From January 1, 2026, there will be additional requirements for applying for the temporary residence permit (TRP) for Settling Permanently in Estonia.
Upcoming Requirements
- The foreigner has completed an adaptation program.
- The foreigner has at least A2 level of Estonian language. To prove language proficiency, it is necessary to pass a language exam organized by the Ministry of Education.
A foreigner is not required to complete an adaptation program and to have at least A2-level Estonian language skills if:
- He or she has a valid TRP for Settling Permanently in Estonia issued before January 1, 2026, and is applying for its extension or,
- He or she has submitted an application for a TRP for Settling Permanently in Estonia before January 1, 2026, and a decision on this is made after December 31, 2025.
From January 1, 2026, an employer applying for a temporary residence permit for an employee must have had actual economic activity in Estonia for at least six consecutive months immediately prior to submitting the residence permit application.
Employers can prove actual economic activity with any form of evidence, including their own explanations and documents, such as contracts, annual reports, certificates issued by competent authorities, and tax declarations.
From January 1, 2026, in order to register short-term employment or apply for a temporary residence permit for employment, the employer must be registered in the Estonian Commercial Register. This means that, for example, non-resident employers not registered in the Estonian Commercial Register will no longer be allowed to hire foreign workers.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.
The post Upcoming Changes to Estonia’s Immigration Laws appeared first on Erickson Immigration Group.
