How to move to Estonia has become a frequently asked question for individuals seeking a new life in one of Europe’s most digitally advanced and welcoming countries. With its progressive e-governance, competitive cost of living, and growing economy, Estonia offers the perfect mix of modernity, opportunity, and simplicity. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or remote flexibility, this guide will walk you through every critical step to make your move smooth and efficient.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn the full relocation process from planning to arrival
- Understand legal requirements for both EU and non-EU citizens
- Compare removal service options: part-load, full-load, and furniture moves
- Access a checklist of essential documents and registrations
- Get an overview of the job market and housing situation in Estonia
- Discover cost of living comparisons between the UK and Estonia
- Find out why Van Onsite is your best partner for a seamless move
Why Move to Estonia?
Estonia stands out as one of the most progressive, efficient, and livable countries in Europe, making it an ideal destination for both individuals and families.
Key Benefits:
- EU nation with advanced digital infrastructure and e-residency options
- Lower cost of living compared to the UK and Germany
- Clean environment with beautiful green spaces and a high quality of life
- Strong healthcare and education systems
- Fast-growing job market, especially in tech and customer service sectors
- English widely spoken in urban areas
- Supportive and welcoming expat communities
Cost of Living Comparison – UK vs Germany vs Estonia
| Category | UK Avg. (£) | Germany Avg. (€) | Estonia Avg. (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed city) | £1,100 | €870 | €550 |
| Fuel (per litre) | £1.60 | €1.78 | €1.55 |
| Public Transport | £75 | €70 | €30 |
| Bread (loaf) | £1.25 | €1.60 | €1.00 |
| Cheese (1kg) | £7.00 | €9.00 | €7.50 |
| Gym Membership | £40 | €45 | €35 |
| Cinema Ticket | £12 | €11 | €8 |
| Restaurant Meal (2) | £50 | €45 | €35 |
Prices are approximate averages as of 2025 and may vary by city and region.
Job Market & Salary Overview by Sector (Estonia)
| Sector | Common Roles | Monthly Salary Range (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | Developers, QA, DevOps | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| Logistics & Transport | Coordinators, Drivers, Warehouse | €1,200 – €2,200 |
| Customer Support | Support Agents, Team Leads | €1,000 – €1,800 |
| Education | Teachers, Researchers | €1,200 – €2,500 |
| Healthcare | Nurses, Medical Assistants | €1,300 – €2,800 |
| Construction | Technicians, Engineers | €1,400 – €3,000 |
Salaries reflect gross monthly averages and may vary by experience, city, and company.
Planning Your Move
Step-by-step checklist:
- Define Your Relocation Timeline: Set a realistic schedule for your move, allowing time for paperwork, logistics, and job or housing arrangements.
- Apply for Residency or Visa: Depending on your citizenship, you may need to apply for a residence permit, e-residency, or long-stay visa. Check Estonian Police and Border Guard Board requirements.
- Organize Employment or Education: Secure a job offer or school placement, as this may be required for residency documentation.
- Book Your International Removals Company: Choose a trusted partner like Van Onsite that offers full or part load transport with customs assistance and tracking.
- Gather Required Documentation: Collect your passport, proof of income or employment, housing agreements, ToR forms (for UK citizens), and inventory lists for customs.
- Register Your Address in Estonia: Within 30 days of arrival, register your residence at the local municipality office. This step is essential for healthcare, tax, and public service access.
- Settle Essentials Post-Arrival: Open a bank account, get a local SIM card, register for healthcare, and apply for your Estonian ID card.
Choosing the Right Moving Service
Compare options:
Choosing the right type of removal service depends on the size of your move, the urgency of delivery, and your budget. Van Onsite offers flexible, tailored options to fit every relocation need:
| Service Type | Best For and Country of Loading | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Part Load | Small moves (5–15m³), budget-friendly, shared van space. Country of loading: UK. | From £990 |
| Full Load | Large family homes or complete relocations (20–90m³), direct van. Country of loading: UK. | From £2,480 |
| Furniture Removals | Transporting specific items like sofas, beds, wardrobes. Country of loading: UK. | Custom quoted |
- Part load is ideal if your volume is flexible and timing is not urgent. Read more about part-load removals to Estonia.
- Full load gives you direct transport, perfect for urgent or large-scale moves. Learn about house removals to Estonia.
- Furniture removal suits those with specific items to transport and no need for full relocation.
All services include insurance options, professional handling, and customs support for both EU and non-EU relocations.
Required Documents
For UK and non-EU Citizens:
Relocating from the UK or another non-EU country requires more detailed preparation due to customs and residency regulations:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Transfer of Residence (ToR) form for tax-free import of personal belongings (especially for UK residents)
- Proof of employment or steady income (job contract, payslips, or bank statements)
- Proof of accommodation in Estonia (rental agreement or property ownership document)
- Full inventory list of the items being moved, including approximate values
- Customs declaration forms (especially important for household goods transported overland)
- Health insurance coverage valid in Estonia
- Residency permit application (if staying longer than 90 days)
For EU Citizens:
As part of the Schengen zone, EU nationals enjoy simplified relocation procedures:
- Passport or national EU ID card
- Signed rental agreement or documentation of property ownership in Estonia
- Local registration of residence with Estonian authorities within 30 days of arrival
- EU health insurance card (EHIC) or proof of valid health coverage from home country
- Optional: Tax ID registration if planning to work or operate a business in Estonia
Van Onsite helps coordinate documentation, guides you through customs paperwork, and provides template inventories and ToR support upon request.
