Information on the war in Ukraine

How can I extend international protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for international protection can be submitted via PBGB self-service portal at asylum.politsei.ee if the period of validity of the residence permit expires in less than four months.

Upon submission of the application in the self-service portal, the applicant will receive an e-mail confirmation that his/her application has been accepted. An e-mail will also be sent once the extended residence permit card is ready and the applicant can collect it at the PBGB service office of his/her choice.
An application for an extension of a residence permit can also be submitted at the nearest PBGB service office four months before the expiry date of the temporary residence permit.

In order to apply for an extension of international protection at a service office, it is necessary to book an appointment, as it is not possible to extend a residence permit for international protection without booking an appointment in advance.

When can I apply for an extension of international protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for international protection can be submitted not earlier than four months before the expiry of the residence permit. We recommend that you submit the extension application no later than one month before the expiry of the residence permit. It ensures that the extension of a residence permit for international protection will be completed before the residence permit issued under international protection expires.

If the residence permit for international protection has already expired, you must make an appointment to extend it and go to the PBGB’s service office.

Is it compulsory to extend international protection?

There is no obligation to hold or to extend international protection. All Ukrainian citizens have the right to stay and reside in Estonia without applying for international protection, but in this case, there are no accompanying social guarantees.

Can I use my Ukrainian passport to travel from Estonia to Russia?

People under international protection are not allowed to travel to Russia. International protection is granted to Ukrainian citizens specifically to protect them from Russian actions, and voluntarily visiting Russia is grounds for withdrawing international protection.

Is there a fee for extending international protection?

The extension of a residence permit for international protection is free of charge for Ukrainian citizens. When applying, you should indicate the PBGB’s service office where you would like to collect your new residence permit card. If you wish to change the pick-up location of the document after submitting the application, you will have to pay a fee.