Living and Working in Estonia
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Situated on a peninsula in the Baltic Sea, bordering Latvia and Russia, Estonia is the northernmost and smallest of the three Baltic countries. Estonia is best known for its capital Tallinn, which has become a popular destination due to its Old Town with its medieval architecture. But Estonia has far more to offer than just city and nightlife.
The country has beautiful and unspoilt nature with deep forests, beautiful beaches and around 1,500 lakes, including the fourth largest lake in Europe, Lake Peipus, or Lake Peipsi as it is called in Estonian! Estonia also has a rich history and has been occupied several times. In 1918, Estonia was declared independent from Russia, but during the Second World War, Estonia was again occupied and became part of the Soviet Union.
After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Estonia was declared independent again, but as a result of the long period of occupation, about 25 per cent of the population is Russian. In 1991, Estonia became a member of the United Nations and, under great Russian protest, a member of NATO and the EU in 2004. In recent years, Estonia has been one of the countries in Northern Europe with the highest economic growth and the establishment of international businesses. Read on to see why living and working in Estonia is a great choice.
Benefits of living and working in Estonia
Rental prices in Estonia vary, as elsewhere, depending on the area you’re renting in, with the capital Tallinn naturally being the most expensive. But also as a result of the economic growth, the housing market has expanded and it’s easier than ever to find a place to live.
However, rental prices are considerably lower than in Norway or Sweeden, and you can get entire apartments in the big cities from 420 EUR and upwards, while just outside the cities you can find a good apartment for around 350 EUR. It’s even cheaper if you choose to live in a collective or share an apartment with someone else.
Below are some websites with an overview of apartments for rent in Estonia:
You can also find more information about rentals on the official Estonian websites. The information is also in English. A couple of good tips: if you are viewing a property, you may want to ask future neighbours about living conditions in the area, and it may also be a good idea to ask about heating costs in winter.
Living in Estonia
Accommodation in Estonia: Renting and Costs
Estonia has become an attractive place to live due to its rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and digital-first approach. For those moving to Estonia for work or study, understanding the local rental market is essential for a smooth transition.
Rental Market Overview
Estonia offers a variety of housing options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a studio in the city or a family home in a quieter area, the choices are varied. Rental prices can fluctuate based on the location, property type, and amenities available.
Rental Prices in Major Cities
- Tallinn (Capital City): As the economic and cultural hub of Estonia, Tallinn’s rental market is the most expensive. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically rents for €700-€1,000 per month, while a similar property outside the city center costs around €500-€750. For larger spaces, such as a three-bedroom apartment, prices in the city center can reach €1,300-€1,800.
- Tartu (University City): Known for its vibrant student population, Tartu offers more affordable living options. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about €500-€650, and €400-€500 outside the city center. A three-bedroom apartment ranges from €900-€1,200.
- Pärnu (Coastal Town): Popular during the summer for its beaches, Pärnu’s rental prices are moderate. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center might rent for €450-€600, with three-bedroom apartments averaging €800-€1,100.
Factors Influencing Rental Costs
Several elements can impact rental prices in Estonia:
- Proximity to key amenities such as public transport, schools, and shopping centers.
- Seasonal demand, especially in areas like Pärnu, which see increased interest in the summer.
- Newly renovated or modern properties often come with higher rental costs compared to older buildings.
Suburban and Rural Options
For those seeking a quieter lifestyle or more space, suburbs around Tallinn or smaller rural areas offer more budget-friendly options. A one-bedroom apartment in suburban areas can range from €350-€500, while larger homes suitable for families can be rented for €700-€1,000.
Transport in Estonia
Public transport in Estonia has a modern and well-developed infrastructure. There is an extensive network of bus and train routes, and a special feature of Estonia is that much of the public transport is free.
This was first introduced as a trial scheme in Tallinn and the larger cities in 2013, but has since been extended to cover parts of public transport in other parts of the country as well. There are 8 airports and a number of ferry routes, including to Sweden, Finland and Åland.
If you’re travelling between Norway and Estonia, the best option is to fly. Several companies offer direct flights to Estonia for just a few hundred euros. It’s also possible to take a train or bus to Sweden and continue by boat.
Food in Estonia
Estonian cuisine has been largely influenced by its neighbours such as Russia, Germany, Lithuania and to some extent Scandinavia, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t also have its specialities and something typically Estonian. With its location on the fish-rich Baltic Sea, it’s only natural that Estonian cuisine includes many dishes with fish, especially sprat and smoked fish in several varieties.
But let’s take a look at some of the Estonian specialities not to be missed.
Mulgipuder – considered Estonia’s national dish,mulgipuder is simply mashed potatoes mixed with semolina and butter, served with a bacon sauce on top. In fact, it used to be considered a luxurious dish, often served at parties and on special occasions.
Rosolje – is a potato and beetroot salad that is served as a side dish on most occasions. In addition to potato, beetroot and onion, pickles and mustard are added, giving it a creamy texture and lots of flavour. This salad is typically Estonian and a must-try.
