How to Find a Job in Estonia (EU and Non-EU Citizens)

Let’s learn how to find a job in Estonia for EU and non-EU Citizens, analyzing the sectors that are thriving in the economy of this resilient Baltic State

If you want tips on how to find a job in Estonia, regardless if you are an EU citizen or not, this post is for you. Estonia is full of opportunities for expatriates and you have a good chance to land a job in this Baltic nation, if you are in the right sector.

how to find a job in Estonia

Introduction: Job Market in Estonia

Estonia has joined the European union in 2004 and since then it has become one of the best places for opening a new company. A relatively low and efficient tax system, and uncomplicated bureaucracy have attracted a number of start ups to the country. Consequently, Estonia has managed to attract a number of high qualified expat workers, mostly in the IT sector.

Estonia salaries have risen constantly during the past few years, however its GDP growth is growing at slower rates. Overall, the Estonian economy is showing a rather good outlook. That is especially true when compared to its neighbors and major trading partners like Russia, Finland and Latvia.

Getting a Job and a Work and Residence Permit in Estonia

There are plenty of jobs which only require a good command of the English language, especially in the IT sector. In other sectors it is required to speak Estonian and sometimes Russian. Most jobs taken by expats are in tech or finance companies, and Estonian is almost never a requirement.

EU Citizens: If you are an EU citizen you don’t need a work permit to take a position in Estonia. You will compete in the same conditions as EU nationals, as the level of bureaucracy is low.

Non-EU Citizens: You will need a residence permit for work, which is most often arranged by your employer. Non-EU nationals working in the IT sectors usually get their paperwork pretty easily, as the demand in this sector is strong in the country. More information for Non-EU citizens can be found at the Estonian Government Website.

If you are visiting Estonia you may also want to check our post listing the best places to stay in Tallinn.

Best Websites to Find a Job in Estonia

Here are some of the best sites to find a job in Estonia:

CV.EE: The biggest job portal in Estonia. It has a version in English and Russian, and also in Estonian. There are a good number of offers in English.

European Job Mobility Portal: a great website maintained by the European Union to find jobs in Estonia and in other EU member countries.

Startup Jobs in Estonia: a great portal for startup jobs (monstly IT) in Estonia. Most offers are in English and do not require Estonian language.

Other Job Options to Consider in Estonia

Another option you may consider if you are a native speaker of English (or if you are very proficient on it) is TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) jobs. TEFL jobs are widely available in almost every country in the world. They are a great opportunity to start in a new country, even if you don’t have the knowledge of the country’s official language. There are many online TEFL courses that will help you to land a job with a relatively small investment.

Working online can be also an option in some countries. It depends on your skills and income, as the cost of living varies greatly from country to country. You can check this link for a list of professions that can be done as remote work.

If you want to find a job in estonia, or live, travel and work in other country abroad, please consider our resources and guides below:

Interesting Resources for Working and Living Abroad

Are you really considering to work and live abroad, temporarily or permanently? Below are some resources that might be useful for you around the web:

World Nomads: this company provides travel insurance in most countries around the world, and it might be a good option if you going for a long travel.

TransferWise: A great way to send money abroad paying lower fees.

Booking.com:Booking.com is the best choice for finding accommodation for your next trip, with a wide variety of choices for all types of travelers.

You may also want to check our website guides:

Train Travel Guide: in our railway travel guide, you will learn how to choose and ride the most scenic train routes around the world, always in the most comfortable way with optimal prices to enhance your travel experience.

Dating Guide: our dating guide will help you not only to find love but to understand the social customs of each country. It will also help you to avoid dating scams around the internet and find people really interested in honest relationships.

Work Abroad Guide: Learn how to find a job and employment requirements in different countries. From the initial job search, to bargaining salaries, this guide will help you to find job in most countries around the world.  It also covers about remote work and TEFL jobs.