Residence permits for non-EU citizens

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There is no student-visa as such for studies in Estonia. Non EU students require a residence permit for study if they are going to stay in Estonia for more than three months.

1. The citizens of the following countries can apply for the residence permit in Estonia:
Albania*, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina*, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,  Israel, Japan, Macao Special Administrative Region, Macedonia*, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro*, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Serbia*, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, St Kitts-Nevis, Taiwan**, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

* Only for the biometrical passport holders

** Passports issued by Taiwan which include an identity card number

Students from the above mentioned countries will receive their official invitation for the residence permit at the beginning of a semester in Tartu.

 

2. Students who must apply for a residence permit in the Estonian embassy of their home country or in the nearest Estonian embassy must submit the following documents:

1. official invitation for the residence permit — "Confirmation of educational institution or students organisation that the student will start studies in certain educational institution" (enclosed with the admission package "Kinnitus välismaalase õppima asumise kohta" for those who have to apply for the residence permit outside of Estonia)

VALID ONLY FOR TWO MONTHS!

NB!  The letter of acceptance is not valid as an invitation!

2. application forms (provided by the embassy or consulate or from the following webage: Police and Border Guard Board);

3. applicant’s written motivation why he/she wishes to study in Estonia (main reasons why you want to come to Estonia; there are no special requirements for this document);

4. a document which certifies the legal income of the applicant or his/her family members, who ensure his/her subsistence, during the six months preceding the submission of the application, including the amount, regularity and sources of the income. In case UT pays a stipend then a proof of receiving a fixed income, while studying in Estonia, is enclosed at the admission package;

5. an insurance contract guaranteeing that any costs related to medical treatment as a result of illness or injury during the period of validity of the residence permit applied for will be met;

6. file icon a letter of guarantee confirming that in case the existing insurance is not valid in Estonia, student is obligated to purchase a valid health insurance contract from Estonia. This applies both for  these who apply for a residence permit in a home country and also these who apply in Estonia;

7. a document certifying the payment of the state fee;

8. the identity document of an applicant;

9. a coloured photograph sized 40x50 mm

Upon application for the residence permit for studying, non EU citizens must pay the state fee of 65 EUR.

Students entitled to apply for the Estonian citizenship are requested to take the documents proving their Estonian background to the Migration Bureau to get an Estonian passport. Students of Estonian background sufficient to apply for an Estonian passport cannot have a residence permit. For more detailed information concerning the matter, please contact the Estonian Embassy of your country.