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 Estonia: Job market
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What are my chances of getting a job?Estonia has a growing economy and is embracing new industries which, in turn, are bringing new opportunities for work. The tourism sector in particular is flourishing and this may provide a useful route in for graduates/workers from different countries. As it expands, Estonia is experiencing a skills shortage. Many of its indigenous workforce do not have the skills needed to develop new technologies, for example. Again, this is opening up possibilities for foreign workers. - Typical problems encountered: language may be the biggest barrier for many foreign workers. Although use of the English language is on the increase in business and academia, knowledge of Estonian is a distinct advantage and that increases your potential job options. Russian is also spoken in Estonia.
- How to improve your chances: take an Estonian language course either before you leave or once you arrive in Estonia. International Language Servicesin Tallinn is one of several language schools which teach such courses.
- Language requirements: proficiency in Estonian greatly increases your job options. Many of Estonia’s universities run Estonian language courses and modules for their foreign students. You may study Estonian in some language schools in the UK, though most are London-based such as Key Languages. There are a number of self-study courses available such as Eurotalk Interactive.
back to top Where can I work?- Major industries: manufacturing (machinery, automotive supplies, electronics and plastics, wood products such as timber, paper and pulp). Real estate also accounts for 15% of economic activity (Statistics Estonia, 2008).
- Recent growth areas: biotechnology, ICT, tourism, shared services centres and telecomms. Estonia’s largest biotech company employs only 78 people and many of Estonia’s own companies are small businesses. See Invest in Estonia for details of key sectors and key players within these sectors.
- Industries in decline: construction.
- Major companies: there are a number of global firms based in Estonia including 3M, Alstom, KPMG, Fujitsu, Procter & Gamble.
- Search for more companies: Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kompass and Yellow Pages Estonia provide company lists. The Foreign Companies in Estonia Yearbook also provides a useful list.
- Major cities: approximately 44% of Estonians work in and around Tallinn (Smart Estonia, 2008). Other major towns and cities include Tartu, Parnu, Narva and Kohtla-Jarve.
back to top What’s it like working in Estonia?- Average working hours: eight hours per day, five days per week, comparable with the UK.
- Holidays: annual leave entitlement is 28 days, with extended vacations applicable to some professions including state and local government officials, teachers, academic and scientific staff. In addition, there are 12 public holidays and one national holiday on 24 February for the Anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.
- Average graduate starting salary: the national average salary in Estonia in 2008 is estimated at approximately 700 Euros per month, with those in finance roles earning up to 2000 Euros per month, engineers earning about 750 Euros and hotel workers earning the lowest wages. The minimum wage was set at 278 Euros per month in January 2008 (Statistics Estonia).
- Tax rates: there is a flat-rate system of individual tax which is 22% and is considered one of the most liberal regimes in the world. It will be reduced by 1% annually until 2010. VAT is currently 18% and social tax (state pension, health insurance) is 33%. For more information on taxes, see the Estonian Customs and Tax Board.
- Working practices and customs: Estonian business practices are generally formal. Greetings and exchanges are reserved, softly spoken and conducted without excessive hand gestures. Estonians are very punctual and lateness is considered disrespectful. Organisations are hierarchical and status should be acknowledged. Using correct titles of address is very important. For more information, visit Communicaid.
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