Visa Information

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Applicants, who intend to travel purely for tourist purposes, i.e. visiting for leisure, recreation or sightseeing, and provide for their own accommodation (hotel, hostel, B&B, camping, …) need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Tourism with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM– C- Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent colour passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

6. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the United Kingdom or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

   OR If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

   Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

   All C-visa applicants should be able to show 70 EUR per person for each day they plan to spend in the Schengen area.

7. Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) AND pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

8. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Tourism

   • Confirmed hotel booking for the full stay in the Schengen area or any other appropriate document stating the planned accommodation; or
   • Booking confirmation of a European tour or any other appropriate document.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM– C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Applicants, who intend to travel to for business purposes, i.e. visiting a business/company to have meetings, to make business deals, to recruit, to train or other work related activities can apply for a Business visa.

Every Business visa application has to be confirmed by an invitation letter from a business/company based in Estonia, if not, applicant will need to apply for a Tourist visa.

In regards to conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop the following applicants can also apply for a Business visa:

1. Applicants-employees going to attend a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop organised by their company or another company directly related to their company

2. Applicants-employees going to be actively involved in a conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop  

   Employer letter needs to confirm clearly the purpose of attending the conference/congress/fair/seminar/workshop, if not, applicant will need to apply as Tourist.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Business with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent color passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

6. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the United Kingdom or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

   OR If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

   Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

   All C-visa applicants should be able to show 70 EUR per person for each day they plan to spend in the Schengen area.

7. Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) AND pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

8. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Business

   • an invitation from a company or an authority to attend meetings, conferences, proof of registration, or events connected with trade, industry or work.
   • other documents which show the existence of trade relations or relations for work purposes.
   • entry tickets or registration for fairs and congresses.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM– C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Applicants, who intend to travel to visit and stay with family/friends residing in Estonia, need to apply for a Visitor Family/Friend visa.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Private Visit with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent color passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen area or Worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

6. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the United Kingdom or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

   OR If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

   Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

   All C-visa applicants should be able to show 70 EUR per person for each day they plan to spend in the Schengen area.

7. Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) AND pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.
   • letter from the tax authorities.

   If Student:

   Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

8. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Private (family, friends) visit

   1. Signed and dated invitation letter from the host stating full details (name, contact details, duration etc) if staying with one.

      • Documents in relation to accommodation.
      • Copy of data page of host’s passport and/or Estonian residence permit
      • Proof of sufficient means to cover accommodation.
      • Proof of family relationship (if applicable)

   2. Family members (spouses and children) of an Estonian citizen:

      • Married/born in Estonia: marriage/ birth certificate
      • Married/born in UK or other country: original marriage/birth certificate
      • Copy of the passport of the Estonian citizen
      • Family members (guardians) of a minor Estonian citizen: extract from the Estonian population register and copy of the passport of the Estonian citizen.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted along with one recent color passport photograph.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Study with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen area or Worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

6. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the United Kingdom or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

   OR If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

   Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

   All C-visa applicants should be able to show 70 EUR per person for each day they plan to spend in the Schengen area.

7. Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) AND pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.

   • letter from the tax authorities.

     If Student:

     Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

8. Proof of Purpose of Travel – Study or Professional Training

   • Invitation Letter from the university or institution in Estonia and/or entry tickets or registration for fairs and congresses.
   • Certificate of enrolment at an educational establishment (school, university, colleges, etc) for the purposes of attending vocational or theoretical courses within the framework of basic and further training;
   • Student card or certificate of the courses to be attended;
   • Documents in relation to accommodation, or proof of sufficient means to cover the accommodation.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM - C-Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

This category is only for EU/EEA citizen’s family members who are residing in UK and traveling to a EU Member State of which the EU citizen is NOT a national .

For travels to an EU Member State of which the EU citizen is NOT a national, the family members will continue to benefit from Directive 2004/38/EC and its visa facilitations.

This directive applies to EU citizens who move or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are national, and to their family members who accompany or join them.

Please note that the Estonian citizen’s family members residing in UK are not able to apply under Directive 2004/38/EC for travelling to Estonia.

Estonian citizen’s family members will need to apply under Private (family, friends) visit etc.

For travels to the EU Member State of which the citizen is a national, the general entry and visa conditions as laid down in the Schengen Borders C and in the Visa Code will apply for family members

Every applicant, including children/infants, has to submit his/her Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online by the applicant.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

This category is only for EU/EEA citizen’s family members who are residing in UK and traveling to a EU Member State of which the EU citizen is NOT a national.

For travels to an EU Member State of which the EU citizen is NOT a national, the family members will continue to benefit from Directive 2004/38/EC and its visa facilitations.

