Estonia Long-Stay (D) Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

The Estonia Long-Stay (D) Visa is a national visa which allows non-Estonian nationals to stay in Estonia temporarily. It can be used for purposes such as studies, work, business ventures, and more.

Whether you're a student seeking education, a professional pursuing career opportunities, or an entrepreneur eager to launch a startup in Estonia, the Long-Stay Visa is for you.

 

What is the eligibility criteria for Estonia Long-Stay visa?

To qualify for the Estonia Long-Stay Visa, you must meet several specific criteria that demonstrate the purpose and intention of your stay in Estonia.

Purpose of stay

To apply for the Long-Stay Visa, you'll need to declare the purpose of your stay. Accepted reasons for requesting a visa include:

• Studies: You're enrolled in a full-time educational program at a recognised Estonian provider.
• Short-term employment: You have a job offer from an Estonian employer for a position requiring specific skills and expertise.
• Seasonal work: You're an individual seeking seasonal employment in specific sectors, such as agriculture or tourism.
• Start-up business: You're an entrepreneur with an innovative business idea that will benefit the Estonian economy.
• Teleworking (Digital Nomad Visa): You're a remote worker who wishes to live in Estonia while working for a company or clients located outside the country (you can't work for an Estonian company under this category).
• Other valid reasons: The Long-Stay Visa may also be issued for other purposes, such as for visiting family, receiving medical treatment, or participation in cultural exchange programs. If your reason for entering Estonia isn't listed here, consult the official Estonian Police and Border Guard Board website for a full list of eligible purposes.

Financial means

You'll need to be able to financially support yourself while in Estonia, and therefore, evidence of sufficient financial means will be reviewed when you apply for your visa. The amount required depends on the reason for your visit.

As of September 2024, the thresholds are as follows:

• Studies: €800 per month
• Doctoral studies (PhD): €800 per month
• Short-term employment: €1,200 one-time payment
• Short-term employment in a startup company: €800 one-time payment
• Seasonal work: €800 one-time payment
• Start-up business: €800 per month
• Teleworking (Digital Nomad Visa): €4,500 per month
• All other purposes: €2,100 per month

Spouse and minor child (under the age of 18) earnings can also vary.

It should be noted that these figures are subject to change and only apply to the first applicant. If you're applying for additional family members, these requirements will differ.

You can check the current funds required.

Travel medical insurance

You must have full coverage medical insurance. This means that payment for any medical treatment you might need during your stay in Estonia should be guaranteed by your insurance provider.

The insurance should cover the entire duration of your visa or, if you'll be covered byEstonian health insurance after you arrive until that insurance becomes valid.

Valid travel document

You'll need a valid passport issued within the last ten years. It should contain at least two blank pages and be valid for at least three months beyond your visa's expiration date.

Can family members come to Estonia on a Long-Stay visa?

The Estonia Long Stay Visa allows you to bring your loved ones with you to Estonia. The following family members can be included in your visa application, but only on a non-lucrative permit, meaning they won't be allowed to work.

If you wish for them to move and work with you, they'll need to fill out the relevant work visa themselves.

The rules for the Estonia Long Stay Visa look like this:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner is eligible to accompany you.
• Dependent children: Your children under the age of 18 can also be included in your application.
• Dependent relatives in the ascending line: This includes dependent parents or grandparents who are part of your family unit and rely on you for financial support.

Important considerations for family members

• Each family member must provide the required documents, including those proving their relationship to you. If they require their own visa, then this can be handled separately.
• For adult children, evidence of their financial dependence on you and their unmarried status is also necessary.
• For relatives in the ascending line, you must provide documentation demonstrating their dependence on you and that they are part of your family unit.

What documentation is needed for an Estonian Long-Stay visa?

To apply for a Long-Stay Visa, you need to carefully prepare and submit the proper documents. These documents show that you qualify for the visa and that your intentions for your time in the country are well thought out.

Take your time and make sure your application is complete. This will help the process go faster and increase your chances of getting the visa. You might want to consider getting help from a visa consultancy service since they can guide you through the entire process.

Mandatory documents for all applicants

• Passport: Your original passport, which must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. It should be less than a decade old and have at least two blank pages.
• Application form: A fully completed and signed application form. You can download the form here or from the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.
• Colour photo: You should attach a recent colour photograph that adheres to ICAO requirements to your application form. Make sure you use glue, not staples!
• Travel medical insurance: Proof of valid travel medical insurance that covers any and all medical treatment costs during your stay in Estonia, with a minimum of €30,000 in coverage. Your insurance will need to cover the entirety of your stay in Estonia.
• Proof of financial means: You must provide evidence of having sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Estonia, as per the requirements outlined in the "Eligibility Criteria" section. This could include bank statements, scholarship letters, or employment contracts, depending on your purpose of stay.

