Estonia mandates employers disclose salary before first interview

From Monday, amendments to Estonia's Labour Contracts Act require employers to provide candidates with the expected salary or a salary range in writing before the first interview. The change is intended to give job seekers the information needed to negotiate pay, reduce gender‑based wage gaps and prevent disparities caused by asking about a candidate’s previous earnings. The law also reinforces the principle of equal pay for equal work, allowing different remuneration only for objective, gender‑neutral reasons.

Economy Minister Erkki Kello said, “Earlier salary information and greater transparency help reduce unjustified wage differences and shape a fairer labour market.” The Ministry of Economic and Communications also reminded employers of the new written‑disclosure obligation.