FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Estonia freelance visa?
The official page asks for: sole proprietor entry in the Estonian Business Register, a business plan in Estonian or English, proof of the EUR 16,000 investment, a health insurance contract, papers on your legal income for the last 6 months and a criminal record certificate.
How much money do I need for the Estonia freelance visa?
You need enough income to live in Estonia: six times the subsistence level, which the State Budget Act sets each year. You confirm it by signing the application, and you add papers on your legal income for the last 6 months. You must have invested at least EUR 16,000 in your business activity in Estonia, and add proof of it.
How long can I stay on the Estonia freelance visa?
A temporary residence permit is issued for up to 5 years. Yes, it can be extended for up to 10 years at a time; apply at least 2 months before it ends.
How much does the Estonia freelance visa cost?
State fee of EUR 350 if you apply in Estonia, or EUR 380 at an Estonian foreign mission.
Who can apply for the Estonia freelance visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. For non-EU people who run their own business in Estonia as a sole proprietor. The sole proprietorship must be in the Estonian Business Register. Citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland can already live in Estonia without this visa.
How do I apply?
At an Estonian foreign mission if you are abroad, or at a Police and Border Guard Board service office if you are in Estonia. You apply in person to give fingerprints. Up to 90 days from when the application is accepted, and the card follows within 30 days of a yes.
Sources
- Estonia: Temporary residence permit for business (sole proprietor) (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: how to apply (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Temporary residence permit for business (sole proprietor) (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Temporary residence permit for business (sole proprietor) (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: After receiving a residence permit (politsei.ee)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.