In short: ordinary interior renovation (painting, tiling, floors, kitchen, bathroom) needs no permit. A permit or notice may be needed if you change load-bearing walls, the look of the house or its size. If in doubt, ask your municipality before starting.
What doesn't need a permit?
- Painting walls, wallpaper and filling.
- Replacing floors.
- Kitchen and bathroom renovation without changing load-bearing walls.
- Replacing interior doors.
- Building lightweight partition walls.
When might you need a permit or notice?
- Load-bearing walls: removing one or making a new opening in it.
- The look of the house: insulating the facade, new or larger windows, changing the roof shape.
- Extending the house: an extension or converting the attic into living space.
- Change of use: for example turning a garage into a living room.
- Heritage areas (miljööala): rules can be stricter even for small exterior work.
How to apply?
A building notice (ehitusteatis) and building permit application (ehitusluba) are submitted in the Register of Construction Works (ehr.ee). Some work also needs a building design. If a permit is required, work can't start before it's granted.
Apartment buildings have their own rules
In an apartment, permission is often needed from the apartment association instead, for example to change pipes or ventilation. Read what to ask your association before renovating.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a notice and a permit?
A notice is simpler: you tell the municipality what you're doing. A permit is needed for bigger work and must be granted before work begins.
What happens if you don't ask?
The municipality can issue a fine or require changes to what was built. It can also cause problems when selling the house.
Does the renovation company help with paperwork?
During the inspection we'll tell you whether your work might need a permit and help you find out where to ask.
Planning a house renovation? See our house renovation service or ask for a free quote.
