This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
Next to obtaining a visa, applying for the Temporary Residency Permit (TRP) is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the journey to settling in Estonia as a student. Imagine you've travelled halfway across the world, invested so much time, energy, and money, and yet the uncertainty of whether your application will be approved. It’s the kind of anxiety that keeps you up at night, replaying every document checklist in your head and wondering, Did I miss anything? But despite the anxiety, I reminded myself that most international students before me had faced the same process and succeeded.
There’s a blog written about the step by step process of obtaining the TRP which you can find here. In this post I will share my experience applying for a TRP at the Police and Border Guard office in Tartu.
While the TRP application process might vary slightly across Estonia, I assume it is similar in other cities. One key tip: You can apply for your TRP at any office in the country, and some locations may be less crowded than others, making it easier to secure an early appointment. So, use this opportunity to explore Estonia while applying for your TRP.
Unlike the common stereotype of dealing with public services—often seen as stressful and time-consuming—my TRP application process was surprisingly smooth-sailing. I had pre-booked my appointment even before arriving in Estonia, allowing me to secure a date within my first month of living here.
What Is a TRP?
The Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) is essential for international students planning to study full-time in Estonia. It is issued by the Police and Border Guard Board and allows you to legally reside in Estonia for the duration of your studies. To qualify for a TRP, you must be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited educational institution in Estonia. The TRP is valid for the entire length of your studies, so you won’t need to reapply each year.
Preparing for the TRP Application
Checklist of documents I took with me to my interview:
- Temporary residence permit application form.
- Form detailing your close relatives and family members.
- Biographical data form.
- Identity document (passport).
- Digital photo (self-service booths are available at the office).
- Valid Health insurance policy
- Proof of payment of the state fee (e.g., a payment receipt).
Tip: Remember to inform your school of your interview date as they need to send a letter to the Police and Border Guards. I also took my financial statements, which were collected by the police officer.
Appointment for TRP Application Submission
I scheduled my appointment through the official Police and Border Guard Board website. When the day finally arrived, I gathered all my documents and headed towards the Police office. I arrived about 20 minutes early for my appointment, but I learned that tickets are only issued 15 minutes before the scheduled time. So, I waited outside for a bit. When it was time, I used the ticket kiosk inside the office to print my queue ticket. The kiosk had an English option, so it was easy to navigate. After that, I just waited for my number to appear on the electronic board. I don’t speak Estonian, but it was ok because the officers spoke English. While waiting I took my ID photo at one of the self-service booths. These booths were easy to use and had an English option. This photo ended up being the one used on my residence card.
During my interview, the officer was very helpful. She even helped me complete parts of my forms that needed adjustments and translated them into Estonian for me. One of the questions I had to answer was about military service in my home country. Since military service isn’t mandatory where I’m from, I just had to clarify that on the form. After everything was completed, I signed the Estonian-translated forms. Once the interview was done, the officer directed me to pay the TRP fee, which was €64 at the time of my application. I was able to pay by card. The whole process was smooth and well-organized!
Tip: Appointments often open due to cancellations, so keep checking the site regularly for an earlier date.
Timeline and Approval Process
The TRP application process generally takes 2–3 months from submission to approval.
My Timeline:
- My interview was in September.
- I got the email that my card will be printed in October.
- I got the email that I can pick up my id card in the early part of November.
After receiving the email that it was ready I went back to the office to pick up my TRP without needing another appointment. Finally receiving my TRP was a moment of relief. With the weight of uncertainty lifted, I could finally shift my focus entirely to my studies and embrace the breathtaking landscapes of this Baltic country.
Helpful Links
- Police and Border Guard Board Guide on TRP: Application Instructions
- Step-by-Step Guide from a Study in Estonia Ambassador: Applying for a TRP in Estonia
Find out which international degree programmes are available for you in Estonia.
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