Estonia: 2023 Quotas Released and Residence Permit Policy Amended for Short-Term Workers

The Estonian immigration authorities have released the 2023 residence permit quota, providing 1,307 spots for non-EU citizens, down from 1,311 spots in 2022. The quota will be divided among the following sectors: industrial, construction, transportation and storage, business, creative performance, sports and journalism. The quota will also include spots for temporary residence permits based on international agreements. 313 spots will remain for free distribution. Employers should be aware that the following categories of persons are quota-exempt: nationals of Japan, United States and the United Kingdom; foreign nationals on research or study assignments; foreign nationals pursuing permanent residence; information technology and communications professionals; top specialists (as defined by Estonian law); students; family reunification applicants; foreign nationals extending or renewing their permits; and start-up entrepreneurs, investors, and short-term residence permit and “growth permit” applicants. Applicants affected by the quota can book appointments for residence permits at either a Migration Board (PPA) office or their closest Estonian embassy. Effective January 1, 2023, quota-exempt individuals who have been working in Estonia for at least nine consecutive months based on short-term employment will be able to apply for a two-year residence permit.  Previously, a residence permit for employment was required for stays longer than one year and since the residence permit quota was easily exhausted, many quota-exempt workers were not able to receive a permit; therefore, this policy should allow these individuals easier access to reside in Estonia for more than one year. Affected individuals can submit their residence permit applications at the PPA service office or Estonian embassy starting January 1, 2023.