Working as a Student
During studies
+ International students (EU and non-EU) do not need an additional work permit to work while studying full time. As long as work does not interfere with your studies, you can legally work as much as you can!
You can find job offers and also internships right here on our website.
After studies (for EU graduates)
+ For EU graduates, there are no additional permits necessary to start working. Your employer would just register you in the Employment Register, just as with any local worker.
After studies (for non-EU graduates)
+ For non-EU graduates, once you have finished your studies your stay is legal for an extra 270 days after the expiration date of your temporary residence permit for studies. This additional time is given in order for you to search and find a job in Estonia.
NB! If you need to travel during those 270 days it might be a good idea for you to apply for a visa sticker to formalise your stay, so other Schengen countries know that you stay is legal. Formalisation can be done in person at a Police and Border Guard Board Service point (in Tallinn – A. H. Tammsaare tee 47, P. Pinna 4; in Pärnu – Aida 5; in Tartu – Riia mnt 132, in Jõhvi – Rahu 38, in Narva – Vahtra 3).
For formalisation, you must submit:
- a free-form application, with your name, surnames, personal identification code, contact information, date and signature;
- a photograph;
- a travel document;
- a document that confirms the payment of state fee; otherwise, the state fee should be paid at the service point.
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- If you have graduated Master’s or Doctoral studies from an Estonian university, then you may be eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit for settling permanently if you meet the necessary requirements. Graduates of bachelor studies may also be eligible, but one of the conditions is that they need to have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for at least 3 years.
Required documents for the application of temporary residence permit:
- An application for temporary residence permit;
- Data of close relative and family members;
- A digital colour photo;
- A document certifying the payment of the state fee
- an identity document.
By signing the application you confirm that:
- The copy appended to the application complies with the original document, it does not contain false data and it has not been forged;
- You have adequate legal income;
- You have a health insurance contract.
+ As well, if you found a job and your employer is willing to provide an invitation, then you can apply for a temporary residence permit for employment. The benefit for you and your employer is that the requirements of permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund and the average salary criterion for foreigners do not apply for those who have obtained higher education in Estonia. Read more.
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.