Rye bread – is as popular in Estonia as it is in Denmark and many of its neighbouring countries. There’s hardly a meal that isn’t served with rye bread and there are many types of it. In addition, the traditional drink Kvass is made from fermented rye bread. Kvass is popular throughout the Baltics and Russia, but it used to be brewed in Troms and Finnmark as well. The drink has a sour flavour and contains only small amounts of alcohol.
Kama – an ingredient that is unique to Estonia. It is a mixture of barley, rye, oat, pea and bean flours that comes in several varieties and is used as an ingredient in desserts, for example, or served for breakfast with milk and sugar, or honey and berries.
Verivorst – is the same as blood sausage, i.e. a sausage made from blood. It comes in many flavours and is most common in winter and around Christmas time.
Landscape and nature in Estonia
Estonia consists largely of a flat plain and moraine landscape, which is only 50 metres above sea level on average and the highest point, Suur Munamägi, is only 317 metres above sea level, which is not only the highest point in Estonia, but also in the entire Baltic region. Estonia also has a Baltic Sea coastline where no less than 2,222 islands belong to the country. The three largest islands are Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and Vormsi.
For those who love nature, fishing, hunting and outdoor life, Estonia is an eldorado of opportunities from south to north. Vast forests, huge marshlands, lakes, rivers and waterways are second to none.
Nightlife – going out in Estonia
Although Estonia hasn’t been a well-known tourist destination, it still ranks as one of the countries with the best nightlife in Europe. The capital Tallinn is of course the highlight, with all its nightclubs and discos, not to mention the cosy old town with all its restaurants, bars and pubs. Tartu and the seaside resorts along the Baltic Sea also have a vibrant nightlife all year round.
What not to miss in Estonia
For Norwegians, Estonia is a small but versatile country, with varied and beautiful nature, pleasant towns and an exciting coastline with many islands. The list of things to see and do in Estonia is therefore long. Below is a small selection of what you can see and experience in Estonia.
Tallinn – Estonia’s centrepiece and a melting pot of old and new. The Old Town (Valinn) is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities in the world, and here you really get the feeling of stepping straight into the Middle Ages. The contrast with the modern world on the other side of the city gate is stark. Tallinn has also become a green city with limited traffic, so the many parks and promenades help make the Estonian capital the perfect holiday destination.
If you’re in Tallinn around Christmas time, be sure to visit the Christmas market in Town Hall Square. Here you’ll find one of the world’s oldest Christmas traditions, as this is where the world’s first public Christmas tree was erected in 1441. Unmarried merchants and young women gathered in the square to dance around the tree, before later burning it down.
The tradition is kept alive and every year a large tree up to 18 metres high is erected in the square, transported there by Santa Claus himself.
Rocca al Mare – is an open-air museum located 7 km outside Tallinn city centre. The area is named after mayor and merchant Arthur Girard de Soucanton, who built a manor house here. The name Rocca al Mare is Italian for rock by the sea. The museum is now made up of 80 authentic Estonian buildings, showcasing Estonian tradition and culture. There is a wide range of attractions and activities and you will have the opportunity to taste Estonian traditional dishes and home cooking.
Rakvere – is a small town by the coast and the beautiful Lahemaa National Park. The town is particularly famous for its castle ruins and stone castle built by the Danes in the 13th century. Iron Age artefacts dating back as far as 200 AD have also been found near the town. Today, Rakvere Fortress is a theme park with many activities for both children and adults. It depicts life in the 16th century and you can, for example, dress up as a knight or soldier and learn more about the Middle Ages. There’s even a wine cellar and, of course, you can taste authentic medieval food.
Tartu – in the south of Estonia, Tartu is actually the oldest city in the Baltics and home to Northern Europe’s oldest university. The city has beautiful architecture, many museums and attractions and an intense nightlife. Like Tallinn, the authorities have worked to make Tartu a green and environmentally friendly city, making it both attractive and pleasant.
The west coast – located on the Baltic Sea – is full of beaches, seaside resorts and fishing villages. Here you can find everything from peace and quiet in nature to the more famous holiday destinations of Hapsal and Pärnuverdens, with their sandy beaches, outdoor cafés and concerts throughout the summer season. The area is also fabulous for those who like to study bird and animal life. Soomass National Park is a stopping point for millions of migratory birds every year.
The islands of the Baltic Sea – give you the opportunity to experience something truly authentic and charming of Estonian culture and way of life. The most popular islands are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu and Vormsi. Most of the islands are just a short ferry ride from the mainland, or why not hire a kayak and explore several of the islands at your leisure. On the islands, you can walk, cycle or drive through an almost completely unspoilt coastal landscape. See old lighthouses, churches and fortresses and, not least, eat traditional Estonian food in one of the many inns.
Sauna – is known to be a tradition and culture in Finland, but during a visit to Estonia you will soon realise that this is also the case here. Estonia has many things in common with Finland, including geographical proximity, language, culture and to some extent food, and the sauna that you’ll find almost everywhere, although they may not be as inventive and sophisticated and numerous as the Finnish ones.
