Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about moving to Tallinn.

About SettleInTallinn

What is SettleInTallinn?

SettleInTallinn is a data-driven neighborhood guide for people relocating to Tallinn, Estonia. We aggregate official Estonian government data on safety, prices, and transit to help you make informed decisions about where to live.

Is SettleInTallinn free to use?

Yes! Our neighborhood comparison tool, safety scores, and price data are completely free. We may offer premium features in the future, but the core tool will always be free.

How accurate is your data?

Very accurate. Our data comes directly from official Estonian sources: police crime reports, Land Board transaction records, and Statistics Estonia. We update our data monthly and clearly show data freshness for each metric.

Do you help with the actual move?

We focus on helping you choose the right neighborhood. For full relocation services (apartment hunting, visa support, etc.), we can recommend trusted partners. Contact us if you need a referral.

Living in Tallinn

Is Tallinn safe?

Yes, Tallinn is very safe by global standards. Estonia consistently ranks among the safest countries in Europe. Like any city, some neighborhoods are safer than others, which is why we provide detailed safety scores for each area.

How much does it cost to live in Tallinn?

A comfortable single person can live on €1,500-2,000/month including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment ranges from €550-850 depending on neighborhood and condition. Add €200-300 for utilities, groceries, and transport. Tallinn is significantly cheaper than Western European capitals.

Do I need to speak Estonian?

Not necessarily. English is widely spoken, especially in tech, business, and tourist areas. However, learning basic Estonian will improve your daily life and is appreciated by locals. Russian is also widely spoken in some neighborhoods.

How cold does it get in winter?

Cold! January averages -4°C (25°F), but can drop to -20°C. However, buildings are well-insulated and heated. Most expats say the cold is manageable. The bigger adjustment is the short winter days (6 hours of daylight in December).

What's the best neighborhood for expats?

It depends on your priorities. Kalamaja is popular with young professionals and creatives. Kesklinn (city center) offers convenience. Kadriorg is great for families. Telliskivi is the hipster hub. Use our comparison tool to find your match.

Moving Process

Do I need a visa to live in Tallinn?

It depends on your nationality. EU citizens can live and work freely. Non-EU citizens typically need a visa or residence permit. Options include the Digital Nomad Visa (up to 1 year), work permit, or entrepreneur visa. Check with the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for current requirements.

How long does it take to find an apartment?

Plan for 2-4 weeks of active searching. The market moves fast. We recommend arriving with temporary accommodation (Airbnb) for at least 2 weeks while you search. Having documents ready speeds up the process.

What documents do I need to rent an apartment?

Typically: passport/ID, proof of income (employment contract or bank statements), and sometimes references. Some landlords ask for a deposit (1-2 months) plus first month's rent upfront.

Can I open a bank account as a foreigner?

Yes, but it's easier with a residence permit or Estonian ID code (isikukood). Some banks (LHV, Swedbank) are more foreigner-friendly than others. Digital banks like Wise or Revolut work well while you set up local banking.

How do I get an Estonian ID code?

If you have a residence permit, you'll get one automatically. Otherwise, you can apply at the Police and Border Guard Board or through certain government services. The ID code (isikukood) is essential for many services in Estonia.

Practical Life

Is public transport good?

Excellent. Tallinn has buses, trams, and trolleybuses covering the whole city. For registered residents, public transport is FREE. Even for others, it's very affordable. The system runs frequently and reliably.

Can I drive with my foreign license?

EU licenses are valid indefinitely. Non-EU licenses are valid for up to 1 year, after which you need to exchange for an Estonian license (may require a driving test depending on your country).

How's the internet?

Incredible. Estonia has some of the fastest and most reliable internet in the world. Home connections of 100-1000 Mbps are common and affordable (€25-35/month). Mobile data is also excellent and cheap.

What's healthcare like?

High quality. EU citizens with an EHIC card get access to public healthcare. Non-EU residents typically need health insurance. Private healthcare is affordable and often faster. Many doctors speak English.

Culture & Lifestyle

Are Estonians friendly to foreigners?

Estonians can seem reserved at first, but they're generally welcoming to foreigners. They value personal space and don't do small talk. Once you make friends, they're loyal and genuine. The expat community is also very active.

What's the food scene like?

Growing rapidly. Traditional Estonian food is hearty (rye bread, pork, potatoes). The restaurant scene has exploded with international options. Great coffee culture. Supermarkets have good variety. Seasonal farmer's markets are excellent.

What do people do for fun?

Depends on the season. Summer: festivals, beaches, forests, cycling. Winter: saunas (a big deal here), cross-country skiing, cozy cafes, cultural events. Year-round: excellent music scene, theater, and museums.

Is there an expat community?

Yes, a vibrant one. Facebook groups (Expats in Tallinn, Internationals in Estonia), Internations events, and various meetup groups. The tech community is particularly active and welcoming.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

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