Annually, the immigration quota may not exceed 0.1 percent of Estonia's permanent population. As the number of temporary residence permit applications and decisions granting the permits has increased since 2014, implementing an immigration quota in the allowed maximum rate in 2020, as it was in 2019, is justified, according to the Ministry of the Interior. The ministry is proposing implementing an immigration quota of 1,314 for 2020.

The immigration quota primarily regulates employment and entrepreneurship migration from third countries. Included in the immigration quota are temporary residence permits issued for employment and entrepreneurship as well as on the basis of an international agreement.

Not included in the immigration quota are citizens of EU member states and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, the U.S. and Japan. The quota likewise does not apply to foreigners moving to Estonia to live with a spouse or close relative, or to study, work as a lecturer or do research in Estonia, nor does it apply to people who are issued residence permits for permanent residence in Estonia, major investors, startup entrepreneurs and information and communications technology (ICT) employees and top specialists.

The immigration quota does not affect people applying for international protection or people in need of protection and resettled in Estonia under the EU migration plan.

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