Best Places For Expats In Estonia
Estonia is the perfect haven for digital nomads and remote-working expatriates. Estonia is a cradle for many online start-ups and has some of the best Wi-Fi coverage in the world. Between the islands, lakes, and forest, there’s natural beauty in addition to great medical care and modern amenities.
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Would you like to live in a Nordic country with warmer summers? Then Estonia may be perfect for you!
Estonia is a Baltic state with strong Nordic ties. The Estonian language is most closely related to Finnish, and Estonia has modeled how to run their country after the Nordic States.
In this article, we will explore the best places to live in Estonia as an expat. We’ve selected 11 cities in Estonia and explained their appeal so you can decide if one is the right fit for you. We’ve included a great site to check out for each city!
11 Best Locations For Expats In Estonia
Estonia has more space and cleaner air than most of Europe, so it’s the perfect place for expats seeking the charms of Europe. It’s also a very modern country with a distinct medieval architectural presence. There’s a spot for everyone in Estonia!
In addition to the mainland situated between Latvia and Russia, Estonia has more than 1500 islands! Estonia has many lakes and forests, making it a gorgeous country for nature lovers.
If you find that Estonia is not for you, consider Slovakia or Latvia.
The top 11 best places:
- Tallinn
- Tartu
- Parnu
- Saaremaa Island
- Rakvere
- Hiiumaa Island
- Haapsalu
- Viljandi
- Kalamaja
- Rummu
- Kihnu Island
1. Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, and it’s a great place for expats who want to see the cultural center of Estonia. Tourism is a thriving industry, so many locals speak English in Tallinn. You won’t want to miss the medieval appearance of the city with modern amenities.
Tallinn has free public transportation, sporting events, and cultural events. The city also boasts around 20 observation towers where you can catch stunning views of the city and its architecture.
Tallinn is a large city with a population approaching half a million. Many large companies will also hire people who may not speak Estonian or Russian, so there are job opportunities for English speakers in Tallinn.
Bastion Tunnels
The Bastion Tunnels were built in the 17th Century. During World War II, they were converted to underground bomb shelters. Visitors to Tallinn can see the tunnels.
2. Tartu
Tartu is the perfect city for expats who want vibrant nightlife. It has cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and Tartu has museums, theaters, and research centers for expats to enjoy.
Expatriates seeking employment in Tartu may find jobs in education, technology, or science. That’s because Tartu is a research and education hub in Estonia.
Tartu is smaller than the capital, with a population closer to 100,000 people, but it has some of the best medical care in the country.
AHHAA
AHHAA is the largest science museum in the Baltic states, and it features many hands-on exhibits. Its permanent exhibits include the Hall of Technology and the Hall of Nature. Don’t miss the AHHAA in Tartu!
3. Parnu
Parnu is a seaside paradise with modern comforts and historical gems in Estonia. It’s best suited for expats who work remotely or would like to work in the tourism industry. Still, you’ll find plenty of attractions if you live in Parnu.
In addition to being a seaside city, the Parnu River runs through town, adding to the natural beauty found in the area. Along the river, you’ll find charming historical villas from the 19th century.
As a tourism center, Parnu offers great spas and cocktail bars to relax and unwind. For expats who want older traditions, Parnu also has 18th-century mud bath houses.
Parnu Beach Promenade
The Parnu Beach Promenade features pedestrian trails and a playground in addition to the lovely beach scene. This is a wonderful resort-like place to visit, especially for couples at sunset.
4. Saaremaa Island
Saaremaa Island is the largest island in Estonia, and it’s perfect for expats who love nature and stunning coastlines. The island has many museums and parks for recreational enthusiasts.
Be aware that Saaremaa Island has fewer English speakers than the major mainland cities, and it takes a few hours to travel to the capital city from there, but expat bloggers say the cost of living on the island and breathtaking natural parks make it worth it.
Panga Cliff
You can enjoy the vista from the highest cliff in Estonia on the northern coast of Saaremaa Island, Panga Cliff. The recreational area offers trails and unparalleled photo opportunities.
5. Rakvere
Rakvere is a place for expats who want to experience medieval life. It features a theme park where you can explore castle living and a tavern that teaches you about medieval cooking! Rakvere is arguably one of the best experiences for medieval enthusiasts.
Rakvere is in northern Estonia, and it’s a little more densely populated than some of the other cities. You may not find as many stores or markets carrying things you’re familiar with.
