Changing Employers in Estonia on a Work Permit

Changing employers in Estonia (Eesti Vabariik — Republic of Estonia) on a work permit became much easier with the amendments to the Aliens Act in force since 22 May 2026. Holders of a temporary residence permit for employment no longer need to apply for a new permit: instead, the new employer registers the change with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), which decides within 30 days. The salary criterion and permission from the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) still apply. If you lose your job, you can now be unemployed for up to three months — or six months if your permit is valid for longer than two years. This EU Helpers guide explains the process step by step — international candidates can explore Estonian opportunities through EU Helpers. Estonia has been an EU and NATO member since 2004, a Schengen member since December 2007, a eurozone member since 2011 and a Council of Europe member since 1993.

Essential Context: How Estonian Work Permits Are Tied to Employers

The 2026 reform changed the process for most permit holders.

When You Can Change Employers in Estonia

• Voluntary move — you can change employers, but wait for the PPA decision on the registered change before you start.
• Dismissal or redundancy — unemployment is now allowed for more reasons, including your own decision to leave; beyond three months, you must prove sufficient financial means.
• Blue Card holders — you can change employers; in the first two years the new employer needs Töötukassa permission.
• Long-term residents — can change jobs freely.

The Step-by-Step Process

1. Secure a written offer from an employer registered in Estonia that meets the salary criterion for your position.
2. The new employer obtains Töötukassa permission where required.
3. Before the planned start date, the new employer registers the change of employer with the PPA.
4. The PPA decides within 30 days; your existing permit stays valid during the review.
5. Give notice to your current employer under the Employment Contracts Act.
6. Start work with the new employer once the PPA has approved the change.

Documentation You Will Need

Timing: How Long the Switch Takes

Rules on Notice, Probation and Severance

• Notice — under the Estonian Employment Contracts Act, an employee who resigns from an open-ended contract generally gives 30 calendar days' notice.
• Probation — a probation period of up to four months is common, with shorter notice during probation.
• Severance — resigning does not give a right to severance; compensation applies to redundancy.
• Final pay — unused holiday is compensated when the job ends.

Salary and Benefits When Switching

Since 22 May 2026, the general salary criterion for most employment permits is 80% of the Estonian average gross monthly wage — €1,674 a month for March 2026 to March 2027. Blue Card holders must keep a salary of at least €3,138 a month, or €2,594 for listed top specialists. Compare gross pay, bonuses and benefits, and check that your income still supports any family members you sponsor.

Risks and Common Mistakes

• Starting before approval — wait for the PPA decision on the registered change.
• Skipping Töötukassa permission — it still applies where required.
• Salary below the criterion — the new job must meet the salary threshold for your permit.
• Overstaying the unemployment period — three or six months depending on your permit.
• Not proving funds — beyond three months of unemployment you must show sufficient means.
• Employer not registered — the new employer must be in the Estonian Commercial Register.

Special Cases

• Shortage sectors — from May 2026, permits in sectors chosen by the government can be exempt from the immigration quota and separate Töötukassa permission, within an annual cap.
• Short-term employment — follows separate registration rules.
• Start-ups and top specialists — have their own salary and permit rules.
• Moving to another EU country — Blue Card holders can use intra-EU mobility.
• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens — no permit is needed.

Final Guidance

Changing employers in Estonia on a work permit is now simpler: since 22 May 2026, your new employer registers the change with the PPA instead of you applying for a new permit, and the PPA decides within 30 days. The salary criterion — 80% of the average wage in most cases — and Töötukassa permission still apply, and you should not start the new job until the change is approved. If you lose your job, you have three or six months to find new work. Blue Card holders need Töötukassa permission for a change in their first two years. Always confirm current rules with the PPA before resigning. International candidates can explore Estonian opportunities through EU Helpers. EU Helpers supports foreign workers with offer checks, employer registration, Töötukassa permissions, timing and documents.