Teach English in Estonia

You can teach English in Estonia at private language schools, international schools, universities and state schools, and with private and business students, mostly in Tallinn and Tartu. Most employers want a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. EU citizens can work freely, while UK, US and other non EU teachers need a job offer and a residence permit for employment. Language schools usually pay by the hour, and a full-time contract must pay at least the minimum wage of €946 a month, in force from 1 April 2026.

Teaching English in Estonia at a glance

What kinds of English teaching jobs are there in Estonia?

Private language schools. Teach adults and children, often in the afternoon and evening, and are the most common entry point for TEFL teachers. Many classes are business English for Tallinn’s tech and services companies.

International schools. Serve Estonia’s expat and diplomatic community, mainly in Tallinn. They pay better but want a teaching qualification and two or more years of experience.

Universities. The University of Tartu and Tallinn’s universities hire English language lecturers, usually asking for a master’s degree. Turnover is low, so posts are competitive.

State schools and private students. State schools mostly employ Estonian teachers of English, so openings for foreign teachers are rare. Private and online students are a common way to add income.

How much do English teachers earn in Estonia?

Language schools commonly pay about €12 to €20 an hour, with business English at the top of the range. International schools and universities pay monthly salaries that are higher for qualified, experienced staff. Estonia’s minimum wage is €946 a month gross from 1 April 2026, so a full-time employment contract must pay at least that. Tallinn has become one of the more expensive cities in the region, so check that an offer covers rent comfortably. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index, or read how much TEFL teachers make.

What qualifications do you need to teach English in Estonia?

Most employers want a degree and a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. A degree is also usually needed for a non EU residence permit. International schools ask for a teaching qualification and experience, and universities a master’s degree. Some language schools hire TEFL qualified teachers without a degree, mainly EU citizens who need no permit. The Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register.

Which visa do English teachers need for Estonia?

EU and EEA citizens, including Irish passport holders, can live and work in Estonia freely and register their residence with the local authority. UK citizens lost that right after Brexit, so UK, US, Canadian and South African teachers need a job offer and a temporary residence permit for employment, applied for through the Police and Border Guard Board. Short term work can sometimes be registered by the employer instead. Estonia’s digital nomad visa is for remote work for a foreign employer, not for teaching at a local school. Check current rules with the Estonian embassy and our Visa Desk before you travel.

How do you find an English teaching job in Estonia?

Start with international job boards and the websites of Tallinn and Tartu language schools in spring and summer for a September start. Estonia’s market is small, so contacting schools directly and following up in person once you arrive helps. Most jobs are in Tallinn, the capital. Tartu is a university city with a younger feel, Pärnu is a summer resort town, and Narva on the Russian border has a largely Russian speaking population and some demand for English.

What is it like teaching and living in Estonia?

Estonians are often reserved at first, so students may be quiet in early lessons, but they are hard working and English levels are high, especially among younger people. Estonia is one of the most digital countries in the world, with almost every public service online. Tallinn’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, about half the country is forest, and long summer days balance short, dark winters. Learning some Estonian is appreciated, though English is widely spoken in Tallinn and Tartu.

Last updated: 2 October 2026. Pay figures are approximate typical ranges, not quotes. Residence and work permit rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Estonian embassy and the Police and Border Guard Board before you travel.