To counteract the shortage of professionals in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector and to attract foreign talents, third country national workers in the ICT sector as well as those involved in technology start-ups are excluded from Estonia’s immigration quota since 1 January 2017. Conditions to obtain visa and work permits have also been simplified for start-ups.

The 2016 immigration quota – 0.1% of Estonia’s population (1,317) - was met was indeed right before the end of the year. In addition to those included in the quota, an average of more than 6,500 people move to Estonia every year. Most of them are EU citizens or third country national coming for family reunification, asylum or studies. To ease their integration process, all newcomers granted a residence permit also receive an invitation to participate in adaptation courses launched in 2015.

This new measure should partially please Estonian employers who argue that increasing the quota is essential to overcome labour shortage and the consequences of an ageing population. Quotas will nevertheless remain at 1,317 in 2017.