Information on the war in Ukraine

Possibilities for Ukrainian war refugees to stay in Estonia

Ukrainian citizens continue to have the right to stay in Estonia without a valid residence permit (i.e. on the basis of a right of stay), but in this case there is no residence permit and the accompanying social guarantees. For more information, contact the migration consultant of the Police and Border Guard Board.

If you have decided to stay in Estonia or wish to stay in Estonia for a longer period of time, you can consider the following options. Please get acquainted with the different types of residence permits and consult our migration consultants, if necessary.

Temporary protection

The residence permit is intended for Ukrainian citizens and their family members who fled the country following the Russian military aggression that started on February 24, 2022. In case of temporary protection, the residence permit is valid until March 2026.

International protection

The residence permit is intended for people who fear persecution in their home country on the grounds of race, nationality, religion, membership of a social group or political opinion. This residence permit can also be applied for by people who consider that their return to Ukraine could lead to a serious risk, including the application of the death penalty, torture or degrading treatment or punishment, violence due to international or internal armed conflict.

Temporary residence permit for settling permanently

A residence permit is intended for a person who has decided to stay in Estonia or wishes to associate himself or herself with Estonia for a longer period of time. It is a temporary residence permit that does not require the invitation of any person or institution. It can be applied for independently, meeting all the conditions laid down for this permit.

You can apply for a residence permit issued for settling permanently in Estonia if you have met the following conditions:

You have settled in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit issued on another basis and your stay in Estonia is in accordance with public interests.
You have lived in Estonia for at least three years during five consecutive years on the basis of a residence permit or right of residence.
You are well-adapted, including having completed an adaptation programme offered by the Estonian state and learned Estonian.
Your activities so far have been in accordance with the purpose and conditions of the residence permit granted to you.
You have sufficient income (one-time subsistence level, i.e. at least 200 euros per month) to cope in Estonia and you are not dependent on the benefits provided by the Estonian state.
You have a valid health insurance policy.

Residence permit for settling with a family member

A residence permit gives you the opportunity to come and live in Estonia at the invitation of an Estonian citizen or a foreigner residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit in order to join a close family member here or to settle here together with him or her when arriving in Estonia.

Residence permit for studying

A residence permit gives you the opportunity to come to Estonia to study full-time at educational institutions recognised in Estonia. A residence permit for study may be issued for a period of up to five years. The duration of the study period depends on the level of study.

Residence permit for employment

A residence permit gives you the opportunity to come to Estonia to work. Each employment is subject to separate conditions to be fulfilled by the foreigner and the employer. Additional data or evidence may need to be provided at the time of application.

Can I stay in Estonia without a residence permit?

Ukrainian citizens continue to have the right to stay in Estonia without a valid residence permit (i.e. on the basis of a right of stay), but in this case there is no residence permit and the accompanying social guarantees. For more information, contact a migration consultant of the Police and Border Guard Board.

If I have decided to stay in Estonia or wish to stay in Estonia for a longer period of time, what are my options?

In order to stay in Estonia, it is possible to apply for residence permits on different bases. For example, you can apply for an extension of temporary protection, but also, among other things, temporary residence permits for settling permanently, settling with a family member, studying, working or doing business.

When will it become clear whether temporary protection will continue beyond March 2026?

The Member States of the European Union are still discussing the modalities of the extension of temporary protection. It is currently known that the European Commission will issue a decision on this in June 2025.

How do I decide which residence permit is the most suitable for me to apply for?

Before submitting an application for a residence permit, we recommend that you examine the various possibilities and conditions of the residence permit on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board. If necessary, you can ask for advice from the migration consultants of the Police and Border Guard Board.

If I have a valid residence permit, when should I start applying for a new residence permit?

If you have a valid residence permit, you do not need to submit a new application immediately. We recommend that you submit an application for the extension of your residence permit at least two months before the expiry of your existing residence permit.

What should I consider when applying for a residence permit?

First of all, it is worth deciding which residence permit is most suitable for you and whether you meet the required conditions. If there are conditions that are not met, it is reasonable to take the necessary steps in good time and deal with the fulfilment of the requirements.

Why are additional questions or documents asked during the examination of an application for a residence permit?

The body conducting the proceedings has the right to request additional documents and information if these are necessary for making the decision on the application for a residence permit.

Can I get my money back if I apply for a residence permit and pay the state fee, but the residence permit is refused?

If your application for a residence permit receives a negative decision, you will not receive a refund of the state fee. Therefore, before submitting an application for a residence permit, it is worth examining the required conditions thoroughly and submitting the application only once they have been fulfilled.

What conditions must be met when applying for a residence permit?

An overview of the conditions of residence permits can be found on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board by selecting "Migration and citizenship" from the menu. For example, if you want to apply for a temporary residence permit to reside in Estonia, you must have permanent income, health insurance, you are not dependent on state aid (subsistence benefit), you are law-abiding and you have no offences. You must also be well-adapted, including having completed an adaptation programme offered by the Estonian state and learned Estonian.

Where can I get advice on living, studying or working in Estonia?

Information can be found on the website of the Police and Border Guard Board and, if necessary, you can contact migration consultants who advise people by phone, email, online counselling and face-to-face meeting. You must agree in advance on the time of the appointment or online consultation with the consultant. It is possible to meet the migration consultant face-to-face in Tallinn and Tartu.

What can migration consultants do to help?

The main purpose of migration consultants is to support the settling of foreigners in Estonia and to be a partner to employers, entrepreneurs, educational institutions and other parties who invite foreigners to Estonia. If necessary, consultants can also be invited to trainings and information days.

In which languages I can speak to a migration consultant?

Migration consultants speak Estonian, English and Russian.

Does the service of a migration consultant cost?

The migration consultant service is free of charge.