Estonia: Two Quota-Exempt Short-Term Work Authorizations Introduced

The government has introduced two types of residence permits that are exempt from the immigration quota requirements. Foreign nationals who have worked in Estonia on a short-term work permit with the same employer for at least nine months can apply for a non-renewable short-term residence permit for up to two years without being subject to the immigration quota. Additionally, foreign nationals hired by “growth companies” can apply for a residence permit for employment in growth companies which will similarly be exempt from the immigration quota. Growth companies are defined as employers who have been active for at least 10 years; have at least 50 employees; pay at least EUR one million in payroll taxes and has grown at least 20% in the last three years. Employers will, however, have to meet regular salary criteria for their foreign nationals, which must be at least equal to 80% of the annual average wages in Estonia.