How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Estonia (2025 Edition)

Opening Estonia’s doors unlocks a dynamic digital economy, EU market access, and an ambitious tech talent pool. For growth-focused businesses, hiring in Estonia can mean innovation at scale, access to a startup-friendly climate, and seamless entry into the European business corridor.

Yet, navigating Estonia’s visa rules—salary minimums, documentation, sponsor requirements—often stalls ambitious plans. Juggling short-term, long-term, and dependent applications can quickly overwhelm HR, risking compliance errors, delays, or even denied entry for top recruits. These hurdles block the smooth onboarding and rapid expansion critical to winning in fast-paced markets.

When global expansion gets tangled in red tape, projects slow down and opportunities are missed. Deel Immigration streamlines this process—rewiring every step from eligibility assessment and document preparation to sponsor verification and in-country onboarding. With Deel, you bypass paperwork headaches, minimize legal exposure, and empower your team to hire, relocate, and get compliant in record time. The result? Stress-free scaling, stronger compliance, and the power to build your best team..

How easy is it to get a work visa in Estonia?

Estonia’s work permit options include short-term, long-term, Blue Card, startup, seasonal, and intra-company transfer categories. The process is straightforward for qualified candidates and supported sponsors, with most applications approved within two months.

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Estonia?

For businesses looking to hire or support employee immigration to Estonia, the options are:

• Business Visa (Schengen Visa Type C): This visa is for short-term business trips to Estonia, including conferences, meetings, or site visits. It requires a valid passport, an invitation from an Estonian company, and travel insurance, allowing stays of up to 90 days within 180 days.

• Temporary Residence Permit for Employment: This permit is for foreign nationals hired by Estonian employers with a valid job contract, a minimum gross salary of €1,252 per month, and proof of qualifications. It is valid for up to 5 years, renewable, with processing times of 2–8 weeks.

• Dependent Visa: This visa allows spouses and minor children of TRP holders to join them in Estonia. It requires proof of family ties and financial support, is valid for the same period as the main permit, and does not grant automatic work rights.

Estonia visa and work-permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Applicants must have a valid passport and meet a minimum gross monthly salary of approximately €1,252. Visa application processes and requirements vary depending on the type of visa.

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Estonia visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Employers must be registered Estonian legal entities with a valid business registry code and demonstrate the ability to pay the required salary. Examples include private limited companies (OÜ) and public limited companies (AS), all of which must file and maintain up-to-date business activity records to sponsor foreign workers.

Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) streamlines the sponsorship process by handling all legal employer duties: registering the work permit application, managing payroll, withholding taxes, and ensuring compliance with local labor laws. The EOR takes on full responsibility for employment contracts and social contributions, so your organization can onboard talent instantly.

Deel Immigration is a G2-leading Employer of Record operating in 150+ countries, capable of sponsoring over 200 permit types in 40+ jurisdictions. We combine local expertise with global scale to expedite application volume at speed, offering real‐time compliance monitoring via the Deel platform and dedicated support for every step.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Estonia work-permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your Estonian work permit:

Step one: Prepare documentation

Gather all required documentation from the prospective employee, including their valid passport and proof of qualifications or relevant experience. Employees can upload certified copies directly to the Deel platform, which automates verification reminders to keep the process on track.

Tip: Use Deel’s employer dashboard to monitor missing or incomplete employee documents in real time.

Step two: Prepare and issue a compliant job offer

As the sponsoring employer, you must provide a formal job offer that meets Estonian sponsorship requirements. Deel’s Mobility team can assist by drafting compliant employment contracts and handling employer-side filings to ensure legal accuracy.

Tip: Request a registry status check through Deel to confirm that your company is properly registered to sponsor foreign workers.

Step three: Submit the work permit application

Once all documentation and the job offer are ready submit the work permit application to the Police and Border Guard Board or the relevant authority. Deel’s API integration pre-fills application forms using saved employee data, minimizing manual input and errors.

Tip: Verify that the application is fully completed in the Deel dashboard before submission to avoid delays.

Step Four: Monitor Processing Timelines

Processing times typically range from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the type of permit. Deel provides real-time tracking and alerts so you can stay informed about status changes without manual follow-up.

Tip: Enable Deel Compliance Monitor alerts to receive immediate updates on any application progress or issues.

Step Five: Finalize Visa and Onboarding Arrangements

After the application is approved, coordinate with the employee to obtain their visa or residence permit and fulfill any entry or registration requirements. Deel’s Mobility team can schedule embassy appointments and offer relocation support to simplify the transition.

Tip: Use Deel’s booking system to secure the earliest available embassy appointment for your employee.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Estonia?

Permit fees depend on visa class, applicant nationality, and number of dependents. Business visas fall under the Schengen fee regime, while residence permits vary by duration and category.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Estonia?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration stands out as the premier partner for navigating Estonia’s diverse visa and work-permit landscape, ensuring fast, compliant hiring with expert support tailored to local regulations. Whether you need short-term permits, Blue Cards, or digital nomad visas, Deel streamlines every step from application to renewal.

1. End-to-end immigration management covering all major Estonian permit types
2. Fast free visa assessments delivering eligibility and cost breakdowns within 48 hours
3. Personalized expert support guiding you through Estonia’s sponsor and employee requirements
4. Accelerated processing options to secure permits in as little as 2 weeks for qualifying roles
5. Self-serve document uploads and real-time application tracking through Deel’s intuitive platform

With Deel Immigration, your Estonia hiring process is simplified and transparent.

Hire employees in Estonia faster with Deel Immigration

Speed up your Estonia hiring with Deel’s seamless end-to-end immigration management. Our platform automates document collection and submission, reducing errors and delays, while expert consultants help you meet all legal sponsor obligations efficiently. With Deel, you gain real-time visibility into every application stage, so you’re never left guessing.

Book a free consultation today to access fast, free visa assessments that clarify eligibility and fees upfront. Plus, enjoy personalized expert support that simplifies compliance with Estonia’s evolving immigration rules, so you can onboard top talent without hassle or uncertainty.