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Estonia

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At a glance

Living index rating
Affordable
Monthly rent
€150 – €350 in a dormitory; €350 – €550 for a room in Tallinn
Monthly food
€250 – €350
Other monthly expenses
€100 – €200 (transport, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
About 30 days for a residence permit
Family allowed for students
Limited

Visa requirements

  • Long-stay (D) visa and/or a temporary residence permit for study, applied for at an Estonian embassy or the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA)
  • Admission letter from an Estonian institution
  • Proof of funds: at least the subsistence level (about €300 a month), though universities recommend showing €500 – €700 a month
  • Health insurance for the whole period of the permit
  • You can work alongside your studies as long as you keep up with your course

Work permit after studies

  • You can stay for 270 days after your study permit ends to look for work, and work during that time without a separate permit
  • With a job, apply for a temporary residence permit for employment or an EU Blue Card

Citizenship route

  • Long-term residence after 5 years on temporary permits, with Estonian at B1 level
  • Citizenship after 8 years of residence (the last 5 on a permanent basis), with Estonian language and constitution exams
  • You must give up your other citizenship

Family details

  • Since January 2023, students must have lived in Estonia for at least 2 years on a temporary residence permit before their spouse can get a residence permit to join them
  • Until then a spouse can only visit, and must show their own funds (about €70 a day for a D visa)
  • PhD students are generally treated more favourably

Universities in Estonia

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (12), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.