Estonia Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Indian citizens need a visa to enter Estonia, which is part of the Schengen Area. A Schengen visa allows short stays of up to 90 days with free movement across member states, while a Long-Stay (National) visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days.

Schengen Visa (Short Stay):

• Tourism
• Business
• Visiting Family/Friends
• Transit
• Other Short-Term Purposes

Long-Stay (National) Visa:

• Work
• Study
• Family Reunification
• Retirement
• Other Long-Term Purposes

1. Valid Passport:

• Issued within the last 10 years:
• Ensure your passport’s issue date is within the last decade. If your passport is older, you'll need to renew it before applying.
• Example: If applying in 2023, your passport should have been issued in 2013 or later.
• Valid for at least three months beyond intended stay:
• Calculate your departure date from the Schengen Area and ensure your passport is valid for at least three months after this date.
• Example: If you plan to leave the Schengen Area on July 15, 2023, your passport should be valid until at least October 15, 2023.
• At least two blank pages:
• Verify that your passport has a minimum of two completely blank pages for visa stamps.
• Tip: If your passport lacks sufficient blank pages, consider renewing it to avoid potential issues during travel.

2. Filled Application Form:

• Source:
• Download: From the Official Government Website of Estonia (recommended for the most current version).
• Pick Up: From the Estonian Embassy or Consulate in India, if you prefer a physical copy.
• Instructions:
• Fill: Complete the form accurately and thoroughly. Use a computer to fill it out, if possible, for better legibility.
• Print: On A4 paper, single-sided.
• Sign: Above your printed name, using your usual signature.
• Tips:
• Use the Latest Version: Ensure you have the most recent application form to avoid rejection.
• Accuracy is Key: Double-check all information for correctness, as mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.

3. Recent Photos:

• Quantity: 2-3 photos, depending on the embassy/consulate's requirements.
• Schengen Specifications:
• Size: 35mm x 45mm.
• Background: Light, neutral (white, grey, or beige).
• Facial Expression: Neutral, with mouth closed.
• Eyes: Clearly visible, directly facing the camera.
• Head Position: Straight, not tilted.
• Resolution/Quality: High, no pixelation or blurriness.
• Tips:
• Professional Photos: Recommended to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Recent: Photos should not be older than six months.

4. Travel Insurance:

• Coverage Amount: At least €30,000.
• Inclusions:
• Medical Expenses: Emergency hospital treatment.
• Repatriation: In case of serious illness, injury, or death.
• Policy Requirements:
• Validity: Must cover your entire stay in the Schengen Area.
• Area of Coverage: Must specifically include the Schengen Area.
• Policy Document: Ensure you receive a document that clearly states the policy's details, including the coverage amount, validity, and what is covered.
• Tips:
• Carefully Review Policies: Ensure the policy meets all Schengen requirements.
• Keep Documents Handy: Have your policy documents easily accessible during travel.

5. Proof of Flight Itinerary:

• Showing Entry and Exit from the Schengen Area:
• Confirmed Flights: Preferable, but a reservation might be accepted in some cases.
• Details: Include your name, flight numbers, departure and arrival dates, and times.
• Tips:
• Book in Advance: To ensure availability and potentially better prices.
• Flexibility: If possible, choose flights with flexible dates in case of visa delays.

6. Proof of Accommodation:

• Types:
• Hotel Reservation:
• Confirmation Number: Include for verification.
• Dates of Stay: Must match your intended travel dates.
• Rental Agreement:
• Signed by Both Parties: You and the landlord.
• Address and Dates: Clearly stated.
• Letter of Invitation (for Staying with Friends/Family):
• Host’s Details: Full name, address, and contact information.
• Relationship: Explain your relationship with the host.
• Dates of Stay: Must align with your travel plans.
• Host’s Signature: Required for authenticity.
• Tips:
• Accuracy: Ensure all details match your application and travel plans.
• Translation: If the document is not in English, provide a certified translation.

