Information on the war in Ukraine

Grounds for applying for international protection

Foreign nationals, including Ukrainian citizens and residents, who fear persecution in their home country on account of race, nationality, religion, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, may apply for international protection. This also applies to people who consider that their return to Ukraine could lead to serious danger, including the application of the death penalty, the use of torture or degrading treatment or punishment, the use of violence due to international or internal armed conflict.

Application documents

• Application for international protection
• Details of close relatives and family members

Validity and extension of international protection

Refugees are granted a residence permit for 3 years. The period of validity of the residence permit shall be extended every 3 years.

Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection are granted a residence permit for 1 year. The validity of the residence permit under subsidiary protection shall be extended every 2 years.

The PBGB may extend the residence permit granted to a refugee for a period of three years, provided that the circumstances which led to the granting of the residence permit have not ceased to exist and there are no grounds for revoking the residence permit.

The PBGB may extend the residence permit granted to a beneficiary of subsidiary protection for a period of two years, provided that the circumstances which led to the granting of the residence permit have not ceased to exist and there are no grounds for revoking the residence permit.

Duration of the international protection procedure

The application will be examined as soon as possible, but no later than six months after its receipt. In exceptional cases, the time limit may be extended.

An applicant for international protection whose only legal basis for stay in Estonia is the status of an applicant for international protection is not allowed to work in Estonia as long as no decision has been taken on his or her application within 6 months. If the applicant stayed legally in Estonia before submitting the application and was allowed to work, his or her right to work continues during the period of application for protection.

Where to apply for international protection

In order to apply for international protection, please contact:
Pärnu mnt 139, Tallinn
A.H.Tammsaare pst 61, Pärnu
Rahu tn 38, Jõhvi
Riia tee 132, Tartu

For more information on applying for international protection, please contact ....