Workpermitly

Hiring foreign workers in Estonia in 2026

Short-term employment registration (LTR) and temporary residence permit for work — in one place. We verify employer eligibility, the salary criterion and every document before filing with the PPA.

Let WorkPermitly check whether your company meets the 2026 requirementsCreate an employer account
Download the LTR employer checklist 2026 (ET+EN)2026 changes for employers — what to know before LTR or a residence permit

Key changes in 2026

  • From 01.01.2026 the employer must be registered in the Estonian Business Register.
  • For a residence permit for employment: at least 6 consecutive months of real economic activity in Estonia (contracts, reports, tax returns).
  • Salary criteria 05.03.2026 – March 2027: 1.0× = €2092 gross/month (general); 0.8× = €1674; 1.24× = €2594; 1.5× = €3138.
  • LTR is generally registered for full-time work.
  • Filing via the PPA self-service is preferred.

LTR — employer checklist

How to file

PPA self-service

Alternative: email ppa@politsei.ee or post to Pärnu mnt 139, 15060 Tallinn.

Data needed

  • Foreigner's given and family name in Latin letters
  • Sex
  • Date of birth or Estonian personal identification code
  • Place of birth (country)
  • Citizenship(s)
  • Full contact details: address, email, phone

Documents

  • Copy of the passport biodata page
  • Compliant digital photo
  • Employment contract or binding job offer
  • Proof of state fee payment (€130 in self-service, €140 otherwise)

Processing and next steps

  • Processing time 15 working days
  • After approval, notify the PPA of any changes
  • Register the employee in the employment register (TÖR, EMTA)

Residence permit for work — the employer's role

  1. 1

    Apply for Unemployment Fund permission

    Submit the form on tootukassa.ee. The decision takes about 7 working days and is valid for 6 months.

  2. 2

    Submit the employer invitation to the PPA

    The employer invitation together with the Töötukassa permission is filed with the Police and Border Guard Board.

  3. 3

    Check the 6-month economic activity requirement

    New in 2026: the company must have at least 6 consecutive months of real economic activity in Estonia.

  4. 4

    Make sure the salary meets the criterion

    Remuneration must meet the current salary criterion (€2092 gross/month in general as of 05.03.2026).

Let WorkPermitly check whether your company meets the 2026 requirements

Official sources

Rules are based on the Aliens Act amendments of 01.01.2026 and 22.05.2026 (Riigi Teataja).

This information is general and not legal advice. Workpermitly is not a law firm.