The Republic of Estonia located in the Baltic States is a pretty attractive place to live. There are many picturesque lakes and ancient forests, and the first guests are met by a charming medieval capital.
Estonia is a small country. Its area is only 45, 228 square kilometers. Estonia has a population of 1.3 million. Moreover, half of them live in the capital city of Tallinn. The official language here is Estonian. He has a close relationship with Finnish. However, in those areas that are of particular interest to tourists, you can hear English, Russian and German speech.
What is life like in Estonia today? Consider its main social aspects, as well as get acquainted with the pros and cons of being in this country.
Wage
Estonia is included in the list of the smallest states that are part of the European Union. However, despite its small size, Estonia significantly outstripped Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as Estonia’s Baltic neighbors in terms of living standards. The average salary in this country is 1000 euros. This concept, of course, is quite extensible. Ordinary workers, of which 80% of the total population in Estonia, have a salary of 800 euros. Government officials, deputies, directors and senior management receive 3, 000 euros. The average of these two numbers is approximately 1000 euros.
If we look at Estonia today, the standard of living in this country continues to grow steadily. The direct influence on this factor is the increase in wages. It grows 2 times faster than in neighboring Lithuania and Latvia.
It is worth noting that at the same time, the work week in Estonia is the longest of all the EU countries. Moreover, this situation is fixed at the level of legislation. This decision complies with the requirements of the International Monetary Fund and the European Union. However, even without it, on average, Estonians work more than EU residents, but this is still less than in Russia. In our country, people are forced to work more not according to the law, but for the sake of increasing earnings.
The most popular vacancies in the country are those that are offered in the IT sphere. The fact is that the state in its economic development is trying to keep up with the current time. Having a harmonious and stable development, Estonia is proud of its achievements, which it was able to achieve in the field of information technology. Today they are already firmly entrenched in life, but at the same time continue their development. Moreover, vacancies in the IT sphere are offered not only to indigenous Estonians. Such works can be a great chance to arrange their life in Estonia for Russians and for immigrants from other countries.
What salary can I get in the country? For example, the salary of a qualified gross programmer is at the level of 2, 000 euros. Truckers are somewhat behind this indicator. Their salary level is 400 euros less.
The situation with teachers is much worse. Their standard of living in Estonia is lower than that of cooks with a salary of 944 euros and of merchants (1000 euros). Teachers in this country receive an average of 902 euros. The maintenance worker in Estonia is paid approximately 778 euros, and the seamstress - 533659 euros.
For people employed in low-paid jobs, the increase in wages on their standard of living in Estonia does not have much effect. Indeed, the amount of remuneration for labor during the year is growing by only 7.6%. Moreover, in some areas this indicator is still 1-2% less.
Employment of foreigners
If we consider life in Estonia from the point of view of visitors from the CIS countries, then this state is quite favorable. The economic level of the republic allows people to greatly expand the comfort zone.
Life in Estonia is considered quite promising for Russians. Feedback from our compatriots suggests that finding work in this country is not difficult. To do this, just use the Internet, which posted up to 30% of job offers. Thus, you can find a job for yourself while at home, and only after that you can do the paperwork and move to another country.
Among the vacancies in Estonia, the leaders are the IT sector, as well as medicine and trucking using heavy vehicles, education, construction and some other industries. Moreover, not only specialists with high qualifications are in demand in the country, but also those who do not have education and experience.
For employment by seller, handyman, etc. Estonian is not required. Programmers do not need it either. But a person applying for such a vacancy must know English.
With legal employment, the employee will have social security and the right to rest.
Only a small percentage of all employed earn their living at home. This is 3.8% of all employees.
When studying the level of wages, some interesting facts about life in Estonia are revealed. In this state, as well as in some other countries, men receive about 300 euros more women for their work.
Unemployment
A similar concept exists in any state, even if it is included in the list of economically prosperous. There is unemployment in Estonia too. According to statistics, 40 thousand of its inhabitants are not employed in the state.
Taxes
When considering average salary indicators in Estonia, it should be borne in mind that they are indicated at the gross level, that is, without taking into account what should be given to the state treasury. A person with an income not exceeding 180 euros does not pay taxes at all. But in general, the pension contribution has a fixed rate. It is equal to 2%. In addition, 1.6% of the unemployment fund is calculated from the salary of an officially employed employee.
Life in Estonia has become somewhat easier since 01/01/2018 for the poor. The first 500 euros of the income of its employees are not subject to income tax at all. Slightly increased workloads for salaries exceeding 1, 200 gross euros. For those who receive less than this amount per month, the income tax rate is calculated lower. If you exceed the amount of earnings of 1200 euros, you will have to pay the state a little more. Moreover, the size of the income tax rate in this case will gradually increase, reaching its maximum of 20% with a salary of 2100 euros.
Price level
Judging by the reviews, life in Estonia is not cheap at all. The cost of food, consumer goods and services in the country is comparable to Moscow. In this regard, many citizens have their own vegetable gardens, which saves money on the purchase of vegetables and fruits. It should be borne in mind that it is impossible to find cheap supermarkets in Estonia.
Food prices in the Baltic Republic are higher than in Germany, however, the products are of high quality. Interestingly, most of what is on the Estonian shelves was brought here from Western Europe, and then packaged under national brands.
