Information on the war in Ukraine

How long does the temporary protection last?

Temporary protection that you apply for until 9 September 2023 will last for a year, after which you need to submit a new application for extension.

Temporary protection that you apply for from 10 September 2023 will last until March 2025.

How long is temporary protection extended?

For applications submitted until 9 September 2023, temporary protection will be extended for one year from the date of the application.

For applications submitted from 10 September 2023 onwards, temporary protection will be extended until March 2025.

When can I apply for an extension of temporary protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for temporary protection can be submitted no earlier than three months before the expiry of the residence permit. It is recommended to apply for an extension no later than one month before the expiry of the residence permit.

If the residence permit for temporary protection has already expired, you can apply for an extension of temporary protection only at a PBGB service office.

How can I extend temporary protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for temporary protection can be submitted three months to one month before the expiry of the residence permit via PBGB self-service portal. Be sure to enter an email address that you use when submitting your application.

As of 10 September 2023, in order to extend temporary protection, it is necessary that you visit a PBGB service office of your choice and get a new photo taken in a speed capture kiosk. See the location and opening hours of the PBGB service offices here.

We recommend that you get your document photo taken before submitting the application in the self-service portal. After submitting your application in the self-service portal, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been accepted and a reminder that the temporary protection will only be extended if, in addition to submitting the application, you also get a new photo taken at a PBGB service office. The PBGB will also send an email to this address when the extended residence permit card is ready and can be picked up at a PBGB service office.

What do I need to extend temporary protection?

As of 10 September 2023, in order to extend temporary protection, it is necessary that you visit a PBGB service office and get a new photo taken in a speed capture kiosk, in addition to submitting an online application. See the location and opening hours of the PBGB service offices here.

Documents:

• Application for extension of temporary protecion
• Details of close relatives and family members

After the document photo has been taken, you will need to have access to the Internet to submit the application for an extension of a residence permit for temporary protection in the self-service portal. Upon application, you will be asked for your personal identification code and residence permit card details. In addition, you must indicate the PBGB service office where you would like to collect your new residence permit card. In certain cases, you may also be asked to answer additional questions. In such cases, you will be contacted separately.

How to register your place of residence

In order to apply for an extension of temporary protection, a person’s place of residence must be registered. A residence registered in Estonia gives us an assurance that the person seeking temporary protection is actually staying in Estonia and the state can provide him or her with services and benefits intended for Estonian residents, such as social benefits, health care, free public transport or a place at school or kindergarten.

You can register your place of residence with the local government of your residence. In order to register your place of residence, you must submit a document certifying the use of the room (e.g. a lease contract) or the consent of the owner of the room. If you have a lease contract, it will suffice and the owner’s consent is not required.

Read more about registering your place of residence.

When can I apply for an extension of temporary protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for temporary protection can be submitted in the self-service portal no earlier than three 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.

If the residence permit for temporary protection has already expired, the application for an extension of temporary protection can only be submitted at a PBGB’s service office.

Is it compulsory to extend temporary protection?

There is no obligation to hold or to extend temporary protection. All Ukrainian citizens have the right to stay and reside in Estonia without applying for temporary protection, but in this case they are not granted a residence permit or any accompanying social guarantees.

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

The Police and Border Guard Board advises against all travel to Russia without an urgent need. The Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) declared the Russian regime a terrorist regime on 18 October, and temporary protection has been granted to Ukrainian citizens precisely to protect them from Russia’s actions. Travelling to Russia may lead to the revocation of your residence permit.

Is there a fee for extending temporary protection?

The extension of a residence permit for temporary 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.

Is it necessary to submit a document photo if temporary protection is extended?

As of 10 September 2023, in order to extend temporary protection, you need to submit a new document photo that has been taken at a PBGB service office. Getting your document photo taken at a PBGB service office is free of charge and does not require booking an appointment. See the location and opening hours of the PBGB service offices here.

Until 9 September 2023, it will only be possible to submit an electronic application for an extension of temporary protection without submitting a new document photo. Please note that for applications submitted until 9 September, temporary protection will be extended for a year. For applications submitted from 10 September onwards, temporary protection will be extended until March 2025.