Long-Stay Visa (D-type) and Temporary Residence Permit - Student
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- D visa: 15-30 working days; Temporary residence permit: up to 2 months (may extend to 4 months in complex cases)
- Fee
- EUR 100 (long-stay D visa) + EUR 160 (temporary residence permit)
- Validity
- D visa up to 12 months; temporary residence permit for studies valid for duration of study programme up to 1 year, renewable
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Non-EU/EEA nationals studying in Estonia for more than 90 days must obtain either a long-stay D visa or a temporary residence permit for study. The D visa allows stays up to 12 months and permits travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The temporary residence permit (TRP) for study is issued by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and is valid for the duration of studies, typically renewed annually. Students may apply for the TRP from abroad through the Estonian embassy or, if they are legally in Estonia (e.g., on a D visa or visa-free stay), directly at the PPA. Students holding a TRP may work in Estonia without a separate work permit. Tuition fees apply for most programmes for non-EU/EEA students, though scholarship opportunities exist through the Study in Estonia portal.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have been accepted at an Estonian higher education institution.
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled or accepted for a study programme at a recognized Estonian educational institution (university, professional higher education institution, or vocational school).
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Financial
Must have at least EUR 500 per month (EUR 6,000 per year) available for living expenses in addition to tuition fees.
Minimum funds: EUR 6,000 per year
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance coverage valid in Estonia.
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Criminal record
Must not pose a threat to public order, internal security, or public health. May be required to provide police clearance certificate.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Photo
Count: 2
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: 30000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form url: https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/temporary-residence-permits/temporary-residence-permit-for-study
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or card at embassy; Amount: EUR 100 (D visa) or EUR 160 (temporary residence permit)
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from an Estonian educational institution. Gather passport, photos, financial proof, insurance, and accommodation documents.
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Online application
For D visa: submit application at the Estonian embassy/consulate. For TRP: submit application via PPA e-service portal (https://www.politsei.ee/) or at the Estonian embassy abroad.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the nearest Estonian embassy or consulate for identity verification and document submission.
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Fee payment
Pay the D visa fee (EUR 100) or TRP application fee (EUR 160).
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the embassy or consulate. Original documents must be presented.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
D visa: 15-30 working days. TRP: up to 2 months (may extend to 4 months). Track application status online via PPA portal.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D visa sticker or receive TRP decision notification. TRP card is issued after arrival in Estonia and registration with PPA.