Private and Public Services - EnG

Private and
Public Services
HANDBOOKS
Private
and Public
Services
Estonia: Networking,
State, Society Volunteering
and Language and Leisure
Time
My Rights and
Responsibilities
Higher
Working and Education
Labour Market and Research
Kindergarten
and Schools
Children Residence and

and Family Citizenship
Business and
Entrepreneurship
SERVICES DESIGNED
08 FOR FOREIGNERS
RESIDENCE AND
14 HOUSING
22 BANKING SERVICE
ID-CARDS AND
25 RESIDENCE PERMIT CARDS
31 E-SERVICES
36 TRANSPORTATION
48 HEALTHCARE
57 MEDIA
59 OTHER SERVICES
CONTENTS
Introduction 7
1. Services Designed for Foreigners 8

1.1. Relocation services 8
1.2. Moving your belongings 9
1.3. Settle in Estonia programme 10
1.4. Counselling centres and mentoring 10
Police and Border Guard migration advisors 10
Integration Foundation 11
International House of Estonia 11
Tartu Welcome Centre 12
EURES Estonia 12
1.5. Civil society organisations and cultural activities 12
1.6. Learning Estonian 13
2. Residence and Housing 14

2.1. Searching for a place to live 14
2.2. Fees related to renting 15
2.3. Agreements related to housing 16
Renting 16
Purchase and sales 17
2.4. Requirements for maintaining rented or purchased real estate 17
2.5. Residency address registration 18
2.6. Waste management at your place of residence 20
2.7. Telecommunication services 20
Phone services 20
TV / Internet / Landlines 21
3. Banking Services 22
3.1 Opening an account 22
3.2 Bank cards 22
3.3. Online banking 23
3.4. Bank transfers 23
3.5. Other ways of sending money 24
4. ID-Cards and Residence Permit Cards 25
4.1. Areas of use of residence permit cards 26
4.2. Applying for documents 26
4.3. Authorization codes 27
4.4. E-mail address @eesti.ee 28
4.5. Digital documents 28
4.6. Digital signature 29
5. E-Services 31
5.1. E-Tax Board 31
5.2. E-School, Stuudium and ELIIS 32
5.3. Police and Border Guard Board e-services 33
5.4. E-elections 33
5.5. E-healthcare 34
Digital prescription (e-prescription) 35
6. Transportation 36
6.1. Public transportation 36
Police Airports 36
Ships 36
Domestic ferry routes 37
Trains 38
Inter-city buses 38
Taxis 39
Bicycle and electric scooter rental 40
Public transport in Tallinn 40
Public transport in Tartu and Narva 41
6.2. Driving a car 42
Driver’s licence 42
Buying and selling a car 43
Relocating your car 44
Car insurance 45
Car rental 46
Parking 47
7. Healthcare 48
7.1. Family doctors and specialized doctors 49
7.2. Online medical services 50
7.3. Hospitals 51
7.4. Dental care 52
7.5. Emergency care 53
7.6. EU health insurance card 54
7.7. Digilugu health portal 54
7.8. Pharmacies 55
7.9. COVID-19 pandemic 56
8. Media 57
8.1 Television 57
8.2 Radio 57
8.3. Newspapers 58
9. Other Services 59
9.1. Emergency telephone number 112 59
9.2. Postal services 61
Mailing a letter 61
Parcel services 62
2.4. Waste management 63
Packaging 63
2.5. Legal counselling 64
2.6. Victim support 65
2.7. People with disabilities 66
List of references 67
Keywords 68
07
INTRODUCTION
This handbook provides an overview of services that are available for

people in Estonia both by the public, private and third sector. Being new to
this country, it is worth knowing what kind of services can be accessed and
what type of support you can expect, whom should you address your
concerns to and what to consider. In general, this handbook attempts to
provide you with the most fundamental and important information that
you might want to have when moving to Estonia. Enjoy the reading!
Lennart Meri
The Estonian state is costly and the
Former President of
Estonian state is dear. It is costly for
Estonia (1992-2001)
the citizen's pocketbook and it is
dear to the citizen's heart.
08
1. SERVICES DESIGNED
FOR FOREIGNERS
During the last decade, the Estonian government and employers have put in
a lot of effort to develop support services and information materials that help
newcomers settle in Estonia. This section provides a brief overview of such
initiatives.
1.1. RELOCATION SERVICES
When moving your personal belongings from other countries to Estonia, it

is advised to use a professional moving company’s services. This guaran-
tees that your belongings reach their destination safely, customs-related
services are handled correctly, and your property is insured during the
moving process.
If you are moving within the European Union, customs regulations generally
do not apply. To cut costs, it is possible to rent a van or a small truck and drive
your belongings to Estonia. In such a case you should consider risks that are
covered when using a moving company.
Companies that provide professional relocation services operate in Estonia,

providing paid services which may increase your comfort in arriving in Esto-
nia and coping with life here. If you are moving to Estonia for work, your
employer may already have a contract with one of such companies. Some of
these companies include MoveMyTalent (movemytalent.com), Talent
Mobility Management (talentmobility.ee), Muuttoapu Keveesti
(keveesti.com), Expat Relocation Estonia (expatestonia.ee), Jobbatical
Relocation Services (jobbatical.com).
Services provided by them may include, for example, finding you a place to
live, helping you move your things, conclude rental agreements, order utility
services and executing your documents concerning your stay in Estonia.
For a detailed description of services, review the information on such com-

panies’ websites and contact them in person.
09
1.2. MOVING YOUR BELONGINGS
International shipping companies can help you bring your belongings to

Estonia. Shipping times vary depending on your country of origin. If you
are moving from an EU country, there are no tax restrictions. If you move
from a non-EU country, import tax might be imposed on some imported
goods. You can import your personal property (such as household items)
by applying for tax exemption. Clothes and other necessities are not
taxed. Items you have had for less than six months will be subject to
import duties and taxes. You can find a detailed list of required docu-
ments on the Tax and Customs Board website at emta.ee
10
1.3. SETTLE IN ESTONIA PROGRAMME

After you have already arrived in Estonia, there are several services targeted
specifically to foreigners, including so-called welcoming programmes. The
major one is the Settle in Estonia Programme (EE: ),
that is a free educational programme provided by the Estonian state which
is intended to help the foreigners who have arrived in Estonia to adapt and
become accustomed to local life more easily. The programme, which
includes various training courses, gives an overview of how the state of
Estonia and the society function and how daily life is organised.
All foreigners with a residence permit who have arrived in Estonia during
the last five years are welcome to participate in the Settle in Estonia
programme. Within the programme, the participants can learn Estonian
and receive information about working and studying in Estonia, as well as
family-related matters.
The Settle in Estonia programme consists of modules – training seminars

on different subjects. The modules include basic, studying, family life,
research, international protection, work and entrepreneurship and language
training. The programme also includes several handbooks on major areas
of life in Estonia, one of which is the one you are currently reading!
For more information see

settleinestonia.ee
1.4. COUNSELLING CENTRES AND MENTORING

1.4.1. Police and Border Guard migration advisors
Migration advisors at the Police and Border Guard Board support foreigners
in settling in Estonia and are a partner to employers, entrepreneurs, educa-
tional institutions and to others who invite foreigners to Estonia. Advisors
work in Estonian, English and Russian. The service is free of charge.
Foreigners are welcome to meet with consultants to discuss the living,
working, doing business or research, and studying in Estonia. Advisors
provide counselling over the phone, by email, Skype, and face to face.
11
For more information and to book an appointment

see the webpage of the Police and Border Guard Board
politsei.ee/en/migration-consultants
1.4.2. Integration Foundation

The advisers from the Integration Foundation’s Counselling Centre and its
counselling web (at integratsioon.ee) offer a wide range of information
and can refer people on to other agencies and service providers where
needed. The advisory services are available to anyone who has questions
about living in Estonia.
The advisers can introduce Estonian residents to public services they may
need or be interested in and can support them in dealing with state institu-
tions and local authorities. Centres are located in Tallinn and Narva.
1.4.3. International House of Estonia
International House of Estonia (IHE) is a common service centre in Tallinn

providing a wide range of essential information – consultations and public
authority services for international newcomers and local employers. IHE
provides free personal consultations for foreigners, their families, and local
employers about settling in, documentation, healthcare, language
programs etc.
PAY ATTENTION!
All consultations at IHE require prior booking and the
services are meant for foreigners already residing in
Estonia or arriving shortly.
For more information go to workinestonia.com/internationalhouse

12
1.4.4. Tartu Welcome Centre
Tartu Welcome Centre is a team of local advisers with the mission of

supporting newcomers in the process of settling in. All services are free of
charge and meant for international newcomers and their family members
living in Tartu or South-Estonia. The services provided include free
consultations, registry services, cultural and networking events, and useful
information.

tartuwelcomecentre.ee
1.4.5. EURES Estonia
The purpose of EURES (European Employment Services) Estonia is

designed to facilitate the free movement of workers within the EU countries
plus Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Moreover, EURES has
an important role to play in providing specific information and facilitate
placements for the benefit of employers and frontier workers in European
cross-border regions. EURES provides of a broad range of services – for
example, information about the rules of the Estonian labour market and job
seeking in Estonia that is available on the EURES portal or through the vast
human network of more than a thousand advisers working in the EURES
Member and Partner organisations. More information about EURES can be
found on its website at eures.ee and in the handbook on working and the
labour market.

eures.ee
1.5. CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
The international community more than doubled in Estonia during the past
few years. The largest groups of foreigners in Estonia are international
students, people coming to work here as well as their accompanying fami-
lies. There are many civil society organisations, communities and online
groups aiming to ease the process of settling in, establishing new connec-
tions and providing personalised advice from people with a similar back-
ground. A selection of them is listed here below. For more specific groups,
organisations, or networks, see the handbook on networking, volunteering
and leisure time.
13
Online and general communities:

International House of Estonia -
workinestonia.com/internationalhouse
International House Tartu - internationalhouse.ee
Estonian Institute – estinst.ee
InterNations – internations.org
Meetup – meetup.com
Tallinn International Rotary Club - tallinnirc.com
Community and support organisations:
Johannes Mihkelson Centre – jmk.ee

Estonian Refugee Council – pagulasabi.ee
Facebook groups:
CS Tallinn –
facebook.com/groups/161289290595440
Expats in Tallinn/Estonia –
Foreigners in Tartu –
Foreigners living in Estonia –
More information about different groups can be found in the

handbook on networking, volunteering and leisure time.
1.6. LEARNING ESTONIAN

There are many ways to start or continue learning Estonian. Options include
Estonian language courses (from A1 to C1 levels), informal study (language
and culture clubs and cafés), studying Estonian independently by using
dedicated websites or apps, or revising published learning materials, and
testing your local language level. A lot of the materials and several courses
are provided free of charge.
If you are interested in learning Estonian, check out the
handbook on the Estonian language.
14
2. RESIDENCE AND HOUSING
2.1. SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE

