Pay and working conditions in European countries

Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »

Found: 1

Estonia

Minimum wage: from 1 April 2026 it is €946 a month (gross, full time) and €5.67 an hour. Wages are paid at least once a month, as a net amount, into the bank account you name.
Working time: full-time work is 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day. Including overtime, you may work on average no more than 48 hours a week over a period of up to four months (52 hours with a separate agreement).
Breaks and rest: at least a 30-minute break for every 6 hours worked, at least 11 hours of rest in every 24 hours and 48 hours of weekly rest in a row (36 hours with summarised working time).
Overtime is paid at 1.5 times your wage, or compensated with the same amount of paid time off. Night work (10 pm–6 am) is paid at 1.25 times your wage.
Holidays: at least 28 calendar days of paid annual leave; 35 days for minors and people with reduced work capacity.
Contract: an employment contract must be in writing – signed by hand or digitally – unless the job lasts no more than two weeks. If you do not agree otherwise, the law sets a probation period of 4 months.

Common questions about job applications and interviews

Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.

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