Why I stayed: Stories of building a life in Estonia
Moving to a new country is always a leap of faith. It’s a decision made with limited knowledge of what lies ahead, and many may plan for it to be temporary. But sometimes, something unexpected happens: you find yourself immersed in a new place, culture, or lifestyle, and suddenly, what was once temporary begins to feel like home.
In this article, we speak to people who came to Estonia for different reasons, not necessarily with plans to stay for the long term. Over time, however, they found themselves deeply connected to the place.
What made them stay? Was it the peaceful rhythm of life, the digital convenience, the career opportunities, or the forest trails just minutes from the city? Their stories paint a picture of what life in Estonia really feels like, beyond the brochures and startup slogans.
Toby Humphrey, Group Product Manager
A happy accident
Toby, originally from northern England (born in Bury, raised near York), moved to Estonia in 2017 — not for work, weather, or a meticulously planned life change. “Like many foreigners,” he laughs, “a relationship brought me here. And like many others, I found plenty of good reasons to stay.”
What he didn’t expect was how much Estonia would shape the next chapter of his life.
From architecture to tech
Toby arrived with a background in design and architecture, not necessarily planning a career shift. “I took an entry-level job at Bolt fully intending to find something closer to my experience in city planning or architecture,” he recalls. But the startup world had other plans: “Opportunities at Bolt exploded. Before I knew it, I was building product teams from scratch.”
In just a few years, Toby transitioned into a fast-paced product management role, found mentorship and growth, and tapped into Estonia’s tight-knit startup scene. “The learning curve was steep — going from 0 to 100 — but it’s been incredibly rewarding. And honestly, because my job offered so many learning opportunities, I didn’t need to look elsewhere.”
He’s now more actively engaging with Estonia’s wider tech and learning communities. “I’ve saturated a lot of what I can learn within my current role, so it’s exciting to explore what’s next.”
Get plugged into Estonia’s tech community
If you're an expat looking to connect with like-minded professionals and grow your career in tech, Estonia has an active, welcoming scene.
English is the default language in most meetups, conferences, and online groups, so you won't feel out of place. Communities like Startup Estonia, Garage48, and Lift99 organise regular events, hackathons, and workshops. You can also join online groups like the Estonian Developers Community on Slack or Latitude59’s wider startup ecosystem.
Whether you’re into coding, product, design, or entrepreneurship, there’s space to grow, and people to grow with.
Life in Tallinn: more time, more balance
What keeps Toby rooted in Tallinn isn’t just his career — it’s the quality of life. “I walk to work in 12 minutes,” he says. “That’s almost unheard of when you work for a globally significant, multi-billion-dollar company.” In cities like London or San Francisco, that same job could easily mean spending 2 hours commuting each day.
“Tallinn’s compact size gives you something precious: time. You gain time to work out, see friends, and relax. It’s a massive quality-of-life upgrade.”
The mix of free public transport, fully digital bureaucracy, and easy access to nature doesn’t hurt either. “It’s not that one single thing is revolutionary,” he adds, “but together they make life surprisingly smooth and enjoyable.”
For UK expatriates who may be concerned about leaving the NHS behind, Toby's experience has been reassuring. "As a digital-first community, it's easy to sign up for various services, even without language skills." At Bolt, employees can enrol in private healthcare, which covers most expenses and provides quick access to specialists. Toby has had a smooth experience with both private and public healthcare services.
Belonging, connections, and the idea of “home”
It took time for Estonia to feel like home. “Probably around the 3-to-5-year mark,” Toby estimates. “Buying an apartment helped. But also building a career here, one that I feel proud of — that gave me a sense of belonging.”
“When it comes to friendships and settling in, it can take a bit of time,” Toby says. “Estonians are quite reserved, and the language barrier adds a layer of challenge. But I’ve been lucky — I’ve built some really meaningful connections through work and outside of it.”
His relationship with Estonia has evolved through the years, shaped by personal milestones and global events. “I went through COVID here, lived through the invasion of Ukraine, and grew professionally more than I ever expected. Naturally, those things change how you relate to a place.”
As for the future, Toby says: “I’m open to staying long-term. What matters to me is feeling challenged and supported in my growth. If Estonia continues to be that kind of place, I’d love to stay.”
