Estonia : Job market

What are my chances of getting a job?

Finding work in Estonia in the present climate may prove to be difficult. Like many countries, the effects of the worldwide economic downturn have had a big impact on Estonia’s small working population. Unemployment is at 14% and is expected to rise as industries stop any new employment.

However, Estonia is more financially stable than some neighbouring states and prior to the financial crisis, was growing at a swift rate. Tallinn, the country’s capital, will be European Capital of Culture in 2011, which will bring investment and interest to the area.

• 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 Services in 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.

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. 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.

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.
• Tax rates: Flat tax rate of 21%. 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.