Residency
Estonia — Residency: Processing Times
Estonian residence permit applications are processed in up to 90 days, with the card issued within 30 days of a positive decision; the D visa is decided in 30 days.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourcePolice and Border Guard Board — Processing of residence permit applicationsLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Processing takes up to 90 days from the date the application is accepted or the last deficiencies are remedied.
- If the decision is positive, the residence permit card is received within 30 days of the decision.
- Long-term (D) visa decisions come within 30 days of processing the application.
- The wait can be longer if questions arise or documents are missing.
Steps
- Step 1: Register for the Estonian e-Residency portal — Create an account on the e-Residency portal and submit an application for residency.
- Step 2: Submit required documents — Upload the required documents, such as a valid passport and proof of address, to the e-Residency portal.
Timelines
- Residence permit decision: up to 90 days
- Card after decision: within 30 days
- D visa decision: within 30 days