Estonia is a small but thriving country in Northern Europe known for its advanced economy and technology sector. With a population of just 1.3 million people, Estonia may not seem like an obvious choice for expats looking for work abroad. However, its strong economic growth, business-friendly policies, and demand for foreign talent make Estonia an attractive option for those considering a move.
Estonia’s Job Market
Estonia has one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. Its GDP has expanded at an average rate of 3.6% per year since 2000. This robust economic expansion has driven down unemployment rates. As of 2019, Estonia’s overall unemployment rate stood at just 4.4% – one of the lowest levels in the EU.
Growth has been concentrated in knowledge-intensive sectors like information technology, electronics, and telecommunications. As a result, there is high demand for skilled tech workers and engineers in cities like Tallinn. Opportunities also exist in other rapidly expanding fields like healthcare, education, finance, and professional services.
That said, the Estonian job market remains relatively small given the country’s modest population size. Competition can be stiff for some roles, especially in popular industries like tech. Openings for less skilled positions tend to be more limited.
Availability of jobs by sector
Here is a breakdown of the availability of jobs across major sectors in Estonia:
| Sector | Availability of jobs |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | High |
| Engineering & Manufacturing | Moderate |
| Healthcare | Moderate and growing |
| Education | Moderate |
| Finance | Moderate |
| Professional Services | Moderate |
| Tourism & Hospitality | Low to Moderate |
| Construction | Low |
| Retail & Customer Service | Low |
As the table shows, the information technology sector offers the most plentiful job opportunities, driven by Estonia’s focus on developing its digital economy. Healthcare, education, finance, and professional services also present solid options. Less skilled sectors like retail and hospitality have fewer openings.
Estonia’s Labor Shortages
Despite its small population, Estonia’s economy has grown so quickly in recent years that labor shortages have emerged across certain fields. There are not enough skilled local workers to keep up with business demand.
As of late 2019, Estonia’s government estimated shortages of around 7,000 workers in specialized fields like IT and engineering. Shortfalls also exist in healthcare, education, the hospitality industry, construction, and transportation.
These labor gaps create excellent opportunities for foreigners with in-demand skills. By helping fill pressing talent needs, foreigners can find it easier to secure work visas and jobs.
Fields with the greatest talent shortages in Estonia
Here are some of the occupations and industries facing the largest worker shortages in Estonia currently:
| Field | Specific Roles in Short Supply |
|---|---|
| Information Technology | Software developers, programmers, systems administrators, cybersecurity specialists |
| Engineering | Electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers |
| Healthcare | Doctors, nurses, home care workers, physiotherapists |
| Education | Science, math, and language teachers; vocational instructors |
| Construction | Crane and machine operators, welders, floor layers |
| Transportation | Heavy truck drivers, bus drivers, public transport workers |
With strong demand and relatively limited local labor supply, foreigners with skills in these fields can find abundant openings and recruitment incentives when seeking jobs in Estonia.
Estonia’s Hiring Process
Compared to some other European nations, Estonia’s job application and hiring process is relatively straightforward and employer-driven.
Most mid-sized to large Estonian companies use an online resume/CV submission process. You email or upload your CV via an online portal to apply. Some employers may have you fill out an application form as well.
Unlike places like France and Germany, cover letters are not mandatory for most jobs in Estonia. The CV is your key document for outlining your skills, qualifications and experience.
The interview process usually involves 1-3 rounds of interviews, either in-person, by phone/video call and sometimes by recorded online video. Interviews tend to focus on your technical abilities and expertise rather than personality fit.
If hired, you typically need to provide past employment references and education certificates. You may undergo a background check. The employer then makes a job offer and handles the work permit paperwork if you require sponsorship.
The hiring decision often happens quite fast, within 2-4 weeks from interview to offer. Estonian employers move quickly to fill urgent talent needs.
Typical hiring process timeline in Estonia
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| CV submission | 1 day to 2 weeks |
| Initial interview | 2 days to 2 weeks post-CV |
| 2nd / 3rd interviews | Within 1-2 weeks of initial interview |
| Reference checks | 1-5 days |
| Job offer | Within 1-2 weeks of final interview |
| Work permit application (if needed) | 2-6 weeks |
| Start date | Within 2-8 weeks of offer |
So in as little as 3-4 weeks from application to offer, you could land a job and get ready to relocate to Estonia.
Requirements for Working in Estonia
Estonia offers streamlined processes for foreigners looking to live and work there legally. Here are the key requirements:
Work visa/permit
Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA must obtain a work visa or permit to take a job and relocate long-term to Estonia. The employer usually sponsors and applies for your work permit after extending a job offer.
