Estonia

"Elagu Eesti!" ("Long live Estonia!")

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Welcome to Estonia

Estonia, a Baltic state in Northern Europe, is known for its digital innovation and medieval architecture. The economy thrives on technology, with its e-Residency program being a global pioneer.

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Estonia Essentials

National Anthem

Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm

Independence Day

February 24, 1918

Haiko

Digital pioneers / Medieval Tallinn endures / Forests whisper songs

Interesting Tradition

Holds wife-carrying competitions as part of its bizarre sports traditions

Weirdest Local Superstition

Don't whistle indoors it brings bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to play chess while having sex

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the digital, stay for the development: Estonia has reinvented what a modern nation can be, pioneering e-governance and digital citizenship. Life balances medieval charm with technological innovation, where startup culture thrives in restored warehouses and ancient forests provide digital detox. The country's e-Residency program and startup visa have created an unparalleled ecosystem for global entrepreneurs seeking a European base.

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Lähme

Step into a nation where e-life isn't just digital, but second nature. Your future unfolds in the world's most advanced digital society.

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Tere tulemast Estonia

Known for its digital society where you can vote online proving that even elections can be done in your pajamas

Estonia isn't just a country—it's a digital pioneer with medieval roots. Here, time bridges centuries in a single step, and even a simple café visit can combine ancient architecture with cutting-edge technology. This is a land where the future and past share a fascinating dialogue.

From the fairy-tale spires of Tallinn to the pristine bog landscapes of Soomaa, Estonia offers innovation for every forward thinker. Whether you're drawn to the student spirit of Tartu, the coastal beauty of Pärnu, or the untouched islands of Saaremaa, you'll find a country that embraces both digital progress and natural preservation.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

verivorst (blood sausage) - kiluvõileib (sprat sandwich)

Drink

vana tallinn (rum-based liqueur) - kali (fermented rye bread drink)

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Joogid?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

72

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

17

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

16.80

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.27

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Digital society shapes interactions
#2
Sauna customs are important
#3
Singing traditions unite people
#4
Forest foraging has rules
#5
Personal space is highly valued

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Estonia Essentials

Representative Novel

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh (Play set in Ireland, often performed in Estonia, capturing similar themes)

National Animal

Wolf

National Pasttime

Basketball

National Souvenir

Wooden butter knife

National Dish

Verivorst

Famous Festival

Estonian Song Festival

Famous Dance

Kaerajaan

Famous Music

Choral music

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Did You Know?

Estonia is home to more startups per capita than any other country in Europe.

Estonia’s focus on digital innovation has made it a hub for entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech sector.

Estonia was the first country to allow online voting in a general election.

In 2005, Estonia introduced e-voting, making it a global pioneer in digital democracy.

Over 50% of Estonia is covered by forest.

The country’s extensive forests are a testament to its commitment to preserving natural beauty and biodiversity.

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Estonia’s Key Historical Events

1,918

April 2014

Estonia declares independence from Russia.

1940

July 2014

Soviet Union occupies Estonia during World War II.

1991

February 2015

Estonia regains independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

2004

March 2015

Estonia joins NATO and the European Union.

2011

October 2016

Estonia adopts the euro as its official currency.

MOBILITY

Access Estonia Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
8 years
DUAL Citizenship
Conditional
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
8
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

155

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A

Rank

34

Score

175.0

This visa grants access to:

• 45% of the world's population 

• 79% of UNESCO sites 

• 75% of global GDP 

• 58% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Estonia by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Estonia
2545
2494
2442
3335
3907
4427
5445

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Estonia's Global Rankings 

Estonia excels in rule of law (#9) and safety (#24). With high English proficiency (#23) and well-accessible healthcare (#37) our analysis highlights its strong institutional framework.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
36
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
45
Quality of Life
2024
Comfortable
24
Safety
2024
High
34
Happiness
2024
High
74
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
23
English Proficiency
2023
High Proficiency
9
Rule of Law
2024
Very Strong
37
Healthcare System
2024
Well-Accessible
75
Pleasant Climate
2024
Limited Comfort

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

41.9

years

Life Expectancy

78.8

years

Obesity Rate

20.30%

Tobacco Use

26.50%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

7.49%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

4.69

per 1000 people

Doctors

3.863

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

22.25%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

E-Health System

Estonia is a global leader in e-health, with its digital healthcare system offering easy access to medical records, prescriptions, and appointments online.

Universal Healthcare

Estonia provides universal healthcare to all residents, ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical services through its public system.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to public healthcare, Estonia offers private healthcare services for those seeking quicker access or more personalized care.

Telemedicine Services

Estonia is at the forefront of telemedicine, providing virtual doctor consultations and online medical services to residents, including expatriates.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Estonia can access both public and private healthcare services, with digital healthcare making it easier to manage health remotely.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Estonia offers a moderate cost of living, lower than in Western Europe but higher than in many Eastern European countries. Tallinn, the capital, is considerably more expensive than other cities. Housing costs in Tallinn can be high, especially in the Old Town and city center. Food costs are moderate, with local markets offering good value. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is affordable and well-developed in cities. Education is free for residents, including higher education, which significantly reduces overall living expenses.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.92

per liter

Cost of Meal

$13.37

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$682.38

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$303.00

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$5.57

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

20%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Estonia, it's important to grasp its straightforward tax structure where residents pay a flat rate of 20% on their worldwide incomes while non-residents pay only on Estonian-source incomes along with mandatory social security contributions and unemployment insurance payments..+Individuals require Personal Identification Codes (Isikukood) for compliance purposes in Estonia.+It is importante to highlight that Estonia has a treaty with the United States to avoid double taxation.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

20%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

20%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

20%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

20%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

10%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered residents if they have a permanent residence in Estonia or their stay in Estonia during any 12-month period exceeds 183 days.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

12

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

89.9

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

47.8
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

50
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

8

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

99.4
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Maritime; wet, moderate winters, cool summers

Average Temperature

6.34 °C

Humidity

81

%

Average Annual Precipitation

626

mm

Rainless Days per Year

251

Best Time to Travel

June-August

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Estonia

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Estonia.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Estonia?

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Do I need to speak Estonian to apply for residency or citizenship in Estonia?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Estonia with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Estonia?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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