Words of advice
When asked to sum up why he stayed, Toby answers without hesitation: “A happy coalescing of personal relationships, career development, and personal growth.”
For those considering a move, his advice is simple: visit first. Talk to people who’ve done it. Try not to make a decision based on a checklist — Estonia isn’t something you judge on paper. You have to feel it.
Fiyinfoluwa Daniel Akinrimisi, Senior QA Engineer
From Lagos to Tallinn
When Fiyinfoluwa arrived in Estonia in early 2023, he was greeted by wintry weather and the beginning of a new chapter. Having relocated for work, he was looking for a change of environment and the opportunity to grow, both professionally and personally.
Starting fresh in a new country
Before moving, Fiyin had a few concerns: leaving behind family and a familiar culture, navigating a country where English isn't the first language, and adjusting to Estonia’s harsh winters. Still, he was optimistic: “I came here expecting to enjoy the experience, meet new people, and grow career-wise.”
Estonia struck him immediately as a place of quiet, calm, and cleanliness.
A turning point in his career
Professionally, the move proved to be transformative. Since joining Bolt, he’s been involved in launching new features in many different countries. “Before Bolt, I had only worked on launches within one country or maybe two,” he says. “Now, I’ve helped roll out features across several continents, with each place having its own rules and regulations,” he explains.
Fiyin says he’s grown a lot thanks to the brilliant people he works with and the chance to see how his work affects people around the world. “Living in Estonia has helped me focus on my goals and feel confident about where I’m heading,” he shares.
He’s also been impressed by the work culture, especially how open and easy it is to talk to both teammates and upper management. At Bolt, it’s not unusual to bump into the CEO at lunch and have a quick chat.
Life beyond work
Outside the office, Fiyin enjoys Estonia's tranquillity, beautiful landscapes, and diverse international community. "Meeting people from all over the world is engaging and fun. I also love going on road trips and watching parties," he shares.
His lifestyle has shifted since relocating. He’s become more active, trying new sports like padel, volleyball, and (occasionally) badminton. “Tallinn has a strong health and wellness culture,” he notes. “You see people jogging, walking their dogs, and using the outdoor gym equipment in parks. It’s really great.”
Discovering a new pace of life
Moving to Estonia brought a change in pace, one that he has grown to appreciate. “I try to exercise more and feel safe walking around at night. It’s peaceful in Tallinn,” he says.
Some local perks have made everyday life smoother, like the city’s parks and free public transport. One of his favourite places is the promenade near Kadriorg Park. “It’s by the sea, with a great view and people laughing, cycling, and chatting. It’s fantastic.”
Making Estonia feel like home
By mid-2024, Estonia had started to feel like home. While connecting with locals can take more effort due to cultural reserve, Fiyin found that taking the initiative often leads to genuine connections.
After moving between big cities on different continents, Estonia offered something he didn’t expect to value — peace and quiet paired with a strong sense of security. When asked why he stayed, his answer was simple: “Safety.”
His idea of home has shifted, too. “Home is where you feel comfortable and safe,” he says. “That’s what Estonia has become for me.” Whether he’ll stay long-term depends on where his career takes him and how deeply he continues to feel a sense of belonging. But for now, Estonia is home.
Fiyin’s advice to anyone thinking about making the move: “Have an open mind — and research the weather!”
The magic of Estonia’s seasons
Indeed, for some, the Estonian climate may seem harsh and unfamiliar at first. But once you settle in, you’ll discover that each season brings its own magic and traditions that make life here truly special.
Estonian summers feel truly magical, with daylight stretching late into the night, sometimes lasting until midnight. This “white night” glow creates a special kind of energy, perfect for gathering outdoors. From lively festivals like the Viljandi Folk Festival and Tallinn Old Town Days to the iconic Jaanipäev (Midsummer) celebrations, locals and newcomers alike come together to celebrate nature, music, and culture under the endless sky.
In winter, the rhythm changes, but warmth can still be found in seasonal traditions such as weekly sauna rituals, bog hikes on snowshoes, and the charm of Christmas markets. All this offers cosy ways to connect with others despite the cold. Fun cold-weather habits like winter swimming, sledging down snowy hills, or joining candle-lit forest walks across the city turn winter’s chill into memorable, joyful experiences.
