Temporary residence in Estonia has become a popular location for business professionals due to new innovative opportunities for foreigners. The Estonia Temporary Residency for intra-corporate transferees (ICT) is a visa category that is ideal for individuals seeking employment with Estonian affiliates of international companies.
This visa not only offers a chance to work in the European Union (EU) but also creates a legal premise for obtaining a lifetime residence.
So, let’s take a closer look at this program, as well as advantages of participation and general requirements.
Program Introduction: Estonia’s Intra-Corporate Transferee Visa
The Estonian temporary residence permit for intra-corporate transferees is a convenient way for third-country nationals to legally reside and work in Estonia but remain employed by the company in their home country.
This visa category is for senior managers, specialists and trainees being transferred from a branch of the company which is situated in a country that is outside the EU to a branch in Estonia.
Channeled by the EU Intra-Corporate Transfer Directive 2014/66/EU, the intra-company transfer visa permits a competent worker to engage in business in Estonia while enjoying certain legal privileges that apply to an EU citizen.
This residence permit is also useful for the professionals who want to acquire the experience of working in the European Union and who are also possibly interested in the possibilities of obtaining a permanent residence in the future.
Book A Consultation“Here in Estonia, we see the success of free markets, integration with Europe, taking on tough reforms. You’ve become one of the most wired countries on Earth, a global leader in e-government and high-tech start-ups. The entrepreneurial spirit of the Estonian people has been unleashed. And your innovations, like Skype, are transforming the world.” – Barack Obama
Estonia Temporary Residency Benefits Why Choose the Intra-Corporate Transferee Visa?
Since Estonia is well known as one of the leading countries in the digital world the country can be considered as a perfect place for business expansion within Europe.
Thanks to its highly developed IT facilities and relatively liberal legislation, Estonia is an innovative country that is open to talents and investments from overseas. Numerous people acknowledge the country as one of the world’s outstanding start-up environments; it adopts some of the most progressive policies concerning the attraction of talented specialists from all over the world.
Estonia provides a good entry to Europe because of the smooth bureaucratic system, the relatively low cost of conducting business and an encouraging business climate for companies in the digital and technological sector.
The temporary residence permit that has been provided for intra-corporate transferees is a channel through which one can easily fit into this lively business environment.
The intra-corporate transfer visa offers several advantages for foreign nationals and their families:
Work permit: Employment permit is issued to the foreigner which is attached to the workplace in the Estonian branch.
Mobility: The particularity of ICT visa is that it offers the freedom to move from one EU state to another under the same employer provided that there are some limitations.
Family members: In the temporary residence permit, a family member of the transferee may also join under the same permit. They can only do so at the Estonian embassy or consulate in their home country only.
Equal treatment: ICT visa holders have all the same social security, recognition of diplomas, and access to goods and services rights as Estonian citizens.
Long-term benefits: Subsequently, the transferees may apply for another residence permit to stay on in Estonia; or consider the option of applying for permanent residency.
Last Updated: October, 2024Estonia Temporary Residency Program Requirements Who Qualifies for the Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa?
In order for one to obtain an Estonian temporary residence permit under the intra-corporate transfer permit, there are some preconditions that have to be fulfilled. Foreign nationals applying for the ICT visa must be employed by the company they wish to transfer with for a specific period before applying:
- It requires that all the managers above the specialist rank and the specialists themselves have had to serve the home branch for at least 12 months.
- Trainee employees must have been in employment for at least six months.
Apart from this, the applicants need to attach statements from the employer showing that they worked for the employer and why they were transferred. The subsidiary in Estonia creates an opportunity to specify the requirements related to employment contract or an offer to provide employment in Estonia and the transfer must be related to the business activities of the company.
Other Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Estonian temporary residency under the ICT visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Nationality: It requires the applicants to be from non-European Union countries only.
Duration of employment: As stated earlier, managers and specialists should have a minimum of one year of employment, while trainees should have at least six months with the organization.
Good health: This policy has a provision that an applicant must produce their insurance cover.