The Estonian rental market in major cities and towns is quite vibrant. Loca-
tions for tenants with different needs and expectations are available. The
most common way to find a place for rent or properties for sale is to use
online real estate websites. Major websites include city24.ee and kv.ee
These real estate websites contain thousands of properties for sale and rent
at any given time. Major websites also have menus in foreign languages.
The content of the advertisements is generally in Estonian, but you can
always try contacting the owner in English or Russian, for example by send-
ing an e-mail first.
To find a suitable place to live, use the filters available on the websites. The
filters enable you to choose the most suitable real estate offers according to
criteria important to you.
Some real estate sites let you filter rental properties directly from the owner
(EE: ). In these cases, there is no broker fee. Often, these prop-
erties are snatched up so quickly that they do not reach the general public.
There are also local Facebook groups that list such rentals (e.g. ‘Üürikorterid
(ILMA MAAKLERITA)’ and ‘Korterite üürimine
(MAAKLERITETA!)’ in Facebook).
Some landlords are not inclined to rent their property to foreigners. Barriers
may include both language and fear (i.e. the lack of trust) of renting an
apartment to someone from another country. Another problem people
face when renting an apartment is the so-called ‘black’ rental market, where
properties are rented informally and without paying taxes. Settling the
payments in cash or with misleading descriptions in bank transfers may
leave renters without the necessary sense of security. Also, although it is
your right and obligation to register the rental as your residence address in
the Population Registry, it is better to confirm this with the landlord before-
hand to avoid any issues in the future. On how to register your residence in
Estonia, please see the handbook on residence and citizenship.
15
In Tallinn, during the last few years, several rental buildings have been
developed where people can rent directly from a company rather than a
private individual who owns the property or through a real estate agent.
Some of the examples include Lumi kodud in North-Tallin, Laava Apart-
ments in Mustamäe and Ülemiste City Residences. While both short and
long-term
The rentals
Estonian rentalare available,
market renting
in major citiesan apartment
and from vibrant.
towns is quite one of these
Locations for tenants with different needs and expectations aredirectly
companies maybe a little more expensive compared to renting from
available.
a private individual. However, it usually involves a lot less hassle
The most common way to find a place for rent or properties for sale is toand comes
withonline
use a stronger sense websites.
real estate of security.
Major websites include city24.ee and
kv.ee.
These real estate websites contain thousands of properties for sale and
Did you know?
rent at any given time. Major websites also have menus in foreign
languages. The content of the advertisements is generally in Estonian, but
youIncan always
Estonia, try contacting
there the owner
is no “ground” in English
floor and countingorstarts
Russian, forthe
from example
by floor
sending an e-mail first.
on the street level which is considered the 1st floor. As such,
the 1st floor in the UK, for example, is the 2nd floor in Estonia.
filters enable you to choose the most suitable real estate offers according
to criteria important to you.
2.2. FEES
Some real estate RELATED
sites let youTO filterRENTING
rental properties directly from the
owner (EE: otse omanikult). In these cases, there is no broker fee. Often,
The fees
these related to
properties arerenting
snatched an apartment
up so quickly arethat
divided
theyinto fourreach
do not groups:
the
general public. There are also local Facebook groups that list such rentals
1. Rent of the apartment – this fee is agreed upon in the rental
(e.g. ‘Üürikorterid (ILMA MAAKLERITA)’ and ‘Korterite üürimine (MAAK-
agreement. Rent is paid once a month, generally in advance
LERITETA!)’ in Facebook).
(consequently, the rent for January is paid at the end of December or
beginning of January)
Some landlords are not inclined to rent their property to foreigners.
Barriers may include both language and fear (i.e. the lack of trust) of
2. Deposit – this sum is paid once prior to moving in. The deposit
renting an apartment to someone from another country. Another problem
remains in the possession of the landlord for the entire rental period.
people face when renting an apartment is the so-called ‘black’ rental
When the rental period ends and you move out of the property, the
market, where properties are rented informally and without paying taxes.
deposit is usually returned to you. If the bills are left unpaid after you
Settling the payments in cash or with misleading descriptions in bank
move out or if you have damaged the property, the owner has the right
transfers may leave renters without the necessary sense of security. Also,
There toare
paymany
thesewaysexpenses
to and using
start the deposit.
or continue The Estonian.
deposit is Options
usually equal to
although it is your right obligation to learning
register the rental as your
oneEstonian
include month’slanguage
rent. In some cases (more expensive properties) it can be
residence address in the Population Registry, it is better to confirmstudy
courses (from A1 to C1 levels), informal this
equal and
(language to the rent for
culture 2 orand
clubs 3 months.
cafés), studying Estonian independently
with the landlord beforehand to avoid any issues in the future. On how to
by using your
register dedicated websites
residence or apps,
in Estonia, or revising
please see thepublished
handbook learning
on residence
3. Utilities
materials, and – utilities
testing yourinclude
local all the running
language level. costs
A lot ofrelated
the to usingand
materials an
and citizenship.
apartment,
several courses are such as water,
provided electricity,
free of charge.and heat. Often the tenant is
responsible for paying the general costs for the building, such as
cleaning, maintenance etc.
16
The exact amount paid for utilities is not usually laid down in the agreement.
That is why it is important to find out the utilities for the specific property –
ask the owner or realtor to show you earlier bills (particularly for the winter
months in Estonia, when heating costs may double the total sum of utilities).
Occasionally, especially with properties that are older or in bad shape, utilities
can be very high (sometimes even as high as the rent!). And although the
repair fund (EE: ) item in the utility bill is technically the owner’s
The Estonian rental
responsibility, market
it is usually theintenant
major who
citiespays
and this
towns is quitefee.
monthly vibrant.
Locations for tenants with different needs and expectations are available.
The most common way to find a place for rent or properties for sale is to
use online real estate
4. Agreement feewebsites.
or realtorMajor websites include
arrangement city24.ee
fee. Most and posted
properties
kv.ee.
on websites are offered through realtors. The realtor represents the
owner of the property and arranges the finding of tenants, draws up the
These real estate websites
agreements, and shows contain thousands
the property toofinterested
propertiesparties.
for sale However,
and
rent traditionally
at any giventhe
time. Major websites also have menus in foreign
realtor fee is paid by the tenant. The realtor fee is usually
languages.
equal toThe
onecontent
month’sofrent.
the advertisements is generally in Estonian, but
you can always try contacting the owner in English or Russian, for example
by sending an e-mail first.
Example:
If you have decided to move into a property where the monthly rent
filters enable you to choose the most suitable real estate offers according
is € 500,
to criteria generally
important you have to pay:
to you.
€ 500 – first month’s rent in advance
Some € real
500estate sites let you filter rental properties directly from the
– deposit
owner€(EE: 500 – realtor fee In these cases, there is no broker fee. Often,
otse omanikult).
these properties are snatched up so quickly that they do not reach the
Total: € 1,500
general public. There are also local Facebook groups that list such rentals
(e.g. ‘Üürikorterid (ILMA MAAKLERITA)’ and ‘Korterite üürimine (MAAK-
LERITETA!)’ in Facebook).
2.3. AGREEMENTS
Some landlords are not inclined RELATED
to rent their TO
property HOUSING
to foreigners.
Barriers may include both language and fear (i.e. the lack of trust) of
2.3.1.
rentingRenting
an apartment to someone from another country. Another problem
people face when renting an apartment is the so-called ‘black’ rental
When renting,
market, where aproperties
rental agreement
are rented (EE: )
informally and is concluded
without payingbetween the
taxes.
owner and the tenant. The agreement specifies the rental
Settling the payments in cash or with misleading descriptions in bank period, the rights
and obligations
transfers of the
may leave parties
renters andthe
without information
necessaryrelatedsense of tosecurity.
amending the
Also,
agreement. Before signing a rental agreement, it is very
although it is your right and obligation to register the rental as yourimportant to review
the terms address
residence and conditions of the agreement
in the Population Registry,init detail.
is betterIf the agreement
to confirm this is in
Estonian (and usually it is) and you lack the language
with the landlord beforehand to avoid any issues in the future. On how toskills needed, you
register your residence in Estonia, please see the handbook on residence to
must ask the realtor or a local to explain the contents of the agreement
you citizenship.
and as thoroughly as possible.
17
The rental agreement is generally signed when the tenant moves into the
property (upon handing over the property). Upon handing over the
property, usually, an annex to the rental agreement is made. This annex lists
items handed over by the owner (furniture, lighting fittings, appliances, etc)
to the tenant. It also states any defects in the property (stains,
damages, non-working appliances, etc.). After concluding the rental agree-
ment, the tenant has the right to notify the owner of any discovered defects
within 7 days. It is advised to document these defects on
photographs and forward the pictures to the owner by e-mail. Including this
annex in the rental agreement is important, as it helps prevent disputes
when the rental period expires, and the tenant returns the
property to the owner. This annex is revised during the handing over of the
property to the owner after the rental term expires and the tenant moves
out.
2.3.2. Purchase and sales
Buying property in a foreign country is one of the most complex decisions

in the process of relocation. It is recommended to use a real estate agency
and consult a notary or law firm in the process. Individuals and companies,
who are not members of the European Union or EEA, can buy a house or
plot of land with the permission of local authorities. In most cases, there are
no restrictions on buying apartments.
PAY ATTENTION!
The sales contract must always be notarized. The
notary public also prepares the application to the Land
Register for transfer of ownership and title. The parties
must sign the transfer documents at the notary’s office.
2.4. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING

RENTED OR PURCHASED REAL ESTATE
Renting your housing, the rental agreement regulates the need to maintain
the property. Usually, the phrasing is quite general saying that you must use
the house carefully. The owner is interested in retaining the property value
in the long term.
18
In essence, it means that you must do everything possible to keep the prop-
erty and the interior clean and undamaged. If damages occur, you must
recover them. If that is not possible, you must contact the owner, explain
what has happened and find a solution. If the damages are serious and
according to the rental agreement the responsibility rests on you, you are
bound to replace the damaged object with a similar undamaged object.
Your exact responsibility will depend on the details of the rental agreement.
In the common areas of the building (corridors/hallways, gardens, common

balconies etc), separate rules of the house established by the owner or the
housing association (EE: ) are usually in effect. It is always advisable to
ask and review such rules when moving into a new location. This includes
the so-called night hours (EE: ) when there is a limitation for the noise
you can make (for example, listening to music or having loud parties).
Maintaining sidewalks
Keeping sidewalks clean and safe is the duty of the owner of the building
or private house. In the winter, owners must:
Ensure de-icing of the pedestrian walkways bordering their property

and provide sanding materials, if necessary;
Check the roof and facade regularly and remove built-up snow and
icicles.
If you rent a house, winter maintenance should be regulated in the rental
agreement.
2.5. RESIDENCY ADDRESS REGISTRATION

