The rapid growth of the Estonian economy, caused by the country's accession to the EU, aroused the interest of potential immigrants in it. Hundreds of foreigners went to the Baltic republic, deciding to improve their financial situation and wanting to live and raise their children in a civilized European country. Among the newcomers, a considerable proportion are also Russian citizens, especially since the two countries are closely linked historically, politically and demographically. The number of Internet searches "how to move to Estonia" makes this Baltic republic one of the most popular among immigrants in the region.
A little about the country
Every year Estonia is becoming more promising and comfortable for living, working and doing business. The ever-increasing standard of living of its citizens makes the country especially attractive for migrants from economically less prosperous states. A significant role in attracting applicants for a residence permit for Estonia and its citizenship is played by the opportunity to visit all EU countries without visas and move freely in the Schengen area.
Estonian citizens can count on social benefits and guarantees - benefits for the poor, large families and the unemployed, and the relevant authorities carefully monitor the observance of working conditions at the country's enterprises.
Where to begin?
A Russian citizen can cross the Estonian border only with a visa. Schengen gives the right to stay in the country for tourist purposes, and national visas of an immigration nature allow you to live, work, study or reunite with your family. To obtain this type of visa, special grounds are required, supported by documents: an employment contract, a marriage certificate, an agreement for studying at an Estonian university, etc.
Legal ways to move to Estonia for permanent residence
There are two types of residence permits in Estonia. First, a foreigner receives an urgent or temporary residence permit, which allows him to stay in the country for 1 or 2 years and is subject to renewal as necessary. Having lived in Estonia with a temporary residence permit for five years, an immigrant can apply for a permanent residence permit or resident status. Especially loyal to migrants, Estonian legislation allows in some cases, after five years of residence with a temporary residence permit, to apply for citizenship immediately, but usually, to obtain the coveted passport, you need to live in permanent resident status for another five years.
The grounds for obtaining a residence permit in Estonia are:
- Conclusion of marriage with an Estonian citizen or citizen. During his stay in the status of a temporary resident, a foreigner should pay special attention to compliance with all requirements of migration legislation. Only by being able to prove the sincerity of their marital intentions, an immigrant can count on obtaining resident status.
- Family reunification. The presence of close relatives in the republic allows a foreigner to apply for a temporary, and then a permanent residence permit.
- Employment makes it possible to legally reside in Estonia for a long time.
- Immigration for the purpose of starting your own business opens up prospects for obtaining a residence permit faster than in other cases.
- Studying at Estonian universities allows the student not only to receive a European-level diploma, but also to find a job in the chosen specialty while still studying.
Persons with convictions, migrants who knowingly provided false information to the authorities, former intelligence officers and military personnel of foreign powers and their family members may be refused a residence permit in Estonia.
To successfully obtain a permanent residence permit, you will have to pass an Estonian language exam, present proof of your existing permanent income, take out health insurance and purchase or rent real estate for living.
All works are good
Estonia is a member of the European Union and therefore is subject to uniform laws on the employment of foreigners. The law provides for the preferential right to get a job first for Estonian citizens, then for residents of other EU states, and only lastly for other foreigners. In other words, any vacancy will be offered to a foreign immigrant only if the Estonian is not interested in it.
And yet, the specialists in demand in the Baltic republic are still workers in the service sector, the construction industry, information technology and telecommunications, banking and the insurance business.
The salary of a foreign specialist directly depends on the degree of his qualifications, experience and status of the enterprise, but cannot be less than the official minimum.
The basis for the issuance of a category D work visa is a signed contract with the employer. Its validity period is one year, after which, in case of successful cooperation, the document is extended for another five years. After these periods have expired, the foreigner has the right to apply for a permanent residence permit.
Business people
The advantages of starting your own business in Estonia are quite obvious. The authorities do not distinguish between citizens of the country and foreigners, and the opportunity to register LLC or OJSC is provided to immigrants on equal terms with Estonians.
Registration of your own company gives you the right to obtain a residence permit in Estonia for a period of two years. It can be extended for another five years if the amount of investment in the country's economy is at least 16 thousand euros. To obtain permanent resident status, you will also need to confirm the normal functioning of the company during the last eight months before filing the application.
For the convenience of foreign businessmen, the Estonian authorities have introduced the so-called electronic citizenship card. The plastic card contains the owner's biometric data, serves as an ID, gives the right to electronic signature, etc. Its registration takes no more than half an hour. The issue price is about 50 euros.
Learning with pleasure
A diploma from any of the Estonian higher education institutions is highly regarded and accepted in any country within the European Union. As a student at an Estonian university, a foreigner receives a residence permit and the right to work for 20 hours a week. The residence permit is issued for 12 months and is extended as the student moves to the next course, but for no more than one year in each extension.
Obtaining an education in Estonia gives a student a chance to find a place of future work during his studies and become a citizen of the country on a legal and beneficial basis.
Think for yourself, decide for yourself
A foreigner can become an Estonian citizen either by proving his Estonian roots or by going through the naturalization process. One of the requirements of the migration authorities is the lack of citizenship of another country, and therefore an applicant for an Estonian passport must renounce his previous citizenship.