Clean criminal record: Candidate must provide a certification from local police that no criminal records any time in the past exist.
Documents: The following documents are imperative:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Accommodation in Estonia
- Employer’s invitation from Estonia
- Employment contract or offer Documentation of the intra-corporate transfer’s duration and the reason for it Documentation, proof that the consideration received by the transferor is reasonable during the transfer.
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Estonia Pathway To Citizenship Can the ICT Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
ICT visa does not guarantee PR or Estonian Citizenship but this is one way of attaining it. If you have completed your intra-corporate transfer and would like to extend your stay, you can apply for another residence permit.
Most of the foreigners who wish to reside in Estonia permanently may be granted residence permits after they have lived in the country for more than 5 years though other conditions must be met before one is issued with citizenship.
Last Updated: October, 2024Alternative Residency Solutions in Estonia
Apart from the intra-company transfer visa, Estonia offers several other residency permits:
Start-up Visa:Estonia’s start-up visa is designed for innovative business people who want to start a business in Estonia.
Digital Nomad Visa: With help of this visa one may stay in Estonia and work for employers in other countries on a remote basis.
Such choices are beneficial to those individuals who do not meet the requirements for an ICT permit, but would like to reside and work in Estonia.
Estonia Residence Permit for Major Investor: This is a residency permit for those willing to make a higher investment in the country. To qualify, you must have made a lasting direct investment in the amount of at least 1,000,000 euros into an Estonian company investing into the Estonian economy, or a lasting direct investment in the amount of at least 1,000,000 euros into an investment fund which invests primarily into Estonian companies.
How To Get Your Estonia Temporary Residency ICT Application Process
Below we will outline the Visa process in detail. Those interested in applying for the program can reach out our team for a complimentary consultation via the button below.
Book A ConsultationStep 1: Initial consultation with Lincoln Global Partners
During our consultation we will discuss your specific case to understand your needs, present to you how the Estonia Temporary Residency (Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa) works, elaborating on the process and the required routes to achieve your Residency goals.Step 2: Pre-application employment:
Make sure that you have the necessary employment period in your home country branch: 1 year for managers/specialists and 6 months for trainees.Step 3: Submit Your Application
Mail the ICT application at the Estonian embassy or consulate in your country of residence or country of habitual residence. If one is already in Estonia he/she can apply at the Police and Border Guard Board.Step 4: Provide All Required Documentation
Gather and submit all the required documents, including a valid passport, employment contracts, health insurance, accommodation information, and the employer's invitation.Step 5: Await for Approval
Once your application is approved, you will be issued with your temporary residence permit enabling you to work and live in Estonia for a period not exceeding three years (one year in the case of trainees).
Summary
Getting an Estonia’s temporary residence permit for intra-corporate transferees is useful for business people who wish to work in Europe but want to remain closely connected to the home country employer.
It has attractive incentives like EU mobility, family inclusion, and equal treatment with nationals – which is why this visa has a high demand among skilled workers. Regardless of whether the potential employee is a senior manager, a specialist, or a trainee, the ICT visa is a perfect chance to work in Estonia’s environment.
Apply for the Estonia Temporary Residency with Lincoln Global Partners
Lincoln Global Partners, an international investment migration firm is ready to assist you every step of the way with your Investor Visa application in Estonia.
Estonia Temporary Residency (Intra-Corporate Transfer Visa) : Frequently asked Questions
Checkout our FAQ's or reach out to us directly via the contact form at the bottom of the page with further questions.Can family members accompany an intra-corporate transferee?Yes, family members can apply for a separate temporary residence permit and accompany the transferee to Estonia.
How long is the intra-corporate transferee visa valid?The visa is valid for up to three years for managers and specialists and one year for trainee employees.
Can I work in other EU countries with an Estonian ICT permit?Yes, the visa allows for mobility within the EU, enabling you to work in other EU member states under certain conditions.
How soon can I apply for permanent residency in Estonia?You can apply for permanent residency after living legally in Estonia for at least five years.