The property
Estonians pay up to 250 euros per month for the provision of public utilities. Particularly expensive in the country is living in the cold months when heating is turned on. However, according to official statistics, Estonians spend less percent of their salary on utilities than people in Western Europe.
How much does housing in this Baltic republic cost? The cost requested per square meter of a house or apartment depends on the location. For example, the most expensive real estate in Tallinn. Here, for one square meter of housing you have to give 2000 euros. An interesting fact is that real estate prices in Latvian and Lithuanian cities are higher than in Estonian. Moreover, the south of the village, the more expensive housing.
For comparison: in the capital of Ukraine for similar in terms of consumer qualities housing is asking for 2800 euros. A square meter of real estate in Poland costs 3, 100 euros. Next on the list is Germany. They ask for 3300 euros. The most expensive is housing in the UK. Its cost reaches 24520 euros per square meter.
Life span
Of the total population of Estonia, 30% are people who could not learn the Estonian language and pass the exam. These are not citizens of the country. Among them are Russians, Ukrainians and Jews. Moreover, it is very interesting that men with Estonian citizenship have a 3-year longer life expectancy than those who did not properly arrange their stay in the country. In women, such a difference also exists. It is equal to 5 years.
But only ten years ago everything turned out differently. The life expectancy in Estonia of indigenous people was 6 years less than at present. This indicator has risen among the Russians. Previously, on average, they lived 1 year less than now.
Other statistics are also interesting. The urban population, on average, lives longer than the rural population for six months. And it does not depend on citizenship at all.
The average life expectancy in Estonia among the male population is 71 years. Women live longer - up to 81.2 years. The retirement time in this country is later than in Russia. For men, it is 63 years old, and for women 60.5 years. The average pension in Estonia is 312 euros.
Education
In Estonia, children begin to go to school at the age of seven. Their compulsory education lasts for 9 years. Some children go to pre-school to school. However, this is not mandatory in the country. Many children are brought up to school at home.
Secondary education in the country is divided into academic and vocational. In Estonia, students study at 30 higher educational institutions, one of which is the University of Tartu, founded in 1632.
Life in Estonia for Russian children will not be particularly difficult. After all, there are special schools in the country. In them the teaching of all lessons is conducted exclusively in Russian. Such schools are opened by the state. But there are private ones among them. Today, 20% of students attend Russian schools. Recently, however, there has been a trend towards a reduction in such educational institutions. According to the government, students need to better prepare for the beginning of working life and not have problems with integration into society.
For children of those emigrants who intend to stay in Estonia for only a short period, international schools work. They are open in cities such as Tartu and Tallinn. In 2013, a European school began working in the capital of Estonia, in which Spanish and Italian, German and French, Finnish, Estonian and English are used to teach subjects.
Transport
Although Estonia is a small country, Tallinn and Tartu, Pärnu, Kardla and Kuressaare have their own airports. Between these cities domestic flights run. In addition, the country has a well-developed railway network. It connects large cities. The passenger trains have spacious seating areas and free Wi-Fi. The country's large islands can be reached by ferry.
There is a well-developed bus service between major Estonian cities. There is public transport in the settlements. Travel on it is usually inexpensive. In addition, in Tallinn, residents of the city ride trams and buses free of charge upon presentation of a card for public transport.
Moving behind the wheel of a personal car is possible in the country from the age of 18. Roads in Estonia are in excellent condition and well lit in urban areas. However, for those who intend to drive through the countryside, it is better to start looking for the right path before dark. Lanterns are far from everywhere.
As for pedestrians, it is their responsibility to wear reflective plasters that must be glued to bags or outerwear. Such a precaution will allow the motorist to immediately notice a walking person. The absence of retro-reflectors at the pedestrian threatens him with a fine.
Pros of living in Estonia
This Baltic republic is a member of the European Union and is included in the zone where Schengen law is in force. This allows, being on its territory, to plan a trip to Western countries.
The majority of Estonian people speak four languages. From the first grades, children learn English at school, as well as German and French. Half of the country's urban population understands the Russian language.
The positive side of life in Estonia is the well-developed economy of this state. Here, in comparison with the CIS countries, the highest GDP. Moreover, the republic has the smallest external debts.
Estonia, unlike Western Europe, does not accept so many immigrants. Annually, no more than 30 people come here. The advantage of living in Estonia is that on the streets of the cities of the country it is practically impossible to meet representatives of another ethnic group, except Estonians and Russians. This is explained by small social benefits, which are impossible to live on.
The lovers of antiquity find the advantages of living in Estonia in the beautiful architecture of Tallinn. In the historical part of this city, many structures dating from the 17-18th centuries are perfectly preserved.
The advantage of Estonia is its Internet coverage. When compared with other countries of the world, here it is one of the widest. Today, even electronic elections are held in Estonia. Using the Internet, you can do almost everything here, even calculations in stores. Most locals have already forgotten what cash looks like.
Estonia also has its beautiful roads of European quality. The local avtodor constantly maintains them in good condition, making repairs as soon as possible.
There is no corruption in Estonia. The money from the collected taxes goes completely for public needs, and not in the pockets of officials.
Another positive side of this state is that diplomas issued by its universities are accepted by European employers. It is not difficult to open your own business in Estonia. This can be done using the Internet in just two minutes.
Estonia is a country with beautiful nature. Moreover, it has the cleanest air among European countries.