Everyone living in Estonia must register their permanent address in the
population register in the long term, even if it is a rented home. This gives
you access to public and social services, such as a general practitioner/fam-
ily doctor, free public transportation (in Tallinn), and social benefits. The EU,
EAA, and Swiss citizens must register their address within the first 3
months of moving to Estonia. The first registration can only be done in
person. Non-EU citizens must register within 30 days of receiving their
temporary residence permit card. See more also in the handbook on
residency and citizenship.
19
There are several ways to change your official residence address in the
Estonian population register. You can:
Submit the residence notice form in person at the local government

unit or the International House of Estonia if you live in Tallinn.
If you have an Estonian residence permit card or ID-card, you can

email the residence notice form and signed rental agreement to the
local government, digitally signed with your ID-card.
If you have an Estonian residence permit card or ID-card, you can

register online via eesti.ee and the owner of your home can confirm
the registration.
You may also send the filled and signed notice form and copies of the
rental agreement to (the registry department of) the local government.
Address information
All immovable properties in Estonia have an address. An address is
composed of the following elements:
Street name
House number (and apartment number, if applicable). Usually
written in the format of “house number”-“apartment number”
Zip code (see omniva.ee)
City / town / rural municipality
Example of a city address

Pikk 12-5, 10123 Tallinn
Example of a rural address
Puka talu, Harkujärve küla, Harku
vald, 76912 Harjumaa
20
2.6. WASTE MANAGEMENT

AT YOUR PLACE OF RESIDENCE
If you live in an apartment building, your housing association (EE:
, ) has most likely organised the collection and remov-
al of waste. As a rule, there are garbage cans in the basement of the build-
ing or near the building and you have the right to take your waste there. In
some cases, waste is recycled before collection. In that case, you must sort
your waste into the following categories:
Municipal waste Paper and cardboard Biodegradable waste
PAY ATTENTION!
Hazardous waste and electrical waste must always be taken
to a waste plant or, in the case of electronics, to an electronics
store. The information and locations of waste plants can be
found on the website of your local municipality.
2.7. TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

Estonia is known for its high-tech lifestyle. Feeling connected is very import-
ant for Estonians. Almost everyone, from executives to children, communi-
cates by mobile phones and e-mail.
Estonia has one of the highest numbers of mobile phones per capita in the
world. Many people no longer use landlines. There are no public phone
booths in Estonia.
2.7.1. Phone services Did you

Mobile phones have become very know?
important in everyday life. They are used to
paying for parking and banking services, and In Estonia, there are more
to purchase public transport and movie mobile phone contracts
tickets. All mobile phone service providers than residents.
also offer mobile internet services.
21
Calling cards (rechargeable prepaid SIM cards) have no monthly payments,

but stick to slightly higher per-minute rates, and can be bought from all
petrol stations and news-stands. Permanent contracts require you to visit a
service provider’s service office. Such offices are in major
shopping centres, and you can always go to the office that is most
convenient for you to visit.
All landline phone numbers in Estonia have 7 digits. For international calls,
dial 00, then the country code, area code and phone number.
PAY ATTENTION!
The country code for Estonia is +372.
The main mobile phone service providers in Estonia are:
TELE2 - tele2.ee TELIA - telia.ee ELISA - elisa.ee
2.7.2. TV / Internet / Land-
The easiest and most convenient way to set up telecom services in your
home is to contact one of the service providers that offer packages includ-
ing all the necessary services you need – landline, TV, and Internet. The
prices of such services are low compared to other countries, starting from
approximately €30 per month and depending on your specific needs. You
can choose which TV channels you would like to access (local and interna-
tional) and the type of Internet connection you prefer (in terms of speed and
capacity).
You can also choose among additional services, e.g. recording your favour-
ite shows, video rentals, etc.
Without a residence card, you will have to make a security deposit that you
will get back once you have your card. Sometimes, it can very expensive
(up to a few hundred euros as of 2020). If your home has a connection with
the provider, activation usually takes 3-4 hours. If a connection is not set up
in the apartment, it might take up to a week to get it done.
The main service providers that provide Internet, TV and landlines
TELIA - telia.ee ELISA - elisa.ee STV - stv.ee

22
3. BANKING SERVICES
Tahad sõbrast lahti saada,

laena talle raha
If you want to get rid of a friend,
lend him money
In Estonia, most money transactions take place through bank transfers

(including salary payments and payments of state fees). Therefore, it is
strongly recommended for every resident to open a bank account. You
can open a bank account in most commercial banks and the terms and
conditions applied to current accounts are relatively similar in all of them.
3.1. OPENING AN ACCOUNT

Residents, as well as non-residents of Estonia, may open an Estonian bank
account. Restrictions apply to non-residents when opening bank accounts –
opening an account may take up to a week and the daily transfer limits are
low (up to € 200 per day as a rule).
As a resident, to open a bank account in Estonia, you need to appear at a

bank in person bringing your ID document issued in Estonia. All bank offices
open bank accounts – you do not need to go to the main office. If you work
in Estonia, it is recommended to also bring your employment contract – the
bank may ask you for the contract in some cases. Opening and having a
bank account is free of charge in most banks. You can start banking online
once you have your residence permit/ID-card.
Before you receive your Estonian temporary residence permit you can open
an international Transferwise Borderless bank account and get a debit card.
EXAMPLE of a bank account number used in Estonia:

EE12 3456 7890 1234 5678
3.2. BANK CARDS

You can pay by card (including and increasingly also with contactless
payments, up to 50 EUR) practically everywhere in Estonia. No service fees
are added when you pay by card. The advantage of paying by card is not
having to carry cash and strangers cannot access your money if the card is
lost or stolen.
23
If you order a bank card from a bank, it pays to specify the following:
Will you have to pick the card up from the office yourself or is it
going to be mailed to you (as a rule, you can choose between those
two options)?
What is the monthly fee for the bank card?
What is the fee for money withdrawals from an ATM of the same
bank and an ATM of another bank? As a rule, withdrawing money
from an ATM of the same bank is free of charge
(up to €1,000 at a time).
Will the bank card also allow you to make online payments?
3.3. ONLINE BANKING

You can conclude nearly all bank transactions via online banking. Bank
transactions made via online banking are significantly cheaper than trans-
actions made in bank offices and through ATMs. Nearly all banks operat-
ing in Estonia have online bank environments and apps with a wide selec-
tion of opportunities. You can log in to an online bank using your ID card,
smart ID, mobile ID, PIN-calculator, or most recently, also with biometric
data (using face-id or fingerprints with your phone).
3.4. BANK TRANSFERS

Money transfers from one Estonian bank to another are quick, often
immediate. On business days, transactions made before 4:30 p.m. go
through the same day. If you transfer money from one account to another
within the same bank, the transfer takes place instantly. Fees that are
applied to transfers within Estonia generally remain below €0.40. There
are usually no transaction fees for transfers to accounts within the same
bank.
Transfers to other countries in the Euro-zone (SEPA payments) also go

thorough quickly (with 1-2 business days as a rule, depending on whether
the payment was made before or after 1:00 p.m.). Here, transfer fees also
remain below €1.
Transfers outside of the Eurozone and EU member states may take longer.
Service fees are higher for such transfers. All transfers can be concluded
online. One can use online services such as Transferwise to transfer
money from or to non-EU countries. Service fees there are usually lower
there those for usual international bank transfers.
24
3.5. OTHER WAYS OF SENDING MONEY

Western Union transfer services
can also be used in Estonia. The
service is mediated by Omniva Did you know?
(Estonian postal service
provider) and you need to go to Transferwise was founded in 2011
a post office to transfer or by Estonians Kristo Käärmann
receive money. TransferWise is and Taavet Hinrikus.
also a possible alternative.
The biggest commercial banks involved in everyday banking:
Luminor - Swedbank -
luminor.ee swedbank.ee
SEB - COOP Pank - LHV -

seb.ee cooppank.ee lhv.ee
PAY ATTENTION!
Never keep the PIN codes of your bank card written
down in the same place as your card or written on the
€ €
€ €
25
4. ID-CARDS AND
RESIDENCE PERMIT CARDS
Estonian identity documents issued to foreigners enable you to use the

e-services provided by both the state and the private sector. These
documents keep the holder’s digital identity, enable digital identification
and digital signature. If a public service by its nature cannot be digitalised
(i.e. physical presence is required for fingerprints etc), information related
to such services is still available online.
In Estonia, identity documents that contain digital identity (i.e. digital

documents) are:
Identity card (ID-card) Residence permit card
Digital identity card e-Resident smart identity card
Mobile-ID
More information on requirements and applying for identity and

residence permit cards can be found in the residence and citizenship
handbook and the website of the Police and Border Guard Board
politsei.ee
Identity cards of Estonia can be used for visual identification (at a bank, at
a doctor’s office, at a store etc.) and digital identification (logging in online
etc.) of a person, as a travel document within the European Union, and for
digital signature and encryption and decryption of files.
Residence permit cards can be used similarly to identity cards, except for
traveling purposes. Consequently, a residence permit card cannot be used
as a travel document.
Identity card Residence permit card

26
4.1. AREAS OF USE OF RESIDENCE PERMIT CARDS

Digital identity cards and Mobile-ID can only be used for digital operations,
i.e. they cannot be used for physical identification or as a travel document.
If the digital document contains a chip in a plastic card, you would need to
download a special ID-card software into your computer (free and very easy to
install and use). This is in addition to ID-card reader which should be bought as
well (can be bought at any computer store or many supermarkets). Mobile-ID
can be included in any phone (not only smartphone) that contains a special
SIM card. For more information and instructions on Mobile-ID or ID-cards, in
general, please go to the website id.ee
Mobile-ID allows for identification and signature using a computer, a smart-

phone, or a tablet and you do not need a chip card reader or any special
software.
Did you know?

