The majority of people become Estonian citizens by birth, this means that at the moment of a child’s birth, one of his or her parents has Estonian citizenship. However, Estonian citizenship can be applied for even if the person has the citizenship by birth of another country or holds the status of a resident with undetermined citizenship. Obtaining citizenship in a manner other than by birth is called naturalisation.
There are six steps to becoming a citizen of the Republic of Estonia:
Step 1 – settle in Estonia and apply for the residence permit
Step 2 – pass the Estonian language exam
Step 3 – pass the citizenship exam
Step 4 – have yourself released from the citizenship of another country
Step 5 – submit application
Step 6 – apply for the identity card of Estonian citizen
Advice on these six steps are available in publication “Six Steps to Acquiring Estonian Citizen”.
Attention!
Since 1 January 2016, children born in Estonia whose both parents are persons residing permanently in Estonia who have undetermined citizenship have the right for citizenship by birth.
Useful links:
State portal eesti.ee: https://www.eesti.ee/en/citizenship-and-documents/citizenship/estonian-citizenship
Residence permits: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/residence-permit/
The TESTEST language testing environment: http://web.meis.ee/testest/
Language exam: https://harno.ee/en/examinations-tests-and-studies/examinations-tests-and-certificates/estonian-language-proficiency
Citizenship exam: https://harno.ee/en/citizenship-examinations
Applying for Estonian citizenship: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/teenused/eesti-kodakondsus/taiskasvanule/
Citizenship application form: https://www2.politsei.ee/dotAsset/528141.pdf
Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) service points: https://www2.politsei.ee/en/kontakt/kmb/index.dot
