Immigration to Estonia for Ukrainians

A permanent residence permit gives the right to move to the country without having to leave it at any time. A permanent residence permit is not issued immediately after the application of a foreign person. In order to obtain a permanent residence permit in Estonia, you must confirm one of the conditions established by law:

• Marriage to an Estonian. A permanent residence permit is issued to foreigners who are married to a resident of the country;
• Long-term residence in the state. A permanent residence permit is issued to non-residents who, subject to a temporary residence permit, have resided in Estonia for more than 5 years;
• Successful business. Investors whose company has been operating in the country's jurisdiction for more than 5 years can obtain a permanent residence permit in Estonia.

In order to go to Estonia for permanent residence, you will also need to obtain a health insurance policy, prove the existence of a source of permanent income and pass a language exam.

It should be borne in mind that, unlike most countries where dual citizenship is allowed, the purchase of real estate in Estonia is no longer a basis for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit. However, this fact is crucial when renewing a temporary or permanent residence permit.

To submit documents, you must pre-register for an appointment with the Consul online.

According to the Estonian Law on Citizenship, the status of a citizen of the state is provided in any of 4 ways: by birth, in the process of naturalization, for special merits and by restoration. Each of the options provides for different requirements for the applicant and conditions of registration.

Citizenship from birth

Article 5 of the Law on Citizenship and Section 8 of the Estonian Constitution guarantee the acquisition of citizenship at birth in the country in two cases:

• One of the parents has Estonian citizenship at the time of the child's birth.
• The birth took place after the death of his father, who is an Estonian citizen at the time of his death.
• A child automatically acquires Estonian citizenship if he or she is born in the country, even if his or her parents are stateless.

To submit documents, you must pre-register for an appointment with the Consul online.

Citizenship by naturalization

The status of a citizen of Estonia is granted in accordance with the standard procedure, according to Art. 6 of the Law "On Citizenship". Estonian citizenship can be obtained after 5 years of residence in the country on a residence permit, as well as after 3 years of permanent residence. After fulfilling these conditions, you can apply for Estonian citizenship.

In order to become an Estonian citizen, a foreigner must:

• confirm the legality of income in the country;
• pass exams on the history of the country and the knowledge of the constitution, the Estonian language;
• buy real estate;
• renounce previous citizenship (dual citizenship is prohibited by law in Estonia).

In addition, you must pay a state fee.

It is important to know: the acquisition of Estonian citizenship is not provided when buying real estate.

Requirements to the applicant for citizenship by naturalization:

• Age over 15 years
• Presence of a residence permit or permanent residence permit
• Availability of a registered place of residence on the territory of the state
• Residence in the country for at least 8 years, of which 5 years - total direct stay in Estonia
• Knowledge of the Constitution of Estonia and the national language (ability to compose a simple text, speak at a level not lower than B1)
• Availability of a legal permanent source of income (salaries, income from business activities, pensions, scholarships, alimony, etc.)

To submit documents, you must pre-register for an appointment with the Consul online.

Citizenship for special merits

Persons who have achieved high results in science, culture, sports or other fields of activity in Estonia may become citizens of the country in accordance with Art. 10 of the Law "On Citizenship". Citizen status is granted only at the suggestion of members of the Estonian government. According to the law, citizenship for special merits can be obtained by a little more than 10 people a year. The applicant of this category is exempted from the requirements of knowledge of the state language and legal features, the presence of a residence permit or permanent residence and registered residence, as well as previous residence in the country.

To submit documents, you must pre-register for an appointment with the Consul online.

Are you eligible to apply for a Blue Card?

To apply for the Blue Card, the applicant must

• have a valid employment contract or job offer for highly skilled work for a period of at least 1 year
• meet the minimum salary threshold;
• for regulated professions: submit documents confirming compliance with the requirements of national legislation;
• for unregulated professions: submit documents confirming the availability of relevant higher professional qualifications;
• present a valid travel document, visa application (if required), and a valid residence permit or national long-term visa (if required);
• provide a certificate of health insurance (or proof of application for it).

In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public order from the point of view of the state. He or she may also be required to provide his or her address in that state.

Will applications of EU citizens have priority over applications of third-country nationals applying for an EU Blue Card in Estonia?

Some Member States apply the Labor Market Test (LMT). This mechanism aims to ensure that migrant workers are admitted only after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU citizens, or third-country nationals legally residing in Estonia who have access to the labor market in accordance with national law.

Estonia uses the labor market test.

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How long is the EU Blue Card valid in Estonia?

Standard validity period in Estonia: 27 months.

Special rules: In Estonia, the EU Blue Card is issued for the duration of the employment contract plus three months, but this period must be less than two years and three months. The EU Blue Card can be extended several times for up to four years and three months at a time.

How much will it cost?

Initial Blue Card fee: 120 euros,

Renewal: 96 euros.

Replacement: 31 euros (35 euros abroad).

Fee for express issuance: no fee.

How long does it take to get a Blue Card?

National legislation stipulates that the maximum period for issuing a Blue Card in Estonia is 60 days.