Estonia has opened work visas for foreign skilled workers, presenting opportunities in 23 in-demand jobs across various sectors like healthcare, dentistry, agriculture, and engineering in 2024. Estonia is known for its streamlined work visa application process and high acceptance rates, therefore, it is considered an accessible destination for skilled professionals. Despite a decrease in job vacancies, Estonia faces workforce shortages in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, engineering, and technology. Estonia’s commitment to attracting global talent is evident in its efforts to fill these gaps with skilled workers from around the world.
Top Professions in Demand:
- Healthcare Heroes: Estonia is in urgent need of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and healthcare assistants to strengthen its medical infrastructure.
- Manufacturing Mastery: Metalworkers, production process controllers, and machinery mechanics are crucial for sustaining Estonia’s thriving manufacturing industry.
- Agricultural Expertise: Crop farm laborers, livestock specialists, and mobile farm operators play key roles in ensuring food security and agricultural prosperity.
- Tech Titans: Information and communication technology technicians are the backbone of Estonia’s digital revolution, driving innovation and progress.
EURES-Identified Occupations Facing Shortages:
- Wood treaters
- Specialist medical practitioners
- Refuse sorters
- Physiotherapists
- Pharmacists
- Paper products machine operators
- Nursing professionals
- Mobile farm and forestry plant operators
- Mixed crop and livestock laborers
- Metal production process controllers
- Messengers, package deliverers, and luggage porters
- Management and organization analysts
- Inland and coastal waters fishery workers
- Information and communication technology operations technicians
- Hunters and trappers
- Healthcare assistants
- General medical practitioners
- Fishery and aquaculture laborers
- Electronics engineering technicians
- Dentists
- Crop farm laborers
- Chemical products plant and machine operators
- Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers
Estonia’s Affordability:
One of Estonia’s unique advantages is its affordability. The cost of living is influenced by factors such as accommodation preferences, lifestyle choices, and spending habits. While salaries may vary across professions, Estonia offers a generally lower cost of living compared to many other European countries, making it an attractive destination for expatriates.
Steps to Apply for Estonia Work Permit and Visa:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit in Estonia. The eligibility criteria may vary based on the type of work you are applying for.
- Find a Job: Secure a job offer from an Estonian employer. Your employer may need to provide certain documents to support your work permit application.
- Employer’s Application: In many cases, your employer in Estonia initiates the work permit application on your behalf. They will need to submit an application to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet).
- Wait for Approval: The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board will process the application. If approved, they will issue a residence permit and inform the applicant.
- Residence Permit Application: Once the work permit is approved, you can apply for your visa.
- Visit the Estonian Embassy or Consulate: If you are outside Estonia, you may need to visit the Estonian embassy or consulate in your home country to submit biometric data and complete the application process. For your visa application, you need to submit all required submitting additional documentation, including proof of accommodation and health insurance.
- Receive Approval: Once your visa is approved, you are then allows you to live and work in Estonia.
Required Documents (Typically):
- Passport or travel document.
- Employment contract or job offer.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Health insurance.
- Application forms.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Visa application fee payment.
Note:
- Some categories of workers, such as highly qualified specialists, may have simplified procedures.
- Estonia is part of the Schengen Area, so if you obtain a residence permit in Estonia, it generally allows you to travel within the Schengen countries.