Additional documents based on purpose of stay

In addition to the general requirements above, you'll be asked to prove the purpose of your stay, depending on the category you fall under.

• Studies:

  ◦ Acceptance letter from an Estonian educational institution

  ◦ Proof of enrolment in a full-time study program

  ◦ Other documents, as specified by the Estonian representation

• Short-term employment:

  ◦ Employment contract or confirmation from the employer

  ◦ Registration of short-term employment (if applicable)

• Seasonal work:

  ◦ Employment contract or confirmation from the employer

• Start-up business:

  ◦ Business plan

  ◦ Proof of company registration (if applicable)

  ◦ Other documents demonstrating the viability of your business

• Teleworking (Digital Nomad Visa):

  ◦ Employment contract or proof of freelance work

  ◦ Proof of income from remote work

  ◦ Other documents, as specified by the Estonian representation

• Other purposes:

  ◦ Documents supporting your specific purpose of stay, as outlined by the Estonian representation

If your documents are not in Estonian or English, you'll need to purchase certified translation services and obtain copies of these. Once you have your documents translated, you should submit them alongside the original documentation.

Heads up! Your fingerprints will be taken when you apply for your visa unless you have physical limitations. Any children under 12 won't be asked to have prints taken.

Ensure all your documents are complete, accurate, and meet the specified requirements to avoid delays or potential rejection of your application.

What is the valid duration of an Estonia Long-Stay visa?

The Estonia Long-Stay (D) Visa allows for extended stays in Estonia and time spent in other Schengen Member States. There are a few rules and factors to consider when using the visa for these purposes and when considering consecutive visas.

Maximum duration

The Long-Stay (D) Visa can be issued for a stay of up to 365 days within a 12-month period. If you reach the 12-month period and wish to stay longer, you can apply for another Long-Stay visa or considerother relevant visa options.

Travel to other Schengen countries

While primarily a national visa for Estonia, the Long-Stay Visa allows you to travel to any other Schengen Member States for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Consecutive visas

As mentioned above, if you wish to stay in Estonia past the initial year, you might be able to apply for a second consecutive long-stay visa. However, the combined duration of your stay with two consecutive visas mustn't exceed 548 days within two years.

This rule is in place to ensure that the visa is used for temporary stays and not as a substitute for permanent residency.

How to apply for an Estonia Long-Stay visa

Applying for the Estonia Long Stay Visa involves meticulous attention and adherence to specific procedures. We'll break it down for you:

• Gather documents: Collect all the papers that the Estonian government asks for. Make sure they're complete, and if needed, get them officially translated and stamped. What you need depends on why you're going (work, study, etc.).
• Complete your application form: Fill out your Long-Stay Visa application form carefully and precisely. You can find it online here or at the Estonian embassy/consulate.
• Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at an Estonian representation that handles visa applications or at a service point of the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia.
• Attend your appointment: Submit your visa application and supporting documents, have your fingerprints taken, and pay the visa fee.
• Await a decision: The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review your application and may request additional documents or an interview. The legal processing time is two weeks, but it could be extended if further information is required.
• Collect your visa: If your visa application is approved, collect your visa in person or through your representative within one month of notification.

Sticking to procedures and deadlines is incredibly important if you want your application to go smoothly.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, getting help from a visa consultant could be just what you need – they can guide you through the process and make sure everything's done right.

What are the visa fees for the Estonia Long-Stay visa?

When you apply for the Estonia Long-Stay Visa, you'll have to pay a fee - this covers the resources needed to review your application. The amount will vary depending on your age and the purpose of your stay in Estonia.

• Adults (18 and older):

  ◦ €100 for most purposes of stay

  ◦ €80 for studies or participation in an international volunteer program

• Minors (under 18):

  ◦ €40 for most purposes of stay

  ◦ €20 for studies or participation in an international volunteer program

Children under six and family members of Estonian or EU citizens are exempt from paying the visa fee.

Additional costs

Beyond the state fee, you might incur other expenses during the application process. These could include:

• Travel medical insurance: The cost of obtaining travel medical insurance will depend on your chosen provider, coverage level, and duration of stay.
• Translation and certification costs: If any of your documents are not in Estonian or English, you'll need to have them translated and certified, which can incur additional fees.
• Travel expenses: If you're applying for an Estonian representation outside your home country, you might need to factor in travel and accommodation costs.

Please note: These fees are subject to change. Always consult the official website of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa fees.

Your Estonian journey starts with the Long-Stay (D) Visa. The application process can be complex, but an immigration consultant can simplify it, increasing your chances of success.

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