Information on the war in Ukraine

Applying for temporary protection

Citizens of Ukraine and their family members who fled the country after Russia's military aggression that started on 24 February 2022 will be granted, according to government decision, Estonian residence permits under temporary protection. Temporary protection applied for before 1 August 2024 will be valid until March 2025. Temporary protection applied for from 1 August 2024 will be valid until March 2026.

Applying for international protection

People who left Ukraine earlier but cannot return because of the war can stay in Estonia without a visa. They can also apply for international protection. The international protection procedure usually takes up to six months.

Ukrainian citizens seeking international protection are provided with accommodation and subsistence for four months in the same way as war refugees seeking temporary protection. If they so wish, the applicants may live independently elsewhere, for example with acquaintances or relatives.

The right to work in Estonia during the one-month procedure depends on whether the person previously had a legal basis to do so. If the person was in Estonia already before the war and was working on the basis of a registration of short-term employment, he or she may continue to work during the procedure for international protection. If the person did not previously have the right to work, he or she may not work in Estonia before being granted international protection.