We know Estonia
19.11.2021 | Estonia

Estonian IT Sector Requires 7000 Workers from Abroad in the Coming Years

Text Mark Taylor
Photo Fatos Bytyqi / Unsplash

Estonian IT Sector Requires 7000 Workers from Abroad in the Coming Years

 

In the coming years, there will be a shortage of approximately 7000 workers in the Estonian IT sector that neither the education system nor business training will be able to resolve. 

The issue is already visible in the sector, with IT companies trying to lure potential employees from other Estonian companies in order to fill vacancies. A tactic that is not sustainable, and why workers from abroad will be needed to fill this gap.

Although startups in Estonia with 10 employees or less have an exemption on the amount of foreign workers they can employ, beyond this, restrictions apply. This makes it much harder for bigger startups like Pipedrive, Bolt and Transferwise to hire internationally, worsening the problem. 

According to Andres Sutt, Minister of Entrepreneurship and Information Technology, “The aim is to find solutions to the growth constraints of businesses, to make their lives easier, so that both our own people and those skilled workers who cannot be found here in sufficient numbers can see Estonia as a country with an attractive and high-quality living environment” 

He went on to state “It is wrong to think that there’s a queue at our door of people who want to work in Estonia. We are competing with our neighbours and other countries of the European Union, as well as with America and Asia”

Estonia’s aging population also means that in 5 years time, there will be 32,000 fewer working-age people, creating shortages in many other sectors in the coming years. 

Source: ERR 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Ageing Population Estonian IT Sector IT IT Jobs IT Jobs Estonia Jobs for Foreigners in Estonia jobs in Estonia Labour Shortage

29.5.2026 | Culture

A Piece of Soviet Nostalgia in the Middle of Tallinn’s Skyscrapers

A Piece of Soviet Nostalgia in the Middle of Tallinn’s Skyscrapers

You have probably noticed the almost windowless brown-brick building with curved walls near the Stockmann department store in Tallinn. Did … Read more

27.5.2026 | Estonia

Across Estonia With Extra Summer Bus Services

Across Estonia With Extra Summer Bus Services

  Lux Express, which clearly dominates long-distance bus connections between Estonian cities, is increasing the number of daily departures for … Read more

25.5.2026 | Estonia

Contactless Payment for All Doors on Tallinn Public Transport

Contactless Payment for All Doors on Tallinn Public Transport

From Wednesday, 27 May 2026, passengers on Tallinn public transport buses and trams can pay for their journey at … Read more

19.5.2026 | Estonia

The Gentle Charm of Southern Estonia

The Gentle Charm of Southern Estonia

Far from the rush of the capital and the best-known tourist routes lies Southern Estonia. The region consists of … Read more

15.5.2026 | Estonia

Five Memorable Stops in Eastern Estonia

Five Memorable Stops in Eastern Estonia

The first destination is Estonia’s highest man-made waterfall. Valaste Waterfall is located on the Ontika limestone cliff at the highest … Read more

13.5.2026 | Beauty

New Spas for Eastern Estonia, Viljandi and Tallinn

New Spas for Eastern Estonia, Viljandi and Tallinn

Confidence in spa resorts, sauna centres and spa hotels remains strong within Estonia’s tourism sector. This can be seen … Read more

8.5.2026 | Estonia

What Is Estonia Talking About?

What Is Estonia Talking About?

Uproar Over Classic Mustard—Põltsamaa Mustard Leaves Estonia The beloved Estonian classic product, Põltsamaa mustard, has become the centre of … Read more

28.4.2026 | Estonia

The Safest Caravan Park in Narva

The Safest Caravan Park in Narva

“Is it safe to drive to Eastern Estonia with a motorhome?” is a question often asked at tourist information … Read more