Main types of residence permit in Estonia and ways for Russians to obtain the document

What does a residence permit in Estonia give?

The republic is part of the European Union and the Schengen zone, a member of NATO. Moving with a residence permit to Estonia for Russians means the opportunity to travel without visas throughout Europe (100 countries), and also guarantees a number of rights and corresponding responsibilities. The advantages of obtaining a residence permit are here:

• one of the best economic conditions among EU countries (almost no external debts);
• stable GDP growth;
• the average salary level is about 1000 euros, which is more than earnings in Lithuania and Latvia;
• unemployment at the same level as in Germany (5%);
• minimum bureaucracy. Businessmen (Estonians, Russians) open a company within 24 hours. Tax reporting audits can be carried out using electronic document management;
• laws do not exist for show, but protect equally local investors and those coming from the Russian Federation and the CIS.

An additional list of benefits that a residence permit in Estonia gives to Russian citizens: the opportunity to have a diploma from a local university, find profitable employment, open a company, receive social benefits and assistance on an equal basis with residents. Having a residence permit allows you to open deposits in European banks and receive treatment in Estonian clinics for free under insurance.

Methods and reasons for obtaining

Obtaining a residence permit in Estonia is limited to a quota of 0.1% annually of the population of the republic. Quotas do not apply to citizens of Switzerland, the European Union and the United States. The authorities also make an exception for outstanding scientists. Other emigrants are accepted into the country in limited numbers. Candidates are screened for about 90 days, after which a decision is made. Without a residence permit, you cannot apply for long-term and permanent residence in the country. A standard visa or visit to a Schengen area limits your stay to 90 days.

To obtain a residence permit, you must have the grounds provided for by the migration policy of the republic.

You should not expect to obtain a residence permit in Estonia when purchasing real estate - this option is not provided for by immigration policy.

The presence of real estate only simplifies the procedures for submitting documents to government agencies, and also reduces the cost of living in the republic (no need to worry about rent or overpay).

Family reunification

One of the options for legalization in Estonia is to register a marriage with a citizen or resident who has been living in the territory for more than two years. The family reunification program gives similar rights to minor children or disabled adults. The authorities also allow the resettlement of foreigners with guardians, grandchildren and children in Estonia if the former need care and assistance due to age or illness, and the latter have the legal right to live in the republic and have funds for maintenance and housing for incapacitated relatives.

Employment

It is not easy for a foreigner to get a good position. The employer is required by law to first recruit local residents; if the vacancy is not filled by residents, then EU citizens. Lastly, if within 3 weeks there is no specialist from the categories listed above, it is allowed to hire foreigners - Russians, Belarusians, Ukrainians, etc. Applicants are subject to serious requirements regarding the level of qualifications and work experience.

Before signing an employment contract, a job candidate obtains permission from the Insurance Fund (the body that pays benefits to the unemployed). The validity period of the permit is 2 months. You can then enter into an employment contract for at least 1 year. Then you can apply for a residence permit in Estonia for 2 years with the possibility of extension up to 5 years. Conditions for legalization are an official salary of at least 1,321 euros per month.

Education

Russian youth go to study in Estonia due to the high level of education, as well as for a diploma that is recognized not only in Europe, but in many countries around the world. Estonian universities offer about 100 English-taught study programs. The price of an annual contract is slightly higher than the cost of studying at good universities in Russia, and monthly living expenses will cost the student several hundred euros. Students can take up temporary employment to have additional income. The residence permit is initially issued for 1 year with an extension until the end of the study period.

Business immigration

The Baltic republic is distinguished by its loyal laws regarding business projects, when compared with other European countries. Estonia issues a residence permit for business very quickly if you invest 65 thousand euros in the development of a local company. This permit is valid for 5 years. Instead of investing in an Estonian company, you can invest a similar amount in property or shares.

Another emigration option for investors is starting their own business. Having invested from 16 thousand euros, after 4 months you can apply for a residence permit. The condition is that the investment amount must be in an account in a local bank. For various expenses, including state fees for opening a company, you will need another 2,000 euros, and when contacting lawyers - about 5 thousand more. Investment activity in the form of opening an enterprise on the territory of the republic gives the right to obtain a residence permit for 2 years with the possibility of extension for another five years. The owner of the company can purchase real estate, transport, if necessary, plan the purchase of a land plot. A profitable business requires choosing the right field of activity.

The main areas that are developing well in Estonia are information technology and tourism. All types of services and goods associated with these areas can be profitable.

Russians are opening hairdressers, restaurants, shops, and spas. Finns are becoming the main consumers of goods and services, since it is easier for them to travel in this direction by ferry and buy cheap alcohol, get a manicure or haircut at prices that are half the Finnish prices. The only thing that is difficult to open and develop is a restaurant - there are many new establishments here, including a chain of fast food outlets, so the competition is very high.

Validity period of the residence permit

The primary residence permit is issued for a period of 1 to 3 years with the possibility of extension for another 5 years. Then, if there are grounds and the requirements are met, you can apply for permanent residence. After another three years, a law-abiding candidate can apply for citizenship.

To extend the primary residence permit, there is no need to leave the republic. The documents are submitted to the Police and Border Guard Board. It is advisable to contact government agencies in advance (2 months before the expiration of the previously received residence permit). For renewal, the state duty is charged in the same amount as upon receipt. The price varies depending on the grounds and category of the applicant.

