Tallinn, Estonia

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa
  Citizens of many countries can enter Estonia under the Schengen Area visa requirements for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Estonia is a member of the European Union, and a Schengen visa is required for nationals from non-EU countries.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA)
  Estonia allows visa-on-arrival for certain countries, but it’s important to check the specific visa requirements on the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before traveling.
• Digital Nomad Visa
  Estonia offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers who are employed by foreign companies or run their own businesses. The visa allows stays up to 12 months and has specific income requirements (around $3,700/month).

For visa information, visit the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board.

Cost of Living

• Accommodation
  Tallinn’s cost of living is moderate compared to other European capitals. Accommodation is more affordable in the suburbs compared to the city center.

• Budget: Shared apartments or hostels cost between $16 – 43 per night.
• Mid-range: Private rooms or apartments typically range from $65 – 130 per night.
• Luxury: High-end apartments and hotels in central areas range from $162 – 270 per night.

• Food
  Tallinn offers a wide range of dining options, from affordable street food to upscale restaurants.

• Street food: Meals from food stalls or casual eateries cost around $5 – $11.
• Mid-range restaurants: A three-course meal for two will cost between $32 – $65.
• Fine dining: Upscale restaurants will charge around $75+ per person.

• Transportation
  Tallinn’s public transportation system includes buses, trolleys, and trams, and is free for registered residents. Visitors can buy single tickets for around $2. Biking is also popular, and many areas are pedestrian-friendly.

Healthcare
Healthcare in Estonia is of high quality and generally affordable. EU residents can use their EHIC cards for access. For non-EU citizens, basic consultations cost around $32–54, and more specialized treatments may be higher.

Climate & Weather

• Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -10 to 0°C (14–32°F). Snowfall is common, and the Baltic Sea can partially freeze. Short days and long nights, with limited daylight.
• Spring (March–May): Starts cold and windy, gradually warming to 10–15°C (50–59°F) by May. Snow may linger into March, but April sees more sunshine.
• Summer (June–August): Mild and comfortable, with temperatures between 18–25°C (64–77°F). Long daylight hours, with “White Nights” in June when the sun sets late.
• Autumn (September–November): Cool and rainy, with temperatures dropping from 15°C (59°F) in September to 0°C (32°F) by November.

Landscape

Tallinn is located on the Baltic Sea and offers a stunning coastline with beaches and parks. The Toompea Hill provides panoramic views of the old town, while the Kadriorg Park is an expansive green space featuring beautiful gardens and the Kadriorg Palace. The city is also surrounded by forests and nature reserves, providing opportunities for hiking and nature walks.

Things to Do

• Heritage Sites
  • Tallinn Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, with its medieval architecture, Toompea Castle, and the famous Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • Kadriorg Palace and Park: A stunning palace built by Tsar Peter the Great surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Tallinn City Museum: Learn about Tallinn’s history from medieval times to the modern era.
• Adventure Activities
  • Tallinn Seaplane Harbour: Visit the maritime museum and explore historical ships and submarines.
  • Nature Walks and Cycling: Explore Tallinn’s nature reserves or go for a hike in Viinistu or Lahemaa National Park.
  • Winter Sports: Tallinn offers ice skating and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
• Nightlife
  Tallinn has a lively nightlife scene with a mix of bars, clubs, and pubs. The Rotermann Quarter is a popular area for bars, while the Telliskivi Creative City area offers trendy spots and live music.
• Wellness Retreats
  Estonia is known for its spas and saunas, and Tallinn offers a variety of wellness centers where you can enjoy traditional Estonian saunas, massage therapies, and holistic treatments.
• Shopping
  Tallinn has a great shopping scene, with boutiques selling local designs, antiques, and handicrafts, especially in areas like Telliskivi and Old Town.

Lifestyle

Tallinn’s lifestyle revolves around its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and tech-savvy population. The city offers a blend of modern amenities and a medieval charm, with a relaxed pace of life. Many people take advantage of the city’s bike-friendly infrastructure and green spaces for outdoor activities. Residents also have access to excellent public services, including healthcare and education.

Tallinn is home to a diverse population, with a large Russian-speaking community. The city is welcoming to expatriates, and you’ll find a variety of international restaurants, cultural events, and social activities. Networking events for the start-up community are also frequent, making Tallinn an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

Other Important Locations in Estonia

• Tartu: Estonia’s second-largest city, known for its university and rich intellectual history.
• Pärnu: A popular seaside resort town known for its spa culture.
• Saaremaa: The largest island in Estonia, known for its medieval architecture and nature reserves.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Hostels or shared apartments cost between $15 – $37 per night.
• Mid-range: Private rooms or apartments range from $52 – $105 per night.
• Luxury: High-end accommodations range from $125- $210 per night.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

Tallinn is a digital hub for entrepreneurs and remote workers, offering numerous co-working spaces. Popular options include Lift99, Karma Co-Working, and The Workroom. Monthly membership fees range from $100 – $300, depending on the facilities and location.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Tallinn is known for its exceptional WiFi connectivity, with free public WiFi available in almost every cafe, park, and public space. Coworking spaces and accommodations also provide fast internet.
• SIM: Tele2, Elisa, and Telia are the main providers, with prepaid SIM cards available at stores and kiosks. These offer affordable data plans with nationwide coverage.

Volunteering Opportunities

There are many volunteer opportunities in Tallinn, especially with organizations focused on environmental conservation, social services, and education. Programs like Tallinn Volunteer Centre and Eesti Noored offer opportunities for both locals and expats to give back to the community.

Local Employment Options

• IT and tech roles in startups or remote work.
• Teaching English or other languages.
• Opportunities in finance or e-commerce industries.

Real Estate Investment Options

The real estate market in Tallinn is growing, and investors can explore opportunities in residential properties and tourist rentals. Prices in Tallinn are still lower than in many other European capitals, making it a viable option for real estate investors. The demand for short-term rentals is particularly strong due to the tourism industry.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Tallinn is a leading start-up hub in Europe, known for its e-Residency program and supportive government policies for entrepreneurs. The city hosts many tech incubators and accelerators, such as Startup Estonia, and has a strong focus on fintech, blockchain, and digital services.

Business Setup Process for Expats

1. Choose Your Business Structure: Options include private limited company (OÜ) or sole proprietorship.
2. Register Your Business: Register your company online via the Estonian Business Register.
3. Obtain an Estonian Business Bank Account: Open a bank account with Estonian banks or use an online service.
4. Get an E-Residency: Apply for e-Residency to access Estonia’s digital services.
5. Register for VAT: If your business turnover exceeds €40,000, you need to register for VAT.
6. Get Necessary Licenses: Certain industries (e.g., finance or alcohol) require special licenses.
7. Comply with Local Tax Laws: Estonia offers a flat corporate tax rate of 20%.

Business Opportunities in Tallinn

• Tech Startups: Tallinn is a hub for software development, blockchain technology, and fintech.
• Tourism and Hospitality: With its rich history and stunning scenery, Tallinn offers numerous opportunities in the tourism, event management, and hospitality sectors.
• Creative Industries: Tallinn has a growing arts and design community, with opportunities in graphic design, fashion, and film production.
• E-commerce: The growing trend of online shopping presents opportunities in e-commerce and logistics.
• Green Technology: With a focus on sustainability, Tallinn is home to emerging opportunities in the renewable energy and environmental technology sectors.