Estonia tourist visa
Estonia Visa for Indians: Guide to Estonia Work Visa & Schengen Application in 2025
Estonia, one of the Baltic states, has emerged as a leader in entrepreneurial activity, governance, and quality of life in the Northern European region. Whether you are a traveler interested in the medieval splendor of Tallinn or a qualified specialist looking for a position in Estonia’s information technology industry, you will require an Estonia visa.
Estonia provides a short-term Schengen visa and a long-term national visa for Indian citizens. This article provides the most recent information on applying for an Estonia visa for citizens of India, focusing mainly on the Estonia work visa.
What is Estonia Visa?
Estonia is part of Schengen Area; thus, a short-term visa issued by Estonia allows one to travel to all 27 Schengen countries. Estonia’s visa has the same travel limits as issued; 90 days for 180 days. For work, study, or residence, a D-type national visa or residence permit is required.
Types of Estonia Visas for Indian Citizens
Main categories of Estonia visas are as follows:
Schengen Visa (Type C)
- For short term stays—valid for 90 days.
- To visit for tourism, business, family, or conferences.
– Purpose: Employment, studying, attending family gatherings, starting a business, or self-employment.
Work Visa for Estonia
– Generally a D visa with a subsequent residence permit.
– Mandatory when there is a job vacancy with an Estonian company.
This article is centered on short-term Schengen visas and the Estonia work visa for Indian nationals.
Estonia Visa for Indian Citizens: Key Facts
Indian nationals want to travel to Estonia for tourism, employment, business, or any other reason require a visa. Estonia, like most other Schengen countries, does not maintain a sizeable diplomatic office in India which means that most applications are processed via the VFS Global centres and the Estonian Embassy located in New Delhi.
Estonia Schengen Visa Requirements (Tourist/Short-term)
As for the short-stay Estonia visa, Indian applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Visa Application Form – Complete and sign.
- Valid Passport – Minimum of three months validity post intended date of exit, and two blank pages.
- Passport-sized photographs – Two recent photographs with dimensions of 35×45 mm.
- Cover Letter – Purpose of visit, itinerary, and length of stay.
- Ticket Reservations – Confirmed tickets for both outbound and inbound flights.
- Proof of Accommodation – Confirmed hotel or an invitation letter from the host in Estonia.
- Travel Insurance – Must cover at least €30,000 with Schengen countries validity.
- Financial Proof – Recent bank statements (3-6 months), tax returns, and payslips.
- Proof of Employment:
- Employed: Submits NOC, employment letter, and recent payslips.
- Self-employed: Submits business registration documents.
- Students: Enrollment certificate and NOC from institution.
Submission of Estonia Visa Application in India
Submission of Visa Applications is handled through VFS Global centers in India. You may book appointments and submit documents in these cities:
- New Delhi (Embassy jurisdiction)
- Mumbai
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Ahmedabad
Visit:
https://visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/est
Estonia Visa Processing Time
- Short-term visas: Typically, up to 15 calendar days.
- Work visas and long-term D-type visas may take 60 days, or longer, depending on background checks and employment contracts.
Traveling: Ensure to apply 4-6 weeks in advance.
Estonia Visa Fees (as of 2025)
Visa Type Fee in Euros Approx Fee in INR
Schengen Visa (Type C) €80 ₹7,200
D-type Work Visa (Long Stay) €100 ₹9,000
VFS Service Fee ~€25 ₹2,000-2,500
Children under 6 Free Free
Note: The provided information is preliminary, and the final amounts will depend on the conversion rates at the time of visa processing.
Work Visa for Estonia for Indian Citizens
Skilled employees in information technology, engineering, startups, and healthcare have good opportunities in Estonia.
Categories of Work Permits for Estonia
Estonia offers two primary pathways for prospective employees:
- D type Work Visa
- Permits entry into Estonia for work exceeding 90 days.
- Valid up to 1 year.
- Must result from a contract of employment with a local Estonian company.
- Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
- Required for any stay above 1 year.
- Must be applied for at the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB).
Estonia Work Visa Requirements
- Current National Passport or Identity Card.
- Employment contract from an Estonian employer.
- Relevant degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
- Recent photographs.
- Medical Insurance for the duration of the stay.
- Accommodation documents for Estonia.
- Application for long stay visa or residence permit.
Important: Employers have the additional responsibility to notify the Estonian Labour Inspectorate regarding the employee’s contract.
Estonia’s Job Market: Eligibility Criteria
Estonia focuses on hiring foreign nationals in open positions where there is a skills gap. Citizens from India are encouraged to submit applications in:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Software Engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering disciplines
- Healthcare and Nursing
- Logistic and Supply Chain Management
Employment opportunities can be found by visiting Estonia’s official job portals:
- www.workinestonia.com
- cv.ee
- eures.europa.eu
Estonia’s Employment Benefits
- Great opportunity to practice or advance in the tech industry.
- Great opportunity to practice or advance in the tech industry.
- Access to EU job market.
- E-Residency and e-governance are examples of quick digital systems.
- Safe and clean living environment.
- Option to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence.
Alternative for Remote Workers. Estonia Digital Nomad Visa
For freelancers or employees of international companies who work remotely, Estonia grants a Digital Nomad Visa which enables individuals to live in Estonia while servicing foreign clients.
Eligibility:
- Evidence of ongoing remote employment or freelancing.
- A proportional low to gross monthly income of approximate 4,500 euros.
- A valid health insurance and a passport.
Common Grounds for Visa Rejections
Having incomplete or wrong documentation is a common reason for your Visa application to be turned down. By avoiding these reasons, your chances of getting accepted are better.
- Ambiguous job offer or employment description.
- Absence of travel history (though not a disqualifying factor, it may undermine confidence).
- Insufficient funds or lack of appropriate insurance coverage.
- Discrepancies in travel itinerary or cover letter.
Cover Letter for Estonia Work Visa, Section II
To: The Embassy of Estonia, New Delhi
Subject: Application for Long Term Work Visa (D type)
Dear Sir/Madam,
My name is [Your Name] and I am an Indian citizen applying for a D-type work visa for Estonia. I am in possession of a confirmed job offer from [Company Name] located in [City], Estonia. My employment is set to commence on [Start Date], and I have enclosed the signed contract.
As per visa requirements, I have provided my educational qualifications, passport, financial documents, and medical insurance documents.
I would appreciate it if you could process my application as soon as possible
I appreciate your time and attention on this matter.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Details]
Details of the Estonia Embassy in India
Embassy of Estonia – New Delhi
C-6/5, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057, India
Tel: +91-11-4149 8700
Website: https://newdelhi.mfa.ee
In Conclusion
Entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and digital nomads can now visit Estonia, which is regarded as one of the most emerging and exciting destinations in Europe. Estonia is one of the emerging destinations in Europe and is fast becoming one of the most exciting for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Be it as a tourist in Tallinn or relocating professionally, the visa process is simple as long as the correct steps are followed.
Estonia boasts a modern and tech-savvy visa system. Citizens from India can benefit greatly by meticulously preparing their documents and applying through the designated VFS centers. The country is poised to embrace visitors, transitioning seamlessly from its medieval castles to its modern startup culture.