Estonian Long-Term Resident's Residence Permit

Who it's for

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have built five years of continuous legal residence in Estonia on temporary residence permits and who are ready to settle permanently and meet the integration and language requirements.

Requirements

• Five years of residence in Estonia on a temporary residence permit immediately before applying
• A valid temporary residence permit at the time of application
• Knowledge of Estonian at B1 level (unless exempt)
• Registered permanent residence in Estonia's Population Register
• Stable income and health insurance
• No grounds that would bar issuing the permit

What you can do

• Live in Estonia permanently, without needing to renew a temporary permit
• Work and study freely in Estonia
• Enjoy the rights attached to EU long-term resident status
• Move towards eligibility for Estonian citizenship over time

How to apply

Apply at a Police and Border Guard Board service office once you have completed five years of temporary residence and passed (or are exempt from) the Estonian language and integration requirement, submitting evidence of your residence history, language proficiency, income and family details.

Provide biometrics and pay the state fee. If granted, the long-term resident's permit is issued with permanent validity (the residence card itself is renewed periodically).

Documents

• Completed application form (in block letters) and photograph
• Valid travel document
• Evidence of five years' legal residence on a temporary permit
• Proof of Estonian language proficiency at B1 (unless exempt)
• Data on close relatives and family members
• Proof of payment of the state fee