Information on the war in Ukraine
Applying for international protection
Grounds for applying for international protection
Foreign nationals, including Ukrainian citizens and residents, who fear persecution in their home country on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, may apply for international protection. This also applies to people who believe that returning to Ukraine may expose them to serious risk, including the death penalty, torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, or violence resulting from an international or internal armed conflict.
Validity and extension of international protection
The Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) shall grant international protection and a temporary residence permit to a foreign national whom the PBGB has recognised as having refugee status or subsidiary protection status and who is recognised as a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection (provided there are no circumstances precluding recognition as a refugee or a beneficiary of subsidiary protection, or grounds for refusing to grant international protection).
The requirements for the granting of a temporary residence permit must be met throughout the entire period of validity of the residence permit. A temporary residence permit is granted for a period of up to five years and may be extended for up to five years at a time.
Processing time for applications for international protection
Depending on the type of procedure, the application will be examined within three or six months. The application will be examined as quickly as possible. In exceptional cases, the time limit may be extended.
An applicant for international protection whose sole legal basis for staying in Estonia is their status as an applicant for international protection is not permitted to work in Estonia until six months have passed without a decision being made regarding their application.
Where to apply for international protection
To apply for international protection, please contact:
- Pärnu mnt 139, Tallinn
- H. Tammsaare pst 61, Pärnu
- Rahu tn 38, Jõhvi
- Riia tee 132, Tartu
Further information on applying for international protection can be requested via ....