Navigating the Estonia Study Visa Process: Documents, Steps, and FAQs
If you come from a non-EU/EEA country or Switzerland and intend to complete your higher education in Estonia, it is necessary to obtain a student visa. This visa allows you to reside in Estonia for one year, during which you can work, study, and live. However, if your educational program extends beyond one year, you are required to apply for a temporary residence permit specifically for studies. This permit enables you to continue your studies in Estonia for the duration of your program. It’s important to note that the temporary residence permit grants you the flexibility to engage in various activities beyond academics, contributing to a holistic experience during your time in Estonia. Be sure to adhere to the specific guidelines and requirements outlined by Estonian authorities to ensure a smooth application process and stay in the country.
Types of Study Visa in Estonia
Short-term Study Visa:
- Allows you to be in Estonia for up to 90 days within six months. It’s suitable for short courses, conferences, or training.
Long-term Student Visa:
- Permits you to stay and study in Estonia for a whole year (365 days).
Temporary Residence Permit:
- Enables you to stay and study in Estonia for a more extended period, up to five years.
For EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens:
- You don’t need a visa for up to 90 days.
- If you plan to stay beyond 90 days, you need to register your residence and apply for an Estonian ID card.
Remember, these rules might change, so always check the latest details from Estonian authorities or your educational institution.
Documents Required for Estonia Student's Visas
Here are all the documents you must submit when applying for an Estonian Student Visa:
Passport:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after you plan to leave Estonia. Include a copy of any previous visas, and make sure your passport is in good shape.
Passport Photos:
- Provide two recent passport-sized color photos taken on a light background within the last six months.
Application Form:
- Fill out the Estonian application form online, print it, and sign it. Don’t leave any spaces blank.
Fee Payment:
- Pay a €100 fee for the study visa. You can pay in cash or by card at the embassy/consulate when you submit your documents. Attach the payment receipt to your application.
Letter of Acceptance:
- Include a letter from the Estonian university confirming your acceptance.
Bank Statements:
- Show proof of your finances by providing bank statements from the last six months.
Proof of Accommodation:
- Provide evidence that you have a place to stay in Estonia. This could be a letter from the university confirming student accommodation, an invitation letter from a family member in Estonia, a hotel reservation, or a rental agreement.
Health Insurance:
- Prove you have valid health insurance for the Schengen area. Check ‘Health Insurance for Students in Estonia’ for more details.
Criminal Record:
- Provide a document from your home country’s police stating you have no criminal history.
Remember to translate all your documents into Estonian or English. Always check for the latest requirements from Estonian authorities or your chosen university.
How to Apply for an Estonia Student Visa
To apply for an Estonian Student visa, you must follow these steps:
Start by contacting the closest Estonian embassy or consulate where you live. Make an appointment to discuss your student visa.
Gather all the needed documents, like the application form and fee payment proof. Bring these to your scheduled visa appointment.
Wait for a message from the embassy or consulate telling you if your visa is approved. They’ll usually send this by text or email.
If your visa is approved, you can come to Estonia. Once you’re here, apply for a residence permit to stay legally for your studies.
These steps make it easier to understand how to apply for an Estonian student visa, from the beginning of the process to when you arrive in Estonia. Always check with the Estonian embassy or consulate for the latest information.
Estonia Student Visa Fee
Processing Time for Your Student Visa
The processing time for an Estonian student visa is usually between 10 to 30 days, starting from the day you submit your application. You’ll receive the visa result by SMS or email from your home country’s embassy/consulate after the processing period.
Important FAQs
A student visa for Estonia typically lasts for one year. If your studies require a stay exceeding one year, you have the option to apply for a temporary residence permit. This permit extends your stay in Estonia and is valid for five years. This way, you can continue your studies without the need to renew your visa annually.
Yes, you can work in Estonia with a student visa, but your job should not negatively impact your studies. It’s essential to meet academic requirements and complete your studies on time.
When you’re in Estonia on a student visa, your family members have the option to apply for an Estonia family visa to be with you.
With a family visa, they can stay in Estonia for one year. However, suppose you have a temporary residence permit and your family members apply for the same. In that case, they can stay in Estonia for the entire duration of your stay under the residence permit. This allows them to accompany you for the entirety of your studies in Estonia.
Your student visa is initially granted for one year. However, if your study program extends beyond this duration, it’s necessary to apply for a temporary residence permit through Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB). This permit ensures legal residence in Estonia for the entire duration of your extended study course. Be sure to initiate the temporary residence permit application process in a timely manner to maintain your legal status in the country.
After finishing studies in Estonia as a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen, you can stay for nine months to look for a job. Apply for an extension at PBGB. If you find employment, you can apply for a work permit, allowing indefinite stay in Estonia.
To qualify for a permanent residence permit in Estonia, you typically need to reside in the country for five years with a temporary residence permit. However, for students, the calculation is different.
If you’ve lived in Estonia as a student for five years with a temporary residence permit, you cannot immediately apply for a permanent residence permit. Only half of the time spent in Estonia as a student will be considered for permanent residency. In this case, if you’ve been a student in Estonia for five years, it will count as 2.5 years when applying for a permanent residence permit.
Estonia doesn’t offer health insurance to non-EU/EEA/Switzerland students. They must get private or international health insurance covering the entire study duration. Students can start with travel insurance for the visa application but need to switch to long-term health insurance after entering Estonia.
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