98% of Estonians have an ID-card.
4.2. APPLYING FOR DOCUMENTS

To apply for an identity card, digital identity card, and a residence permit
card in Estonia, you must visit the Police and Border Guard Board’s (EE:
) service office. You can check for opening times and
book an appointment on their website at politsei.ee. Their offices are open in all
counties.
To apply for a Mobile-ID first contact a mobile connection provider such as

Telia, Elisa, or Tele2 that will provide you with a required new SIM card. Next,
go to the Police and Border Guard’s website to apply and register your certifi-
cates.
For instructions on how to apply for documents, go to home pages of mobile

connection providers.
27
4.3. AUTHORIZATION CODES

With your digital document, you will receive a PIN-envelope containing
your PIN1, PIN2, and PUK code which you will need in order to use your-
document electronically. PIN1 is used for identification and you will have to
enter this PIN when logging on to websites, for instance. PIN2 is required
for digital signatures. If you enter your PIN1 or PIN2 wrongly three consecu-
tive times, your PIN will be locked. The PUK code unlocks locked PIN
codes.
Did you know?

Digital signatures in Estonia has the same
legal force as physical signatures
You can change your PIN codes using the ID software management
tool
PIN codes do not expire; yet may be changed as often as you like
Do not change the codes into two identical codes to better

remember them!
Keep your PIN codes secret from others
Never keep your PIN codes with your chip card or mobile phone
If a malicious person gets hold of your PIN codes and your chip card
or mobile phone, they can impersonate you online and provide
legally binding digital signatures on your behalf!
If you lose or forget your PIN codes, you will be issued a new PIN
envelope at either a Police and Border Guard service point or at a
bank office
28
4.4. E-MAIL ADDRESS @EESTI.EE

Each holder of digital identity has their own personal e-mail address
@eesti.ee provided by Estonia, which serves as a means of official com-
munication between the state and the citizen where the state may send
official notices and personal information concerning the individual. The
e-mail address also functions in the following format: personal identification
code @eesti.ee, e.g. 47302200234@ eesti.ee.
@eesti.ee addresses are connected to a redirectable mail server. To receive

messages delivered to your @eesti.ee address, you are encouraged to
forward/redirect e-mails to your actual e-mail address(es) where you
normally receive your e-mails. To configure your @eesti.ee address, go to
the state portal at eesti.ee
4.5. DIGITAL DOCUMENTS

As mentioned before, if your digital documents (plastic cards) contain a
chip, you need to download a special ID software into your computer, which
is available free at installer.id.ee
ID software consists of three components: the ID card management tool,

DigiDoc, and Krüpto.
The ID card management tool manages personal details and other data
related to digital identity. This is the easiest way to verify that your certifi-
cates are valid, change your PIN codes if required, redirect your @eesti.ee
address, and perform several other operations.
To use the ID card management tool, attach a chip card reader to a comput-
er equipped with the ID software, insert a chip card into the reader and open
the management tool – then proceed as directed by the software.
DigiDoc is meant for digital signatures. Using

the file explorer in your computer (for example,
Microsoft Windows Explorer), right-click at a file
name – an Estonian command “allkirjasta docu-
ment” (sign document) appears – then proceed
as directed by the software.
29
Krüpto aka the encryption/decryption tool ensures secure file transport.

Encrypting and decrypting electronic documents or computer files is very
easy with DigiDoc client and RIA DigiDoc mobile app. However, keep in
mind that encryption is intended for the secure transmission of informa-
tion (via e-mail or other communication channels). It is not suitable for
long-term file storage! Instructions for encrypting documents with RIA
DigiDoc app are available on the id.ee webpage.
To use Mobile-ID, the regular mobile phone SIM card must be replaced
by a SIM card that supports digital identification and digital signatures. As
such, the telephone replaces a chip card and chip card reader. Mobile-ID
can be used with both a regular mobile phone and a smartphone. To use
Mobile-ID you do not have to install any additional software on your
computer. You can apply and get Mobile-ID card for your phone at any
main mobile phone service providers store (usually it comes with a
monthly fee of around 1 EUR).
Desktops and most laptops sold in Estonia are equipped with an integrat-
ed chip card reader. Otherwise, you can use an external USB chip card
reader (can be bought at any computer store in Estonia for around 10-15
EUR).
4.6. DIGITAL SIGNATURE

Digital signature enables you to perform operations electronically and
paper-free. Before digital signatures, these operations usually required
you to provide a handwritten signature on a hard copy. In Estonia, the
term “digital signature” (i.e. digi-signature, digital signing, etc) refers only
to a signature that is legally valid and legally equivalent to a handwritten
signature. To put it plainly, it has been identified who signed it and it is
ensured that no third party has changed the document to be signed since
it was signed.
There are several benefits to digitally signed documents over hard

copies:
Digital documents do not take up almost any space (neither physical
nor digital)
Digital documents do not require paper, a printer, or other redundant

resources
You do not need to deliver the document anywhere in person. They

go where they need to go all on their own – by e-mail
30
Digital signing is very simple. You will only need a digital document (e.g. an
ID-card, digi-ID, mobile-ID or Smart-ID) and a signing solution (e.g. ID
software or RIA DigiDoc mobile app). In Estonia, people save about 5
working days per year thanks to the electronic identity (eID) ecosystem
and DigiDoc software.
The easiest way to locate a required e-service is to use the state portal
eesti.ee. You do not need to log in to view information of general nature.
Did you know?

As of 2020, over 900 million digital signatures
have been given in Estonia.
31
5. E-SERVICES
The Estonian state currently offers around 600 e-services to its citizens and
2,400 to businesses. Some balance on the cutting-edge of innovation,
while others are so commonplace that Estonians cannot imagine their lives
without them. Utilising a locally developed Electronic ID card, which effec-
tively acts as an online passport, a large proportion of Estonians can and
regularly do:
Sign contracts remotely
Use ID cards to pay for public transportation
Pay for parking using a mobile phone
Vote online
Conduct bank transactions online
Receive digital prescriptions from the doctor, even remotely
Declare tax online
Students can check grades, learning progress and access learning

materials
Create a new company within 18 minutes on your PC
Apply for government aid, (e.g. maternity leave pay)
For more information on Estonian e-services, please visit the website

e-estonia.com/services
5.1. E-TAX BOARD

The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EE: )
has been providing e-services starting from 2000. Each year, around 98
per cent of all tax declarations in Estonia are filed electronically. With
e-taxation service, user information is stored online in a pre-filled form. All
you have to do is review and click send, taking only three minutes on aver-
age.
32
In fact, most communication with EMTA by both private and corporate

clients as well as employers is undertaken digitally. You can use any digital
identity document (identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card,
e-Resident smart identity card, Mobile-ID) or a bank link to log in to EMTA
online.
In addition to individual income tax claims, other declarations can be made

in the system:
An enterprise’s declarations for income tax, social tax,

unemployment insurance and contributions to the
mandatory pension fund
Value-added tax returns
Alcohol excise, tobacco excise, fuel excise and packaging

excise duty returns
INF declarations
Customs declarations
5.2. E-SCHOOL, STUUDIUM AND ELIIS

e-School (eKool) and Stuudium are communication environments
enabling communication between children, parents, teachers, heads of
school, and local governments. e-School provides an easy way for teachers
and parents to collaborate and organise teaching and learning related activ-
ities. Over 85% of Estonia’s schools use e-School. See more at ekool.ee
Stuudium is also gaining popularity and

is used in more than 250 schools and
kindergartens in Estonia. See more at
stuudium.com
DigiDoc is meant for digital signatures. Using
the file explorer in your computer ELIIS
(for example,
(e-kindergarten) is an information
Microsoft Windows Explorer), right-click
systematthat
a file
offers kindergartens digital
name – an Estonian command “allkirjasta
solutions for communications, statistics,
document” (sign document) appears – then
reports, etc. See more at eliis.ee
proceed as directed by the software.
33
5.3. POLICE AND BORDER GUARD

BOARD E-SERVICES
The documents you may file digitally with the Police and Border
Guard Board include, for example, statements notifying of an
offence, notices of offences against property, notices of offences
against the person, notices of offences against public order etc.
PAY ATTENTION!
Statements about serious crimes cannot be filed by
e-mail. In the case of a serious crime, immediately call
the emergency telephone number 112.
When Estonians say “e-police”, what they usually mean is a set of

innovative solutions used by the police to render faster and more
efficient police services. For example, a police officer has all the tools
he may need to conduct an entire procedure in a police car. For
example, you do not even need to have your Estonian drivers
licence (plastic card) with you, instead, your eligibility to drive vehi-
cles is checked when you have your ID-card with you.
5.4. E-ELECTIONS
The e-election (or i-voting) is a unique online service delivered by the state.
In e-elections remote voting takes place online; thus far, Estonia is the only
country in the world to use e-elections and online elections have been
employed starting from 2005. In the last parliamentary election in Esto-
nia in 2019, 44% of voters cast their votes online.
E-voting is like regular voting and follows the election acts and election
practices. Voting is uniform and employs a secret ballot, all persons with
the right to vote can vote at elections, each person only has one vote, it is
impossible to disclose whom the voter voted for etc. E-voting is at least as
reliable and secure as regular voting. The collection of votes is auditable.
34
In e-elections, voters must have their identity checked and they must
provide a digital signature. Consequently, voters must have a digital identity
and this identity usually comes together with your ID-card, digital identity
card, residence permit card or Mobile-ID. Most importantly, it must have an
electronic chip on your card and you need to have your PIN-codes and
updates certificates.
You can e-vote using either a desktop or a laptop computer. In the last elec-
tions, a mobile app for Mobile-ID was developed and used.
To make sure everything goes smoothly when the actual voting comes, you
can go to valimised.ee and make a test-vote online. Test-voting enables
you to check whether your computer has the required settings, whether the
ID card (or Mobile-ID SIM card) certificates are valid, and whether you still
have your PIN codes. And if you want to know which elections you can
attend and vote at, please read the handbook on Estonian state, society and
culture.
5.5. E-HEALTHCARE
E-healthcare starts with the Patient Portal (EE: l;
digilugu.ee). The portal uses information from the health information
system and such information is only available through the portal to the
relevant people themselves and doctors authorized by the person.
After authenticating using e-ID or Mobile-ID, the patient portal enables you
to see the following:
View your health details i.e. medical documents prepared and sent to
the health information system by doctors.
Appoint representatives to perform different acts (buying prescribed

medications), file declarations of intent.
Check by name who and when has viewed your health information.
View details stored in the prescription centre.
In short, in the e-Patient portal, patients have access to their own records, as
well as those of their underaged children and people who have authorized
them for access. By logging into the e-Patient portal with an electronic
ID-card, the patient can review doctor visits and current prescriptions, and
check which doctors have had access to their files.
35
To book a doctor’s appointment, contact the relevant health service

provider.
For general (non-electronic) healthcare services, please see chapter 7

below.
5.5.1. Digital prescription (e-prescription)
E-Prescription is a centralized paperless system for issuing and handling

medical prescriptions. When a doctor prescribes a medicine using the
system, he or she does so electronically, with the aid of an online form.
Digital prescriptions are not printed as hard copies and are sent by the
doctor online directly to the prescription centre. Prescriptions are then
accessible to pharmacists. To pick up a prescribed medicine, bring an
identity document containing a picture and personal identity code such as
an ID card, a driver’s license, or passport with you. If you are buying medi-
cations for someone else, make sure you know their personal identification
number. The pharmacist will quickly find any relevant information using
the patient’s ID code. You can purchase your digitally prescribed medica-
tions at any pharmacy in Estonia.
Did you know?

