Residency

Estonia — Residency: Retirement Visa

Estonia has no retirement visa: the Aliens Act lists spouse, close relative, study, employment and enterprise as grounds for temporary residence, so retirees need a family, business or other basis.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceAliens Act §118 — grounds for temporary residence permitsLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Key facts

  • Aliens Act §118 lists the grounds for a temporary residence permit as settling with a spouse, settling with a close relative, study, employment and enterprise; retirement is not a ground.
  • Settling with a close relative or spouse requires an invitation from an Estonian citizen or legal resident, with permits up to 5 years.
  • A business permit for a shareholder needs at least EUR 65,000 invested and income of six times the subsistence level.
  • The long-term resident permit needs five years on a temporary permit, stable income, Estonian health insurance and B1 Estonian.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Choose a residency option — Determine which residency option is best suited for your needs, such as e-residency, digital nomad visa, or a different type of visa. The types of visas available and the eligibility criteria for each can be found on the Estonian Government's website.
  2. Step 2: Meet the eligibility criteria — Review the eligibility criteria for your chosen residency option and gather the required documents. The specific documents and criteria can vary depending on the type of visa or residency option chosen.
  3. Step 3: Apply for residency — Submit your application and supporting documents to the Estonian authorities. The application process can be complex and may require assistance from a lawyer or other professional.

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