Pension System

To receive the old age pension, apply for it via the Social Insurance Board. A person is eligible for an Estonian retirement pension when they have proof of at least 15 years of pensionable service in the EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
To receive compulsory or supplementary funded pensions, apply for it via Pensionikeskus or contact life insurance undertaking.

Social care: summed up

After you have moved to Estonia and acquired the right of residence or a residence permit, you will become eligible for Estonian health insurance with all the accompanying benefits. You can also opt for private health insurance should you want so.

All people working in Estonia – self-employed or otherwise – can take advantage of contribution-based benefits (check the Social Insurance Board for most of them). Upon retirement, you will then also receive a retirement pension.

Estonian government agencies have comprehensive websites in English (and usually Russian) that are easy to navigate. For the best overview of all your requirements and rights, have a look at the citizen portal eesti.ee or the website of the European Commission.

Have questions? Book a free consultation at International House of Estonia

International House of Estonia provides free personal consultations for foreigners, their families and local employers about settling in, documentation, healthcare, language programs etc. Located in Valukoja 8, Tallinn. Book your appointment online.