7. Proof of Financial Means:

• Bank Statements (Last 3-6 Months):
• Show a Stable Income or Savings:
• Aim for a balance that covers your stay’s expenses (approx. €30-€50 per day in Estonia).
• Transactions: Should reflect regular income or consistent savings.
• Proof of Income (Salary Slips, Employment Letter):
• Employment Letter:
• Company Details: Full name, address, and contact.
• Your Position, Salary, and Employment Duration.
• Salary Slips:
• Recent: Preferably from the last three months.
• Consistent Income: Reflecting your employment letter’s details.
• Sponsorship Letter (If Applicable):
• Sponsor’s Details: Full name, address, contact, and relationship to you.
• Financial Commitment: Clearly stating the sponsor’s intention and ability to cover your expenses.
• Sponsor’s Signature: Required for authenticity.
• Tips:
• Sufficient Funds: Ensure your financial documents reflect enough means for your stay.
• Consistency: Between all financial documents submitted.

8. Proof of Purpose of Visit:

• Tourism:
• Detailed Travel Plans:
• Itinerary: Day-by-day, including destinations and activities.
• Hotel Bookings or Tour Package:
• Confirmation Documents: Showing your name and travel dates.
• Business:
• Invitation from Estonian Company:
• Company’s Details: Full name, address, and contact information.
• Purpose and Dates of Visit: Clearly stated.
• Business Registration Documents (of the Estonian Company):
• Proof of Legitimacy: Of the company inviting you.
• Detailed Agenda:
• Meetings, Events, or Work Schedule: During your stay.
• Visiting Family/Friends:
• Invitation Letter from Host:
• Host’s Details: Full name, address, and contact.
• Relationship: Explain your relationship with the host.
• Dates of Stay: Must align with your travel plans.
• Host’s Signature: Required for authenticity.
• Copy of Host’s ID/Passport:
• Valid Document: Showing their identity and, if applicable, residence status in Estonia.
• Proof of Residence in Estonia (if applicable):
• Utility Bills, Rental Agreement, etc.: In the host’s name.
• Tips:
• Clarity: Ensure all documents clearly state the purpose and details of your visit.
• Authenticity: All documents must be genuine and, if required, signed.

Application Process, Fees, and Processing Time:

• Application Process:
• Submit Application:
• In Person: At the Estonian Embassy or Consulate in India.
• Through VFS Global: If available, for an additional service fee.
• Appointments: Usually necessary, check with the embassy/consulate or VFS Global.
• Pay the Visa Fee:
• Current Fee for Adults: €60 (subject to change).
• Reduced Fees for Children: (6-12 years), free for children under 6.
• Wait for the Decision:
• Standard Processing Time: 15 calendar days.
• Extended Processing Time: Up to 30 or 60 days in some cases.
• Collect Your Passport:
• Once the Visa is Approved: Collect your passport from the submission point.
• Fees and Processing Time:
• Visa Fee: €60 for adults (subject to change), reduced for children.
• Processing Time: 15 calendar days (standard), up to 30 or 60 days in some cases.
• Additional Fees:
• For Express Processing (if available): Check with the embassy/consulate for availability and fees.
• For Services Through VFS Global: An additional service fee applies, check the VFS Global website for details.

Types of Long-Stay Visas and Their Requirements:

1. Work Visa:

• Purpose: For Indian citizens taking up employment in Estonia.
• Key Requirements:
1. Employment Contract:
• Details: Full-time or part-time, specifying job title, salary, and duration.
• Signed by Both Parties: You and your Estonian employer.
2. Approval from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund:
• Confirmation: That the employer has obtained the necessary approval for hiring a non-EU citizen.
3. Qualification Recognition (if necessary):
• For Regulated Professions: e.g., medicine, law, teaching. Ensure your Indian qualifications are recognized by the relevant Estonian authorities.
• Process: Involves submitting your qualifications for evaluation to the Estonian Qualifications Authority or the relevant professional body.

2. Study Visa:

• Purpose: For Indian students accepted into Estonian educational institutions.
• Key Requirements:
1. Admission Letter from an Estonian Educational Institution:
• Confirmation of Enrollment: Specifying the program, duration, and tuition fees.
• Institution’s Accreditation: Ensure the institution is recognized by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research.
2. Proof of Financial Resources:
• Sufficient Funds: To cover living expenses (approximately €300-€500 per month) and tuition fees.
• Bank Statement or Scholarship Letter: Showing the available funds.
3. Health Insurance:
• Policy Details: Covering at least €30,000 for medical expenses, valid in Estonia for the entire study period.

