Key Points
- Estonia has updated its national minimum salary levels for 2021
- Minimum monthly salary levels have risen 2.9% from 2020
- The new minimum wages are in effect nationwide through March 2, 2022
- The changes apply to Residence Permits for Employment and EU Blue Cards
- Top specialists will now earn EUR 2,896 per month
- All other specialists, including advisors, experts, and consultants, will receive EUR 1,448 per month
- Most EU Blue Card holders will now earn EUR 2,172 each month, with the exception of a minimum monthly wage of EUR 1,810 for some sought-after occupants
- Foreign employees must earn an additional EUR 360 per month per dependent
- New 2021 minimum salary levels apply only to new and renewal applications
- Allowances and benefits may not be included in an employee’s minimum wage calculations
- Employees must be compensated in EUR
Overview
Minimum salary levels have increased nationwide in Estonia for 2021.
What are the Changes?
Minimum monthly salary levels have risen 2.9% over minimum salary rates in 2020. The new minimum wages are in effect through March 2, 2022.
Who is Affected?
The changes apply to Residence Permits for Employment and EU Blue Cards.
Under the Residence Permit for Employment category, the minimum wage for top specialists is now EUR 2,896 per month. All other specialists, including advisors, experts, and consultants, will receive EUR 1,448 per month.
Most EU Blue Card holders will now earn EUR 2,172 each month. The minimum monthly payment is now EUR 1,810 for certain sought-after occupations.
What Should Employers and Applicants Know?
Foreign employees must have additional funding to support dependents. Foreign employees who are traveling with dependents must earn an additional EUR 360 per month for each dependent.
The new 2021 minimum salary levels apply only to new and renewal applications. Current permit holders are not affected by the updated minimum salary levels for 2021.
Allowances and benefits may not be included in an employee’s minimum wage calculations.
Employees must be compensated in EUR, regardless of exchange rate fluctuations and their payroll location.