99% of all prescriptions in Estonia are issued electronically. This
frees up time for patients and doctors and reduces administrative
strain on hospitals.
Another major advantage of e-prescription system is that doctor visits are

no longer needed for repeat prescriptions. You can contact the doctor by
e-mail, Skype or phone, and the doctor can issue repeats with just a few
clicks, and you can collect the medicine from your closest pharmacy.
To see all of your digital prescriptions go to eesti.ee To see your child’s

digital prescriptions log in to eesti.ee using child’s ID card.
Doctors may also prescribe a hard copy prescription if necessary.

36
6.
7. HEALTHCARE
TRANSPORTATION
6.1. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public transportation options in Estonia are very diverse ranging from buses
and trains to planes and ferries. Below you will find information regarding
some of the main ways of travelling in the country.
6.1.1. Airports
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the main airport in Estonia. The airport
(EE: ) is located just 4 km from the city centre. There are direct
flights from Tallinn to several European cities, including Helsinki, Stockholm,
Copenhagen, Oslo, Berlin, Vienna, Riga, and Vilnius. Schedules change regu-
larly. See more at tallinn-airport.ee
Other airports in Estonia are Tartu Airport, Pärnu Airport, Kuressaare Airport
(Saaremaa), and Kärdla Airport (Hiiumaa). Tartu Airport is located 11 km
from the city centre of Tartu. There are limited domestic routes from Tallinn
to Kuressaare and Kärdla.
6.1.2. Ships
The Port of Tallinn is one of the biggest and busiest passenger ports in the
Baltic region. More than 8 million passengers pass through the passenger
terminals each year. Two main international lines (Tallinn-Helsinki, and
Tallinn-Stockholm) are serviced by the following companies: Tallink (see
more at tallink.ee), Viking Line (vikingline.ee), and Eckerö Line (eckero-
line.ee).
The trip to Helsinki takes 1.5-3 hours depending on the ship, and there are
several departures daily. A trip to Stockholm is an overnight trip as the ship
departs in the evening and reaches the destination the next morning.
37
6.1.3. Domestic ferry routes
Estonia’s biggest islands – Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu – benefit from

regular ferry connections with the mainland. Discovering the islands by
bicycle, car or bus is easy, and the ferries are fast and comfortable. Saare-
maa and Muhu are connected to the coast via the Virtsu – Kuivastu ferry
route. The ferry route between Hiiumaa and the mainland is called Rohu-
küla – Heltermaa. Rohuküla harbour is located close to the small seaside
resort town of Haapsalu.
The Triigi – Sõru ferry route connects Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. During the
off-season, ferries go twice every other day: one trip in the morning and
one in the evening. Connections between the mainland and smaller islands
are less frequent, and some are only serviced in the summer.
Did you know?

Estonia has had the longest ice road in Europe connecting the mainland
and the island of Hiiumaa. It stretched 26km long.
Further information, timetables and tickets are available on the web: TS

Laevad (praamid.ee), Tuule Laevad (tuuleliinid.ee) and Kihnu Veeteed
(veeteed.com).
38
6.1.4. Trains
Domestic trains are operated by Elron. Train connections are available from
Tallinn to Tartu, Narva, Valga, Rakvere, and Viljandi (including stops along
these lines). See Elron’s destinations, train route maps and ticket prices at
elron.ee
The Baltic Station (EE: ) in Tallinn is the main railway station in Esto-
nia. All local commuter, inter-city, and international trains depart from this
station. The Baltic Station is situated close to the Old Town. For timetables
and tickets visit baltijaam.ee
6.1.5. Inter-city buses
The most widely used means of public transport between cities in Estonia is
the bus. Main lines are well equipped and usually have free wireless internet
onboard (the quality of the connection can vary).
All bigger cities/towns have central bus stations where one can make book-
ings and buy tickets. Buying tickets online is a popular option. It is recom-
mended to check the website of a particular bus company. Usually,
if there are vacant seats on the bus, one can buy tickets directly from the
driver. However, payment should be made in cash only.
PAY ATTENTION!
Since 2018, most intercity county lines in Estonia are operating
for free but require a public transport card (EE: ) that
can be bought from the bus driver and most post offices,
supermarkets, R-Kiosks and bus stations in larger towns.
Tallinn Bus Station (EE: ) is the main intercity bus station in
Estonia. It is located near the city centre. For detailed bus information and
tickets to all destinations go to bussijaam.ee
For city and county bus line schedules go to peatus.ee
For schedules and tickets for bus lines operating across Estonia go to
tpilet.ee
39
6.1.6. Taxis
Taxis can be ordered by phone and there are taxi stands located at major
intersections and in front of bigger hotels and shopping malls too. Be sure to
check the base fare and per kilometre rates before entering the taxi. Taxi
rates should be clearly visible on a passenger window. The total cost for a
ride is monitored by a taximeter. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash
is recommended. All taxi drivers must provide a receipt upon request.
Average rates can be between €0.50-0.70 / km. There is also a fee for start-
ing the ride, which is usually around €2.50-4. If fees indicated on the taxi
window are significantly higher than provided above, it is recommended to
choose another taxi. As there is no official ceiling for the fees, negligent
passengers can fall victim to malicious drivers using artificially high fees.
To review taxi service providers in Estonia and compare fare rates, go to

taksod.net
It is increasingly common to use phone apps for ordering a taxi, such as Bolt,
Uber, or Forus for getting a taxi in Tallinn and other larger towns.
PAY ATTENTION!
Be aware of illegal taxi drivers or unlicensed cabs – they are
not permitted to provide taxi service. Unlicensed taxis usually
do not have taximeters and therefore your fare rate might be
considerably higher than that with licensed taxis.
40
6.1.7. Bicycle and electric scooter rental
Bicycle rental in Tartu
Tartu Smart Bike Share is a public, self-service bike share system for short
trips. Bike Share includes 750 bikes across 94 stations. Two-thirds of the
fleet is equipped with electric-assist motors that provide riders with an extra
boost when pedalling. More information can be found on
ratas.tartu.ee
Electric scooter rental
Electric scooters for rent are available in bigger cities in Estonia. Some bigger
companies operating on the streets of Tallinn are Bolt and Tuul, and in Tartu
Bolt. More information about the prices, rental conditions etc can be found
on the websites of each company.
6.1.8. Public transport in Tallinn
The public transport system in Tallinn consists of buses, trolleybuses, trams,

and city trains. Buses, trolleybuses, and trams usually operate regularly from
about 5 a.m. to 12 midnight.
In Tallinn, public transport is free for the city’s registered residents, but
one still needs to:
Get a plastic smartcard/travelcard (EE: , ).
Personalise it, i.e. associate it with your personal identification code,

either online at tallinn.pilet.ee or for a 1-euro service fee at any R-kiosk,
most post offices and information desks of larger supermarkets and
shopping centres.
Carry a picture ID and validate your travelcard every time you ride.
Non-residents, including visitors and tourists, can load money onto the
smartcard (EE: ) and buy single (1.50€) and 1-30-day tickets,
purchase a QR-ticket online or using the mobile app pilet.ee, or with a
contactless bankcard when boarding the public transport vehicle from the
front door.
41
More information can be found from

tallinn.pilet.ee
6.1.9. Public transport in Tartu and Narva
In Tartu, an electronic bus card or a

contactless bank card must be
swiped at on-board validators
upon entering the city bus. Elec-
tronic bus cards can be bought
from R-Kiosk convenience stores,
Tartu bus station, Tartu Visitor
Centre in Town Hall, information
counters in Selver supermarkets
and elsewhere.
One can add money to a card using website tartu.pilet.ee. Tartu bus card is
in cross-usage with Tallinn`s green Smartcard and the public transportation
cards of Ridango, GoBus and Atko. One-hour tickets can also be bought
from the bus driver in cash only. You can check current prices as well as info
about routes and timetables at visittartu.com/public-transport
Narva uses the same public transport system as Tartu. One can buy a ticket
from the bus driver or use an electronic bus card. Narva bus card (Atko) is in
cross-usage with Tallinn and Tartu Public Transport cards and Ridango,
GoBus cards. Public transport card can be bought from the Post office, R-Ki-
osk convenience stores, supermarkets Prisma and Selver (in Astri shopping
mall). Money can be loaded to the card in sales points or on the website
narva.pilet.ee
42
6.1. DRIVING A CAR
6.1.8. Driver’s licence
Estonia recognizes driving licences issued in many states. To get an over-

view of how long and under which conditions the driving licence issued
in your home country is valid in Estonia and how to exchange it for an
Estonian driving licence, please visit and consult the Estonian Transport
Administration transpordiamet.ee/en/foreign-driving-licence
43
To apply for a driver’s licence, you must go to the driving school (EE:
). The minimum course time is 6 weeks, after which you have to take
the theoretical and practical exams. English-speaking examiners are not
guaranteed, so you might have to bring a friend to translate.
More information about driver’s licences can be found on the

