Is Estonia friendly to foreigners?

Estonia is a small Baltic country that has a lot to offer to foreigners who want to live, work, or visit there. Estonia is known for its digital innovation, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. But how friendly is Estonia to foreigners? Here are some aspects to consider:

Language and communication

Estonia’s official language is Estonian, which belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family and is quite different from most other European languages. However, many Estonians also speak English, especially in the capital city of Tallinn and among younger generations. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Estonia ranks 7th in the world and 4th in Europe for English skills.

Estonians are generally polite and respectful, but they may also seem reserved and introverted to some foreigners. They value personal space and privacy, and they may not engage in small talk or show much emotion. However, once you get to know them better, they can be warm and hospitable, and even invite you to their homes or share their personal stories.

Culture and society

Estonia has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history and geography. Estonia has been occupied by various powers, such as Sweden, Russia, Germany, and the Soviet Union, and has gained its independence twice, in 1918 and 1991. Estonia is also located between the Nordic and Baltic regions and has close ties with Finland, Latvia, and other neighboring countries.

Estonia’s culture is reflected in its architecture, art, music, literature, and cuisine. Estonia has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the medieval Old Town of Tallinn, the Baroque Kadriorg Palace, the modern Kumu Art Museum, and the Song Festival Grounds, where thousands of singers gather every five years for a national song festival. Estonia is also famous for its folk music, choral singing, and classical composers, such as Arvo Pärt and Erkki-Sven Tüür.

Estonia’s cuisine is influenced by both Nordic and Baltic traditions and features dishes such as black bread, herring, pork, potatoes, sauerkraut, and kama (a mixture of roasted grains and sour milk). Estonia also has a variety of beverages, such as beer, vodka, and kvass (a fermented drink made from rye bread).

Estonia is a secular and tolerant society, where people have the freedom of religion, expression, and association. Estonia has a high level of gender equality, ranking 4th in the world and 2nd in Europe in the Global Gender Gap Index. Estonia also has a progressive attitude towards LGBT rights, being the first former Soviet country to legalize same-sex civil unions in 2016.

Economy and technology

Estonia is a developed and innovative country, with a high-income economy and a low level of corruption. Estonia ranks 18th in the world and 10th in Europe in the Human Development Index, which measures the quality of life based on health, education, and income. Estonia also ranks 3rd in the world and 1st in Europe in the Ease of Doing Business Index, which measures the regulatory environment for businesses.

Estonia is a leader in digital technology, being the first country to introduce online voting, e-residency, and digital nomad visas. Estonia has a high level of internet penetration, with 99% of public services available online. Estonia is also home to many successful start-ups, such as Skype, TransferWise, Bolt, and Pipedrive.

Breakthroughs and developments in 2024

Estonia has continued to make breakthroughs and developments in various fields in 2024, such as:

  • June saw Estonia pioneering as the inaugural nation to introduce a national digital currency dubbed the Estcoin. This innovative currency, supported by the euro, allows for online transactions and payments.
  • Moving into July, Estonia played host to the Tallinn Digital Summit. Here, leaders from both the European Union and the United States engaged in discussions about the digital transformation’s intricacies, encompassing themes like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data governance.
  • August marked the 30th anniversary of Estonia’s liberation from the Soviet Union, a milestone celebrated nationwide through a series of events including concerts, exhibitions, and parades, symbolizing the country’s restored independence.
  • September brought further glory as Estonia clinched its second Eurovision Song Contest victory with “Break Free,” performed by Uku Suviste. This song garnered praise for its uplifting message and infectious melody.

Is Estonia a good country for foreigners?

Based on the above aspects, it can be concluded that Estonia is a good country for foreigners who are looking for a high quality of life, a friendly and diverse culture, and a dynamic and innovative economy. Estonia offers many opportunities and benefits for foreigners, such as:

  • A simple and fast immigration process, with various visa options, such as the e-residency, the digital nomad visa, the start-up visa, and the EU Blue Card.
  • A low cost of living, with affordable housing, transportation, food, and health care.
  • A high level of safety and security, with low crime rates, a stable political system, and a strong rule of law.
  • A vibrant and creative community, with many cultural events, festivals, and activities, as well as a supportive and collaborative network of entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals.

Planning to move to Estonia from UK?

Moving to Estonia from the UK can be easy and enjoyable with MuveOne, the leading international European removal company. MuveOne offers high-quality and affordable services, covering all aspects of your removals, such as packing, transporting, storing, insuring, and customizing your items. MuveOne has a team of experienced and friendly staff, who will guide you through the whole process and ensure that your removals are smooth and stress-free. MuveOne also has a network of local partners, who will assist you with the customs clearance and the delivery of your items to your new home in Estonia.

MuveOne is a trusted and reputable company, with a proven track record of satisfied customers and positive reviews. MuveOne is also a member of the BAR and the IAM, which means that it follows the highest standards of quality and safety in the industry.

MuveOne is the best choice for your removals to Estonia from UK, because it offers you competitive and transparent prices, fast and flexible delivery times, excellent customer service, and peace of mind. Contact MuveOne today and get a free quote for your removals to Estonia from UK. MuveOne will make your move to Estonia easy and enjoyable.

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