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New rules for short-term employment registrations, residence permits

Estonia now requires companies sponsoring foreign workers to register with the Estonian Business Register and show proof of economic activity.

The image is of a notice board. There are few notes on the board.
The image is of a notice board. There are few notes on the board.

New rules for short-term employment registrations, residence permits

New rules for hiring foreign workers in Estonia will take effect from 1 January 2026. Companies sponsoring short-term employment registrations and temporary residence permits must now meet stricter requirements. These changes aim to ensure businesses are established before bringing in overseas staff.

Under the updated regulations, employers must register with the Estonian Business Register before submitting applications. This step becomes mandatory for all sponsorships starting next year.

In addition, companies will need to prove at least six months of continuous economic activity. The requirement applies to any business seeking to hire foreign nationals through temporary permits. So far, no specific company has been named as the first to register under the new system. Authorities have not yet released details on early applicants or approvals.

The changes tighten oversight on foreign labour sponsorships in Estonia. Firms must now demonstrate financial stability and legal registration before hiring. The rules take full effect at the start of 2026.

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