Estonian visa resources
Documents for an Estonia national visa or residence application
Estonia's long-stay (D) visa and temporary residence permit each require a set purpose-specific document pack, with foreign documents apostilled and translated into Estonian or English.
Important
Estonia's national long-stay routes fall into two channels: the long-stay (D) visa, for stays of up to 365 days, and the temporary residence permit, for longer settlement. Each has its own document list, but both share a common backbone: a completed application form, a valid travel document, a compliant photo, proof of the purpose of stay, proof of legal income, health insurance and payment of the state fee.
A key national rule applies to both: foreign public documents must be legalised or carry an apostille and be translated into Estonian or English by a sworn translator. Application forms and supporting documents must be in Estonian or English.
Long-stay (D) visa documents
- Completed and signed application form (via the online pre-application system)
- Travel document issued within the last 10 years, with at least 2 blank pages, valid at least 3 months beyond the visa
- Colour photo 35x45mm, ICAO-compliant, taken within the last 6 months
- Travel/medical insurance covering the whole visa validity
- Proof of financial means covering the 3 months preceding the application
- Documents proving the purpose of stay (e.g. employer confirmation, enrolment letter)
- Data on close relatives and family members, plus biographical data
- Additional application form 1 for non-NATO citizens
- Biometrics (10 fingerprints; children under 12 exempt) and the state fee
Temporary residence permit documents
- Completed application and biographical (annex) forms
- Valid identity/travel document and a digital photo meeting specifications
- Documents certifying legal income for the 6 months preceding the application
- Health insurance contract covering the permit period
- Purpose-specific documents (e.g. employer's invitation and Unemployment Insurance Fund permission for work; school admission for study)
- Criminal record certificate for applicants aged 14+, issued within the last 6 months, from each country lived in for 3+ consecutive months in the past 3 years
- Proof of state fee payment
Document formalities
- Foreign public documents must be legalised or apostilled
- Documents in other languages must be translated into Estonian or English by a sworn translator
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.