Immigrate to Estonia from the US

To immigrate to Estonia from the US, Americans are required to observe the general immigration policy set forth in the Aliens Act and comply with the requirements that pertain to their specific motive for stay, be it for employment, family reunification, investment, or other reasons. Our lawyers in Estonia can offer assistance as needed if you are moving from the US to Estonia.

Can I enter Estonia without a visa?

United States citizens are allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days in a given 180-day period without a visa; however, for long-term purposes, they do need to apply for a residence permit.

Can any American immigrate to Estonia from the US?

To move to Estonia from the USA, you must have a valid reason for relocation. This will allow you to apply for the mandatory residence permit, which will be directly linked to your relocation purpose.

Among the common reasons why Americans move to Estonia from the US, our lawyers list the following:

• Employment;
• Doing business (i.e., opening a company in Estonia);
• Study;
• Family reunification (if your American spouse is already a lawful resident in Estonia or is an Estonian citizen).

What is the most common application route for those who want to immigrate to Estonia from the US?

Our lawyers in Estonia outline the general steps below:

1. Obtain a temporary residence permit that suits your purpose of stay (for example, employment).
2. Receive your residence permit card once your application is approved;
3. Settle in Estonia (find proper accommodation, take out any utility agreements, find suitable education options for your children, if you are relocating with them, etc.);
4. Renew your temporary residence permit accordingly;
5. Apply for permanent residence after 5 years of having lawfully lived in the country based on your temporary residence permit;
6. Apply for Estonian citizenship by naturalization. If you are looking to immigrate to Estonia from the US, this would be the final step. It is even more common for Americans who are married to an Estonian citizen.

Where do I apply for the temporary residence permit?

You can apply for this permit either in your country of origin (with an Estonian embassy or in Estonia with the Police and Border Guard.

What documents do I need to apply for a residence permit in Estonia?

You will be asked to provide permit-specific documents (such as proof of employment or proof of investment in Estonia) and individual documents. The general documents include the following:

• Filled-in application form (as per your temporary residence permit type);
• Digital colour photograph;
• Travel document copy;
• Proof of state fee payment;
• Additional documents, as may be required on a case-by-case basis.

American citizens may submit their documents in English; however, any documents that are not issued in Estonian or English must be translated.

How long is the temporary residence permit valid for?

Temporary residence permits can be issued with various validity periods; however, their maximum validity is up to 5 years.

The temporary residence permit, such as the one for employment, can be extended for up to 10 years at a time. However, those who want to immigrate to Estonia from the US will likely apply for a permanent residence permit, rather than extend their temporary one once they complete the 5-year residence requirement.

Contact our lawyers in Estonia for complete residence permit application assistance (temporary and permanent) if you are an American citizen who wants to immigrate to Estonia from the United States of America.