Estonia Key Information

Documents & legal basics

  • Types of residence permits: Temporary and permanent, more info: Click Here

  • Registration requirement: EU citizens within 3 months, non-eu citizen within 1 month upon arrival. Click here for more info

  • Work permission basics (documents and etc): For the step-by-step process Click Here

  • Website with additional info: Click Here

Banking & money

  • Most popular banks: Luminor, Swedbank, SEB, and LHV, with Coop Pank

  • Online banks commonly used: Revolut

  • Basic requirements to open an account: To open an account, banks need proof that you’re connected to Estonia. This could be: Living, working, or studying in Estonia, having close family (like a spouse, child, or parent) here, or running a business in the country. If you don’t have a valid connection, your application may be declined. 

  • Additional information: Click Here 

SIM cards & internet

  • Main mobile operators: Telia Eesti, Elisa Eesti, and Tele2 Eesti

  • Prepaid vs contract: prepaid: Elisa (5-20 EUR for 7-30 days); contract: Elia Eesti, Elisa Eesti, Tele2 Eesti

  • ID requirement: for the contract required ID (isikukood) and a credit check 

Estonia is a Baltic country in Northern Europe known for its forests, digital innovation, and resilient history. Over the centuries, it was ruled by Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian powers before gaining independence in 1918. After decades of Soviet occupation, Estonia restored its independence in 1991 and quickly developed into one of Europe’s most technologically advanced societies. It joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

Estonian culture is closely tied to nature, language, and song traditions. The Estonian language is Finno-Ugric, distinct from most European languages, and national identity is strongly expressed through music festivals, folklore, and seasonal celebrations. Today, Estonia blends preserved traditions with a modern digital society, known for e-governance, startups, and a strong connection between innovation and heritage.

Housing basics

Public transport

  • Main transport providers: Ridango & Transport Tallinn

  • Main types of transport: bus, tram, trolleybus, train, and ferry services

  • One-time/monthly travel passes - prices: in Tallinn: single ticket - 2EUR, 30 days - 30 EUR

Healthcare basics

Work basics

Language & support

  • Official language(s): Estonian, the older generation might understand Russian, the younger generation mostly speaks English

  • Free language courses: Click Here

  • NGOs / support organisations: Settle in Estonia & UNHCR

Estonia Telegram Channel