This blog post was written by our student ambassador Pooja, a PhD student at the Estonian Business School.

Congratulations, you finally received that long-awaited university acceptance letter. You read it once, then again just to be sure it is real. There is excitement, pride, and a deep sense of relief after all the effort it took to get here. For a moment, everything feels possible. And then, almost immediately, the questions begin.

• What happens next?
• How does the visa process work?
• What documents do I need?
• When should I book appointments?
• How can I ensure I am doing everything correctly?

Moving to a new country is not just about packing bags. It is about understanding a new system, new procedures, and often a completely new way of navigating official processes. For many students, this can be overwhelming at first.

Introducing the official Student Guide

As students begin this journey, there is now an important resource to be aware of. In January 2026, migration consultants from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board released an official Student Guide to support international students through the migration process. In its introduction, the guide explains that it has been created to make the process as smooth as possible and describes itself as a “first aid kit” for students, helping them organise documents, communicate with Estonian authorities, and settle more comfortably in Estonia.

The guide is not meant to replace your own questions or the conversations you will have along the way. Instead, it gives you a clear place to start. It breaks the journey into simple steps from planning your arrival in Estonia, to applying for your visa and residence permit, and finally understanding what is expected of you once you begin your studies.

In this blog, let me break down the steps in a simple way, following what the Student Guide outlines, so you know what to expect and can move forward with a little more clarity and confidence.

Step 1: The acceptance letter is your starting point

Once you receive your university acceptance letter, keep it safe. This document becomes the foundation for your entire migration process and will be referred to at multiple stages along the way.

You will need it for:

• Your long-term student visa
• Your residence permit application later

Beyond the paperwork, this letter also marks the real beginning of your journey. It is the moment when planning turns into action, and the idea of studying in Estonia starts to feel real.

Step 2: Applying for a long-term (D-type) student visa

Before coming to Estonia, students need to apply for a long-term (D-type) student visa in their home country.

In simple terms, a D-type visa is the visa that allows you to enter Estonia for studies and stay for a longer period of time. It is usually the first legal step that lets you move to Estonia as a student, start your studies, and complete the next formalities after arrival. Think of the D-type visa as your entry visa; it gets you into the country so that you can begin your student life and, if needed, apply for a residence permit once you are here.

At a basic level, this step involves:

• Booking an appointment with the foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia
• Submitting the visa application in person
• Preparing key documents such as your passport, university acceptance letter, health insurance, and proof of funds
• Paying the required state fee

The most important thing to remember here is planning ahead. Visa processing can take some time, so it is best to wait for the visa decision before finalising travel plans.

Step 3: Arriving in Estonia: take a breath

Once you arrive in Estonia, you can begin your studies and start settling into student life.

For many students, this moment feels like the end of the paperwork journey. However, if your study programme lasts longer than one year, there is one more important step to take: applying for a temporary residence permit for studies.

Step 4: Applying for a temporary residence permit: plan ahead

If your study programme is longer than one year, you must apply for a temporary residence permit for studies.

According to the Student Guide, this involves:

• Booking an appointment with the Police and Border Guard Board
• Preparing the required documents and application forms
• Meeting the minimum income requirement
• Having valid health insurance

The guide also highlights an important detail that many students are not aware of at first: visa insurance and residence-permit insurance are not the same, so this should be checked carefully. From personal experience, one practical tip is to plan this step early. Appointment slots can fill up quickly, so thinking about booking your appointment soon after receiving your D-type visa can make the process smoother.

Step 5: The residence permit appointment

On the day of your appointment, you arrive at the service office well in advance, submit your documents, and complete biometric procedures such as a photo, signature, and fingerprints.

You also pay the state fee during this visit.

I remember feeling nervous before my appointment, and relieved afterwards. It is actually a very simple and straightforward procedure. The process is organised, calm, and clearly explained.

After this, you simply wait for the decision, which is communicated by email.

Step 6: After receiving your residence permit: what to keep in mind

Receiving your residence permit feels like a big milestone. For many students, it is a moment of relief, a sign that the main paperwork is finally done. But this is also the stage where it is important to stay mindful of a few ongoing responsibilities.

As a student in Estonia, this means:

• Continuing your studies full-time, as per your study programme
• Registering your place of residence in Estonia
• Keeping your health insurance valid throughout your stay
• Making sure you meet the required monthly income level

The Student Guide is very clear about this. These conditions are not just formalities — they are linked directly to the validity of your residence permit. If the requirements are not met, the permit may be revoked. In cases where studies are interrupted or fall behind, the residence permit can also end automatically.

Keeping these points in mind helps ensure that your student journey in Estonia remains smooth and worry-free.

A note for new students

If you are feeling confused or overwhelmed at any point, please know that this is completely normal. Starting life in a new country comes with many questions, and you are not expected to have all the answers on day one. Talk to your seniors at the university, reach out to classmates or friends who are already studying here, and learn from their experiences. Most students are happy to help because they remember exactly how it felt to be new.

And when things start to feel unclear, simply come back to the Student Guide. It has been created to support you through each step and to make this journey a little less stressful. Follow it at your own pace, one step at a time. Becoming a student in Estonia is not just a process to complete. It is the beginning of a new chapter. Allow yourself the time to learn, settle in, and enjoy the experience as it unfolds.

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Source

Student Guide, January 07, 2026

Migration consultants, Estonian Police and Border Guard Board