Estonia has two main work permit options:
- Temporary work permit – Valid for up to 2 years. Can be renewed if your job contract is extended. Issued for specific employer and position.
- Residence permit for work – Valid for up to 5 years. Can switch employers. Must meet minimum salary level around €1500 per month.
For shortage occupations, the process can be fast-tracked in as little as 4 weeks in urgent cases.
Qualifications and skills
To qualify for most skilled positions, you will need:
- A higher education degree like a bachelor’s or master’s that is recognized in Estonia.
- Adequate work experience in your field, usually at least 2-3 years.
- For regulated professions like medicine or law, you may need Estonian certifications.
- Fluency in English for most professional jobs.
IT and engineering roles emphasize technical expertise. Fields like healthcare value Estonian language abilities more.
Language requirements
Estonian has little global usage, so English is the main business language. For skilled technical jobs, no Estonian is required initially. But some language proficiency is expected eventually to integrate into society.
Customer-facing and public sector roles require more Estonian language skills from the start. Most speak English well in bigger cities like Tallinn but Estonian is still valued.
Popular Sectors for Expats in Estonia
Estonia actively recruits foreign talent to fill shortages and support growth in key economic sectors. These areas offer the best job prospects for expats:
Information Technology
IT is arguably Estonia’s most high-profile industry, with thousands of unfilled tech jobs. Major firms like Skype and Transferwise have large offices in Estonia alongside many startups. Openings exist across software development, programming, data analytics, cybersecurity, product management, and more.
Startups & Entrepreneurship
Estonia has cultivated a thriving startup ecosystem, thanks to business-friendly regulations, abundant tech talent, and ample venture capital funding. Ambitious expats can get involved either by joining a startup or launching their own company in Estonia’s supportive environment.
Engineering
With its strong manufacturing sector, Estonia has ravenous demand for engineers to maintain growth. Electrical, mechanical, chemical, and industrial engineering skills are particularly sought-after.
Education
Estonia’s school system relies on international teachers to instruct students in English and other foreign languages. Opportunities exist across primary, secondary, vocational, and higher education both teaching academic subjects and serving as program directors or administrators.
Healthcare
An aging population and expanding healthcare system means increasing need for doctors, nurses, specialists, and other medical personnel from abroad. Fluency in Estonian is prized for patient-facing roles.
Challenges Finding Work in Estonia
While Estonia presents solid job prospects overall, some challenges remain that foreigners should be aware of.
Tough competition for openings
Even with labor shortages, competition can be stiff for attractive roles in booming sectors like IT and engineering. Local grads from Estonia’s excellent universities vie for top jobs as well. You need the right mix of technical skills and experience to stand out.
Estonian language barriers
You can get by fine in English in major hubs like Tallinn. But lacking Estonian can hamper you over time for career advancement, integrating into companies where it’s the working language, and connecting with locals socially.
Lower salaries than Western Europe
While wages are rising quickly in Estonia, average salaries still lag behind larger EU economies like Britain, Germany, France etc. The upside is Estonia’s lower cost of living balanced salaries.
Smaller professional networks
Estonia’s compact size means professional networks are not as vast and established as bigger countries. You may lack connections and support systems when launching a job search.
Bureaucracy around visas/work permits
While smoother than most places, obtaining the right to work legally in Estonia still involves bureaucratic paperwork, costs, and processing times from state agencies and employers.
Tips for Expats Seeking Jobs in Estonia
To maximize your chances of landing a rewarding position, keep these tips in mind:
Highlight technical abilities and hands-on experience
In-demand hard skills related to IT, engineering, healthcare, and vocational fields are most valued by Estonian employers. Showcase your specialized expertise.
Learn some basic Estonian
Picking up key Estonian phrases and vocabulary looks good to employers. It signals your commitment to integrate into the local culture.
Get help navigating visa and work permit processes
Retaining an immigration lawyer can make obtaining the right to work go smoothly. Companies hiring foreigners also have experience supporting foreign hires.
Be flexible on location
Consider not just Tallinn but also other Estonian cities like Tartu, Narva, and Pärnu where competition may be less fierce for openings.
Join relevant professional groups and networks
Build connections in your industry through organizations like the American Chamber of Commerce in Estonia or professional associations.
Conclusion
Although small, Estonia presents a promising opportunity for foreigners seeking rewarding work and career advancement possibilities. Its business-friendly climate, abundant tech and engineering jobs, hiring incentives, and streamlined visa processes make Estonia worth considering for ambitious expats.
The main challenges relate to language barriers, adapting to its modest size, and standing out from other applicants. Yet by targeting high-demand fields and showcasing your technical skills, foreigners can thrive in Estonia’s job market.
With the right strategies and qualifications, moving to Estonia for work can be an excellent decision and chance to further your career.
