Home/Destinations/Estonia
Hunting in Estonia as a visitor

Estonia: permits, calibres and seasons

Estonia has strong moose, wild boar and bear populations. The Estonian Hunters' Society issues a temporary hunting licence to foreigners, usually within ten working days. Big game hunters need a shooting test passed within the last two years.

Plan a trip to EstoniaCheck my calibre
Rules last checked 4 November 2026
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0

At a glance

Moderatepaperwork
42 dayslongest lead time
9steps in total
8animals with rules

Temporary hunting licence €40 · shooting test

What you need

Steps for a visiting hunter. Some depend on where you live. The Trip Planner filters them to your situation and adds deadlines.

Before you leave home

5 steps
  1. Proof of your right to huntOfficial source

    Send a copy of your hunting licence from home with the application, and carry the original.

    EveryoneEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  2. Firearms licence from your home countryConfirm with authority

    Carry the licence for every firearm you take, issued in your own name.

    If you bring your own firearmService-public.fr – the European Firearms Pass
  3. European Firearms PassOfficial source

    EU residents may bring their own firearm with a European Firearms Pass issued in their home country.

    EU/EEA residentsIf you bring your own firearm42 days aheadEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  4. Temporary import permit for your firearmsCheck before travel

    Residents outside the EU/EEA cannot use the European Firearms Pass. Apply to the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board for permission to bring your firearms in temporarily, well before you travel.

    Residents outside the EU/EEAIf you bring your own firearm60 days aheadEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  5. Invitation or hunting agreementConfirm with authority

    Written proof of the hunt from your host, outfitter or landowner. Border and police checks ask why you are carrying firearms.

    If you bring your own firearm21 days aheadService-public.fr – the European Firearms Pass

Permits at the destination

4 steps
  1. Temporary Estonian hunting licenceOfficial source

    Apply to the Estonian Hunters' Society by email with the application form, a copy of your licence and the contract for the hunting land. Your host can apply for you. Processing takes up to 10 working days. Fee €40.

    Everyone21 days aheadEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  2. Big game shooting testOfficial source

    A foreign big game shooting test is accepted if passed within the last two years. Otherwise you take the test in Estonia. Fee €10.

    Rifle hunters21 days aheadEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  3. Contract for the hunting landOfficial source

    You need permission to hunt in the specific territory, documented by a contract with the hunting district.

    Everyone21 days aheadEstonian Hunters' Society – hunting for foreigners
  4. Pay the annual hunting rights feeOfficial source

    Hunting rights cost €10 per year, paid online. Ask your host how to pay without an Estonian ID code.

    Everyone3 days aheadKeskkonnaamet – hunting rights

Ammunition by animal

Source: Estonia · Hunting Rules (Regulation no. 32 of 28 May 2013), not yet verified by LØVLI

AnimalRifleShotgun
Moose
MooseElg		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug Check
Red deer
Red deerHjort		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug Check
Wild boar
Wild boarVillsvin		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug Check
Roe deer
Roe deerRådyr		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug Check
Brown bearBjørn		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot No
Slug Check
Eurasian lynxGaupe		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug Check
Red foxRødrev		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug No
HareHare		LØVLI has not verified the ammunition rule yet. Ask your host or the Estonian Hunters' Society.Shot Check
Slug No

Seasons

See the year wheel →

Seasons in Estonia are set locally and LØVLI has not verified them yet. Ask your host or organiser for the dates that apply.

Known costs

Estonian temporary hunting licence€40
Big game shooting test registration€10
Estonian annual hunting rights fee€10

Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.

Questions

How long does the Estonian hunting licence take?

Up to ten working days. Applications are handled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Is a foreign shooting test accepted in Estonia?

Yes, if you passed it within the last two years.

How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Estonia?

The longest step takes about 42 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.

Sources