Study in Estonia

Welcome to Estonia, a digitally advanced society where medieval history meets paperless living. We have summarized the essential steps for your transition—from housing and registration to mobile connectivity and banking.

Road Map

STEP 1

Find your home & Security Deposits

Secure accommodation early:

- EU Students: Provide passport or ID card for standard contracts.
- Non-EU Students: Provide passport and visa; universities confirm enrollment only after a physical address is set.
- Costs & Rules: Security deposits typically range from 1 to 3 months' rent, paid upon signing and fully refunded at the end of the contract.

Accommodation Options & Platforms:

- Tallinn Residences: Options include commercially managed spaces like Campus House by Larsen and Eduard House by Larsen, or budget options like the Academic Hostel.
- HousingAnywhere Estonia: A secure platform offering a tenant protection system (holding the first month's rent until 48 hours after move-in), verified owners, and official proof of housing for visas without requiring physical viewings.

PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) & Residency

- EU Students: Register your address in the population register (rahvastikuregister) within 90 days, then apply for an Estonian ID card at the PPA.
- Non-EU Students: Require an official university mediation number before applying for a Visa D or Temporary Residence Permit through the PPA.

STEP 2

Mandatory Insurance

- EU Students: Use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU Students: Private insurance compliant with PPA is required (you can compare options via tools like the HelloSafe Global Comparator).

STEP 3

Mobile Data & Connectivity

- Arrival: Get an eSIM (like Airalo) for immediate data.
- Local SIMs: Purchase prepaid options from providers like Telia, Tele2, or Elisa at local kiosks. Set up digital authenticators like Smart-ID for banking and public services.

STEP 4

Open your Bank Account

- Fintech: Platforms like Revolut or Paysera offer quick online setup.
- Local Banks: Traditional options include LHV Pank, Swedbank Estonia (offering ISIC MasterCard combinations), and SEB Estonia.

STEP 5

Address Registration & ISIC Card

- Register your residential address at the local town hall. Apply for your ISIC Student Card via the Minu Kool framework for universal student status recognition.

STEP 6

Public Transport, ESN & Working Rights

- Transport: Use the Tallinn Green Card (Ühiskaart). Public transport in Tallinn is free once you register your address locally. For intercity travel, use national rail operator Elron with ISIC discounts.
- Community: Join the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Tallinn or Tartu.
- Working Rights: EU students can work freely from day one. Non-EU students do not face a strict hourly work cap, provided they maintain full-time academic progress. Use Work in Estonia for job searches.