Healthcare in Estonia
Estonia’s healthcare system is of high quality and comparable to that of Norway. In fact, it has repeatedly been ranked higher in both price and quality. Health services are usually free on presentation of a HELFO card. If you’re going to live in Estonia, you’ll join the national social security scheme and be entitled to the same treatment as other citizens. If you choose to use private treatment facilities, you must first pay the costs yourself and then apply for reimbursement, but note that you will not be reimbursed more than what the treatment would have cost publicly.
Visas and travel insurance in Estonia
You don’t need a visa to enter Estonia, but you must bring a valid passport and you may want to take out travel and health insurance before travelling. To work and live in Estonia, you must register in the population register.
Safety in Estonia
Estonia is a safe country and its road accident rate is one of the lowest in the EU due to its modern car fleet. The threat of terrorism is considered to be low and although violent crime can occur, it rarely involves anyone other than those directly involved in an organisation. When it comes to offences for profit, such as pickpocketing, it is comparable to Norway. The risk of being subjected to robbery and purse snatching is the same everywhere, especially in the big cities and in places with large crowds and at typical tourist attractions.
Working in Estonia: Essential Insights for Foreign Professionals
Estonia has earned a reputation for its progressive economy, technological innovation, and openness to foreign talent. It’s an appealing destination for expats and digital nomads, but to make the most of working there, it’s important to understand what the local job market and work culture are like.
Estonia’s job market is varied, offering plenty of opportunities for foreign professionals. The IT and tech industry is particularly robust, given Estonia’s status as a digital leader. Tech startups and established companies alike are looking for software developers, data scientists, IT specialists, and cybersecurity experts. Business and finance also attract many foreign professionals due to Estonia’s strategic location and business-friendly policies. In these sectors, roles in financial services, accounting, and consultancy are common, especially for those with multilingual skills. The tourism and hospitality industry is another area where foreigners can find work, particularly during the high tourist season. Jobs range from hotel management and event planning to working in restaurants or as tour guides. Teaching positions, especially for English or other languages, are available at language schools, international schools, and universities. Additionally, those skilled in trades like mechanical work, carpentry, and production can find opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
Salaries in Estonia
Salaries in Estonia can vary widely by industry and experience. The average gross monthly salary is around €1,800. IT professionals often earn between €2,500 and €4,500 per month, while financial analysts and consultants typically make between €2,000 and €3,500. Hospitality roles generally pay between €1,000 and €1,500, while English teachers or those teaching specialized subjects in international schools can earn from €1,500 to €2,500 per month. Although salaries in Estonia may not match those in some Western European countries, the relatively low cost of living, especially outside of Tallinn, offsets this. Housing, groceries, and transportation are affordable, enabling most workers to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Tax system in Estonia
Estonia’s tax system is straightforward, with a flat personal income tax rate of 20%. The basic tax-free allowance is €654 per month, so income above that threshold is taxed. Employers contribute to social security for their employees, covering health insurance and pensions through a 33% social tax. Employees pay an unemployment insurance contribution of 0.8%, while employers contribute an additional 0.5%.
Working conditions in Estonia
Working conditions in Estonia are designed to benefit both employees and employers. The standard working week consists of 40 hours spread over five days, with the typical workday lasting eight hours. Many companies, particularly in tech, offer flexible working hours and remote work options. Overtime is allowed but must be compensated at 1.5 times the usual hourly rate, and flexible agreements on overtime compensation are common. Employment contracts are mandatory and must outline job responsibilities, salary, and other conditions.
Employees in Estonia are entitled to 28 calendar days of paid annual leave, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. There are 11 public holidays each year, including New Year’s Day, Independence Day on February 24, Good Friday and Easter Monday, Victory Day on June 23, Midsummer Day on June 24, and Christmas holidays from December 24-26. If a public holiday falls on a weekend, an additional day off is not usually provided.
For EU/EEA citizens, working in Estonia is straightforward as they do not need a visa or work permit, but they must register their place of residence if staying for more than three months. Non-EU nationals typically need a D-visa for long-term employment or a residence permit. Employers often assist with this process to ensure compliance.
Work culture in Estonia
Estonian work culture values efficiency, independence, and direct communication. Punctuality is highly regarded, and meetings and deadlines are taken seriously. The country’s digital infrastructure means that technology is well integrated into workplaces, making digital communication a norm. Workplaces tend to have flat hierarchies, allowing employees to share ideas and interact with higher management more freely. Estonians value work-life balance, which is evident from their generous leave policies and a general cultural emphasis on maintaining time for personal life and family.
Estonia offers an attractive environment for foreign professionals, thanks to its progressive policies, growing economy, and focus on innovation. The country’s reasonable cost of living, fair wages, and strong work culture make it a compelling place for those looking to work abroad. Having a clear understanding of local regulations, tax responsibilities, and workplace expectations will help you navigate the Estonian job market with confidence.
