Estonia Visa
Traveling to Estonia
The small Baltic state of Estonia is increasingly known as an innovative destination for entrepreneurs and business investors. Tallinn, its capital, hosts an exploding technology sector against a backdrop of colorful historic architecture.
You may need a visa to travel to Estonia, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed).
There are numerous types of visas for Estonia, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Estonia visas have different Estonia visa requirements and validity periods. In general, Estonia visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Estonia is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country). Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Estonia will let you enter and exit as many times as needed.
Estonia visa types
Transit Visa (Type A)
- Estonia Transit visa
Short Term Visas (Type C)
Schengen Visas
- Business (Estonia Schengen Business visa)
- Cultural
- Medical
- Official Visit
- Other
- Sports
- Study (Estonia Schengen Student)
- Tourism (Estonia Tourist visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Long Term Visas (Type D, National)
A long stay visa for Estonia will allow you to stay in the country for up to one year. Long term visas are available for the following purposes:
- Business (known alternatively as the Estonia Working visa)
- Medical Reasons
- Other (for example, a long-term Estonia tourist visa)
- Remote Working
- Short term employment
- Start Up Entrepreneurship (sometimes called Visa Talent Estonia)
- Study (Estonia Student visa)
- Visiting Family or Friends
Estonia visa requirements
The following documents are typically required for all visas to Estonia.
Passport
Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Estonia)
Visa fee
Your Estonia visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Schengen visa fees are traditional €80; the fee for an adult long term visa is €100.
Personal photos
Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions). You will likely upload these photos electronically; alternatively, you will be asked to submit physical copies
Additional documents:
You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Estonia visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The type of Estonia visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following:
Biographical documents
Identity documents, such as your birth certificate
Financial materials
Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance
Accommodation
Information about where you will stay in Estonia
Educational materials
Proof of university education, etc.
Proof of medical insurance
Please note that all documents must likely be written in Estonian, Russian, or English (or be accompanied by official translations).
Estonia visa application
Applicants for Estonia visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination.
- Prepare your visa application
Choose your visa duration
Determine how long you intend to be in Estonia i.e. what type of Estonia visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps.
Select your Estonia visa purpose
Choose your reason for travel (education, business, etc.)
Select your entry category
Your selection of the single-entry visa for Estonia or the multiple entry visa for Estonia will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Estonia cannot return to the country after exiting.
Determine where to apply
Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Estonian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.” - Fill out your visa application
Access your main application form
Access the online application form, and choose either the Schengen visa application form or the long-term visa application form. If you are unable to access the online form, you will likely be able to apply directly through your local Estonian mission. Regardless of how you access the application, you will typically need to officially apply through application destination.
Gather the rest of your documents
Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Estonia visa type. - Schedule your visa interview
Almost all Estonia visa applicants, even those who apply online, must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling a Estonia visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months—you should reach out to your local Estonian embassy/consulate/visa application center directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.
- Attend your visa interview
This is where you will submit a printout copy of your online application, give your biometric information, be interviewed, pay your Estonian visa fees, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. This is typically the final stage of the Estonia visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.
Please note that certain visas may require subsequent steps (for example, if you are applying for a long term business visa you may need to apply for an Estonia Work Permit—other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Estonia. For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek an Estonia Work Permit or a residence permit for Estonia, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type.
Where to apply for Estonia visa
Estonia visa application processing occurs at Estonian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world.
Applicants for both short term Schengen visas and long term national visas can access the online application. Applicants should access either the Schengen visa form or long term visa form and bring it to their local Estonian embassy/consulate/visa application center, where they will fulfill the rest of their in-person application requirements.
If there is no Estonian mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Estonian visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Estonian interests abroad. For example, Estonian visa seekers in Indonesia are directed to apply through the Finnish Embassy in Jakarta.
When to apply for a Estonia Visa
Applicants for short-stay visas to Estonia are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.
Estonia visa processing time
The Estonia visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:
- Estonia visa type
- Application destination
- Your nationality
- The completeness of application
Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.
Estonia visa FAQ
Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Estonia. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Get a travel document for Estonia (visa) by submitting an application to your local Estonia embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.
The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.
Choose from among the various types of Estonia visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Estonia or a single entry visa for Estonia.
Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Estonia (different Estonia visa, such as the Golden visa for Estonia).
