Located on the territory of the B altic States, the Republic of Estonia is quite an attractive place to live. There are many picturesque lakes and ancient forests, and the charming medieval capital is the first to welcome guests.
Estonia is a small country. Its area is only 45,228 square kilometers. The population of Estonia is 1.3 million people. Moreover, half of them live in the capital - the city of Tallinn. The official language here is Estonian. It has a close relationship with Finnish. However, in areas of particular interest to tourists, English, Russian and German can be heard.
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.
Salary
Estonia is included in the list of the smallest countries that are part of the European Union. However, despite its small size, Estonia has significantly outstripped Poland and the Czech Republic, as well as its B altic neighbors in terms of living standards. The average salary in this country is 1000 euros. This notion is, of course, quite loose. Ordinary workers, who in Estonia make up 80% of the total population, have a salary of 800 euros. Civil servants, deputies, directors and senior management employees receive 3,000 euros. The average of these two figures is approximately 1000 euros.
If we consider Estonia today, the standard of living in this country continues its steady growth. The increase in wages has a direct impact on this factor. It is growing twice as fast as in neighboring Lithuania and Latvia.
It is worth noting that the working week in Estonia is the longest of all EU countries. Moreover, such a provision is enshrined at the level of legislation. This solution 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 it is still less than in Russia. In our country, people are forced to work harder not at all according to the law, but for the sake of increasing earnings.
The most demanded vacancies in the country are those offered in the IT field. The fact is that the state in its economic development is trying to keep up with the present time. Having a harmonious and stable development, Estonia is proud of its achievements,which she was able to achieve in the field of information technology. To date, they have already firmly entered life, but at the same time they continue to develop. Moreover, vacancies in the IT field are offered not only to native Estonians. Jobs like this can be a great chance for Russians and expats from other countries to make a living in Estonia.
What salary can you get in the country? For example, the gross salary of a qualified programmer is at the level of 2000 euros. Far behind this indicator are truck drivers. 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 sales workers (1000 euros). Educators in this country receive an average of 902 euros. An auxiliary worker in Estonia is paid approximately 778 euros and a seamstress 533,659 euros.
For people employed in low-paid jobs, wage increases have little effect on their standard of living in Estonia. After all, the amount of remuneration for work during the year grows by only 7.6%. Moreover, in some areas this indicator is even 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 their comfort zone.
Life in Estonia is also considered quite promising for Russians. Feedback from our compatriots suggests that finding a job in this country is not difficult. For this it is enoughuse the Internet, where up to 30% of job offers are posted. Thus, you can find a job for yourself while at home, and only after that you can start filling out the necessary documents and moving to another country.
Among the vacancies in Estonia, the leaders are the IT sector, as well as medicine and cargo transportation using heavy vehicles, education, construction and some other industries. Moreover, not only highly qualified specialists are in demand in the country, but also those who do not have education and experience.
For employment as a salesperson, handyman, etc. Estonian is not required. It is not needed by programmers either. But a person applying for such a vacancy must know English.
With legal employment, the employee will have social security and have the right to rest.
Only a small percentage of all employed earn their living at home. That's 3.8% of all employees.
Some interesting facts about life in Estonia come to light when looking at wages. In this state, as, indeed, in some other countries, men receive about 300 euros more for their work than women.
Unemployment
Such a 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
Looking at the average earnings 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. In general, the pension contribution has a fixed rate. It is equal to 2%. In addition, 1.6% is deducted from the salary of an officially employed employee to the unemployment fund.
Life in Estonia has become somewhat easier since 2018-01-01 for the poor. The first 500 euros of the income of their employees are not subject to income tax at all. The workload has been slightly increased for salaries exceeding 1,200 euros gross. For those who receive less than this amount per month, the income tax rate is calculated lower. If the amount of earnings exceeds 1200 euros, the state will have to pay a little more. Moreover, the income tax rate in this case will gradually increase, reaching its maximum of 20% with a salary of 2,100 euros.
Price level
Judging by the reviews, life in Estonia is not at all cheap. The cost of food, consumer goods and services in the country is comparable to Moscow. In this regard, many citizens have their own gardens, which allows them to save money on the purchase of vegetables and fruits. It is worth bearing in mind that it is impossible to find cheap supermarkets in Estonia.
Product prices in the B altic Republic are higher than in Germany, but the goods are of high quality. Interestingly, most of what is on the Estonian shelves was brought here from WesternEurope, and then packed under national brands.
Property
Estonians pay up to 250 euros monthly for the provision of utilities. Accommodation is especially expensive in the country during the cold months, when the heating is turned on. However, according to official statistics, Estonians spend a smaller percentage of their salary on utilities than people in Western Europe.
How much does housing cost in this B altic republic? The price requested for one square meter of a house or apartment directly depends on the location. For example, the most expensive real estate in Tallinn. Here, for one square meter of housing, you have to pay 2,000 euros. An interesting fact is that real estate prices in Latvian and Lithuanian cities are higher than in Estonian ones. Moreover, the further south the settlement, the more expensive the housing in it.
