Temporary residence permit for settling permanently in Estonia
Estonia offers an opportunity to acquire an independent legal status of residency, allowing individuals to settle in the country.
By “independent,” we mean obtaining a residence permit that is not tied to specific ground, such as employment contract, family reunification with a spouse, or similar dependent circumstances. This option provides a more stable and autonomous legal basis in long-term perspective.
Formally, it still will be a temporary residence permit (TRP), but it won’t be connected to any dependent legal ground.
Current requirements
To qualify for this type of TRP, applicant must meet several key conditions:
- Previous residence in Estonia under a temporary residence permit for at least 3 years within the last 5 consecutive years;
- Integration into Estonian society;
- Legitimate and sufficient income to support oneself.
Sufficient substance level
There is no legal requirement to your regular income size (salary, parental benefits, unemployment benefits etc), but there is a sufficient substance level, which you need to have for each month of stay in Estonia – 200.00 eur.
Upcoming changes from 2026
Starting in 2026, the framework for obtaining TRP for settling permanently will be updated, introducing clearer and stricter requirements, particularly regarding integration.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate:
- Completion of the official integration program;
- Knowledge of the Estonian language at a minimum of A2 level, confirmed by a state-issued certificate.
For residents who have already had this type of TRP (issued before 1 January 2026) and who will applying for extension in the future, new requirements will not be effective.
For those who will apply for this type of TRP before the end of 2025 and if the decision is made after 31 December 2025, old regulation shall be applicable.
Independent residency permit for PhD holders
This type of residence permit is also available to individuals who hold a PhD degree. In this case, applicants are not subject to the standard residence duration requirements that apply to other categories.
Degree academic recognition
PhD shall be acquired in Estonia or it can be acquired in a foreign state but it has to get an academic recognition in Estonia
Our team will guide you through the process of obtaining this TRP, starting from eligibility assessment till the final decision of the government body. Contact us for a legal advice on immigration matters.