These unique customs and outdoor experiences help newcomers adapt and connect, turning the climate from a challenge into a memorable part of Estonia’s lifestyle.
Kristyna Mertova, Product Designer
“It was supposed to be 6 months”
When Kristyna first came to Estonia in June 2015 — a date she celebrates — she didn’t think she’d stay. Her original Erasmus internship destination had been Portugal, but a last-minute change led her north instead, to a small Estonian startup with a product that caught her interest. She had fond memories of a brief Baltic trip back in 2012, so the idea of returning seemed exciting. “The plan was simple,” she says. “Stay half a year, go back to the Czech Republic, finish my master’s, and then move abroad again.”
She found instead a place that would challenge, support, and reshape her future in unexpected ways.
First impressions and surprises
Despite her earlier visit, Kristyna admits she knew almost nothing about Estonia when she landed; she just knew that nature was beautiful and the nights were confusingly bright. “I went to the supermarket at 10 p.m. and it felt like daytime,” she laughs. “Then I tried to buy some local beers — very Czech of me — but alcohol sales were already stopped. Total culture shock!”
She joined a startup based in Garage48 and was immediately drawn into a world that felt completely new. “My background was in history and art. I’d never seen innovation in action before. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people solving real problems, motivated, and dreaming big. It was amazing.”
To build connections, she joined ESN Estonia (the Erasmus Student Network), something she’d been part of back home. It quickly became a foundation for friendships and a sense of belonging. “A lot of those people are still close friends today. Those first months really shaped my experience here.”
A career transformation she never saw coming
Kristyna’s professional journey in Estonia took more than one unexpected turn. “I wanted to work in museums or galleries. But the internship was in marketing. I was writing social media posts, learning totally new skills.”
When she decided to stay, she found work in the tourism sector, drawing on her high school studies and experience organising Erasmus trips. That path lasted a little over 4 years and took her to Iceland and Norway. “I was a Destination Manager, helping thousands of people create unforgettable memories. My job included things like dog sledging and hunting the northern lights.”
Then came COVID.
In a matter of weeks, she lost her career and her way of life. But after a long period of reflection, she found a new direction — UX/UI design. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done,” she admits. But since then, she’s worked with everyone from solo entrepreneurs to global corporations. “I never imagined this would be my path, but it fits me! And I don't think I would’ve taken the leap if I hadn’t been in Estonia.”
It was the mindset that made the difference. “Back home, people were sceptical. Here, when I told people I was switching careers, they said, ‘Go for it!’ That kind of encouragement made all the difference.”
Finding her rhythm
Over time, Estonia didn’t just influence Kristyna’s career. It changed her entire pace of life. “I’ve always moved fast. But here, I’ve learned to appreciate stillness and quiet. I go to saunas weekly. I walk in nature. I’ve even done meditation retreats on Aegna Island.”
And she’s picked up new habits, too, like winter swimming and year-round biking. “At some point, I realised: the cold season is just too long to wait for perfect weather. You have to get out and enjoy it.”
She’s also come to really appreciate Estonia’s digital infrastructure. “Coming from the Czech Republic, where things can be quite bureaucratic, Estonia feels a step ahead,” she says with a smile. “Even visiting the Czech embassy here feels like stepping back in time. “I truly feel like the state works for people here.”
From temporary stay to something more
For a long time, Kristyna thought of Estonia as a stop along the way. But something shifted around her 3.5-year mark. “I went to the Independence Day celebration at Toompea, and it was so powerful and moving. That’s when I decided to start learning Estonian. That was a turning point.”
Now, when people ask where she’s from, she often says, “I’ve lived in Estonia for a long time.” She talks about the country with pride and curiosity. “To a lot of people, it still feels mystical and unknown. I love that.”
Her relationship with Estonia has deepened over time. And while others might find the winters hard or the city too quiet, Kristyna sees possibility. “Someone who loves to sit in a sunny café all day might struggle at first, but they might adapt and start hanging out in saunas instead. A passionate mountain hiker won’t find Suur Munamägi with its 318 meters very impressive, but watching the sunset in a bog, soaking in the colours and sounds, might be a worthy replacement.”
