The cute Baltic country of Estonia is becoming known as the tech hub of Europe, earning the name “Silicon Valley of Europe.” Because of its strong economy, good pay, and friendly people, this place is a great choice for workers from other countries. This guide will teach you why foreign workers should think about making Estonia their home country, how to get a work visa for this great country, and which jobs are in high demand in Estonia because of a lack of qualified people.
A chance for talented people from around the world to help Estonia fill its skills gap Even though Estonia’s economy is growing quickly and its tech sector is doing well, the people who work there are getting older. Because of this, there are now skill gaps in many areas. A study from the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) says that software development, engineering, and healthcare are some of the most important fields that need more skilled workers.
Occupations in High Demand in Estonia due to Workforce & Skill Shortages
- Nurses and Teachers
- Software and Applications Developers and Analysts
- Sales, Construction, and ICT Project Managers
- Business Analysts, Web Developers, and Data Scientists
- Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineers
- Production and Operations Managers
Reasons Why Foreign Professionals to Consider Working in Estonia
Competitive Salary: Between 4,000 and 5,000 EUR is a competitive salary in Estonia, especially in fields like IT. This makes it a good place for skilled workers looking for rewarding jobs.
Low Income Tax: With a flat 20% income tax rate, Estonia has one of the lowest income tax rates in the EU. In this country, skilled workers can keep more of their earnings than in many others.
Digital Governance: Estonia’s modern e-governance infrastructure makes it easy to do things like vote, pay taxes, and apply for visas online. This streamlined process makes it easy for skilled workers moving to Estonia to do their paperwork.
Strong Digital Scene: Tallinn, which is sometimes called the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” is a strong center for digital innovation. Skilled people who work in IT and related areas can get a lot of help and have lots of chances to learn and work together.
Standard of Living: Estonia has a good standard of living because it has great amenities, a great education system, and great health care facilities. In Estonia, skilled workers and their families can live a happy and healthy life.
Where to Find Jobs in Estonia in 2024
- There are several websites where job seekers and skilled professionals from throughout Europe and the world can search for employment in
- Estonia, including:
- The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Eesti Töötukassa (Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund)
- Estonian Association of Information Technology and Telecommunications
- The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
- Popular job boards like CV Keskus, Indeed, Work in Estonia, CareerBuilder, Monster, and Glassdoo
How Can an Estonian Work Visa Help You Get a Job in Estonia?
If one wants to work in Estonia, many work permits and visas are available. These visa categories are
Types of Estonian Work Visa
- The Estonian Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is perfect for business travel, conferences, and short-term training courses. It allows
- stays of up to 90 days throughout 180 days.
- The Estonia Long-Stay Visa (Type D) permits visitors who want to launch a business or who have a job lined up in Estonia to stay
- for up to a year and longer than 90 days
Exemption from Estonia Work Visa
- Not everyone requires a visa to work in Estonia. To live and work in Estonia, citizens of Switzerland, the European Economic Area (EEA), or
- the European Union (EU) are not required to get a work visa. Individuals from nations who have agreements with Estonia that permit them
- to enter the nation for brief visits (up to 90 days) without a visa are also permitted.
Non-EU-EEA Citizens Need an Estonian Work Visa
- In most cases, if you are not from the EU, EA, or Switzerland, you will require a visa to work in Estonia. Depending on where you are from,
- how long you intend to stay, and the work you will be doing, the specific requirements could change.
How to Apply
Secure a Job Offer: You must have a contract or work offer from an Estonian company before applying for a visa. Your employer needs to send the job offer to the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Gather Required Documents: Assemble all necessary documentation, including:
- Completed visa application form
- Passport photo
- Evidence of insurance
- Confirmation of intended lodging
- Documentation about your employment (contract or offer letter)
- Documentation proving that an Estonian or EU national couldn’t perform the job
Visit Estonian Embassy or Consulate: Mail your visa application to the nearest Estonian office or consulate. Review the regulations and consider scheduling an appointment as procedures may vary by location.
Pay Visa Fee: Pay the €80 visa fee, which is the typical cost for applying for a work visa in Estonia.
Wait for Processing: After submitting your application, wait for it to be processed. Apply well in advance of your travel date as processing can take several weeks.
Receive Visa: Upon approval, you will receive your visa, allowing you to enter Estonia and start working.
Apply for Resident Permit (if necessary): If you plan to work in Estonia for more than a year, you’ll need to obtain a temporary residency card. You can apply for this either before traveling to Estonia or after arriving in the country with your D-visa.
Estonia Work Visa Requirements
- If you want to legally work in Estonia after getting a job there, please make sure of the following.
- A genuine job offer from an Estonian employer.
- A detailed job offer deal is also needed.
- Also, the company must finish the registration process.
- Finally, send all of the necessary papers to the Estonian Embassy.
Conclusion:
Skilled workers from all over the world want to move to Estonia because it has a great quality of life, fair wages, and a quickly growing tech scene. Software creation, engineering, healthcare, project management, and teaching are all jobs that people want. People from other countries can apply for Estonian work visas. There are different types of visas offered based on the worker’s needs and situation. Getting a job offer, getting the necessary papers, applying for the visa, paying the fee, and then waiting for processing are all parts of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of jobs are in high demand in Estonia?
In-demand jobs in Estonia include software development, engineering, healthcare, project management, teaching, and more.
What are the types of Estonian work visas available?
Estonian work visas include the Short-Stay Visa (Type C) for stays up to 90 days and the Long-Stay Visa (Type D) for longer stays and work purposes.
