When do Ukrainians need a visa to Estonia and how to apply for it?

Ukrainians planning a trip to Estonia should be aware that in many cases a visa is required to enter the country. Find out under what circumstances a permit is required, what are the requirements for applicants, and how to apply

Legal assistance on visa issues for Ukrainians

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Citizens of Ukraine who have a biometric passport can make short-term visa-free trips to Estonia for tourism, visiting relatives, etc. However, in most other cases, you still need to apply for an Estonian visa before traveling.

In this article, we will tell you when you will need a visa to Estonia, how to apply for it correctly, and where to get help to avoid mistakes and unnecessary time.

Do you need a visa but don't know where to start?

Get a consultation from the lawyers of Visit Ukraine!

When do Ukrainians need a visa to enter Estonia?

Citizens of Ukraine can stay in Estonia for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa if they travel within the visa-free regime with the Schengen zone countries. If your trip goes beyond these requirements, a visa is required.

A visa to Estonia is required if:

- You plan to stay longer than 90 days. For example, for long-term tourism or visiting relatives.

- For study or participation in a long-term program.

- You plan to work or engage in entrepreneurial activities.

- You are traveling to reunite with family members who legally reside in Estonia.

- Your purpose is medical treatment, volunteering or religious activities.

Main types of long-term visas to Estonia

Depending on the purpose of your stay, Estonia offers several categories of national visas (type D) that allow you to stay in the country for more than 90 days.

- Work visa to Estonia

Ukrainians need to apply for a work visa for legal employment in Estonia. An important nuance: before submitting an application, the employer is required to register your employment with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Department.

- Student visa to Estonia

If you plan to study in Estonia, you need to apply for a student visa. Application is possible only after official enrollment at a university or other educational institution in Estonia.

- Family Visa to Estonia

If you are planning to reunite with a family member or partner who already lives in Estonia, you need to apply for a family visa and a temporary residence permit. This allows you to live, work, study and enjoy the same rights as your relative or partner who is a resident of the country.

- Investment Visa to Estonia

Foreign investors who want to start or develop a business in Estonia must apply for an investment visa and a temporary residence permit. This type of visa allows not only to conduct business activities, but also to reside in the country legally.

- Digital Nomad Visa to Estonia

Estonia is one of the first countries in Europe to officially introduce a digital nomad visa. This visa is designed specifically for freelancers and remote workers who want to work from Estonia without breaking the law.

- EU Blue Card in Estonia

If you are a highly qualified specialist, you can apply for an EU Blue Card – a permit that allows you to live and work in Estonia under a simplified procedure. It provides more rights than a regular work visa and is suitable for specialists with higher education and work experience in their specialty.

- Research visa

This visa is issued to foreign citizens who wish to conduct research activities in Estonia.

To determine which visa is right for you and prepare the necessary package of documents, consult a visa lawyer at Visit Ukraine. This will help you avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining the document.

How to apply for a D visa to enter Estonia?

The application procedure depends on the purpose of the trip, but the general algorithm looks like this:

Step 1 – Determine the type of visa

Choose a visa according to your purpose (work, study, family, treatment, long-term tourism, etc.).

Step 2 – Prepare documents

The standard list includes: passport, photo, confirmation of the purpose of the trip (letter from the employer or university, confirmation of financial capacity, certificates from medical and state authorities), medical insurance, financial documents, certificate of no criminal record (in some cases), documents confirming the presence of a place of residence in Estonia.

Step 3 – Sign up for the submission of documents

Documents for a visa to Estonia are accepted in person at the Consular Service of the Embassy of Estonia in Kyiv, 43B Yevgeny Chikalenko St., subject to prior online registration. You must select the appropriate category and indicate the correct number of the completed Application Form.

Step 4 – Submission of documents and payment of the fee

Submit documents on the specified day and pay the consular fee.

From January 1, 2025, the state fee for all citizens is 120 euros, with the exception of:

- children under 6-11 years old - 60 euros;

- children under 6 years old - free of charge;

- family members of citizens of the European Union (including Estonia), the European Economic Area, or the Swiss Confederation who accompany an EU citizen or travel to him - free of charge.

CASH PAYMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE. The state fee can be paid:

- By a bank card that contains a chip and has permission to make payments in foreign currency at a foreign bank when submitting an application at the Consulate;

- Pre-bank account\SWIFT transfer to the Ministry of Finance of Estonia.

Step 6: Waiting for a decision and obtaining a visa

The application is considered within approximately 10 calendar days.

If you need help obtaining a residence permit or work permit in Estonia - contact migration specialists for advice.

What documents are required to obtain a visa to Estonia?

List of basic documents to be submitted:

- Completed application form for a national visa.

- Valid international passport, issued no more than 10 years ago, with two blank pages, valid for at least 3 months after leaving Greece.

- Certificate of good conduct, issued no earlier than 6 months ago.

- Medical certificate of absence of infectious diseases that pose a threat to public health.

- Medical insurance with coverage for the entire period of visa validity (including repatriation and hospitalization).

- Receipt of visa fee payment.

- Additional documents confirming the purpose of the trip (contract with the employer, letter of enrollment, documents from a family member, etc.).

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How can you avoid errors when applying for a visa to Estonia?

Most refusals occur due to technical or formal errors. The most common of them are:

- Incorrectly filled out application form.

- Missing documents or errors in dates.

- Outdated certificates.

- Lack of financial evidence.

- Incorrectly selected visa type.

- Attempt to submit false documents.

Such errors lead to refusal of your visa application. To avoid them, check in detail all the information you indicate in the application form and make sure that the package of documents is complete. It is also important to monitor changes in migration legislation and respond to them in a timely manner.

Why should you contact Visit Ukraine lawyers when applying for a visa to Estonia?

Applying for a long-term visa is often associated with bureaucratic difficulties, lack of up-to-date information and the risk of refusal due to formal errors in the documents. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you avoid common mistakes, correctly prepare a package of documents and navigate all the legal nuances, especially if your situation is non-standard.

Turning to specialists is an opportunity to save time, nerves and get support at each stage of the application.

What can Visit Ukraine lawyers help with?

- Consultation on the type of visa in your situation.

- Verification of the package of documents.

- Assistance in filling out the application form.

- Preparation for application.

- Support in case of refusal or appeal.

Get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. Our experts will help you with the application of a visa to Estonia quickly and without stress.

Reminder! Estonia is a country close to Ukrainians in mentality and cultural traditions, and is also known worldwide for its support of war refugees. We have already told you how to emigrate to Estonia in 2025, taking into account obtaining international protection status, employment and training.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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