Estonia offers a transparent and regulated environment for foreigners who wish to work in the country. However, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements, your rights as a worker, and the available support systems.
Who Can Work in Estonia?
✅ EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
Citizens of EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, can live and work in Estonia without needing a separate work permit. They enjoy the same employment rights as Estonian citizens.
📌 Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens must have legal grounds to work in Estonia. There are several options depending on your situation:

1. Short-Term Employment Registration
   If you plan to work in Estonia for up to 365 days in a 455-day period, your employer must register your short-term employment with the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).
2. Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
   For longer stays, you must apply for a residence permit for work. This allows you to work for a specific employer.
   ➤ If you already have a residence permit (e.g. for family reunification or studies), you can usually work without additional permits.
   ➤ If your permit is tied specifically to a job and you wish to change your employer, you must apply for a new residence permit before switching jobs.
3. Temporary Protection Status
   Individuals granted temporary protection (such as Ukrainian refugees) are entitled to work in Estonia without needing additional permits.
4. Legal Basis
   All employment rules and rights for foreigners are governed by the Aliens Act (Välismaalaste seadus, VMS). https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/518112013013/consolide

To work in Estonia as a non-EU citizen, you must:

• Hold a valid legal residence in Estonia.
• Ensure your employment is registered with PBGB or covered by a valid work-based residence permit.
• In some cases, submit additional documentation to prove the nature of your employment or residence status.

You can find detailed instructions and forms on the Police and Border Guard Board website.
Employment Services & Job Search Platforms
The Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) provides free support to all residents, including foreigners: 🔗 www.tootukassa.ee
Job Portals for foreigners:

• Work in Estonia – Estonia's official talent attraction platform
• CV Keskus – One of Estonia’s largest job portals
• CV.ee – Popular platform for job seekers across all sectors
• GoWorkaBit – Great for short-term and flexible jobs
• LinkedIn – Widely used for professional networking and job hunting

Many companies also list job vacancies on their official websites or through industry-specific portals (e.g. construction, healthcare, IT).
Tips for Foreign Job Seekers:

• Ensure your residence and employment status is legal and up to date.
• Always sign a written employment contract before starting work.
• If needed, ask your employer to help register your employment or assist with the residence permit process.
• For freelance or business activity, additional registration and taxation rules apply.

Where to Get Advice or Support?
You can contact migration consultants of the Police and Border Guard Board for personalized guidance. The service is available in Estonian, English, and Russian.
🔗 https://www.politsei.ee/en/migration-consultants

For job search support:
🔗 Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund – www.tootukassa.ee
For foreign job seekers and professionals:
🔗 Work in Estonia – www.workinestonia.com

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