Rakvere Castle
Visit Rakvere Castle to make candles, shoot a bow, and explore medieval life through various activities. The castle also offers many interesting and engaging exhibits.
6. Hiiumaa Island
Hiiumaa Island is perfect for expats who love lighthouses and coastlines. The island has a small airport and a ferry to access the mainland. Since job opportunities in small communities are limited, Hiiumaa is best for remote workers.
The island has several lighthouses, one of which was originally built in the 16th century! Even though the communities are small, there are still ample eateries and recreational opportunities on the beaches and trails.
Kopu Lighthouse
Kopu Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses still in use today. It was built in 1531 and has since been updated with electricity. It also features a unique lighthouse design.
7. Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a small coastal retreat for expats who are comfortable living away from other English speakers. The town has a relaxing culture, and the local industry focuses on spas. The area is famous for both mud bathhouses and healing seawater.
It’s the closest city to Hiiumaa Island, but it’s less remote since it’s on the mainland. It offers beaches and a culture that values work/life balance. It’s great for remote workers who want a calming atmosphere to call home.
Haapsalu is only an hour’s drive from the capital city.
Haapsalu Healing Spas
Haapsalu has a tradition of using mud and seawater for relaxation and healing. You can spend time at resorts like the Hestia Hotel Haapsalu, which offers these traditional spa treatments during your stay.
8. Viljandi
Since Viljandi is in southern Estonia, this city is a great choice for expats who want some of the warmest Estonian summers. The area is brimming with natural beauty in the form of lakes and forests. You’ll also find multiple castles to explore near Viljandi.
Even though Viljandi is a smaller town, it still hosts festivals like the Viljandi Folk Music Festival. But being in a small town also means Viljandi offers low crime rates and affordable living.
Viljandi Suspension Bridge
In addition to castle ruins, Viljandi also has a historic suspension bridge for pedestrians. The bridge has been rebuilt over time, and it remains a popular attraction for visitors and locals.
9. Kalamaja
Kalamaja is perfect for expats who want to be near Tallinn’s center without living in it; Kalamaja is a coastal community that borders Tallinn’s city center. There are plenty of fishing and sailing opportunities in Kalamaja.
On the northern side of Estonia, Kalamaja has a colder climate than the southern coastal cities like Parnu, but Kalamaja offers naval and maritime museums and experiences unique to it.
Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum
You won’t want to miss the Lennusadam Seaplane Harbour Museum in Kalamaja! The museum offers tours and educational readings in multiple languages, so it’s one of the most tourism-friendly museums in the world.
The museum has a 100-year-old ice-breaker and a submarine from the 1930s. There’s also a playground and child-friendly programs. The museum is an experience for the whole family to love.
10. Rummu
Rummu is further inland than many of the island or coastal cities on our list, but it’s still a great place for expats who love water recreation. Rummu is famous for its diving opportunities. Rummu is perfect for expats who want pristine environments and won’t miss the nightlife.
It’s a small community with great summer access to the capital city. Transportation is available to Tallinn from Rummu.
Rummu Quarry
Visitors to Rummu Quarry will be able to arrange a tour of the Murru Prison. Divers in the area will love the blue-green waters of the lagoon and the submerged buildings and trees.
The quarry also features a water park for visitors aged 6 and older. Enjoy swimming in the beautiful blue water. Please note there’s no lifeguard, and life vests are mandatory.
11. Kihnu Island
Kihnu Island, off the southern coast of Estonia, is perfect for expats who love seafood and want an escape from bustling cities and rowdy nightlife. The island still features the diverse culture of Estonia and beautiful architecture. It’s the perfect oasis for digital nomads!
The primary industry on Kihnu Island is fishing. This means that the seafood on the island is some of the freshest you’ll ever find.
Kihnu Museum
Kihnu Museum advertises itself as a “museum within a museum.” Many of the collections are in storehouses, so the museum exhibits only a small portion of the culture and art available to the island museum. The museum continues to collect the story of men, women, and children on the island.
Conclusion
Estonia is a beautiful country loaded with recreational opportunities in some of the best air quality in Europe. You will have your choice of coastal cities and fresh seafood. However, you can read more about other options for expats in Europe.
Don’t miss out on the great healthcare in Estonia! Make sure you have international health insurance to keep you covered no matter where your expatriate adventures take you.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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