Estonia business visa (Schengen C visa)

The visa covers meetings, contract negotiations, trade fairs, conferences and similar activities for a company based outside Estonia, as well as professional drivers carrying goods. Actually working for an Estonian employer is different: that needs short-term employment registered by the employer with the PBGB, plus a legal basis to stay. Work of up to five days in a 30-day period is the only exception that does not need registration.

In addition to the standard file, add an invitation and/or guarantee from the Estonian company, digitally signed by its legal representative; if the mission wants it e-mailed directly, bring a printout of the sent e-mail with date and time. Add the fair entry card or participation papers if relevant, flight bookings and proof of funds. Company owners attach business registration and tax payment documents; employees an employer letter with proof of employment.

The same €70 per day threshold and €30,000 Schengen-wide travel medical insurance apply. If the inviting company covers costs, the guarantee says so. Frequent business travellers with a good visa history can be issued multiple-entry visas valid for longer periods, up to five years.

The state fee is €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 11 and nothing for children under 6. Pupils and students travelling to study, researchers under the EU definition and family members of EU citizens with free-movement rights are among those exempt. Where the mission uses a visa application centre, the centre adds its own service fee. The fee pays for the examination and is not refunded if the visa is refused.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accepts applications no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the trip. A decision is normally made within 15 days of an admissible application and can take up to 45 days if the file needs closer examination; some nationalities require prior consultation of other Schengen states. Fingerprints are taken unless you gave them for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months; children under 12 are exempt.

A refusal is issued on the standard EU form with the grounds ticked. It cannot be challenged by e-mail: you file an appeal with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, either directly or through the PBGB, within 10 days of receiving the decision. The deadline cannot be extended or restored.

The appeal is made on the official form, sent by post to Islandi väljak 1, 15049 Tallinn or by e-mail with a digital signature recognised in Estonia, with a copy of the passport data page and proof that the €160 appeal fee (reference 2900073630) has arrived. The Ministry decides within 30 days of registration. If the refusal stands, a complaint can be filed with the administrative court within 10 days; doing so does not give a right to enter or stay.