This directive applies to EU citizens who move or reside in a Member State other than that of which they are national, and to their family members who accompany or join them.

Please note that the Estonian citizen’s family members residing in UK are not able to apply under Directive 2004/38/EC for travelling to Estonia.

Estonian citizen’s family members will need to apply under Private (family, friends) visit etc.

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category. Click here for Harmonized checklist

Please include the CHECKLIST for EU Family Members with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport) - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent color passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least one month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Proof of family relationship: marriage certificate/ birth certificate (original plus copy);
5. Proof of travelling with or joining EU, EEA or Swiss family Member

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• original passports of both parents and signature of both parents on the application form (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Time

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Other Short Stay Purporse with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted Please note that incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent color passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen area or Worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);

6. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 3 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and a balance showing that he has sufficient means of subsistence both for the duration of the intended stay and for the return to the United Kingdom or his country of origin, or for the transit to a third country into which he is certain to be admitted, or that he is in a position to acquire such means lawfully, in accordance with Article 5(1)(c) and (3) of the Schengen Borders Code;

   OR If the applicant is financially supported by her/his spouse (for example if the applicant does not work herself/himself), please also provide a marriage certificate and the spouse’s bank statements along with the his/ her passport copy

   Please note that cash is not accepted as proof of sufficient means.

   All C-visa applicants should be able to show 70 EUR per person for each day they plan to spend in the Schengen area.

7. Proof of employment / Proof of student status:

   Recent, official and signed letter from employer (headed letter with name, position of signatory and date of issue, address, recent telephone number and registration number in the United Kingdom) AND pay slips for the last 3 months.

   If Self-employed:

   • Recent letter from accountant, banker or solicitor (official headed letter with name, date of issue, address, recent telephone number and position of signatory and registration number in the United Kingdom) stating self-employment or business ownership in the United Kingdom.

   • letter from the tax authorities.

     If Student:

     Recent, official and signed letter from United Kingdom school, college or university stating date of issue, name of the applicant and type of studies and number of lessons (hours) per week and attendance record

8. Proof of Purpose of Travel

   – Medical treatment

   • an official document of the medical institution confirming necessity for medical care in that institution
   • proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the medical treatment
   • proof of prepayment of medical treatment

   – Seafarers

   • Seaman’s book
   • Covering letter from recruiting company stating the name and the rank of the seafarer
   • Vessel’s name, vessel’s arrival date in port and the date of the seafarer’s joining of the vessel

   – Lorry drivers

   • A written request from the national association (union) of carriers of the host country providing for international road transportation, stating the purpose, duration and frequency of the trips
   • Written request from the partner company based in the Member State
   • Driver’s licence for international transport

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM – C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.

Overview

Every applicant has to submit their Schengen visa application in person and by appointment only on their appointment date, which needs to be booked online (see Schedule an Appointment) by the applicant.

For Non EU citizens who are not sure whether a Schengen visa is required to travel to the Schengen Area, please click Do I need a visa? to find out.

Digital Nomad Visa permits third country nationals who are engaged in work activities independent of location, to work remotely in Estonia. You are required to have a contract with a company that is registered outside Estonia, and of which you are a partner shareholder or freelancer for clients of international countries.

Eligibility

Applicant must at least meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to submit a Schengen visa application:

1. holding a valid travel document and a valid UK residence permit. In case applicant holds a short stay visa for the UK, a C type visa (see example here), then applicant needs to apply for a Schengen visa from his/her residence country.
2. applying for a short term Schengen visa to Estonia: for Tourism (including minors), Private Visit, Business, Study/Conference/Seminat, EEA/EU and Swiss national family member, or for other short stay purposes.

Visa Fees

The following are exempted from paying the visa fee:

• School children, students, post-graduate students and accompanying teachers who undertake trips for the purpose only of study or educational training.
• Researchers coming from third countries travelling in the Community for conducting scientific research with a view to facilitating proceedings carried out by Member States for issuing uniform short -stay visas.
• Persons invited by Parliament or the Estonian Government.
• Anyone who, by virtue of an international convention, is entitled to a visa free of charge.
• Representatives of non-profit organizations aged 25 years or less participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.
• Holders of diplomatic and service passports.
• Persons who intend to attend meetings of the United Nations or its organizations, the Council of Europe, the European Union or the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Estonia.

Documents Required

The list of documents below is not an exhaustive list of documents and the applicant can always be asked to provide additional information/documents, if desired by the Mission.

Both the standard and the supporting documentation have to be recent, i.e. not older than 1 month, and need to be provided for every Schengen visa application.

