mits, and other legal information neces sary for an foreigners

1. Right of residence and residence permits, and other legal information necessary for foreigners

Requirements for lawfully living in Estonia related to student mobility, depend on the student’s country of origin, and the length and level of his or her studies. Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area member states and the Swiss Confederation who are staying for more than three months must register their place of residence in Estonia in the population register, whereupon the right of temporary residence is obtained for up to five years.

Students that are nationals of third countries must apply for a residence permit or a D-visa in person at an Estonian Representation before entering the country. The residence permit is given for a period of not more than the student’s nominal period of study. Students should begin the process of extending their residence permit not later than two months before the existing permit’s expiry date.

The existence of a residence permit is proved by a residence permit card.

When registering your place of residence, applying for or renewing a residence permit, it will be easier for you to communicate with officials if you bring along a friend who speaks Estonian.

Temporary residence permit card

1.1 Registering your residence

Residence registration requirements for citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area member states, and the Swiss Confederation (hereafter EU citizens)

The European Union member states are France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, The United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary, Malta, Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. The European Economic Area unites all of the EU member states, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

If a citizen of an EU member state stays for longer than three months, they must register their place of residence in the Estonian population register. You can register your place of residence at the local government office. • In Tallinn, you need to go to the City District Council corresponding to your place of residence (9 districts in total), more information on the City of Tallinn website,

Estonian Police and Border Guard Board: www.politsei.ee/en/