Estonia Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Estonia for your studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
Quick Access
An example plan for before you leave
Before You Leave for Estonia
What students from India and Pakistan sort out before flying to Estonia. Amounts are in euros (EUR).
Start Early
What to Sort Out
- Visa and papers: The long-stay visa (D-visa), forms, apostilles and translations.
- Money proof: At least EUR 880 a month, with bank statements for the 3 months before you apply.
- Housing: A dormitory or flat, and a booking for your first nights.
- Insurance: Travel medical insurance for the visa, then health insurance that the PPA accepts for your residence permit.
Your Plan
After admission
Start apostilles, translations and bank statements.
When papers are ready
Fill in the D-visa form and book your embassy appointment (India: New Delhi. Pakistan: ask the MFA).
Usually within 30 days
Wait for the D-visa. Book travel only after it is issued.
Before you fly
If your studies last more than a year, book a visit with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) for a residence permit.
Your University
Your university's international office helps admitted students with visa and permit questions.
For the residence permit, your university sends an invitation letter (a letter that says you are a student) to the PPA for you.
Before You Leave: Checklist
The main things to have ready before you fly.
Documents
Passport
Made in the last 10 years. Two empty pages. Valid for 3 months after your visa ends.
Admission letter
From your Estonian school.
Apostilles and translations
On official papers from India or Pakistan.
Practical
Bank statements
Income for the 3 months before you apply, at least EUR 880 a month.
Visa fee
EUR 120, paid when you hand in the visa application at the embassy.
Final Steps
Travel medical insurance
For your whole visa period.
First nights booked
Dormitory, hostel or hotel.
Full checklist
Guides Before You Leave
Open each guide for the details.
A Few Estonian Words
Estonian is the official language of Estonia. These words help on your first days.
Useful Local Phrases
Tere
Hello
Nägemiseni
Goodbye
Aitäh / Tänan
Thank you
Palun
Please
Jah / Ei
Yes / No
Bussipeatus
Bus stop
Arst
Doctor
Tasuta
Free (no cost)
Cultural Tips
- Estonians do not expect foreigners to speak Estonian.
- Saying a simple Estonian word, such as 'Tere' (hello), helps you make friends.
Important Contacts
Numbers and offices to save before you travel.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Useful Communication Apps
Bolt
Ride-sharing
Uber
Ride-sharing
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Estonia
112 is the one emergency number for ambulance, police and rescue. It is free.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
University International Office
Helps admitted students with visa and permit questions.
Where you apply for the visa
India: the Estonian Embassy in New Delhi. Pakistan: no Estonian embassy in Pakistan handles visas. Ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) which embassy to use.
Contacts to Save
Save 112, the emergency number.
Save your university's international office contact.
Save the number of the PPA migration advisers: +372 612 3500.
Tips Before You Leave
Book your visa appointment as soon as you are admitted. India: New Delhi embassy. Pakistan: ask the MFA which embassy to use.
Start apostilles and translations early.
Get bank statements that show the income for the 3 months before you apply.
Buy travel medical insurance for your whole visa period.
Book a place to stay for your first nights. The University of Tartu asks to see this at your visa appointment.
Book your PPA appointment for the residence permit early: you can book up to three months ahead.
Get Expert Help
Common Questions
Have More Questions?
Still have questions? Talk to us.
Complete Guide to Estonia
Explore all aspects of studying in Estonia with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Estonia with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationReady to Prepare for Your Estonia Journey?
Get expert guidance and support with your pre-departure preparations to ensure a smooth transition to studying in Estonia.
Get Expert Help