Estonia faces immigration decline
Estonia is experiencing considerable drop in birth-rate. Besides that, immigration to Estonia also continues to decline.
Immigration quota for life permit
Estonian Aliens Act establishes immigration quota for issuing new life permits on the level of 0.1% of the current population. Which for 2025 was set at 1’292 new life permits. It is not a very big number, yet even this amount of life permits will not be issued most likely.
As of 1st September this year, there were still 489 unfilled quota spaces.
This is a totally different situation comparing to some previous periods, when immigtration quota for a year was filled within first 2-3 weeks of January. Situation used to be so dramatic that Estonian Chamber of Commerce even applied to the Government with request to increase the immigration quota.
Those times a long gone. In 2023 there was a shortfall of 36 life permits and the quota for 2024 remained unfilled by 126 spaces.
Life permit is required for opening bank account
Estonian banks, which used to be very strict on opening bank accounts for Estonian companies with non-residents in corporate structrue, softened their requirements and became much more open for communication.
Still obtaining right of residence in Estonia upon life permit for all connected persons (board members, shareholders, beneficiaries) remains one of the major requirement for opening bank account.
Connection to Estonia means first of all Estonian residency of the management and shareholders.
Conditions to obtain life permit
To apply for life permit, a person need to fit into some particular cathegory.
Being a board member of Estonian company serves as a legal ground to obtain a life permit in Estonia. Life permit can be also applied upon such grounds as being an entrepreneur, start-up founder, top-specialist or a regular employee (work permit would be additionally required in this case).
Main conditions for life permit would be:
- Reasoning for staying is Estonia.
- Proof of active business activity within Estonian company.
- Obtaining medical insurance in Estonia.
- Registered living place in Estonia (after obtaining life permit).
- Meeting salary level requirement.
Police department has a right to cancel life permit if one of those conditions are not met.
Legal assistance
In Panthera Leo we have practical experience in assisting with obtaining life permit in Estonia.
We can help with collecting documents, filling in forms and communication with the Police Department.
Contact us for more details.

Life permit in Estonia
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