Estonia is an EU country that’s gaining popularity amongst foreign students. Not only is it safe and modern, but it’s also a place where English is widely spoken. As such, many enrollees don’t have a hard time adjusting to living in Estonia.

Add to that, Estonian universities offer quality programs at reasonable prices. So if you’re thinking of studying abroad, then you should try Estonia. Securing a student visa in Estonia is easy to do, as you’ll find out below.

What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Estonia?

Like most EU countries, certain foreigners don’t need to apply for an entry visa. This exemption only applies to citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

That said, all students – regardless of nationality – will need to secure a temporary residence permit. This is a requirement who want to take a full degree program in Estonia.

As for residents who need to obtain a long-term visa (category D,) the following documents must be submitted:

Valid passport

This should have been issued within the last ten years. There should be two blank pages as well.

Remember: your passport should be valid for three months after your scheduled departure.

Completed application form

You may fill up the application form online by visiting this website.

However, you will need to print this out and sign it before submitting it to the embassy or visa processing center.

Passport photo

You need to submit one passport photo measuring 35 by 45 mm for visa purposes.

Insurance policy valid in Estonia

You should be covered with the minimum amount of at least EUR 30,000 or $35,160. This should be good for your entire stay in Estonia.

Proof of journey purpose

Since you will be studying in Estonia, you will need to provide the embassy with your admission letter.

Proof of subsistence

Although living in Estonia is cheaper than in other EU countries, you still need to prove that you can shoulder the living costs of EUR 300 ($352) a month.

The best way to do so is to provide a bank letter (yours or your parent/s.) Do note that the embassy is more interested in the fact that you or your parents have earned legal, regular income within the last six months.

Proof of accommodation

You will need to provide the embassy your housing contract. If you don’t have a housing confirmation yet when you apply, you will need to notify the consulate.

If this still hasn’t pushed through and it’s time for your visa appearance, you should get short-term housing (BNB, hotel rental, etc.) in the meantime.

Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students

How much money do you need for an Estonian Student Visa?

The cost of a long-term visa (type D) is EUR 100 ($117.)

Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Estonia

Here’s how to apply for an Estonian entry visa and temporary residence permit:

1. Apply at an Estonian university.

To secure an entry visa, you will need to prove your purpose of the journey (study.) As such, you will need to gain entry to a university before you file your application.

2. Collect all the other visa application requirements.

Together with your admission letter, you will need to have the documents mentioned above at hand.

3. Book an appointment at the Estonian embassy or visa application center.

Now that you have all the necessary documents at hand, you may go ahead and book your appointment to get a student visa in Estonia.

Depending on your location, you may have to submit the documents to the Estonian embassy or an authorized visa application center.

4. Submit the visa requirements and pay the application fee.

You may submit the requirements and pay the fees at the embassy or visa center. Likewise, payment may be wired to any of the bank accounts listed here.

While at the embassy/visa center, you will need to provide your fingerprints as these will be inputted into the system.

Depending on the consul/visa officer, they may ask for additional documents if they deem your papers incomplete/lacking.

5. Wait for your visa.

Whether you apply through the embassy or a visa center, the processing time may take 10 to 30 days.

6. Get your visa and travel to Estonia.

Once you have your Estonian student visa at hand, you may go ahead and move to Estonia.

7. Apply for a temporary residence permit.

As long as you are enrolled in a full-time program, you may apply for a temporary residence permit.

The university will provide an invitation for this, which they will send directly to the Police and Border Guard Office.

Once this is done, you may book an appointment at the Police and Border Guard Office near you.

You can book a slot at least three months before, and you should do so early. Many students are coming into Estonia every year, so spaces fill up right away.

Before your appointment, you will need to fill up the following:

  • Residence permit application form
  • Form regarding family members

By signing these forms, you attest that you have 300 Euros per month for your expenses. Likewise, it means that you have the necessary insurance while studying in Estonia.

8. Arrive at your residence permit appointment ahead of time.

You need to be at the Police and Border Guard office at least 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Once at the office, be ready to submit the forms listed above.

You will also need to provide your signature to the officer during your appointment. They will get your photo for the permit card as well.

More importantly, be ready to pay the application fee of EUR 64 or $75.

9. Wait for your residence permit card.

The Police and Border Guard office should be able to issue your permit within two months. They will notify you via email once the card is ready for pick up.

 

We hope that this article on getting a student visa in Slovenia was helpful! If you are interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out Available Programs in Europe for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

Share this article via

Leave A Comment