Emigration to Estonia: how can Ukrainians move there in 2025?

Estonia is a country close to Ukrainians in terms of mentality and cultural traditions, and is also known worldwide for its support of military refugees. Find out how to emigrate to Estonia in 2025, including obtaining international protection status, employment and education.

Legal advice on migration issues

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Life in Estonia has many advantages for Ukrainians, so the flow of immigrants is not decreasing. Estonia has certain nuances of migration processes for Ukrainians. In accordance with current legislation and international agreements, these details are covered on the following websites:

– Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet);

– Estonian Ministry of the Interior (Siseministeerium);

– Estonian government website (Eesti.ee) – rules for obtaining a residence permit in Estonia;

– Estonian Embassy in Ukraine;

– European Immigration Portal (European Commission – EU Immigration Portal)

To make the move to Estonia quick, convenient and successful for Ukrainians, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions in this article:

– How to apply for temporary protection in Estonia for Ukrainians?

– What are the rules for entering Estonia?

– How to obtain a residence permit in Estonia for Ukrainians?

– What are the conditions for obtaining Estonian citizenship?

Read more about this and other topics below.

Are you planning to emigrate to Estonia? Visit Ukraine specialists will help you every step of the way.

Visa to Estonia for Ukrainians in 2025: main types and requirements

Estonia is part of the Schengen Area, so Ukrainians do not need a visa for short trips – only a biometric passport. A stay in the country of up to 90 days within 180 days is considered short-term. If you plan to stay for a longer period, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

Visa types vary in duration – they are short-term and long-term.

Short-term visas include:

– business;

– transit;

– invitation;

– tourist.

Long-term visas include:

– student;

– work;

– family reunification.

If we focus on visa categories based on the length of stay in the Schengen area, short-term visas are A (for airport transfers), B (transit – for travel by bus or car) and C (for short stays in the country). In the context of emigration, we are most interested in the D visa, as it provides the basis for obtaining a residence permit in the future.

Student visa

If you are going to study in Estonia, you need to apply for a student visa, which will allow you to stay in Estonia for one year. If your studies last longer, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit (valid for 5 years).

Important! After completing your studies in Estonia, you will have another 9 months to look for a job.

All the necessary details about studying at higher education institutions in Estonia can be found at the link.

Work visa

Citizens of Ukraine seeking employment in Estonia must obtain a work visa. Like a student visa, it is issued for one year. If the contract with the employer is extended for more than one year, the foreigner must obtain a temporary residence permit.

Please note! The total number of days of stay on a long-term visa is no more than 548 days out of every 730 days.

Documents for obtaining a work visa to Estonia

1. Passport

2. Visa application form, duly completed.

3. Photo 35*45 mm

4. Valid medical insurance contract.

5. Documents confirming the purpose of the trip.

6. Biometric data.

Look for rules for using your own car in Estonia on the Visit Ukraine portal. Find out everything about re-registering your car, exchanging your driving licence and car insurance in Estonia.

How to move to Estonia: stages of preparation

The process of moving to Estonia for a long-term stay involves several main stages:

First step: choose the type of visa

Determine the purpose of your stay in Estonia (work, study, family reunification, etc.) and make sure that you meet the requirements for obtaining the appropriate type of visa.

To choose the type that is right for you, it is worth contacting a qualified visa specialist. They will review your situation in detail, recommend the best options and help you prepare a package of documents so that the application process is quick and successful.

Step two: submit your documents

Gather the necessary documents in accordance with the requirements for the type of visa you have chosen. Submit the completed visa application form and other documents to the Estonian consulate in your country. The list of required documents should be checked directly with the consulate.

Step three: biometric data

For most types of visa applications, including work and student visas, you will need to provide biometric data, which will be used to identify the applicant.

Step four: obtaining a visa

After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a visa in your foreign passport. Check that all the information on the visa is correct.

Visit Ukraine specialists can help you at every stage of the migration process – get advice and make sure your emigration to Estonia is a success!

How to obtain a residence permit in Estonia?

A residence permit (elamisluba) allows a foreigner to legally reside in Estonia for a long period (up to 5 years). Depending on the reason for residence, there are different types of residence permits.

For work: Based on an employment contract with an Estonian employer.

For study: For studying at an accredited educational institution.

For family reunification: For family members of Estonian citizens or foreigners who already have a residence permit in Estonia.

For business: For entrepreneurs who have a registered company in Estonia and are investing in its development.

On other grounds: For example, for international protection, on the basis of international agreements, etc.

Main steps for obtaining a residence permit

1. Submitting an application: An application for a first residence permit is usually submitted in person to the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of citizenship or legal residence. In some cases (for example, if you are already in Estonia legally), the application can be submitted to the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia.

2. Submission of required documents: The set of documents depends on the type of residence permit you are applying for. Usually, the list includes the following documents:

– completed application form;

– valid foreign passport;

– document confirming the basis for residence (e.g. employment contract, letter of enrolment, marriage/birth certificate, business plan);

– proof of sufficient means of subsistence;

– medical insurance;

– passport-size photograph;

– certificate of no criminal record (if required).

Please note! All foreign documents must be translated into Estonian or English by a certified translator and, in most cases, legalised (apostilled or consular legalisation).

3. Application review: The Police and Border Guard Board reviews the application and documents submitted. The review period may vary depending on the type of permit and the workload of the agency.

4. Interview (if necessary): In some cases, the applicant may be invited to an interview at the embassy or the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia.

5. Decision: After reviewing the application, a decision is made to grant or refuse a residence permit.

6. Obtaining a residence permit card: If the decision is positive, you will be issued a residence permit card, which you must collect in person from the Police and Border Guard Department.

In what cases can you be denied a residence permit in Estonia?

A residence permit in Estonia may be denied in the following cases:

1. You do not meet the requirements for obtaining a specific type of residence permit. For example, you do not have a valid employment contract, insufficient funds for living or studying, or the necessary qualifications for the job, etc.

2. Submission of false information or forged documents.

3. A criminal record for serious crimes.

4. A threat to public order, national security or the health of the Estonian population.

5. Lack of valid medical insurance.

6. Your foreign passport does not meet the requirements (validity, authenticity).

7. Violation of the immigration laws of Estonia or other Schengen countries in the past.

8. If the purpose of your stay is not justified or raises doubts.

9. If the employer has not fulfilled their obligations regarding your employment (in the case of a work permit).

10. If the educational institution you have enrolled in is not accredited (in the case of a student permit).

11. If your previous visa has been cancelled or you have been refused entry to Estonia or another Schengen country.

The decision to refuse a residence permit may be appealed in an Estonian administrative court in accordance with the established procedure. The decision to refuse must clearly state the reasons for the refusal and the procedure for appealing.

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How to obtain Estonian citizenship?

Estonian citizenship can be obtained on the following grounds:

– naturalisation: after five years of legal residence in Estonia with a permanent residence permit;

– descent: if one of your parents is an Estonian citizen.

– marriage: if you are married to an Estonian citizen or someone who has a permanent residence permit in the country.

Please note! In exceptional cases, Estonian citizenship may be granted to a person for special services to Estonia.

Reminder! At the end of April, ERR reported that a number of cash payments to Ukrainians in Estonia will be discontinued from May 2025.

Photo: generated by Gemini

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