Estonia Business Visa - Definitive Guide

For people looking to take part in business-related activities in Estonia, a permit is necessary. At least for the ones who are not belonging to the Schengen countries or are from the visa-exempt nations. Also known as the Estonia Schengen business visa, this permit is a type of the Schengen C category permit that allows individuals to engage in business conferences, meetings, setting up a business, and so on. Issued for a duration of 90 days in a 180-day period, this type is issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or even multiple entries.

The application for Estonia business visa is done online through the official portal. However, the submission of the application requires to be done offline.  Before starting your application, you must ensure that you are eligible to apply for a business visa for Estonia. If you fulfil the conditions, you may proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Acquire all the documents required for the business permit. 
2. Visit the website of the Estonia embassy, and register at the online visa application portal.
3. Log in and fill in the application form with your details. 
4. Note the application number, and take a print out of the completed application form that comes to your mail. Sign at the relevant places on this page. 
5. Book an appointment at one of the VACs (Visa Application Center) for the application submission. 
6. Attend the visa appointment with your documents, duly signed application form, and the visa fees. You will also have to submit your biometrics at this location. 

Please note that if you have submitted your biometrics in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. In this case, you do not have to visit the VAC in person, also, you may choose to drop the documents at one of the dropbox facilities availed by the VAC. Also, note that you have signed the print out of the application form. Unsigned forms are rejected by the embassy.

Also, ensure that you submit genuine documents and provide the right information. Submission of fake documents or wrong information can get your application rejected. A visa refusal can affect your future travel plans.

To be able to apply for a business visa for Estonia, you must meet the following conditions - 

1. You must be in your country of residence if you are applying there. If you are residing in a residence permit in a foreign nation, you may be able to apply it to one of the centres there. 
2. You must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of journey.
3. Your sole purpose of the visit has to be to take part in business activities such as meetings, conferences, and so on or to take part in short term professional activities such as training.
4. You must possess sufficient funds to cover your stay in the country.
5. You must apply for the permit only if -

• • Estonia is your only destination, or
  • Estonia is one of your multiple Schengen destinations in which case you will be spending the majority of the time here, or, you are spending time in all the other destinations where Estonia is your port of entry.

As per the Estonia business visa requirements, the following is the list of documents that are required to be produced for the application - 

• An original passport
• Old passports, if any
• 2 passport size photographs
• Covering letter from the Indian company/organization as well as the copy of the business license of the company
• Travel itinerary for the trip 
• Proof of accommodation
• Confirmed round trip flight tickets
• Invitation letter from the Estonian company/organisation
• Work permit (if applicable)
• Travel insurance covering expenses up to 30000 Euros
• Proof of solvency

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair - permitted

The time taken to process the Estonia business visa for Indians depends on a few factors such as the number of entries, the volume of application at the embassy, the exact purpose of the visit, and so on. Normally, you will receive your permit in about 15 working days. However, this may increase based on the above factors. As a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance.

The total fees for the permit depend on several aspects such as the entry type, the biometric charges, as well as any other service charges. Due to the fluctuating nature, it is recommended that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Upon successful submission of the application and the fees, the embassy will begin processing. If the embassy requires any additional documentation, you will be contacted.  Depending on the respective processing times, your application will be processed. You may either pick it up from the VAC or get it delivered to you for an extra fee.

While you are waiting for your approval, you may check the status of your application. You can do this by visiting the website of the VAC and then using the tracking tool provided there. You will require to input your application number and name for this. Alternately, you may contact the respective travel agency to have them track it for you.

Once you are in possession of this permit, you must keep in mind the following key points to ensure that you have a pleasant journey. 

• Make a note of the expiry date, as well as the number of entries on the visa sticker. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are travelling within the country. 
• While you are under a business permit, you cannot take part in any work activities. You may take part in short term professional activities provided that have the necessary documents provided. 
• You cannot extend the permit unless in extreme unforeseeable circumstances.
• You are permitted to visit any of the Schengen nations.