Study in Estonia: Student Visas & Permits

Estonia is a member state of the EU and participates in the Schengen Area. This means that there are no border controls with any other country in the Area. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can freely move to Estonia and stay for as long as they wish once registered.

If you’re from outside of the EU sphere, you’re classed as a third-country national - and you’ll need a visa. Please note: UK citizens are now classed as third-country nationals.

Estonia issues Schengen visas. These are valid for travel across all twenty-six member countries and every EU country except for Ireland. But you must enter the Area through the country that issued the visa. For example; you can’t enter the Area through Rome on a visa issued by Norway. 

Schengen visas have broadly similar requirements, so an Estonian visa isn’t much harder to get than one issued by Germany or France. This is what you’ll need to get an Estonian study visa:

• A completed application form - this can be done online
• Your passport and two photos as well as copies of any previous visas you’ve been given
• Health insurance with a minimum value of €30,000 ($35,500), valid across the entirety of the EU
• A letter outlining why you want to enter and stay in Estonia
• Flight confirmation
• Confirmation of a place to stay (your school can help you with this after you’ve been admitted)
• Birth certificate
• Proof of finances for the entirety of your stay
• Proof of enrolment at an Estonian school
• A no-objection certificate from your school

You’ll need to apply in-person at your nearest Estonian embassy or consulate. The application fee is €100 ($120). 

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to register with the police and immigration authorities. Your school can tell you how to do this. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be issued a temporary residency permit.

Your permit allows you to work during your time in Estonia. You can work up to fifteen hours per week during term time and up to forty hours per week (full time) during holidays. You’ll be taxed like an Estonian. As English is so widely spoken, you can find work without having any knowledge of Estonian.