Permanent Residence in Estonia
One documented route of this kind in Estonia, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Long-Term Resident / Permanent Residence Permit
A permanent long-term resident's permit is available after at least 5 years of continuous temporary residence in Estonia. Requirements include B1-level Estonian language proficiency, registered residence, and stable legal income. The state fee is €185 (standard); €93 for applicants under 15 or retired persons.
- Processing time
- Decision within up to 2 months
- Validity
- Permanent (long-term resident status; card renewed periodically)
- Language requirement
- Estonian language proficiency at B1 level
- Citizenship
- Eligible for naturalisation after 8 years of residence (at least 5 on a permanent basis)
Requirements
- At least 5 years of continuous residence in Estonia on a temporary residence permit
- A registered permanent place of residence in Estonia
- Permanent legal income to subsist in Estonia
- Estonian language proficiency at B1 level
- Health insurance
Required Documents
- Application form required
- Valid passport required
- Proof of B1 Estonian language proficiency required
- Proof of permanent legal income required
- Proof of registered residence required
Official fees
- State fee for long-term residence permit (at PBGB) 185 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Meet the 5-year threshold
Accumulate at least 5 years of continuous residence on a temporary residence permit.
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2
Pass language exam
Pass the Estonian language proficiency examination at B1 level.
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3
Apply
Submit the long-term residence permit application at the PBGB.
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4
Receive status
Receive long-term resident status and the corresponding residence card.