🇪🇪 Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Estonia, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Estonia at a glance?
• Flag: 🇪🇪
• Population: ~1.4 million (national, 2025)
• Currency: Euro (EUR) — Prices are often compared internationally in USD or GBP.
• Average salary: around EUR 21,000 per year (~USD 22,500)
• Live EUR ←→ USD / GBP: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
👉 Reviewed by Statistics Estonia (Statistikaamet), last updated in June 2025; Bank of Estonia, last updated July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Estonia?
The cost of moving to Estonia depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 2,100–2,700 (≈ EUR 1,950–2,500) for a 20-ft FCL from Europe/USA to Estonia — BR LOGISTICS |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~3–5 weeks | USD 3,400–5,000 (≈ EUR 3,100–4,600) depending on origin & route — BR LOGISTICS +1 |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–10 days | Typically higher; often several thousand USD depending on urgency & distance (insufficient public data for a stable benchmark) |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Estonia import duty rates range from 0–12% on CIF value, plus 22% VAT applied on the import value including duty & shipping costs — DHL +1 |
👉 Reviewed by Freight & Logistics market sources & Estonian Customs / Estonian Tax and Customs Board guides, last updated mid-2025.
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes.
Real-life case: “I moved to Estonia in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of belongings in a 40ft container from Toronto, costing around USD 5,600 including door-to-door delivery and customs clearance.” — Anett V., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Estonia choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, and Viljandi. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities, making them ideal destinations for newcomers planning to move to Estonia.
What do I need to know about Estonia visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa or residence permit to live in Estonia. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Family or Partner Visa, Startup or Entrepreneur Visa, and Residence or Long-Term Residence Permit options available after an extended stay.
Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/residence-permit
Visa/residence permit application portal (for appointments and documents): https://vm.ee/en
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Police and Border Guard Board & Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last updated June 2025.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Estonia, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Estonian Customs regulations. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months prior to shipment.
- Goods must arrive within 12 months of your arrival in Estonia.
- At customs, present:
- Detailed inventory list of goods
- Passport and valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of prior residence abroad (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)
- Detailed inventory list of goods
⚠️ New items, vehicles, alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods may be subject to Estonia’s import duties and 22% VAT, applied on the customs value including freight and insurance (CIF).
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Tax and Customs Board, last updated mid-2025.
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
If you’re moving to Estonia, you must declare your vehicle at customs. Import duties and 22% VAT may apply unless you qualify for relocation or returning resident exemptions. Vehicles must meet EU safety and emissions standards, and most imports require inspection and registration through the Estonian Transport Administration (Transpordiamet) before being approved for road use.
Driver’s licences from EU/EEA countries are valid in Estonia and can be exchanged without testing. Drivers from non-EU countries (e.g., the U.S., Canada, Australia, or Japan) may need to exchange their licence within 12 months of residency; depending on the country, a written and/or practical driving test may be required.
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Transport Administration (Transpordiamet) and Estonian Tax and Customs Board, last updated July 2025.
How can I bring pets with me to Estonia?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an import permit issued by the Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PTA) under the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. A valid rabies antibody (titration) test may be required depending on the country of origin.
Import requirements vary by species, and all pets must arrive through approved EU entry points, such as Tallinn Airport (TLL) or other designated EU Border Inspection Posts for animals entering Estonia by air or road.
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Agriculture and Food Board (PTA), Government of Estonia, last updated March 2025.
How do I open a bank account and get Estonia’s national identity number (Tax ID / Social Security Number)?
To open an Estonian bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport or valid visa/residence permit
- Proof of address in Estonia (rental agreement or utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment, student enrollment, or income source
The Personal Identification Code (Isikukood) is Estonia’s official identification number, used for taxation, social security, healthcare, and banking purposes.
Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Social Security Number are issued after registering your residence at the Population Register and completing registration with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) or the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF).
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) & Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF), last updated November 2024.
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Estonia?
In Estonia, renting usually requires a security deposit (normally one to two months’ rent) and proof of stable income or financial means. Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are often not included in the rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
Passport and valid visa/residence permit
Proof of income or employment/study contract
Estonian residence registration (Isikukood or temporary residence certificate)
To buy property in Estonia, budget an extra 4–10% for transfer tax, notary fees, and transaction costs. Non-EU citizens may need permission from the Land Board (Maa-amet) or the Ministry of Defence before completing a property purchase, especially in protected or border areas.
Top areas for newcomers:
Tallinn – capital city and economic hub with international opportunities
Tartu – second-largest city, known for its university, arts, and innovation
Narva – border city with rich history and Russian–Estonian heritage
Pärnu – seaside city with strong tourism and wellness sectors
Viljandi – southern city famous for its culture, festivals, and medieval charm
👉 Reviewed by Statistics Estonia (Statistikaamet) & Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) / Real Estate Association, last updated March 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Estonia?
If you’re a tax resident in Estonia (living more than 183 days per year or having a permanent home there), you’re generally taxed on your worldwide income. Contributions to social security and pension schemes are mandatory for employees under Estonian employment contracts.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Flat rate: 20% on most income (covers both municipal and state tax) | Non-residents are taxed only on Estonia-sourced income |
| Social Contributions | Cover pension, healthcare, parental leave, and unemployment insurance | Employee contributes around 1.6%; employer contributes around 33% (percentages vary by sector and employment type) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Estonia has agreements with 60+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and all EU members |
👉 Reviewed by Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA) & Estonian Health Insurance Fund (EHIF), last updated 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a virtual relocation consultation, or explore international moving guides for Lithuania and Latvia.