She’s built a strong community, feels supported by the system, and genuinely appreciates the everyday things: well-maintained hiking trails, free language classes, helpful public services. There’s still room for improvement, like Tallinn’s bike lanes, which she playfully critiques as having “bad UX”, but the progress she sees is real.
“Estonia didn’t just change my address. It changed how I see myself, how I live, and how I grow.”
Advice for anyone thinking of relocating to Estonia
“Trying to copy-paste your old lifestyle into a new country doesn’t usually work,” she says. “You have to let go of some things to make space for something new.”
If you're coming from a highly expressive or contact-driven culture, she suggests giving people more physical and social space. “Maybe lower your voice a bit in public,” she adds with a smile. “It’s not about losing yourself, but about learning to navigate a different environment with respect.”
She also recommends blending local habits into your life: “There’s a reason people eat wild garlic in spring, go to the sauna in winter, and head to the bogs at sunset. These rituals are rooted in the seasons, nature, and the need for balance.”
Her final piece of advice is to be curious, not just critical. “Estonia might seem quiet or cold at first, but if you approach it with openness, you’ll discover depth, community, and a surprising sense of freedom.”
Other ways to make connections as a newcomer
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming — especially when it comes to building a social circle. While many internationals in Estonia find it challenging at first to navigate local culture and make connections, that’s only part of the picture.
Support programs to help you settle
What’s often overlooked are the support systems that help newcomers feel at home. Estonia offers structured, accessible ways to build connections and settle in more smoothly.
The Settle in Estonia program, for example, provides free courses to help new residents understand local culture, working life, and practical day-to-day matters. It’s a great starting point not just for learning, but for meeting others who are in the same boat.
Thriving social communities and activities
Social communities are thriving, too. Groups like Internations Tallinn and Expats in Estonia create space for internationals to connect over shared experiences, whether it’s your first week in Estonia or your fifth year.
Sports can also be a great way to meet people. Whether you’re into group fitness, football, or winter swimming, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Padel, in particular, has become increasingly popular, with many newcomers joining local clubs and social matches to meet others and stay active.
How Bolt supports newcomers
At Bolt, we run a buddy system that pairs newcomers with experienced colleagues to offer both professional support and a friendly face during those first few weeks. Beyond that, we organise quarterly events where employees and their families can meet, share experiences, and build meaningful connections across teams.
We also use Slack to keep everyone informed about legal updates and upcoming activities, and maintain a WhatsApp group for relocated spouses, helping them connect through shared interests like museum visits or weekend outings.
Family-friendly community-building
Family-friendly events are another key part of community-building at Bolt — from cultural gatherings where employees share food from their home countries to English-friendly seasonal activities for children.
The support that makes relocation possible
Starting life in a new country comes with its share of challenges, including visa paperwork, housing searches, and learning how things work locally. At Bolt, we understand this well, which is why we have a dedicated Global Mobility team to support employees, their families, and even their pets through every step of the relocation process.
To date, our Global Mobility team has successfully relocated over 1,000 people from more than 80 countries to various Bolt offices worldwide.
No matter where you’re moving from, a dedicated team member will be by your side, assisting you with everything from:
- Arranging work permits and visas.
- Booking flights.
- Providing temporary accommodation (for up to 1 month).
- Connecting you with a family doctor.
- Supporting with school or kindergarten placement and helping your child settle in.
- Opening bank accounts.
- And supporting you with any other questions or challenges that arise along the way.
After you arrive, the Global Mobility team will keep supporting you as you settle into your new home, all the way until you leave the company, if that happens.
Find your own reason to stay
For Toby, it was a happy accident. For Fiyin, it was a leap into something new. For Kristyna, it started with six months and turned into nearly a decade. Each of their stories is different, but they share something in common: Estonia gave them space to grow, connect, and build a life they didn’t expect.
Sometimes, the place you plan to pass through becomes the one that helps you become who you want to be.
At Bolt, we’ve seen it happen time and time again. People arrive curious about a new country, a new challenge, a new chapter. They find meaningful work, teammates who inspire them, and a lifestyle that offers balance, nature, and freedom.
If you're thinking about a change, maybe Estonia could be your next step, too. Explore open roles and discover where a career at Bolt could take you.
