On August 1, 2006 the new Citizen of European Union Act entered into force which changed the terms for settling in Estonia of citizens of member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter “EU citizens”) and their family members who are citizens of third countries and the procedures necessary for it.

EU citizens who resided in Estonia on August 1, 2006 on the basis of a residence permit shall be considered as EU citizens who have the right of residence in Estonia and the family members of EU citizens who resided in Estonia on August 1, 2006 on the basis of a temporary residence permit shall be considered as the family members of EU citizens who have the right of temporary residence in Estonia.

Right of residence of EU citizens and their family members may be either temporary or permanent. Generally, an EU citizen who has resided in Estonia permanently for 5 successive years on the basis of the right of temporary residence shall obtain the right of permanent residence.

Upon the issue or extension of the right of residence EU citizens family members is issued a residence card. Residence card contains its holder’s personal data, data related to the right of residence, photo and fingerprint images.

By applying for a right of residence, fingerprints are captured from applicants as of 6 years of age. In order to capture fingerprints, an applicant has to apply in person to the Service Office of a Prefecture of the Police and Border Guard Board or to foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia. Fingerprints are not taken, if a person is less than 6 years of age, less than 2 years have passed from capturing fingerprints by applying for a travel document, residence permit/right of residence or residence permit card, or if permanent incapability of a person to give fingerprints has been established in advance.