Moving to Estonia is an exciting step toward a smarter, more affordable, and digitally advanced lifestyle. As one of the most innovative countries in Europe, Estonia offers e-residency, low living costs, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Whether you’re seeking a career change, new cultural experiences, or a peaceful place to raise a family, this Baltic gem is ready to welcome you.
This comprehensive guide outlines everything you need to know — from required documentation and job opportunities to housing, cost of living, and choosing the right moving service. Get ready for a smooth transition with expert tips and resources from trusted partners like Van Onsite.
Key Takeaways:
- Discover why Estonia is ideal for digital nomads, families, and professionals
- Learn which documents are needed for EU and non-EU citizens
- Explore job sectors with high demand and competitive salaries
- Compare removal services: part load, full load, and furniture-specific
- Get rental tips and cost breakdowns for life in Tallinn and beyond
- Understand residency registration and healthcare access post-arrival
- Trust Van Onsite for expert, insured, and flexible international relocations
Why Move to Estonia?
Estonia has rapidly emerged as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking nations, offering a unique blend of digital innovation, affordability, and quality of life. Whether you’re seeking professional opportunities, a startup-friendly environment, or simply a peaceful new home, Estonia has something for everyone.
- Advanced digital infrastructure & e-Residency: Estonia pioneered the digital society with paperless governance, online services, and a widely acclaimed e-Residency program.
- Low cost of living & high quality of life: Compared to the UK and Germany, Estonia provides modern amenities and services at a fraction of the cost.
- Safe, clean cities & vast natural landscapes: With low crime rates and plenty of green space, cities like Tallinn and Tartu balance urban living with easy access to nature.
- Strong job market in tech, logistics & services: The startup scene is booming, and sectors like IT, transport, and multilingual customer service are constantly hiring.
- English widely spoken in urban hubs: You can navigate daily life in major cities without speaking Estonian — though learning the language opens more doors.
- Progressive, family-friendly policies: Estonia supports young families through parental leave, accessible childcare, and modern healthcare.
- Connectivity across Europe: Convenient air, ferry, and rail connections make it easy to travel and stay linked to the UK and beyond.
Required Documents for moving to Estonia
Relocating to Estonia involves various administrative steps depending on your citizenship status. Here’s what you need to prepare:
For Non-EU Citizens (UK, Norway, Switzerland):
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
- Residency Permit Application: Required for stays exceeding 90 days. Apply through the Estonian embassy or online.
- ToR (Transfer of Residence) Form: Allows tax-free import of personal belongings when relocating from the UK.
- Proof of Income/Employment: Such as a job contract, employment letter, or recent bank statements.
- Inventory List for Customs: Detailed list of items being moved, including estimated value.
- Health Insurance Proof: Private insurance or international coverage is mandatory until public access is available.
- Visa (if applicable): Depending on length of stay, certain nationals may require a national D visa.
For EU Citizens:
- EU ID/Passport: No visa needed, but must register your residence.
- Rental or Purchase Agreement: Required to register your Estonian address.
- Local Address Registration: Must be completed within 30 days of arrival.
- EU Health Card or Insurance: EHIC accepted temporarily; long-term stays may require Estonian coverage.
- Employment/Income Documents: If planning to work, bring employment contracts or proof of income.
Van Onsite offers customs paperwork assistance, including templates for inventories and ToR guidance, making your documentation process smoother and faster.
Planning Your Move
Step-by-Step:
- Set Your Relocation Date: Choose a realistic move date considering job start times, school terms, and seasonality in moving costs. Spring and autumn are ideal for milder weather and lower demand.
- Organize Job/School Placement: Secure a job offer or school enrollment before arrival. Research Estonia’s job market or apply for remote roles supported by Estonia’s digital infrastructure.
- Book Trusted Removal Services: Select between part load or full load based on your inventory size and budget. Use insured, GPS-tracked transport via Van Onsite.
- Arrange Housing in Estonia: Browse platforms like kv.ee or city24.ee for rentals. Plan early to secure competitive options in Tallinn, Tartu, or Pärnu.
- Prepare Documents & Insurance: Collect all necessary paperwork including passport, health insurance, ToR forms, and employment/income proof. Create digital and paper copies.
- Register with Local Municipality: After arrival, register your address within 30 days and apply for your Estonian ID card to access services like banking and public transport.
Choosing the Right Moving to Estonia Service
| Service Type | Best For & Loading Country | Price Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Part Load | Flexible moves under 15m³ (UK/EU origin) | from £990 |
| Full Load | Whole household (20–90m³), UK loading | from £2,480 |
| Furniture Removals | Single items or partial flat removals (UK/Germany) | custom quoted |
Additional Services from Van Onsite:
- Express Premium Removals – Priority scheduling, limited handling, and GPS tracking for urgent moves.
- Packing & Unpacking Services – Professional packing materials, full or partial packing options.
- Storage Solutions – Secure, short- or long-term storage for staged or delayed deliveries.
- Office Relocations – Business and equipment moves with minimal downtime.
- Vehicle Transport – Car or motorcycle transport alongside your personal goods.
- Eco-Friendly Options – Shared load logistics and reusable packing options to reduce carbon footprint.
- House Removals – Ideal for families and full relocations with end-to-end insurance and dedicated support.
- Furniture Services – Specialized transport for valuable or bulky items like sofas, wardrobes, and beds.
- Part Load Option – A budget-friendly option for small to mid-sized moves with shared vehicle use and flexible delivery.
