Information on the war in Ukraine

How can I extend temporary protection?

An application for an extension of a residence permit for temporary protection can be submitted via the self-service portal asylum.politsei.ee three months to one month before the expiry of the residence permit.

Upon submission of the application in the self-service portal, Ukrainian citizens will receive an e-mail confirmation that their application has been accepted. Ukrainian citizens will also receive an e-mail once their extended residence permit card is ready and they can collect it from the PBGB’s service office of their choice.

What do I need to extend temporary protection?

Internet access is necessary in order to submit an application for an extension of temporary protection in the self-service portal. You need to enter your personal identification code and residence permit card details upon submission of the application. In addition, the application must indicate the PBGB’s service office where you wish to collect your new residence permit card.

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?

In order to apply for the extension of a temporary protection residence permit, it is generally not necessary to submit a document photo. If the photograph of the document previously submitted does not fully meet the requirements, the applicant will be contacted individually.