FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Estonia student visa?
The official page asks for: invitation from your school sent to the police, health insurance contract, criminal record certificate from abroad (age 14+), valid passport and proof of legal income, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the Estonia student visa?
You need legal income of at least EUR 880 a month in 2026. This is four times the subsistence level, which the State Budget Act sets each year. You confirm it by signing the application.
Can I work while I study in Estonia?
You may work alongside your studies as long as it does not get in the way and you keep studying full time. No extra work permit is needed.
Can I stay in Estonia after I graduate?
After your study permit ends you may stay up to 270 days (about 9 months) to look for work and apply for a work permit.
How long can I stay on the Estonia student visa?
The permit is issued for the whole study period, for up to 5 years. Yes. Apply at least 2 months before it ends; your school sends an invitation confirming you will continue.
How much does the Estonia student visa cost?
The state fee is EUR 225 if you apply in Estonia and EUR 255 at an Estonian foreign mission. A D visa for the first year costs EUR 120.
Who can apply for the Estonia student visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. People who are not citizens of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland and whose full-time study in Estonia lasts more than 1 year.
Can I bring my family?
Your spouse can apply for a permit to settle with you if you study at master's or doctoral level.
How do I apply?
At an Estonian foreign mission, or in person at a Police and Border Guard Board service office in Estonia with a booked appointment. A decision comes within 90 days, and the residence permit card is issued within 30 days after that.
Sources
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: how to apply (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (studyinestonia.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (politsei.ee)
- Estonia: Residence permit for study (studyinestonia.ee)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.