Estonian Job Market & Employment
Estonia boasts a dynamic, tech-driven economy that is especially welcoming to international professionals. With a business-friendly environment and a high level of digitalization, many sectors are actively hiring — particularly for those with English proficiency and in-demand skills.
| Sector | Common Roles | Avg. Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|---|
| IT & Startups | Developers, DevOps, QA, Data Analysts | 2,500–5,000 |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Drivers, Ops Managers, Warehouse Staff | 1,200–2,200 |
| Education | Teachers, Lecturers, Childcare Workers | 1,200–2,400 |
| Healthcare | Nurses, Lab Techs, Care Assistants | 1,300–2,800 |
| Customer Service | Support Agents, Team Leads | 1,000–1,800 |
| Construction | Electricians, Plumbers, Site Managers | 1,500–2,700 |
| Tourism & Hospitality | Hotel Staff, Chefs, Tour Guides | 1,000–1,700 |
Salaries may vary depending on location and experience. Tallinn offers higher wages and more job opportunities compared to smaller towns.
Remote and hybrid job models are also becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the tech and support sectors.
Van Onsite can help align your moving schedule with employment start dates and offer flexible delivery to accommodate onboarding timelines.
Cost of Living: UK vs Germany vs Estonia
| Expense | UK (£) | Germany (€) | Estonia (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed city) | 1,100 | 870 | 550 |
| Public transport | 75 | 70 | 30 |
| Gym membership | 40 | 45 | 35 |
| Restaurant meal | 50 | 45 | 35 |
| Bread (loaf) | 1.25 | 1.60 | 1.00 |
Moving to Estonia: Housing
Estonia offers affordable and flexible housing options compared to many Western European countries. The rental market is well-developed, particularly in cities like Tallinn, Tartu, and Pärnu.
- Average rent in Tallinn: €550–€750 for a 1-bedroom apartment; up to €1,200 in city center or for larger flats
- Lower rates in Tartu, Pärnu: €400–€600 for similar-sized units
- Deposit: Typically 1–2 months’ rent plus one month prepaid
- Lease length: Standard contracts are 6–12 months; short-term rentals also available
- Rental platforms: kv.ee, city24.ee, and Facebook housing groups
- Utilities: €80–€150/month depending on season, flat size, and insulation
- Internet: €20–€30/month for high-speed fiber connections
- Furnishing: Most rentals come furnished or semi-furnished, especially in Tallinn
- Documents required: Passport/ID, income proof, and sometimes employer reference
Pro tip: Landlords often speak English, and many lease agreements are available in both Estonian and English versions.
Life After Arrival
Once you’ve arrived in Estonia, several key tasks will help you fully integrate and enjoy the benefits of residency:
- Register your residence within 30 days at the local municipality office. This is required for accessing most public services.
- Apply for an Estonian ID card after registering your address. The card enables you to use e-services such as digital signatures, tax filing, and online banking.
- Access healthcare by enrolling in the national health insurance system (Haigekassa) through your employer or private plan if self-employed or non-EU. Some private plans are also accepted.
- Open a bank account at major Estonian banks like SEB, Swedbank, or LHV. You’ll need your Estonian ID and residence documentation.
- Enjoy free public transport in Tallinn as a registered resident. Your ID card will serve as your transit pass.
- Set up mobile and internet plans, which require proof of ID and local address. Providers include Telia, Elisa, and Tele2.
- Learn Estonian basics – while English is widely spoken, knowing some local phrases enhances your experience and social integration.
- Explore e-residency benefits – even if you reside physically in Estonia, having an e-residency profile can simplify digital business management.
Why Van Onsite?
- Over 20 years of experience in UK–EU household and commercial removals
- Seamless customs clearance, including post-Brexit documentation support
- Fleet of modern, GPS-equipped vehicles for safe, trackable transport
- Flexible options: groupage for budget-friendly, express for urgent moves
- Professional teams trained in furniture protection and international logistics
- Exceptional customer satisfaction with 4.9★ Google reviews
- Custom quotes, personal move coordinators, and multilingual support
Conclusion
Moving to Estonia offers a gateway to modern living, digital convenience, and exciting opportunities — all within a cost-effective, nature-rich, and family-friendly environment. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or lifestyle, Estonia stands out with its smart infrastructure, welcoming culture, and smooth immigration processes.
From understanding the required documents and selecting the right removal service, to comparing costs and settling into local life, this guide equips you with everything you need to make informed decisions. With Van Onsite by your side, you can count on professional, secure, and tailored support at every stage of your relocation journey.
Start planning today and step into a smarter, calmer way of living — in Estonia.
FAQs
Can I move with pets?
Yes. Pets must be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel), and possess an EU-compliant pet passport or third-country veterinary certificate.
Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need a visa. UK and other non-EU nationals require a long-stay visa (D-visa) or residence permit for stays over 90 days. These must be applied for in advance.
How long does moving take?
- Part load: 5–10 business days depending on route and scheduling flexibility.
- Full load: 2–4 days with direct delivery and priority handling.
Is remote work allowed?
Yes! Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and freelancers. It allows you to legally work from Estonia while employed by a foreign company or self-employed.
Can I bring my vehicle?
Yes. You’ll need to register it within 5 days of arrival and comply with Estonian roadworthiness and insurance regulations.
Do I need to exchange my driving licence?
EU licences are valid in Estonia. UK licences are accepted for short stays; for long-term residents, exchanging to an Estonian licence is required after 6 months.
What about schooling for children?
Estonia offers free public education, international schools in Tallinn and Tartu, and well-regarded childcare facilities. Registration requires proof of address and child’s ID.
Ready to move? Van Onsite is your trusted relocation partner for a hassle-free start in Estonia.
