The Estonian Employers' Confederation is asking for an increase in the country's immigration quota due to a labour shortage. The biggest shortages are in the IT, transport, construction and education sectors. Learn more about the possibility of increasing the foreign labour quota in Estonia

Estonia is actively considering increasing the foreign labour quota as the country is facing significant staff shortages. In just a few months, from December 2023 to February 2024, more than 1,000 applications for residence permits were submitted, indicating that the situation is getting worse.

According to the Estonian Confederation of Employers, the shortage of personnel is particularly noticeable in the IT sector, as well as in areas such as transport, construction and education. This deficit significantly hampers the work of businesses and slows down the country's economic development.

Employers strongly urge the authorities to increase the quota for immigration of foreign workers by three to four times to meet the needs of the labour market and maintain the stability of the Estonian economy. Resolving this issue can help improve the labour market situation and ensure the necessary development of various sectors of the Estonian economy.

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If you have any questions during the move, please consult an international lawyer. We help you solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Estonia. Our experts are ready to provide you with professional advice and assistance in resolving all legal issues related to your stay in Estonia. 

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The size of the immigration quota in Estonia

Estonia's immigration policy is on the verge of change, but the opinions of the public and officials differ. According to the data provided by the Estonian public television ERR, the immigration quota established in 1990 for third-country nationals is quite limited and amounts to only 0.1% of the population, which translates into about 1,300 people per year.

Arto Aas, chairman of the Estonian Employers' Confederation, notes that the country has some of the strictest immigration rules in Europe. However, given the ageing population and declining birth rate, it is necessary to consider increasing the immigration quota or cancelling it. At the same time, last year's economic growth shows the need for additional labour.

The Minister of Economy, Tõit Rõsalo, has expressed his readiness to discuss the issue of the immigration quota and is looking for the best ways to solve the labour shortage. In this context, the working group already established to study labour relations may find a compromise solution.

On the other hand, Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets is convinced that there is no need to change the quota, but that exceptions and revision of the current rules can be considered. However, his view may clash with that of trade union representatives, who are concerned about possible threats to local jobs and incomes as a result of increased immigration.

Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach and concerted action by all stakeholders. Finding a balance between the needs of the economy, social stability and the protection of the rights of local workers is an important task for the future development of Estonia.

Work permit in Estonia

In December 2023, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union agreed on the revised Single Entry Permit Directive, which establishes a single application process for a combined EU work and residence permit. This means that third-country nationals will soon be able to obtain a single EU work and residence permit.

However, Estonia has opposed this recent update of the Single Entry Permit Directive, citing concerns about the costs that the country will have to pay after the simplification of work and residence permits.

The quota for foreigners for 2024 is set at 1,303. This includes 200 temporary residence permits for transport and warehousing, 35 for accredited journalists, 34 for sports-related professions, 15 for performing arts, and five for work based on international agreements. Meanwhile, the remaining 1,014 permits have no specific restrictions.

According to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (EBGB), from December 2023 to February 2024, 1,001 applications for residence permits were submitted within the immigration quota. Most applications were submitted by citizens of Ukraine, followed by Uzbekistan, India, Azerbaijan, Moldova and Georgia.

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The editors of Visit World recommend using the Travel Guide for Estonia for a comfortable and safe trip.

The guide is a detailed written document that contains basic advice on obtaining a visa, crossing the border, getting a job, citizenship, and much more. More details at the link.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Estonia;

Legal advice on immigration in Estonia;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Estonia;

Medical insurance all over the world.

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