The first thing most people notice in Estonia is the silence. Not an awkward one: an easy one. Two people on a bus can say nothing for twenty minutes and consider it a pleasant journey. Visit Estonia describes locals as typically calm, wanting their own space, and "direct, no-frills and honest". If you arrive expecting small talk, you will think they dislike you. They do not.
This guide to living in Estonia covers language, manners, sauna, holidays and winter.
What is everyday life like when living in Estonia?
Estonians are reserved and direct, attached to nature and personal space. The sauna is an institution: the country had more than 100,000 saunas at the last count, for around 1.3 million inhabitants, and the smoke sauna (suitsusaun) ritual is recognised by UNESCO. After it, many people plunge into icy water. The local saying is that there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.
Midsummer, jaanipäev (24 June), is celebrated around large bonfires. The song and dance festival, also on UNESCO's list, gathers almost 100,000 participants and spectators.
Practical habits: tipping is not compulsory, and about 10% is normal for exceptional service. Most shops, banks and restaurants stay open on public holidays; only 25 December and 1 January see most of them close. Tap water is drinkable everywhere. The country is safe, with low crime, though you should beware of pickpockets in cities. Pedestrians must wear a reflector (helkur) at night, by law.
Do you need to speak Estonian?
Estonian (eesti keel) is the only official language and the language of school, administration and most jobs. English is widely spoken, and Work in Estonia estimates that the basics often suffice for day-to-day life. A large Russian-speaking community also lives in the country; Estonians are about 68.7% of the population.
The Settle in Estonia programme offers newcomers who have a right of residence adaptation courses and Estonian classes at A1 (about three months) and A2 (about five months), online or in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Jõhvi. The International House of Estonia runs free language cafés. If you are on a non-EU permit route, a level of B1 Estonian is needed for a long-term residence permit.
The real argument for learning it is long-term: jobs, children's schooling and paperwork. See schools in Estonia for expat children.
Wondering how to settle in socially, which lessons to join or how to answer your neighbours' emails in Estonian? Moovy can suggest a plan for your first months and draft short messages in Estonian with an English translation.
How does Estonian working culture feel?
Be precise. Work in Estonia advises asking precise questions and giving precise answers, because vagueness leads nowhere. Modesty is appreciated, and self-promotion can sound like boasting. Most contracts are open-ended with a probation of up to four months and a monthly salary; leave is 28 calendar days. Holidays cluster in June and July, and many people do not read email then (working in Estonia).
What are the public holidays in Estonia?
In 2026 there are twelve public holidays: 1 January; 24 February (Independence Day); 3 April (Good Friday); 5 April (Easter Day, the Monday is not a holiday); 1 May (Spring Day); 24 May (Pentecost); 23 June (Victory Day); 24 June (Midsummer); 20 August (Day of Restoration of Independence); and 24, 25 and 26 December. The working day before New Year, 24 February, 23 June and 24 December is shortened by three hours.
How do you cope with the Estonian winter?
Winter runs roughly from late November to early March. It is often around -5°C, and the thermometer can drop below -20°C, usually in January or February, with wind making it sharper. Days shorten sharply in autumn, while in June they hardly end: the white nights.
Wear warm layers, take a reflector and, if you drive, use winter tyres from 1 December. Do what the locals do: go out anyway, walk, ski, sauna. Winter swimming has plenty of fans.
What do you do in an emergency?
Call 112 for ambulance, fire brigade and police. The state information line is 1247 (for example in a crisis). Emergency care is free for anyone in Estonia (healthcare in Estonia for expats).
What is it like living in Estonia as a newcomer?
Living in Estonia is at once very modern and very close to nature. Your bank, your doctor and your tax return are online, and at the weekend half your neighbours are in a forest, on a lake or in a sauna. Work in Estonia recommends meeting locals through shared activities: sauna evenings, nature outings and volunteering. The Estonian approach is to let relationships grow slowly, so do not read slow friendliness as coldness.
The season matters too. The warm season is short, and it is when festivals, midsummer and holidays happen. Make the most of June, and prepare for November.
How do you prepare for living in Estonia, month by month?
- First month: register your address, get your code and ID card (moving to Estonia: the step-by-step guide).
- Second month: bank, Smart-ID, tax residence, doctor.
- Third month: an Estonian course, a hobby group, a plan for the dark season.
- Before winter: warm clothes, a reflector for walking at night, winter tyres if you drive.
Language is the multiplier. The Settle in Estonia A1 and A2 courses are free for newcomers with a right of residence, and the free language cafés of the International House of Estonia let you practise.
What about children and daily rhythm?
Kindergartens teach in Estonian only, and state schools are moving to Estonian by 2030, so young children pick up the language quickly. Shops and restaurants are mostly open on public holidays, but plan around 25 December and 1 January. In June and July many offices slow down, and people take their holidays.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Mistaking reserve for hostility. Let time do its work, and use sauna, nature outings and volunteering to meet people.
- Underestimating winter.
- Staying in an English-only bubble.
- Forgetting digital life. Almost everything is online with your digital ID (Estonian digital ID).
- Thinking summer lasts. It is short, and everything happens in it.
What changes by nationality?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can follow the Settle in Estonia programme once they hold an Estonian ID card as proof of residence; British residents can too once they hold a valid residence permit card. French speakers have the European School in Tallinn, in English and French.
Give Estonia a winter before you judge it. By March, most newcomers are the ones who stop speaking on the bus.