Estonia

Estonia

Estonia, officially the Republic of Estonia, is a Northern European country located in the Baltic region. It borders Latvia to the south and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Finland to the north and the Baltic Sea to the west. Estonia also includes over 2,000 islands, the largest being Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

The country covers an area of approximately 45,227 square kilometres and has a population of around 1.3 million people. Estonia is known for its advanced digital society, historic towns, and strong focus on innovation and technology.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Tallinn

  • Head of State (President): Alar Karis

  • Head of Government (Prime Minister): Kaja Kallas

  • Official Language: Estonian

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

  • International Dialing Code: +372

Population and Economy

As of 2024, Estonia’s population is approximately 1.3 million. The country has a highly developed, digitally advanced economy, with major sectors including information technology, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, and services.

Estonia is well-known for its e-government services, digital ID system, and support for startups. Its economy benefits from strong ties to the European Union and other Baltic states.

European Union and Schengen Status

Estonia is fully integrated into European political and economic frameworks:

  • EU Member State since: 2004

  • Euro Area Member since: 2011

  • Schengen Area Member since: 2007

Estonia uses the euro as its official currency, and its Schengen membership allows free movement of people across most European countries.

Living and Working in Estonia

Estonia is an attractive destination for foreign workers due to:

  • A growing demand for IT professionals, engineers, and specialists

  • High digitalization and modern work environments

  • Moderate cost of living compared to Western Europe

  • EU labor protections and visa policies

EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Estonia without a permit. Non-EU citizens generally need a residence and work permit, which may be tied to a specific employer or job role.

Summary

Estonia is a small but highly developed Northern European country with strong digital infrastructure, a modern economy, and full integration into EU and Schengen frameworks. Its advanced technology sector, stable governance, and high quality of life make it an appealing destination for work, business, and long-term residence.