand an increased workforce, the Estonian Government has the authority to extend the short-term employment period, up to a maximum of 730 days within 913 days, further demonstrating Estonia’s flexible approach to meeting its labor needs, noting that the day limitation applies to the cases where employment is based on visa. Those who are willing to extend their stay must eventually apply for residence permit.