Those wishing to minimize the risk of refusal to renew should strictly comply with Estonian laws, including administrative ones. The status will be revoked if the holder has committed a criminal offense or participated in a terrorist organization. The same result awaits those who are absent from the country for more than 183 days.

Basic package of documents

When requesting a residence permit, you must provide the following to the Estonian Immigration Service:

• a correctly completed form,
• detailed autobiography,
• international passport,
• certificate of good conduct,
• documentary evidence of the reason for requesting a residence permit (for example, an employment contract with an Estonian company),
• European type health insurance,
• a document that confirms permanent legal income,
• two color photographs (passport format),
• receipts for payment of all administrative fees and duties. The cost of a residence permit depends on the reason for its request and ranges from 65 to 150 euros.

The application and package of documents must be submitted to the branch of the special Bureau under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic, which deals with issues of migration and issuance of citizenship.

The basic package of documents must include a certificate of no criminal record

What documents are needed

Before obtaining a residence permit in Estonia, you need to collect a number of documents. For Russians, the procedure begins with submitting an application with a package of papers in Estonia (after registering on the website of the Police Department) or in Russia (Estonian representative office in Pskov, St. Petersburg, Moscow).

List of documents:

• application according to the sample provided on the official website of the Estonian Police Department;
• a foreign passport with sufficient validity (covering the full period of stay with a residence permit);
• color photo;
• confirmation of the basis (employment contract, contract with a local university, certificate of relationship, etc.);
• confirmation of the availability of a place of residence (agreement for rent or purchase of real estate);
• check for payment of state duty;
• certificates confirming financial security (availability of capital in the bank, etc.);
• medical insurance.

Additionally, they may be asked to provide an invitation from relatives, consent for the child to leave Russia abroad, and a certificate of health. Entrepreneurs may be asked to provide a business plan (in English and Estonian) and confirmation of having a certain amount of money in a local bank account.

Ways to obtain an Estonian residence permit

There are several grounds for obtaining an Estonian residence permit. Each of them has its own design nuances and a list of additional documents corresponding to the grounds. Let's look at the main ways to become a temporary resident of Estonia and the nuances associated with this.

Quiet calm city (Tallinn). Ideal for a relaxed family life. Good environment, no traffic jams, excellent climate for hypertensive and asthmatics, lack of bureaucracy, friendly people (compared to Moscow). The downside is the lack of nightlife; outside the center of Tallinn, many people do not understand and speak neither Russian nor English - you need to know Estonian. Regarding renting an apartment, everything is quite transparent, prices are quite low. I repeat once again - Tallinn is ideal for people who love peace, order, and order. For those who prefer a more active and nightlife, this is not suitable at all. Comparing Tallinn with Riga and Vilnius or Kaunas, I can assure you that Tallinn is much more European, clean, and tidy.

Kate

https://www.woman.ru/home/medley9/thread/4344577/

Cost and processing time

Consideration of the application and verification of all papers takes about 2 months. If documents are submitted from Russia, the period is increased due to the time it takes to send correspondence to Estonia and receive a response. Upon arrival in the country, a foreigner must register at his place of residence within 30 days. Before permits are issued, you will have to undergo an interview and fingerprinting.

The cost of obtaining an urgent residence permit (state fee) depends on where the application is submitted and what grounds there are for moving. In Estonia, the amounts in euros for 2021 will be as follows:

• businessmen – 160;
• employees – 96;
• relatives and spouses of residents – 31;
• children under one year old – 24;
• minors and pensioners – 24;
• the rest are 64.

When submitting documents from Russia, the amounts will be approximately 20 euros higher for each category.

Additional expenses are expected to be invested in opening a company - you will need to pay about 1.5 thousand euros for registering a company.

Prices for health insurance depend on the age of the applicant and coverage - costs will be about 150 euros.

Translation of documents into the state language and apostille in Estonia will also require expenses.

What to do if you receive a refusal

According to reviews on forums and official statistics, about 1 thousand foreigners from different countries receive a residence permit in Estonia every year. Refusals occur for the following reasons:

• there are no grounds for emigration specified in the law;
• incomplete package of accompanying documents;
• providing false information;
• lack of financial security for living in the republic;
• the presence of diseases dangerous to society;
• being wanted and having a criminal record.

If the application is refused, the reason is always indicated. Within 10 days from the date of refusal, you can contact the court or the migration service to appeal the result. In case of complete refusal or cancellation of the current status, the foreigner is obliged to leave the country within the specified time frame (usually within 3 days). If you do not leave voluntarily, local law enforcement officers will detain you, fine you, and deport you. If you are a violator of local laws, you cannot count on the loyalty of the authorities.

Legalization in Estonia is complicated by the presence of restrictions in the form of quotas, otherwise the procedure is the same as in most European countries. Relocation can be planned by workers in in-demand professions, students, businessmen and people planning long-term investments. There is almost no corruption in the country, a low crime rate, reasonable prices for purchasing food, good salaries, and social protection for citizens.

Is it possible to obtain a residence permit when purchasing real estate in Estonia?

As of 2021, migration legislation does not include the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Estonia for the purchase of real estate . The state government offers foreign citizens several other options for obtaining resident status: family reunification, official employment, education or opening their own business on Estonian territory.

Despite the lack of regulation for issuing residence permits, purchasing real estate in Estonia is a fairly popular way of investing among citizens of the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the Republic of Belarus and other CIS countries. Having property on the territory of the state is an advantage when obtaining a residence permit or Estonian citizenship on other grounds.