Citizens of the Russian Federation are actively applying for Estonian citizenship

Since the beginning of the war, citizens of the Russian Federation have submitted three times as many applications for Estonian citizenship than in the same period last year.

Since 24 February, 113 current citizens of the Russian Federation have applied for Estonian citizenship. This represents a more than threefold increase in applications compared to the same period in 2021. In total, the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) has received 285 applications for Estonian citizenship from foreigners this year. More than half of them, namely 151 applications, have been submitted by citizens of the Russian Federation.

Compared to the same period in 2021, the number of applicants for citizenship has increased by a fifth. This year, 104 people with undetermined citizenship, 12 citizens of Ukraine and four citizens of Belarus also applied for Estonian citizenship.

Last year, a total of 1,029 people acquired or restored Estonian citizenship, including 639 people with undetermined citizenship and 296 former citizens of the Russian Federation.

”More than half of the new citizens of the Republic of Estonia did not previously have citizenship of any country, and the Police and Border Guard Board is pleased to see that so many permanent residents of Estonia are opting for citizenship of the Republic of Estonia. Estonian citizenship provides people many more opportunities and rights, as well as opens new doors,” said Marina Kadak, Chief Expert of the Identity and Status Bureau of the PBGB.

An application for citizenship of the Republic of Estonia can be submitted at the PBGB service office only with a pre-booked appointment. You can book an appointment through the PBGB self-service portal at https://broneering.politsei.ee/.