webpage of the Estonian Transport Administration
transpordiamet.ee/en/foreign-driving-licence
6.2.2. Buying and selling a car
If you buy a new or used car from an authorised car dealer, the dealer will
take care of the registration procedure for you. If you buy a car from an
individual, the change of ownership of a vehicle must be registered within
five working days. After you submit all the documents, the Estonian Trans-
port Administration will issue the vehicle’s new Registration Card and
plate number.
The portal auto24.ee is a good place to start looking for cars.
When you sell your car, the change of ownership of a vehicle must be
registered with the Estonian Transport Administration. Customs and taxes
will be assessed for the sale of a car imported from a non-EU country and
sold within one year of its date of registration in Estonia. This applies both
to new and used cars. Right after the sale, do not forget to cancel your
insurance and get a refund for what you have already paid.
44
PAY ATTENTION!
A compulsory third-party liability insurance agreement must
be signed right after registering a car! Technical inspection is
mandatory for all cars registered with the Estonian Transport
Administration and the interval between inspections depends
on the age of the car (1-3 years).
6.2.3. Relocating your car
Moving from the EU
You have to register your car within 12 months of your arrival, or as soon as
you get your right of residence in Estonia. For this you should:
Take your car to the local Transport Administration service bureau for a
check-up
Fill out an application to register your vehicle
Bring proof of ownership and the car’s registration certificate form your
country of origin
Pay the state fee and registration plate fee
Change the plates and get third party liability insurance before you start
driving your car
45
Moving from outside the EU
After you get your residence permit, you can import your car duty-free if
you have had it for at least six months. If you sell the car within your first
year in Estonia, it will be subject to import tax and VAT.
To register your car in Estonia, you need to follow these steps:
Start the importation declaration from the Tax and Customs Board
After passing customs and having received your residence permit, take
your car to your local Transport Administration Bureau within five
working days
Fill out an application to register your vehicle
Bring proof of ownership and the car’s registration certificate form your
country of origin
Pay the state fee and registration plate fee
Change the plates and get third party liability insurance before you start
driving your car
6.2.4. Car insurance
Third-party liability insurance
Immediately after registering in Estonia, all vehicles must obtain third-par-

ty liability insurance issued by a licensed Estonian insurance company or
by a local branch of a foreign insurance company. The insurance must be
valid in Estonia, the EEA, the EU, and in Switzerland and the insurer must
be a member of the Estonian Traffic Insurance Fund. You can take offers
from insurance companies such as IF, Seesam, ERGO, Salva and others or
go to iizi.ee for a comparative quote.
Kasko insurance (car damage insurance)
Kasko insurance compensates damage caused by you. There are different

types of insurance packages available with different conditions for cover-
age and deductibles. Generally, Kasko Insurance is valid in all European
countries and is compulsory for leased cars.
46
6.2.5. Car rental
Most car rentals have a pick-up point next to Tallinn airport. You will need a
driving licence (valid in Estonia), passport, and a credit card. To rent a car, the
driver must be at least 21 years old with at least 2 years of driving experience.
There are rental car service providers in all the biggest cities in Estonia.
6.2.6. Parking
A parking fee is usually required when parking in city centres of larger

cities/towns in Estonia. Signs nearby will indicate the price for different
periods and parking zones. Blue lines on a parking space show that the
particular spot is in a paid parking zone.
Parking tickets can be purchased from street-side parking meters. However,

parking meters are not always available and using a mobile phone is the
predominant means of payment.
The first 15 minutes of parking in municipal parking areas are free of charge
if you indicate the starting time using a parking clock.
Tallinn:
Old Town (Vanalinn): the most expensive parking zone with limited parking
spaces. The Old Town is mostly a car-free area where driving is not recom-
mended. Parking restrictions apply 24/7 with no exceptions. See the zone
map and rates.
Downtown (Südalinn): slightly less expensive than the Old Town zone. Park-
ing restrictions apply 24/7 with no exceptions. See the zone map and rates.
City centre (Kesklinn): the largest and least expensive zone in the centre of
Tallinn. Parking restrictions apply on weekdays from 07:00 to 19:00 and on
Saturdays from 08:00 to 15:00. On Sundays, parking is free (not applicable
to public holidays unless they fall on a Sunday).
47
Parking fines are placed under wiper blades or otherwise attached to

windshields.
Unpaid parking fees will eventually result in a payment request by a

collection agency (unpaid parking fees plus collection charges)
For information on parking fines go to parkimine.ee
Parking garages have a blue sign with a large white

“P”. When parking spaces are available, a green sign
or “vaba” (“free”) is shown. When the garage is full,
a red sign is lit.
Use the entrance marked “sisse” (“entrance”). In most cases, you have
to take the parking ticket with you and pay at the parking machine
before returning to your car. Your paid ticket is valid for a short time
(usually ten minutes).
48
7. HEALTHCARE
Where to get more information
Please see a thorough printed booklet explaining the details of

the healthcare system in Estonia, including what to with different
health issues or sicknesses.
The Estonian health care system is built on mandatory health insurance

based on the principle of solidarity and the overall availability of services.
Funding for the Estonian health care system is based on the Health Insur-
ance Fund (EE: ). The Health Insurance Fund is a state institution
which receives funds from the state budget. The medical costs of all the
people that work or have sickness insurance in Estonia are covered by the
Health Insurance Fund.
Detailed lists of those covered by the Health Insurance Fund are available on
the website haigekassa.ee/en/infomaterjalid
PAY ATTENTION!
Third country nationals who do not qualify for health insur-
ance provided by the Fund, are required to purchase a
health insurance policy from a private insurance provider.
This needs to be done before you apply for a residence
permit. In case you DO qualify for Estonian Health Insur-
ance, you do not need to buy private health insurance at the
time you apply for a residence permit.
49
The Medical Counselling Advice Line 1220 provides 24/7 medical advice
(calling from abroad, dial +372 630 4107; e-mail noustamine@1220.ee).
Services are provided around the clock in Estonian and Russian, and
between 15.00-17.00 in English. The caller’s person is not identified, and
individuals without sickness insurance may also call for advice.
7.1. FAMILY DOCTORS AND SPECIALIZED DOCTORS
Each Estonian resident must have a family physician, a GP, general practi-
tioner (EE: ). The family physician is your first point of contact with
any health issues or other problems concerning health when you need medi-
cal aid. The family physician knows you and your medical history and will
refer you to specialized care when necessary. You get to choose your family
physician. You also have the right to change your family physician if you
wish. Before choosing a family physician, it is recommended to meet the
future doctor to get an idea of whether the specific doctor suits you.
The number of patients serviced by one family physician is limited. Looking

for a new family physician, you need to choose a doctor who has vacancies
in their patient list.
How should you go about choosing a family physician?
As a rule, family physicians work in family physician centres which are locat-
ed all over Estonia. You can contact and enquire about vacancies in family
physicians’ patient lists from the Health Board (they also respond in English
and Russian) contacts found on terviseamet.ee
PAY ATTENTION!
You might encounter a language barrier so make sure to find
out whether the family physician you want speaks the foreign
language of your choice.
50
When the Health Board has found you a family physician whose office is
close to where you live and who has vacant spots on their patient list, you
must complete an application to register with the family physician. The
application form (in Estonian) is also available on the Health Board’s website
terviseamet.ee
Specialized doctors are doctors who are specialized in a given field (e.g. eye
doctor, internist, ear, nose and throat doctors etc.). A specialized doctor can
help you with more specific problems. You need your family physician’s
referral to see a specialized doctor. Therefore, the family physician is also
your first point of contact when you need a specialized doctor. If you visit a
specialized doctor as a registered patient and funded by the Health Insur-
ance Fund, the visit fee of the specialist may be just up to €5. As an alterna-
tive, you may see a private doctor. In this case, the visit fee depends on the
price list of the relevant clinic.
Queues for specialized doctor appointments are often long (sometimes it

takes months to get to see a doctor). Patients can also book a paid appoint-
ment or an appointment with a private doctor. In such a case, you will most
likely get to see a doctor in less time. In general, there is no significant differ-
ence in the quality of medical services between those funded by the state or
privately.
7.2. ONLINE MEDICAL SERVICES
Did you know?

According to different estimations,
60%-70% of primary care visits
can be conducted virtually. So, in
Estonia telemedicine is also gain-
ing popularity. Currently, there are
two major online telemedicine
providers: Minudoc and Viveo
Health.
51
Minudoc is an Estonian health teleconsultation platform, which aims to

provide on-demand quality primary and secondary level healthcare advice.
Minudoc platform involves only licensed health specialists. Everyone can log
in and select a time for an appointment with a particular specialist. See more
at minudoc.ee
Viveo Health combines its telemedicine service with insurance by the com-
pany. It has a cooperation network across Estonia that can help to identify
the losses of insurance clients and assist them in self-diagnoses. It is a
platform that provides customers immediate access to the doctors (online
and offline). This insurance is provided by employers and is considered a
private health insurance. See more at viveohealth.ee
7.3. HOSPITALS
For specialized doctor service
and general hospital treatment,
refer to your family doctor
who will issue a
corresponding referral.
The biggest hospitals in

Estonia are:
• The North Estonia Medical Center (PERH) regionaalhaigla.ee
• East-Tallinn Central Hospital itk.ee
• West-Tallinn Central Hospital keskhaigla.ee
• Tallinn Children’s Hospital lastehaigla.ee
• Tartu University Hospital kliinikum.ee
• Jõgeva Hospital jogevahaigla.ee
• Narva Hospital narvahaigla
• Viljandi Hospital vmh.ee
• South-Estonian Hospital leh.ee
• Pärnu Hospital ph.ee
52
7.4. DENTAL CARE
In most cases, the Health Insurance Fund does not cover dental care, but
there are exceptions here.
Free dental care is available for:
Children and youth of up to 18 years of age
People who need emergency care provided when postponing aid or

not providing aid may cause the death or permanent health damage
of the patient.
Free dental care is only available by dentists that are on the Health Insurance
Fund list. The list is available on the Health Insurance Fund’s website at
haigekassa.ee
If you need dental care, contact a dentist of your choice and book an appoint-
ment. In bigger cities, dentists generally speak Russian or English, but it is
always useful to check whether the doctor of your choice speaks a language
you can understand.
All people with State Health Insurance are eligible for a €40 refund of dental
care costs per year, provided that the patient has covered at least 50% of the
total cost of the treatment themselves. Certain compensation (from approx.
€20-30 per year) is also available to the following:
Retired people
Pregnant women
Mothers of children of less than 1 year of age
People who have an increased need for dental care as a result of the
health care service provided to them.
53
7.5. EMERGENCY CARE
If you require first aid quickly but are still able to walk or there is someone
that can transport you, you can refer to a centre of emergency medical care
(called EMO in Estonian, i.e. the emergency department (ED)). Such centres
are open around the clock and are located in hospitals. You should always be
aware of where the nearest hospital and its EMO is.
Did you know?

