Overview of Visa Types of Estonia Visa for Canadians
Canadian citizens have two pathways for visiting Estonia, depending on trip length and purpose:
Short-Term Visits
Canadian citizens do not need a tourist visa to visit Estonia for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For stays longer than 90 days, a Type D visa, also known as a long-stay visa, is required.
Work Visa
Work Visas include types such as skilled and temporary work permits. Eligibility often requires a job offer from an Estonian employer and meeting educational or skill standards. More details on the Estonian immigration website
Student Visa
Canadians wishing to study in Estonia must apply for a Student Visa (residence permit for study as a foreigner). Requirements include an acceptance letter from an Estonian educational institution and proof of financial support.
Schengen Long-Stay (Type D) Visa
You must apply for an Estonian national visa (Type D) for stays longer than 90 days in any 180-day period. Canadians can apply through the VFS Global visa centres in Canada. You will need to provide a visa application form, two passport photos, health insurance, proof of funds, travel plans, and biometric data (fingerprints) at submission, as well as other required documents for the application.
Youth Mobility / Working Holiday Visa for Canadians (Type D)
Under the Canada–Estonia Youth Mobility Agreement, Canadians aged 18–35 may apply for a long-stay (Type D) visa, which grants the right to work in Estonia for up to 12 months. To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, hold a valid Canadian passport and be between the ages of 18 and 35 inclusive. You must also meet other requirements, such as proof of funds and payment of the fees.
Estonia Visa Requirements for Canadians
Eligibility Criteria
- A valid Canadian passport (valid at least 3 months after your planned exit from Schengen)
- Evidence of return or onward travel
- Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay (Estonia requires roughly €130.80 per day)
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies and repatriation (valid throughout the Schengen Area)
- Documents to support your travel purpose (e.g., hotel bookings, meeting invitations)
Required Documents
When applying for an Estonian visa (e.g., long-stay Type D visa or Youth Mobility visa), you will typically need:
- Valid Canadian passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., rental contract, hotel booking)
- Bank statements or other financial documents proving sufficient funds
- Flight itinerary or ticket reservation
- Travel insurance policy (meeting Schengen standards)
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends or attending a business/cultural event)
Additional documents may be required depending on your visa type (e.g., work contract, university acceptance letter, internship offer, etc.).
Certified Translation Requirements
For certain visa categories, supporting documents must be translated into English or Estonian by a certified translator. This includes
Translayte offers certified translation services that meet the standards of Estonia's immigration and consular authorities. Visit our certified translation page to learn how to have your documents translated accurately and securely.
Step-by-Step Application Process for an Estonian Visa from Canada
Here are the steps to follow when applying for an Estonian visa from Canada
1. Determine the Visa Type
The first step is to identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose and length of stay in Estonia. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits. However, if you plan to stay in Estonia for more than 90 days, whether to work, study, intern, or participate in a youth mobility program,you will need to apply for a Type D national visa. Understanding your intent will help determine which visa category you should apply for.
2. Gather Required Documents
Once you've selected the visa type, gather all the required documents specific to that category. Common requirements include a valid Canadian passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area), a completed visa application form, proof of sufficient funds (Estonia requires roughly €130.80 per day), a travel itinerary or return flight booking, proof of accommodation, and travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 valid throughout the Schengen Area. Additional documents such as employment letters, university acceptance, or invitation letters may be required depending on your visa purpose.
3. Get Documents Translated
If any of your supporting documents, such as birth certificates, police clearance certificates, or educational records, are in a language other than English or Estonian, they must be translated into one of these languages. It’s essential to use a certified translation service that meets both Canadian and Estonian visa standards. Translayte provides reliable, certified translations that comply with these requirements, ensuring your application is not delayed due to improper documentation. Learn more here.
4. Submit Application
With all documents in order, complete your visa application and arrange for submission. You’ll need to pay the applicable visa fee (typically €100 for a Type D visa) and book an appointment through VFS Global, the official visa service provider for Estonia in Canada. Applications must be submitted in person at one of the designated VFS Global Visa Application Centres, which are located in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, and Edmonton. Please bring both originals and copies of your documents to the appointment.
5. Attend Visa Interview
As part of the application process, you’ll attend a visa interview at your chosen VFS centre. During the interview, be prepared to clearly explain the purpose of your visit, your planned activities in Estonia, and your travel timeline. You’ll also need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, and ensure that all documents, including translations, are presented correctly. A well-prepared interview can strengthen your application and reduce the likelihood of delays or denials.
6. Receive Visa Decision
After your interview and application submission, the Estonian consular authorities will review your case. Visa processing typically takes between 15 to 30 business days, though it may vary depending on the season or application volume. Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified by VFS Global. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker inside. Be sure to check all details carefully, including entry dates and duration of stay, before booking your final travel plans..
Certified Document Translation for Estonia Visa Application
Estonian authorities require official supporting documents to be translated to English or Estonian by a professional, certified translation service. This ensures that all legal, personal, and technical information is accurate, clear, and verifiable by the reviewing consular staff.
Failure to provide a certified translation may result in delays, requests for resubmission, or even a visa refusal due to incomplete documentation.
Translayte offers certified translation services accepted by Estonian embassies, VFS Global, and Canadian immigration and legal authorities. They specialise in translating:
- Police checks
- Academic documents
- Civil status certificates
- Travel and employment records
With fast turnaround times and digital delivery options, Translayte helps simplify the documentation process, so you can submit your Estonia visa application with confidence.
Tips for a Successful Visa Application for Moving to Estonia from Canada
- Double-check your application for accuracy and completeness to avoid delays.
- Ensure all documents, especially those requiring translation, are correctly formatted and certified.
- Prepare for the visa interview by familiarising yourself with potential queries regarding your purpose and duration of stay in Canada.
- Stay informed about any changes in visa laws or requirements to ensure your application remains compliant with current standards.