EstoniaPermanent residence

Long-term resident's residence permit in Estonia

The long-term residence permit allows you to live in Estonia permanently and is issued with unlimited validity. It can be obtained by foreign nationals who have lived in Estonia immediately before filing the application on the basis of a temporary residence permit, and who have stable lawful income and medical insurance. Knowledge of Estonian at a basic level is compulsory, although there are exceptions for certain categories. The long-term resident's residence permit takes the form of a card that serves both as an identity document and as proof of the right of residence.

Visa term

The long-term resident's residence permit is issued indefinitely.

Threshold

Stable lawful income to live on in Estonia.

Source: Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet (politsei.ee)

Routes depending on your status

The requirements for obtaining the long-term residence permit differ depending on your current status in Estonia. Choose the option that matches your situation.

Ordinary foreign nationals

Have lived in Estonia for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit
Hold a valid temporary residence permit
Know Estonian at level B1 or above
Demonstrate stable lawful income

Children under 15

Have lived in Estonia for at least 5 years on a temporary permit
Hold a valid temporary residence permit
Are exempt from the requirement to know Estonian
A parent or guardian confirms the family's stable income

Pensioners

Have reached Estonian pension age
Have lived in Estonia for at least 5 years on a temporary permit
Hold a valid temporary residence permit
Are exempt from the requirement to know Estonian

Blue Card holders

Holders of the EU Blue Card have special conditions
The period of residence before filing may be shortened
The requirement to know Estonian may be waived in certain circumstances
Proof of qualified employment status is required

When the programme is not a fit

You have lived in Estonia for less than 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit

Apply to extend your temporary residence permit or choose another type of temporary permit

You do not hold a valid temporary residence permit

First obtain a temporary residence permit, and then apply for the long-term permit

You do not know Estonian at level B1 and do not fall into a category exempt from that requirement

Take Estonian language courses and prepare for the examination, or wait until you reach the age at which the requirement is waived

You cannot prove stable lawful income to live on in Estonia

Improve your financial position or seek advice from the police service to clarify the income requirements

What it costs

Long-term resident's residence permit (adult)The state fee for reviewing the application and issuing the long-term resident's card	185 EUR
Long-term resident's residence permit (child under 15)A reduced rate for minors	93 EUR
Long-term resident's residence permit (pensioner)A reduced rate for people who have reached pension age	93 EUR
Additional service: ordering the document to a foreign representationIf you need to collect the card at an Estonian embassy or consulate	+20 EUR
Additional service: change of the place of collection of the documentIf you need to collect the document at a different service office	+10 EUR

Paid separately

Migration adviser's services — Advice is available free of charge at police service offices
Translator's services — Translations of documents are paid for separately depending on the service

Documents to gather

The following documents must be provided when filing an application for a long-term residence permit:

A completed application for a long-term resident's residence permit (in Estonian)
A biographical data form
An additional questionnaire (where required)
A valid passport or another identity document
A digital photograph of 35 x 45 mm
Proof of payment of the state fee
Proof of medical insurance with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund
Proof of knowledge of Estonian at level B1 or the equivalent (a copy of a certificate, a diploma from education in Estonian or other proof)
A certificate of registration of your place of residence in the population register
Documents confirming stable lawful income (a bank statement, an employment contract, an income certificate)

How the process runs

Applying for a long-term residence permit involves the following stages:

1
Check that you meet the requirements
on your own
Make sure that you have lived in Estonia for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit, hold a valid temporary permit, know Estonian at level B1 (or fall into a category exempt from that requirement), have medical insurance and can prove stable lawful income.
2
Prepare the documents
1-2 weeks
Collect all the documents required. Complete the application in Estonian in block capitals. Make sure that all the documents are translated into Estonian (where necessary) and legalised as required.
3
Book an appointment
online
Register at broneering.politsei.ee and book an appointment at a police service office. Choose a time and place that suit you.
4
File the application at a service office
2-4 months before expiry
Come to the service office at the appointed time with the documents you have prepared. File the complete set of documents. Take the opportunity to consult a migration adviser if you have any questions. The application usually has to be filed 2 months before the temporary residence permit expires (or 4 months if the decision is taken by the Government).
5
Review of the application
the time limits are confirmed by the police
The police check your application and documents. The exact processing times are not stated on the official website, but you can obtain information by calling 1247 (the state information line).
6
Receive the decision and the card
after the review
You will receive notification of the decision. If it is positive, you will be issued with a long-term resident's residence permit card, which serves both as an identity document and as proof of the right of residence. The card is valid permanently and does not need to be renewed.

Renewal and the grace period

The long-term resident's residence permit is issued with permanent validity and does not need to be renewed or reissued. Once you have the card you do not have to do anything to maintain your status. The card may, however, be reissued if it is lost or damaged or in other circumstances. If your personal details change (your surname, for example), you should update the card in accordance with the police procedure.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

5 years of residence on a temporary residence permit immediately before filing are required. Special conditions apply to children under 15, holders of the EU Blue Card, holders of a residence permit for study, people who settled in Estonia before 1 July 1990 and former Estonian citizens.

Frequently asked questions about Long-term resident's residence permit

How many years do I have to live in Estonia before applying for a long-term residence permit?

You must have lived in Estonia for at least 5 years on the basis of a temporary residence permit immediately before filing the application. This has to be a continuous run of residence on a temporary permit.

What level of Estonian is required for a long-term residence permit?

Knowledge of Estonian at level B1 or the equivalent is required. However, children under 15, people over 65 and people with limited legal capacity are exempt from this requirement. People who have received basic, secondary or higher education in Estonian are also exempt.

How long does it take to review a long-term residence permit application?

The exact processing times for the application are not stated on the official police website. It is advisable to file the application 2-4 months before your temporary residence permit expires. For information about specific processing times, call the state information line 1247 or contact a police service office.

When should I file the application for a long-term residence permit?

The application should be filed 2 months before your temporary residence permit expires, or 4 months if the decision requires the approval of the Estonian Government. Filing early allows enough time for the review and avoids gaps in your residence status.

Does the long-term residence permit have to be renewed once obtained?

No, the long-term residence permit is issued with permanent validity and does not need to be renewed. Once you have the card you do not need to have the residence permit reissued unless your personal details change (such as your surname) or the card is lost or damaged.

What special conditions apply to children, Blue Card holders and other categories?

Special conditions apply to children under 15, holders of the EU Blue Card, students with a temporary residence permit for study, people who settled in Estonia before 1 July 1990 and former Estonian citizens. The specific relaxations of the requirements for each category should be checked with the migration advice service or through the police information line.

Other ways to move to Estonia

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Estonia.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.