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Estonia's EU Blue Card is for highly qualified non-EU professionals with recognised higher education and a salary above the standard threshold (with a reduced threshold for shortage occupations). The card supports mobility to other EU states.
The EU Blue Card is Estonia's route for highly qualified third-country professionals. You generally need a work contract or binding offer of at least six months, higher professional qualifications (a degree of at least three years, or qualifying experience for IT roles), and a salary of at least 1.5 times the Estonian average wage — reduced to about 1.24 times for designated shortage fields. Employer permission from the Unemployment Insurance Fund is usually required, with some exceptions.
Its main strength is the EU dimension: the Blue Card supports mobility to other EU member states under certain conditions, which appeals to professionals who want flexibility across Europe. The PPA processes applications in up to 60 days, with a state fee of EUR 96 if applying within Estonia or EUR 125 at an Estonian foreign mission.
The salary thresholds are updated each spring, so confirm the current figures on politsei.ee before applying. Where the top specialist route might be simpler for your situation, ACME can compare the two and help you choose.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.