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Estonia is preparing to introduce a new exemption under the Aliens Act that would make it easier for employers to bring in skilled foreign professionals. The exemption would focus on the country’s labor needs and support long-term business growth.
What’s changing in Estonia’s Immigration Law?
In May 2025, the Estonian government approved a proposal to amend the Aliens Act. The change will introduce a new exemption aimed at helping Estonian businesses hire skilled international workers more easily.
This exemption would apply in sectors facing a shortage of qualified professionals and will take into account the local wage levels and labor market needs. The Ministry of the Interior has not yet set a date to define the exact criteria and present a detailed proposal.
The new exemption will still involve careful screening of foreign workers. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) will carry out background checks to confirm that incoming specialists are a good fit for the Estonian labor market and society. Authorities are taking a targeted approach: supporting business growth while making sure that workers entering under this exemption meet clear professional and character standards.
Which sectors could benefit?
Nine sectors with the most urgent need for skilled professionals will be selected for the exemption. These are expected to include fields like manufacturing, industrial technology, and other growth-critical areas where local education systems cannot currently meet demand.
According to Estonia’s OSKA labor market report, the country faces a yearly shortfall of around 1,400 top-level specialists and 700 skilled workers. This gap is expected to continue for at least the next decade due to an aging population and limited local graduate output in some fields.
How many residence permits will be available?
Under the proposed exemption:
- Up to 1,300 residence permits could be issued each year in sectors with labor shortages.
- If the economy grows by at least 2% of GDP, the cap could rise to 2,600 permits per year.
The exemption will sit outside Estonia’s general immigration quota, which covers temporary residence permits for third-country nationals.
This flexible quota system allows the government to adjust the number of permits based on economic performance, making it easier for employers to plan for the future.
Why are these changes important for Estonian businesses?
For many Estonian businesses, especially those in technical sectors, finding qualified talent locally has become increasingly difficult.
According to Minister of Economic Affairs and IT Erkki Keldo, local companies have long needed a way to bring in skilled specialists to support productivity and growth. Foreign experts help launch and run modern systems, and their presence often leads to more opportunities and higher wages for the local workforce.
One example is Magnetic MRO, a major aviation maintenance company in Tallinn. The company reports a constant shortage of licensed aircraft mechanics and says the current system only allows them to hire a handful of international experts each year, despite a clear need for more.
Next steps for Estonian companies
Once the exemption is approved, employers in selected sectors will have access to a more flexible way to recruit international specialists.
In the meantime, businesses should:
- Monitor government updates on the exemption terms
- Review staffing needs in light of labor shortages
- Prepare to engage with the new system once it launches
If your company is facing skill shortages that local hiring can’t fill, this change could make a real difference.
Make the most of the new rules
As Estonia prepares to introduce a more flexible route for hiring foreign talent, now is the time for employers to start planning.
Jobbatical helps companies bring in the international talent they need with full immigration and employee relocation support, from visa processes to settling in. Talk to our local team for expert support.
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