Everyone has the right to receive emergency medical care in Estonia
regardless of whether they have health insurance.
Emergency medical aid is provided by EMOs at bigger hospitals (see the list
of bigger hospitals in the previous chapter). There will be a small consultation
fee, and if you are hospitalised, the in-patient fee is up to 2.50 EUR per day.
If you cannot refer to an EMO yourself, you can call an ambulance by dialling
112. Ambulance (EE: ) transport is free. Calling the medical counselling
advice line 1220, which provides 24/7 medical advice by phone, before
calling an ambulance, is recommended.
PAY ATTENTION!
Call an ambulance if there has been an accident or a similar
event where a person is unable or cannot safely refer to an
EMO on their own. Make sure to call an ambulance at the first
opportunity if the situation is life-threatening!
54
7.6. EU HEALTH INSURANCE CARD
The EU health insurance card grants EU citizens access to the healthcare of

the destination country. For instance, if you are insured in Estonia and tem-
porarily staying in another EU country, the EU health insurance card you will
provide you with the same healthcare as possessed by insured people in that
country. You will still have to pay any self-liability fees that apply so travel
insurance is always a good idea. You can order your free EU health insurance
card from eesti.ee or read more about the EU health insurance card on the
Health Insurance Fund website at haigekassa.ee
EU health insurance card
7.7. DIGILUGU HEALTH PORTAL
Forgot who your doctor is or what they prescribed you? Digilugu (digilu-
gu.ee) is a health portal (also available in English) that lets you access medi-
cal data that health care service providers have submitted about you (refer-
rals, prescriptions, etc.). You can log in using your ID-card or Mobile-ID. See
more in the e-services chapter.
55
7.8. PHARMACIES
Pharmacies are usually open from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pharmacies in

shopping centres are open until the shopping centre closes (often at 9 p.m.)
Certain pharmacies in Tallinn and Tartu are open 24/7.
Tallinn
Tõnismägi 5
Vikerlase 19
Tartu
Town Hall Square – Town Hall
Medications available in a pharmacy are divided into two categories: over

the counter and prescription medication. Everyone can buy over the
counter medication in unlimited amounts (with a few exceptions) similarly to
any other consumer goods. However, you would need a prescription to buy
prescription medication.
You will get the prescription from a doctor. A prescription prescribes the
medication you need in the necessary amount which you can buy from a
pharmacy. Estonia mostly uses digital prescriptions i.e. the doctor enters
your prescription information in a digital database. You may go to any given
pharmacy, give the pharmacist your ID-card, and purchase the prescription
medication prescribed to you.
You can also buy someone else’s prescription medication. For this, you need
to give the pharmacist the personal ID code of the actual owner of the
prescription. You will also need to provide your own ID card – your person
will also be identified. See more on digital prescriptions in chapter 5.5. in this
handbook.
56
7.9. COVID-19 PANDEMIC
COVID-19 was first diagnosed in Estonia in the winter of early 2020. To stop
the spread of the virus, a state of national emergency in healthcare was
declared and several restrictions were placed on everyday life activities,
regional travel, and tourism. Information on acts, laws, and restrictions
adopted in Estonia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic can be found
on the website kriis.ee
Description and infection statistics of the COVID-19 virus, health guidelines

for the public and medical personnel can be found on the website of Esto-
nian Health Board terviseamet.ee
PAY ATTENTION!
Hotline 1247 provides information on issues related to
COVID-19. The hotline is available 24/7 and it is free of
charge for the callers.
Testing for COVID-19 is available as an out-of-pocket payment through

private health service providers, such as Synlab minu.synlab.ee
57
Kus kõnelejaid,
8. MEDIA seal kuulajaid.
If there is a speaker,
there shall be listeners
Media consumption is shifting more and more towards digital media. Web-
sites and online television channels are becoming the primary choice for
Estonians to watch the news and obtain information. The percentage of
mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) in media consumption is growing,
yet traditional media - television, radio, and the printed press - is still going
strong.
Marju Lauristin
Politician The primary human need is to be informed.
8.1. TELEVISION
Estonian Public Broadcasting (EE: ) is a public
service media organization. ERR has three TV channels – ETV, ETV2, and
ETV+.
Most popular private channels are Kanal2 and TV3.
ETV2’s programming consists of cultural and educational broadcasts, docu-

mentaries, TV shows, and movies. It has a special daily children’s program as
well as some programming in Russian, including a daily news broadcast. See
more at etv2.err.ee
ETV+ is a state funded Russian-language TV channel. See more at

etvpluss.err.ee
8.2. RADIO
Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) offers four different radio channels in
Estonian (Vikerraadio, Raadio2, Klassikaraadio, Raadio Tallinn) and one in
Russian (Raadio4). In addition to public radio, Estonia has several private
broadcasters. Among the biggest radio broadcasters are Sky Media Group
and Trio LSL Radio Group.
58
For a list of radio stations streaming live on the internet, visit

liveonlineradio.net
8.3. NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers and magazines play an important role in Estonia. There are
three daily nationwide newspapers (Postimees, Eesti Päevaleht, and Õhtu-
leht), and nine weekly newspapers (Eesti Ekspress and Maaleht being the
most popular). Regional papers are published across Estonia. For an exhaus-
tive list of newspapers in Estonia, go to the Estonian Media Companies´ web-
site at meedialiit.ee
Estonian and international newspapers and magazines are sold in bigger

shopping centres and R-kiosks. Most newspapers also have online versions.
Full access to the content usually requires a subscription that costs around 10
euros per month.
Local media in English and Russian:
There are several channels that publish local news in English and Russian.
Most popular ones include the following:
Estonian Public Broadcasting news in English
(news.err.ee) and Russian (rus.err.ee)
Postimees (daily newspaper) in English

(news.postimees.ee) and Russian (rus.postimees.ee)
DELFI news in Russian (rus.delfi.ee)
The Baltic Times covers news from Estonia, Latvia,

and Lithuania in English (baltictimes.com)
Baltic News Service covers news from the Baltics in

English and Russian (requires subscription, bns.ee)
Business daily (Delovõje Vedomosti) in Russian (dv.ee)
Local newspaper MK Estonia in Russian (mke.ee)
For news outlets targeted specifically for foreigners, see the Estonian World
at estonianworld.com
For a list of different social media groups (both in English and in Russian),
that are used mainly among the foreigners living in Estonia, see the
handbook on networking, volunteering and leisure time.
59
9. OTHER SERVICES
Õnnetus ei hüüa tulles!

An accident does not shout when it comes
9.1. EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBER 112
A single 24/7 emergency telephone number throughout Estonia is 112.
112 is the European emergency telephone number, available everywhere in

the EU free of charge. You can call 112 using a landline or a mobile phone to
contact any emergency service: the ambulance, the fire department, or the
police. You can also call 112 is there is no reception.
If your mobile connection network is busy, remove the SIM card from your
phone and then dial 112!
Call the emergency telephone number 112 only when the help is needed
QUICKLY because someone’s life, health, property, or the environment is in
danger. Explain to your children when and how to call the emergency
telephone number 112.
Call the emergency number 112 if:
You want to report a breach of public order, crime or traffic accident and
you need the police urgently;
There has been an accident and someone’s life or health is in danger

and they need urgent medical help;
A fire is breaking out or has broken out.
112
60
Rules to follow when you call the emergency number:
Say what has happened as briefly and clearly as you can, say where it
has happened and say your name;
Stay calm and answer the operator’s questions;
Try to remember and tell the operator a detailed description of the

people (man/woman, presumed age, height, clothing), vehicles (license
plate number, make, colour) and other circumstances associated with
the event;
Do not hang up before the operator says you can do so.
The Emergency Response Centre also helps people in matters that do not
involve danger to life, health, or property. In this case, you may need to call
the information line of the rescue service 1524 (rescue works, explosive
ordnance disposal etc.), the environmental emergency hotline 1313 or the
road information line 1510.
For more information on the emergency number 112 go

to the Emergency Response Center’s website at 112.ee
61
9.2. POSTAL SERVICES
Omniva (formerly Eesti Post) is the Estonian national

postal service provider with post offices across Estonia.
Post offices are open on weekdays and some of them on
Saturdays with opening hours varying greatly. For infor-
mation about post offices and opening hours, go to
Omniva website at omniva.ee
9.2.1. Mailing a letter
Public mailboxes in Estonia are orange, located outside of all post offices, in
shopping centres, and at most gas stations. To send mail, put letters and
postcards in any official orange Omniva mailbox. Pick up times are noted on
each box.
Within Estonia, letters are delivered within one working day as from mailing
them. Mail is delivered daily from Monday to Saturday, except on holidays.
The cost of sending a standard letter or card within Estonia is around 1 euro
while sending a registered letter (trackable and delivered personally when
signed for) costs around 4 euros.
Internationally, most letters take

between one to three days to arrive
within the Baltic and Nordic countries
and up to a week to other countries. You
can buy stamps and envelopes at post
offices, kiosks, and most grocery stores.
Use a zip code when addressing letters.

Zipcodes for all Estonian localities and
permitted measurements, prices, and
instructions for sending a letter are
provided on Omniva website.
62
9.2.2. Parcel services
There are several parcel terminals provided by Itella, Omniva, and DPD in
most shopping centres for sending and receiving small and medium-sized
packages conveniently, including when shopping online. The fees for send-
ing a package through a package terminal usually remain between 2-7
euros, depending on the size (height) of the package. For larger items,
couriers and home-delivery are used. Courier services are provided by all
three companies (Itella, Omniva, DPD) as well as CargoBus and others.
63
9.3. WASTE MANAGEMENT
The goal of Estonian waste management is to recycle as many leftover

materials or waste as possible. The most important aspect is to avoid the
creation of waste. If waste has been created, it should be reused as raw
material. It is also important to reduce the environmental hazards arising
from waste.
If you do not know where to take certain special waste, you can use the
Google Maps based search engine kuhuviia.ee to locate the nearest waste
plant or ask from your local municipality.
9.3.1. Packaging
The producer is responsible for the packaging. This means that a business
selling their packaged goods in Estonia is obligated to guarantee the collec-
tion and necessary treatment of the relevant packaging waste. To achieve
this goal, packaging organisations have been established to assure the
national collection of packages and reuse of packaging to the
maximum possible extent.
A deposit amount applies to packaging of light alcoholic beverages and soft

drinks. Bottles and cans with the relevant logo can be returned to reverse
vending machines. Reverse vending machines are usually situated near
major stores and supermarkets. After returning a package you are refunded
the deposit for the specific package.
64
Did you know?

Making a new aluminium can from raw material uses as much energy as
provided by 2.2 litres of gasoline.
But did you know this too?

