Short-Term Employment Registration (up to 365 days)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- Employment registration: typically processed within 10 working days; D visa: 15-30 working days
- Fee
- EUR 100 (D visa) or no additional visa fee for visa-free nationals
- Validity
- Up to 365 days within a 455-day period
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Estonia allows short-term employment for up to 365 days within a 455-day period through registration with the Police and Border Guard Board. This is available for specific categories of workers including seasonal workers, trainees, lecturers, IT specialists, startup employees, and posted workers. The employer registers the short-term employment with PPA before work begins. For visa-required nationals, a D visa is needed for entry. Visa-free nationals from Annex II countries can begin short-term work after registration without a separate visa, but if the work exceeds the 90-day visa-free stay, a D visa is required. Minimum salary requirements apply: generally at least the Estonian average gross salary.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss). Available for specific categories: seasonal workers, trainees, lecturers, researchers, IT specialists, startup employees, posted workers, and athletes/coaches.
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Employment
Must have short-term employment registered by the employer with PPA. Employment must fall within eligible categories.
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Financial
Salary must generally meet or exceed the Estonian average gross salary.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 3
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Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash or card at embassy; Amount: EUR 100 (D visa if required)
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Employer registers short-term employment with PPA. Gather passport, employment contract, and supporting documents.
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Online application
For visa-required nationals: apply for D visa at Estonian embassy/consulate. For visa-free nationals staying within 90 days: no visa application needed.
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Appointment booking
If D visa required: book appointment at Estonian embassy or consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay D visa fee of EUR 100 if applicable.
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Document submission
Submit documents in person if applying for D visa.
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Processing wait
D visa processing: 15-30 working days. Short-term employment registration: typically within 10 working days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D visa sticker if applicable. Begin employment only after registration is confirmed.