For comparison: in the capital of Ukraine for housing similar in terms of its consumer qualities, they ask for 2,800 euros. A square meter of real estate in Poland costs 3,100 euros. Germany is next on the list. Here they ask for 3300 euros. The most expensive is housing in the UK. Its cost reaches 24,520 euros per square meter.
Lifespan
Of the entire population of Estonia, 30% are people who could not learn the Estonian language and pass the exam. They are not citizens of the country. Among them are Russians, Ukrainians and Jews. At the same time, it is very interesting that men with Estonian citizenship have a longer life expectancy by 3 years than those who have not properly formalized their stay incountry. For women, this difference also exists. It is equal to 5 years.
But just ten years ago things were different. The life expectancy of the natives in Estonia was 6 years shorter than at present. This figure has also 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 more than the rural population by half a year. And this 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, and for women 60.5 years. The average pension in Estonia is 312 euros.
Education
In Estonia, children start going to school at the age of seven. Their compulsory education lasts for 9 years. Some children go to preschool before school. However, this is not mandatory in the country. Many children are being raised at home before school.
Secondary education in the country is divided into academic and vocational. In Estonia, students study at 30 higher education 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, all lessons are taught exclusively in Russian. Such schools are opened by the state. But among them there areprivate. To date, Russian schools are attended by 20% of students. However, recently you have observed a trend towards the reduction of such educational institutions. According to the government, students need to be better prepared to start working life and not have problems integrating into society.
For the children of those emigrants who intend to stay in Estonia only for a short period of time, there are international schools. They are open in cities such as Tartu and Tallinn. In 2013, a European school began operating in the capital of Estonia, where Spanish and Italian, German and French, Finnish, Estonian and English are used to teach subjects.
Transportation
Even though Estonia is a small country, Tallinn and Tartu, Pärnu, Kardla and Kuressaare have their own airports. There are domestic flights between these cities. In addition, the country has a well-developed railway network. It connects major cities. Passenger trains are equipped with spacious seating areas and free Wi-Fi. The country's larger islands can be reached by ferry.
Bus service is well developed between major Estonian cities. There is public transport in the settlements. Travel is usually inexpensive. In addition, in Tallinn, city residents ride trams and buses free of charge upon presentation of a public transport card.
Moving behind the wheel of a personal car is possible in the country from the age of 18. Roads in Estonia are inexcellent condition, and urban areas fairly well lit. However, for those who intend to drive through the countryside, it is better to start looking for the right path before dark. Lanterns are not available everywhere here.
As for pedestrians, it is their responsibility to wear reflective patches, which must be pasted on bags or outerwear. Such a precautionary measure will allow the motorist to immediately notice the walking person. If a pedestrian does not have reflectors, he will be fined.
Pros of living in Estonia
This B altic republic is a member of the European Union and is part of the zone where the Schengen legislation is in force. This allows, being on its territory, to plan a trip to Western countries.
Most people in Estonia know 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 Russian.
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. At the same time, the republic has the smallest external debts.
Estonia, unlike Western Europe, does not receive as many immigrants. No more than 30 people come here every year. The advantage of living in Estonia is that on the streets of the country's cities it is almost impossible to meet representatives of another ethnic group, except for Estonians and Russians. This is explained by small social benefits, which are impossible to live on.
The advantages of living in Estonia are found by lovers of antiquity inbeautiful architecture of Tallinn. In the historical part of this city, many buildings dating back to the 17th-18th centuries have been perfectly preserved.
Estonian advantage is also its Internet coverage. 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 payments in stores. Most locals have already forgotten what cash looks like.
Estonian advantage is its excellent roads of European quality. The local highway constantly keeps them in good condition, making repairs in the shortest possible time.
There is no corruption in Estonia. The money from the collected taxes goes entirely to public needs, and not to 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. At the same time, it has the cleanest air among the states of Europe.
Cons of living in Estonia
In this B altic republic, the possibility of owning weapons is legalized. However, it is worth noting that such a decision by the authorities did not at all affect the number of crimes committed in the country. Estonians did not buy up pistols en masse.
Despite the fact that the country is experiencing high wage growth,the majority of the population receives about 800 euros. And this can be attributed to the disadvantages of living in Estonia. After all, with such a salary, you can’t afford much, especially considering the high prices for goods and products in stores.
It's hard for Estonian pensioners too. The level of their benefits is the lowest of all countries in Western Europe.
It is worth noting that, despite the high margins in the trade, it offers a very limited range of goods. This forces Estonians to order online from other countries. For example, equipment is purchased by local buyers in Scandinavia or Russia.
The disadvantage of living in this country is the need to learn the Estonian language. It is quite complicated. However, without his knowledge, almost all promising positions and hopes for high earnings are closed to an emigrant.