The amount of energy saved by reusing one aluminium can is enough to
watch three hours of TV.
9.4. LEGAL COUNSELLING
Legal assistance is provided by legal bureaus, law offices and notaries. In

cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, HUGO.legal is providing legal aid for
free and at a lower price. All people living in Estonia whose average gross
income does not exceed 1,700 euros are eligible for legal aid. See more at
the website hugo.legal
Other institutions provide free legal assistance as well. These include the
following:
Legal Services Office (EE: ) provides free legal
assistance for underprivileged people and people in special needs in
Tallinn, Tartu, Jõhvi and several other Estonian cities.
See more at otb.ee
Senior people are given free legal assistance in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu,
Rakvere, Jõgeva and Jõhvi and several other Estonian cities by the
Estonian Association of Pensioners’ Societies. See more at eakad.ee
Legal assistance in family matters is given via the Union for Child
Welfare. See more at lastekaitseliit.ee
Free legal assistance for disabled people is provided by the Estonian

Chamber of Disabled People. See more at epikoda.ee
65
Free legal assistance for victims of sexual violence is provided by Eesti

Naiste Varjupaikade Liit. See more at naisteliin.ee
Free legal aid is provided at the student law office of the Estonian
Lawyers Association. Every resident of Tallinn can ask a question by
calling 6313002 or 6314466 or send a question to e-mail: ejl@juris-
tideliit.ee You can also receive advice in English and Russian. Find out
more about the times of student legal counselling on the Estonian
Lawyers Association’s website at juristideliit.ee and the Estonian Law-
yers Association’s Facebook page.
Free legal assistance in Tartu is periodically also offered by the law office
run by the students of the University of Tartu, where the solicitors are
students who have not yet fully obtained their law degree. Further
information can be found on the web page of the faculty of law at
oigus.ut.ee
Legal assistance and information in connection with public services can also
be obtained from the relevant public authorities. One may also turn to local
governments, where officials with legal knowledge might be able to provide
legal advice. For further information regarding legal protection and assis-
tance, please read the handbook on rights and responsibilities.
9.5. VICTIM SUPPORT Kus häda kõige suurem,

seal abi kõige lähem.
Where the need is greatest,
Victim support (EE: ) is a free the help is closest
public social service with an aim to retain
or improve the coping skills of a victim.
Victim support helpline 116 006 of the Social Insurance Board provides
prompt assistance to people who have fallen victim to an offence, negli-
gence, or mistreatment or experienced physical, psychological, economic, or
sexual violence. The service is free of charge to callers and available 24 hours
a day. Helpline callers have the option to remain anonymous. Assistance is
provided in Estonian, Russian, and English.
66
9.6. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Disability is the loss of or an abnormality in an anatomical, physiological, or

mental structure or function of a person which in conjunction with different
relational and environmental restrictions prevents participation in the social
life on equal bases with others.
The state pays social benefits to disabled people if they have additional
expenses because of their disability, e.g. they need assistance, care, or medi-
cal rehabilitation, or their additional expenses are related to transport,
employment, or studies.
The aim of granting social benefits to disabled people is to support their abili-
ty to cope independently, support their social integration and provide equal
opportunities through partial compensation for additional expenses caused
by the disability.
Social welfare aims to help disabled people and their families to prevent,
eliminate, or ease difficulties in coping and contribute to social security,
development, and integration into society.
Regarding social benefits, see the website of Social Insurance

Board at sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee
Additional information is available on the website of Estonian

Chamber of Disabled People at epikoda.ee
A person taking care of a disabled child or family member has

the right to equal treatment. For more information on equal
rights, see volinik.ee
67
LIST OF REFERENCES
Official guides and gateways:

Destination Estonia – Relocation Guide: Compilation of practical info for new
arrivals in Estonia
workinestonia.com/coming-to-estonia/relocation-guide/
e-Estonia Portal: eesti.ee – gateway to all government information and
public e-services.
Settle in Estonia: settleinestonia.ee – Your guide to settling in Estonia
Roadmap for coming to Estonia:
euraxess.ee/estonia/information-assistance/entry-
conditions-and-residence-permits-estonia/roadmap-visas-entry
Visit Estonia: visitestonia.com - gateway to travel and sights in Estonia
Study in Estonia: studyinestonia.ee gateway to higher education in Estonia
Research in Estonia: researchinestonia.eu — information and news about
research activities in Estonia.
Found in Estonia: foundinestonia.ee — bi-weekly podcast sharing stories of
people who have moved to Estonia.
Ministries and other institutions:

Ministry of Education and Research: hm.ee/en – education, research and
Estonian language.
Ministry of Social Affairs: sm.ee/en – health care, labour, social services.
Ministry of Culture: kul.ee/en — information about the state’s culture, sports,
arts and heritage conservation activities.
Ministry of Justice: just.ee/en – legal and criminal policy of the state.
Ministry of the Interior: siseministeerium.ee/en – citizenship, migration,
identification documents and internal security.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: vm.ee/en – security, business diplomacy and
human rights.
Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications: mkm.ee —
economy, entrepreneurship, business-academic cooperation.
The Integration Foundation: integratsioon.ee/en – information about
Estonian language courses, citizenship and Estonian Language houses.
Estonian Institute: estinst.ee/en/ – information about Estonian society and
culture.
EURES: eures.ee/en – pan-European network for job-seekers.
Unemployment Fund: tootukassa.ee/eng – official website of Eesti
Töötukassa, which administers the social insurance provisions related to
unemployment, and organises labour market services.
Pension Centre: pensionikeskus.ee- information about the Estonian pension
system.
68
Police and Border Guard Board: politsei.ee/en – legal basis for staying in
Estonia, identity documents, citizenship.
Police and Border Guard Board Migration Advisors:
politsei.ee/en/migration-consultants – free legal advice by PBGB
personal advisors about different legal grounds to live in Estonia and the
necessary documentation.
Emergency contacts:
112 - 24/7 emergency telephone number for ambulance, police and rescue
workers.
1247 – State helpline for trustworthy governmental information, state
measures on coronavirus, psychological first aid to all in need.
116 006 – Victim support helpline assistance to people who have fallen
victim to an offence, negligence, or mistreatment or experienced physical,
psychological, economic, or sexual violence.
1220 – The Medical Counselling Advice Line offers medical advice (calling
from abroad, dial +372 630 4107). 24/7 in Estonian and Russian, between
15.00-17.00 in English
KEYWORDS
servies transportation
relocation private car
belonging healthcare
residence media
housing emeregency
telecom counselling
banking documents
parking e-services
69
NOTES
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72
FURTHER READING
Volunteering in Estonia
Networking,
Leisure activities and free time
Volunteering Family vacation and kids
and Leisure Time
7 Making friends and networking
Youth work and hobby education
Lifelong learning
Education in Estonia
Kindergartens and childcare Family and
Schools in Estonia Children
Learning languages
Studying for adults
Vocational education
Estonian state and its structure

Estonia: State, Political and legal system
Society and
Language Culture, perceptions and habits
Geography
Estonian language
Opportunities for learning Estonian
73
Economic and business environment

Entrepreneurship and startups
Networking,
Business and
Volunteering Setting up a company in Estonia
Entrepreneurship
and Leisure7Time
Legislation, taxation, and accounting
Employer's perspective on staff
Legal aspects and forms for companies
Estonian working environment

Securing a job in Estonia
Working and
Salaries, taxes and returns Labour Market
Working rights and contracts
Skills and language in Estonia
Pension and health insurance
Overview of higher education

Academic life and available resources
Higher Education
and Research Networking and support for students
Research in Estonia and its essence
The state of research
Funding framework
74
Moving to Estonia
Residence and registration
Residence and Naturalisation and citizenship
Citizenship
Estonian migration policy
Estonian migration compared
Education in Estonia
Kindergartens and childcare
Kindergarten
Schools in Estonia and Schools
Learning languages
Studying for adults
Vocational education
Rights and opportunities

My Rights and Offences and misdemeanours
Responsibilities
Protection from violence and abuse
Relevant support
Child protection
Contracting companies: Expat Relocation Estonia OÜ
Design and layout: Richard Kaarna, richardkaarna.com

Printing: Printed at Librix Print powered by wabrix.ee
Responsible publisher: Kultuuriministeerium, Suur-Karja 23, 15076 Tallinn
Settle in Estonia website: www.settleinestonia.ee
The project is co-funded by the European Union via the European Social
Fund and by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia.
Handbook version: January 2023
© 2021 The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Estonia. All rights reserved.
Provided the use of the work is not carried out for commercial purposes, it is allowed to use it
without the author’s permission as established in Chapter IV of the Copyright Act. The Ministry
of Culture points to the fact that pursuant to the Copyright Act, in the case of unlawful use of the
work, compensation for the patrimonial or non-patrimonial damage caused and delivery of that
which was received may among other things be claimed for.

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Children Residence and

1. Services Designed for Foreigners 8

2. Residence and Housing 14

This handbook provides an overview of services that are available for

1.1. RELOCATION SERVICES

When moving your personal belongings from other countries to Estonia, it

Companies that provide professional relocation services operate in Estonia,

For a detailed description of services, review the information on such com-

1.2. MOVING YOUR BELONGINGS

International shipping companies can help you bring your belongings to

1.3. SETTLE IN ESTONIA PROGRAMME

The Settle in Estonia programme consists of modules – training seminars

For more information see

1.4. COUNSELLING CENTRES AND MENTORING

For more information and to book an appointment

1.4.2. Integration Foundation

1.4.3. International House of Estonia

International House of Estonia (IHE) is a common service centre in Tallinn

For more information go to workinestonia.com/internationalhouse

1.4.4. Tartu Welcome Centre

Tartu Welcome Centre is a team of local advisers with the mission of

For more information see

The purpose of EURES (European Employment Services) Estonia is

For more information see

1.5. CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS

Online and general communities:

Community and support organisations:

Johannes Mihkelson Centre – jmk.ee

More information about different groups can be found in the

1.6. LEARNING ESTONIAN

2.1. SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE

2.3.2. Purchase and sales

Buying property in a foreign country is one of the most complex decisions

2.4. REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTAINING

In the common areas of the building (corridors/hallways, gardens, common

Ensure de-icing of the pedestrian walkways bordering their property

2.5. RESIDENCY ADDRESS REGISTRATION

Submit the residence notice form in person at the local government

If you have an Estonian residence permit card or ID-card, you can

If you have an Estonian residence permit card or ID-card, you can

Example of a city address

2.6. WASTE MANAGEMENT

Municipal waste Paper and cardboard Biodegradable waste

2.7. TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES

2.7.1. Phone services Did you

Calling cards (rechargeable prepaid SIM cards) have no monthly payments,

The main mobile phone service providers in Estonia are:

TELE2 - tele2.ee TELIA - telia.ee ELISA - elisa.ee

2.7.2. TV / Internet / Land-

The main service providers that provide Internet, TV and landlines

TELIA - telia.ee ELISA - elisa.ee STV - stv.ee

Tahad sõbrast lahti saada,

In Estonia, most money transactions take place through bank transfers

3.1. OPENING AN ACCOUNT

As a resident, to open a bank account in Estonia, you need to appear at a

EXAMPLE of a bank account number used in Estonia:

3.2. BANK CARDS

What is the monthly fee for the bank card?