Coming to Estonia
Visas
In accordance with the EU general visa policy, citizens of certain countries do not need a visa for the entry and short stay in Estonia (up to 90 days within six month). A list of those countries can be found here.
Citizens from a foreign country with whom visa free agreement has not been concluded, would need a visa to enter Estonia. The University of Tartu or its structural unit (Faculty or College) can invite a guest to Estonia under a Visa-invitation of a legal person governed by public law Visa-invitation of a legal person governed by public law, formalized on the letterhead of the structural unit, in Estonian. The original version of the invitation, with the signature of the head of the structural unit, has to be sent to the invited guest, who would have to submit the invitation with other required documents to the nearest Estonian representation.
Submitting visa application documents by post is possible only if in the country where the applicant permanently stays (resides) has no Estonian representation. In the case where the country of residence of the guest has Estonian representation, the visa applicant must appear in person at the Estonian representation or act through a representative.
For more information on visas see the webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and on the visa invitations, the webpage of the Police and Border Guard Board.
Residence and work permits
Information on residence and work permits is available on the Police and Border Guard Board website.
Working in Estonia
Citizens of EU
Citizens of EU have the right to work in Estonia for the first 3 months without the work permit, this applies also to the EU citizens with the right of residence.
Third-country nationals
Short-term employment
It is possible to work in Estonia without the work permit only if the short-term employment is registered in the Citizenship and Migration Board before starting work. Short-term employment cannot exceed a period of 6 months during a year.
The following may apply for registration for short-term employment in Estonia:
- aliens who arrive in Estonia either on the basis of a visa or on a visa-free basis (unless any international agreement stipulates otherwise);
- aliens who stay in Estonia either on the basis of a visa or on a visa-free basis (unless any international agreement stipulates otherwise).
Long-term employment
An alien who stays in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit has to apply for a work permit or a residence permit for employment in order to work in Estonia.
Additional information:
Kristi Kuningas
Personnel Office
Senior Specialist in Recruitment
Phone: 737 5844
E-mail: kristi.kuningas [ät] ut.ee