Applicants are required to bring and present their original documents, but they only need to submit photocopies of the same; unless the requirements specify that an original document has to be submitted.

Documents issued by a foreign country must be or translated into Estonian or English and certified with an Apostille or legalized. Documents issued by UK have to be apostilled https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised.

Before gathering the required documents mentioned below, applicants are advised to read the requirements under Overview, in order to ensure they are entitled to apply for the chosen visa category.

Please include the CHECKLIST for Digital Nomad with your application. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

1. Valid travel document (Passport)  - which is issued within previous 10 years, contains at least two blank pages for visas and is valid at least 3 months after the expiration date of the visa (original plus copy);
2. Application form - Please note that the Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM– C- Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted along with one recent colour passport photograph.
3. United Kingdom Residence Permit - Valid for at least 1 month beyond the intended departure from the Schengen area (original plus copy);
4. Travel Arrangements - Proof of confirmed travel ticket to Schengen and departure from Schengen area to the United Kingdom or to the final country of destination.
5. Travel Insurance policy - Valid in whole Schengen areas or worldwide with a coverage of at least 30.000 EUR for the entire duration of stay in Schengen area. The travel insurance must be acquired from an insurance company approved by the Schengen countries (original plus copy);
6. A written explanation regarding the intention to use the visa for teleworking.
7. Employment Contract - Contract under the law of obligations.
   1. Confirmation by Employer - a written proof stating that it is possible for the applicant to perform its work duties in the form of teleworking and that the applicant’s work does not depend on location and he/she can use telecommunication technology for performing his/her duties.
   2. Proof that the applicant continues working for an employer registered in a foreign country with whom he/she has a contractual relationship, or business activities for a company registered in a foreign country in which he/she has holdings, or providing services mainly to customers whose place of business is in a foreign country and with whom he/she has a contractual relationship.
8. Certificate from competent authority -
   1. Issued by the company’s country of registered office, indicating the name, registered office and area of activity of the company, the applicant’s holdings in the company and details of the legal representatives of the company.
   2. issued by a competent authority of the company’s country of registered office in proof of the payment of state taxes, local taxes or social security contributions mandatory in the company’s country of registered office and on the absence of tax arrears.
   3. issued by a competent authority of the applicant’s country of location in proof of the payment of state taxes, local taxes or social security contributions mandatory in the applicant’s country of location.

9. Bank Statement - United Kingdom bank statement (i.e. last 6 months) in the applicant’s name and address showing details and balance; showing that he has showing the size, regularity and sources of the income. Please note that cash is not accepted as a proof of sufficient means.

Please Note: If you plan to visit other Schengen countries after Estonia, please present travel schedule and all relevant documents proving your intended travelling.

For Minors (children below 18 years), the following are required in addition to the above

• birth certificate (original plus copy)
• both parents original passport needs to be there during the application process. If the anyone or both parents original passport is not present then the copy of the passport bio data page needs to be notarised by an official notary (unless one parent has the sole custody or residence order for the child)
• proof of consent of parental authority or legal guardian.

Photo Specifications

Please provide one recent (not older than 6 months) colour photograph of yourself, meeting the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background
• Clear quality and with the face in focus
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of his/her religious belief or ethnic background
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print)

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements (see examples here), the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth in the visa application centre.

Processing Times

Every applicant can submit his/her Schengen visa application up to 6 months before the intended travel date to the Schengen Area.

The minimum processing time for a visa application is 15 Calendar days, so applicants are advised to leave enough time - between the appointment date and travel date - for the Mission to process their visa application; no guarantees can be given on the visa application’s return date as delays may occur.

The Mission may always request for additional information/documents or invite applicants for an interview during the visa application process and this may cause delays in the visa process, which applicants accept responsibility for.

Applicants submitting their visa application in our satellite centres need to calculate 2-3 extra working days to their minimum processing time as their visa application will first be dispatched to the VFS London office, from where it is forwarded to the Mission in London the following day.

In order to avoid any delays in the visa application process, it is paramount that the visa application is complete, and its documents submitted are as per the Mission’s requirements (see Documents Required for the different visa categories).

Please check VFS/Mission’s closures and holidays (see Public Holidays/Closures) which may extend the visa application processing time.

VFS recommends all applicants:

1. to book their appointment as soon as they know they’ll be travelling
2. to ensure that their visa application’s documentation meets the Mission’s requirements
3. to leave enough processing time for the Mission

Application Form

Please note that Embassy accepts only prefilled online application forms for applying for a Schengen visa. Please use the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM– C Visa. The completed application form has to be printed out, signed and submitted.