Estonian Job Market and Economy
Estonia’s job market is thriving, especially in digital and export-oriented industries. The country’s pro-business environment and widespread English proficiency make it attractive to international professionals.
- Sectors in High Demand: Information technology (developers, DevOps, cybersecurity), logistics and supply chain management, customer service (especially multilingual), engineering (mechanical, civil, and electrical), and the startup ecosystem.
- Employment Opportunities: Startups, tech giants, EU-funded projects, and international logistics firms are actively hiring both EU and non-EU citizens.
- Salaries for Expats: While salaries are lower than in the UK or Germany, Estonia offers a lower cost of living and minimal bureaucracy. Tech professionals can expect €2,000–€5,000/month, while roles in logistics, customer service, and education offer €1,200–€2,500/month.
- English-Friendly Workplaces: In urban areas and in international firms, English is often the primary language. However, knowledge of Estonian gives candidates a competitive edge, especially in public-sector jobs.
- Remote Work & E-Residency: Estonia’s digital infrastructure supports remote workers and entrepreneurs, including via the e-residency program which enables business incorporation without physical presence.
Housing in Estonia
Finding a home in Estonia is straightforward and affordable compared to Western Europe. Most expats choose to settle in major cities like Tallinn, Tartu, or Pärnu, each offering a range of rental options.
- Average Rental Prices: In Tallinn, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €550–€750/month, while in Tartu and Pärnu prices can be lower, averaging €400–€600/month.
- Deposit Requirements & Tenancy Process: Typically, landlords require a deposit equal to 1–2 months’ rent, along with the first month’s rent paid upfront. Lease contracts usually last 6–12 months and are signed in Estonian or English.
- Utilities & Broadband Setup: Monthly utility bills (heating, electricity, water, and garbage) range from €80 to €150 depending on the season and property size. High-speed internet is widely available for around €20–€30/month. Many providers offer bundled TV and mobile services.
Tip: Use local platforms like kv.ee or city24.ee to find rental listings, and check if your employer provides relocation housing support for a smoother transition.
Life After Arrival
Once you’ve arrived in Estonia, settling into everyday life involves several key administrative and lifestyle steps to ensure you’re legally compliant and comfortable in your new environment.
- Local Registration and ID Card: All residents must register their place of residence with the local municipality within 30 days. Once registered, you can apply for your Estonian ID card, which is used for most services, including banking, medical visits, and digital signatures.
- Healthcare Access and Insurance: If you’re employed, your employer will register you with the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Haigekassa). Freelancers or non-working residents should purchase private insurance or apply for state coverage if eligible. EHIC cards are accepted for short stays.
- Public Transport and Mobile Setup: In Tallinn, residents can enjoy free public transport after registration. Elsewhere, monthly transport passes are affordable. Setting up a mobile phone plan is quick and requires your ID card and local address.
- Opening a Bank Account: Estonian banks require a passport or ID, proof of address, and in some cases, an Estonian ID code. Popular banks include Swedbank, SEB, and LHV. Some digital banks also accept foreign documents if you haven’t received your ID yet.
Why Choose Van Onsite?
Van Onsite stands out as a leading specialist in seamless, stress-free European relocations. Whether you’re moving a single item or an entire household, their tailored service model ensures professional care at every step.
- Expert in EU & UK relocations: Decades of experience moving clients across the continent with full compliance to post-Brexit rules.
- Customs-ready support: Van Onsite navigates complex documentation, including ToR for UK citizens, ensuring zero delays at borders.
- Flexible service options: Choose from part-load, full-load, or furniture-specific moves — all priced competitively.
- Real-time GPS tracking: Know exactly where your belongings are at all times, with full transparency.
- Fully insured and secure: Peace of mind with professional packing, handling, and transport insurance.
- Exceptional client reviews: Rated 4.9/5 for reliability, professionalism, and punctuality.
👉 Get your free quote today and start planning your move to Estonia with confidence.
Summary
Moving to Estonia offers a unique combination of affordability, modern digital infrastructure, and excellent quality of life. Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or entrepreneurship, Estonia welcomes you with open arms and a supportive system.
With its progressive government services, low cost of living, growing job market, and English-friendly environment, it’s no wonder Estonia is a top choice for expats across Europe.
Van Onsite simplifies every aspect of your move — from logistics and customs documentation to insurance and secure transport. Their flexible service options, including part load, full load, and furniture removals, make it easy to tailor your move to your needs.
Make your transition seamless, supported, and stress-free with Van Onsite.
FAQ Section
How long does it take to move?
It typically takes 5–10 days for part-load removals and 2–4 days for full-load direct transport, depending on origin and border checks.
What’s the best time of year to move?
Spring and early autumn offer ideal weather and less demand. Avoid peak summer and year-end periods if possible for better rates and availability.
Can I move with pets?
Yes. Pets need a valid pet passport, microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Some breeds may require special documentation.
Is health insurance required before arrival?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory to access public services and register residency. EU nationals can use EHIC temporarily; non-EU citizens must have private insurance until registered.
Can I work remotely in Estonia as a foreigner?
Absolutely. Estonia supports remote workers with digital infrastructure and offers a Digital Nomad Visa for non-EU citizens planning stays over 90 days.