3. Family Reunification:

• Purpose: For family members of Indian citizens already residing in Estonia.
• Key Requirements:
1. Proof of Family Relationship:
• Documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers, as applicable.
• Apostille or Legalization: May be required for documents issued in India.
2. Sponsor's Residence Permit in Estonia:
• Valid Permit: The family member in Estonia must hold a valid residence permit.
• Sponsorship Declaration: The sponsor must declare their ability to support the joining family member.
3. Health Insurance:
• Similar to Study Visa Requirements: A policy covering at least €30,000 for medical expenses, valid in Estonia.

4. Other Long-Term Purposes:

• Retirement:
• Proof of Pension:
• Sufficient Income: To support yourself in Estonia.
• Pension Statements: Showing regular income.
• Health Insurance:
• Similar to Above: Covering at least €30,000 for medical expenses, valid in Estonia.
• Others (e.g., Research, Volunteering):
• Depend on the Specific Purpose:
• Research: Might require a hosting agreement from an Estonian research institution.
• Volunteering: Could necessitate a volunteer contract and proof of financial support.

Application Process for Long-Stay Visas:

1. Check Eligibility:
• Review Requirements: Ensure you meet all criteria for your specific long-stay visa type.
• Consult Official Resources: Estonian Embassy/Consulate in India, or official Estonian government websites.
2. Gather Documents:
• Specific to Your Visa Type: Ensure all required documents are complete and correctly formatted.
• Translations and Apostilles: May be necessary for documents not in English or Estonian.
3. Submit Application:
• In Person: At the Estonian Embassy or Consulate in India.
• Appointments: Usually necessary; schedule in advance to avoid delays.
4. Pay the Visa Fee:
• Fees Vary: Typically around €100, but depends on the visa type.
• Payment Methods: Check with the embassy/consulate for accepted payment types.
5. Wait for the Decision:
• Processing Times: Vary significantly, often between 1-3 months or more.
• Status Updates: May be available through the embassy/consulate or an online portal, if provided.
6. Collect Your Residence Permit:
• After Entering Estonia: Apply for a residence permit within the timeframe specified by the Estonian authorities (usually within a few months of arrival).
• Additional Documents: May be required for the residence permit application, beyond those submitted for the visa.

Fees and Processing Time:

• Visa Fee:
• Varies by Type: Around €100 for many long-stay visas, but check the specific fee for your visa type.
• Processing Time:
• 1-3 Months or More: Depends on the visa type and the complexity of the application.
• Additional Fees:
• For Residence Permit Application in Estonia: Applies after you enter Estonia, check the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for current fees.
• For Express Processing (if available): Check with the Estonian Embassy/Consulate for availability and additional costs.

Tips and Reminders:

• Double-Check Requirements: Ensure all documents are correctly prepared to avoid delays.
• Plan Ahead: Given the longer processing times, apply well in advance of your planned departure to Estonia.
• Seek Professional Advice: If unsure about any aspect of the application, consider consulting with immigration experts or the Estonian Embassy/Consulate in India.

Expected Implementation: Part of the EU's broader e-visa policy for third-country nationals, exact timeline for Indian citizens TBA.

Benefits:

1. Simplified application process
2. Reduced processing times
3. Increased transparency

Application Process (Projected):

1. Online Application Form
2. Upload Required Documents
3. Pay the E-Visa Fee (Expected to be similar to current Schengen Visa fees)
4. Receive E-Visa via Email

Estonian Embassy in India:

• Address: Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021
• Phone: +91 11 4948 8700
• Email: embassy.newdelhi@mfa.ee

VFS Global (for Schengen Visa Applications):

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com
• Contact: Varies by location; check the website for details

Official Government Website of Estonia:

• www.estonia.ee/en

Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (for Residence Permits):

• Website: www.politsei.ee/en