Live & Work in Tallinn

Thinking about living and working in Tallinn? This page brings together the most important information and useful links to help make your move, first weeks and settling-in process easier - whether you are coming as an entrepreneur, investor, specialist or with your family.

Why is Tallinn a good place for entrepreneurship?

Tallinn is a city where it is easy to operate, easy to adapt, and easy to grow. A digitally advanced business environment, short distances, a diverse rhythm of life, and well‑functioning public services create an environment where entrepreneurs, specialists and their families can quickly settle in and focus on their work.

A good starting point for entrepreneurs: Everything important for entrepreneurs – Eesti.ee

Digital State and Efficient Administration

Tallinn is an important part of Estonia’s globally recognized digital state, where most business‑related procedures are automated and web‑based. E‑Residency and digital signatures allow companies to sign documents securely, manage data, and complete everyday processes quickly.

Tax and employment requirements are clearly compiled and publicly available, making planning transparent and time‑efficient. Company administration is largely digitalized.

Clear and Transparent Tax System

In Estonia, labor taxes, minimum requirements and deadlines are compiled into a single overview on the Estonian Tax and Customs Board website, making budgeting and planning easier for entrepreneurs.

More information: Estonian Tax and Customs Board

Ecosystem and Networks

Startup Estonia brings together entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, creating an environment where good ideas gain momentum and new contacts are made naturally.

Learn more: Startup Estonia

City Business Information

The Tallinn Business Guide brings together essential information in one place: permits, labour market information, taxes and visa requirements, so newcomers do not have to search across multiple channels.

City business guide: Tallinn Business Guide

For Investors

International entrepreneurs can also use Invest in Estonia, which highlights Estonia’s advantages and guides users to relevant tools and resources.

Investor information: Invest in Estonia

A Transparent System for Hiring Employees

Employment contracts, taxes and registration processes are clear and unified in Estonia. All employment relationships must be registered in the employment register, regardless of the type of contract.

Employment register: Employment Register – Estonian Tax and Customs Board

When planning salaries, employers must consider income tax, social tax, unemployment insurance contributions and, for some employees, the second pension pillar.

Current tax rates: Tax rates – Estonian Tax and Customs Board

Estonia also has a national minimum wage and minimum labour cost threshold.

Employment Law Essentials

Key rules such as working hours, holidays, and employment agreements should always be checked from official sources.

Employment rules and registration: Tööelu portal

Workplace Safety and Environment

Employers are required to assess workplace risks, including psychosocial risks, and update risk assessments when necessary.

Risk assessment guidance: Risk assessment – Tööelu

Working environment and safety: Labour Inspectorate

Tallinn is a city where services are essential for everyday life — residence registration, public transport, healthcare, kindergartens and schools — are organized so that newcomers can settle in easily. 

The city offers well‑functioning public transport, compact neighborhoods and a wide range of leisure opportunities. Tallinn is both calm and Northern‑European, while also being highly international.

Recommendations

Below are the key things you should consider before arrival, during your first weeks, and while settling in. Links are included to help make your relocation easier. 

Checklist

Before arriving in Tallinn consider: 

• Legal basis for entering Estonia (visa, residence permit, short‑term employment etc.) 
• Temporary accommodation and initial living budget 
• Booking appointments with authorities if necessary 

First weeks in Tallinn: 

• Register your place of residence 
• Personal identification code (if required) 
• Transport and tickets 
• Healthcare – what to arrange immediately and later 

Settling in: 

• Tallinn neighborhoods and long‑term rental options 
• Family services (kindergarten/school) 
• Language learning and integration programmes 
• Communities and networks 

Recommended Links 

Settling in Estonia – Eesti.ee 

Work in Estonia – Official guide 

International House of Estonia 

*This list is not exhaustive but will help you organise your first days in Tallinn.