If you have prior knowledge of immigration to any EU member state, you already know a lot but if you don't have such knowledge, don't worry because we've got you covered. Moving to Estonia is not a complicated process at all. You only need to know what to have, and what time.

When it comes to immigration to any country, what matters the most is having the required documents at the requested time. From the date of visa application, if you need one, to settling in the foreign country and everything in between, your papers will guarantee smooth passage at every stage. We understand the frustration that immigrants go through if they do not have the required documents; when moving to another country for whatever reason. That is why we have provided you with the relevant information to use as a guide when moving to Estonia in this article; you only need to read to the end.

Visa Requirement :

From May of 2004, immigration policies of Estonia changed following its joining of the European Union. As such, according to the Citizens of the European Union Act., the nationals from the European Economic Area (EEA) and EU member states do not require a visa when entering Estonia. The only document that might be required from them is an identification card. The same applies to Estonian citizens who wish to move within the EU or EEA region.

The same waiver applies to citizens of the USA, only that it comes with a condition – if they stay for no more than three months. The other nationals from the countries not specified in the exemption are required by law to hold a valid visa when entering Estonia. The application, which is done at an Estonian Consul or Embassy in the home country of the applicant, should begin well in advance to give time for the processing. Among the documents required during the application include that showing the reason for your visit, medical certificate, and the criminal record of the applicant. You guessed right, nothing less than a clean record with grant one an approval.

Temporary Residence Permits :

You may need to move to Estonia for a short period to look into important issues before you move in for a longer term. For this purpose, you will be required to hold a temporary residence permit. Your reasons for the stay should be well stipulated during the application. Once again, the Nationals from those countries in the EU or the EEA region, as well as those from the USA will not need a temporary residence permit.

The application for the temporary residence permit is made at the Estonia Embassy or Consulate in your country if you do not belong to the countries with the exemption. You will need to have valid reasons for staying in Estonia for the requested period, have a medical certificate, have a clean record, and have sufficient funds and accommodation for your stay in Estonia. You may notice that the Estonian Immigration policies are quite tight when matters security are taken into consideration. The increasing cases of terrorism make them ensure that you have a clean criminal record.

Foreigners wishing to stay with their Estonian close relatives for the reasons of getting care can also qualify for a temporary residence permit. They include children, parents, or grandchildren. The Estonian family member will need to prove that they have enough money to support the stay of the foreign family members.

Permanent Residence :

Many reasons may require that you hold a permanent residence permit. Such reasons include employment, study, and retiring in the country among others. For every reason, you will be required to provide evidence. For example, in the case of employment, you will have to produce a document showing the existence of the job offer. If you are planning to move to Estonia after retirement, you will have to prove that you have sufficient income, such as pension, that will suffice the financial requirements you will have while staying in Estonia.

After five consecutive years of living in Estonia, you may be eligible for permanent residency. During your stay, you are supposed to have shown good character. If you are married to an Estonian citizen for more than three years, then you automatically become eligible for a permanent residence permit. However, if the marriage is younger than three years, you will be required to hold a temporary residence permit for some years, usually three, and if the marriage is still intact after that, you will get a permanent residence permit.

Your passage into Estonia should mainly be founded on the reason for your visit, the duration of your stay, and your ability to support your stay as far as finances are concerned. A clean criminal record and a medical certificate will also go a long way in boosting the chances of your application's approval.