Acquisition of citizenship

Anyone interested in applying for citizenship whose Estonian language skills are not yet at level B1 may enter into a language learning agreement and join the citizenship programme.

You can find out more about the terms and conditions of the agreement here.

We organise info sessions to introduce the programme, where we explain the process of applying for citizenship, the conditions for participating in the programme, and available options for learning the language. At the end of the session, we will answer any further questions.

The language proficiency levels are based on the levels described in the European Framework for Language Learning, which includes levels A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1.

The Estonian language courses offered under the language learning agreement allow you to study Estonian free of charge up to the B1 level, covering levels A1, A2, and B1. 

In other words, beginners who are just starting to learn Estonian at the A1 level are welcome. Residents interested in citizenship who already have a basic knowledge of Estonian are also welcome to continue their studies.

We will conduct a language test to assess your level of proficiency in Estonian. Test results will indicate which language course suits you the best.

If the results of the language test show that your proficiency in Estonian is below the B1 level, we offer an opportunity to study Estonian at the required level (A1 to B1) under a language learning agreement in order to reach level B1.

If your proficiency in Estonian is strictly limited, there is no need to take a language test, and you will start with a language course at level A1.

To determine your Estonian language skills, you can take a test in the language testing environment by choosing diagnostic tests with feedback.

Participants who have signed a language learning agreement will receive an invitation via the self-service system, and a notification will be sent by email inviting them to confirm their participation in a language course. Once the participant confirms the invitation, they will be added to the group list. 

Once a group has been formed, the list of course participants will be forwarded to the language course provider (language school) who will provide detailed information about the course arrangements approximately one week before the course begins and will notify participants of the start of the course.

Language proficiency is assessed with a test at the beginning of each course. The same is done at the end of the course to evaluate progress.

To successfully complete the course, you must attend at least 75% of the lessons and pass the final test. Provided these conditions are met, the language course provider (language school) will issue a certificate to the participant.

Once you have successfully completed one level, you will be offered the opportunity to continue your studies at the next level until you reach level B1.

NB! After successfully completing the B1-level course, the participant is directed to take the Estonian language proficiency exam. Information is also collected about when participants plan to take the exam.

To successfully complete the course, you must attend at least 75% of the lessons and pass the final test. If one or both course completion requirements are not met, the participant is considered to have failed the course, and a notification will be sent.

In that case, it is important to consider your next steps and get in touch with Integration Foundation – info@integratsiooniinfo.ee . Together, we will find a suitable solution that supports you as you continue to learn the language and helps you move towards your goal.

Solutions are tailored to the circumstances and needs of the participant to support their motivation and progress.

During the B1-level course, you will learn about sitting and registering for the B1-level Estonian language examination, so that everything you need to know is clear and easy to understand.

Registering for and sitting the examination is an important step on the path to citizenship, and these courses will help you prepare for it in the best possible way.

For this reason, data regarding registering for the examination are collected at the end of the course to ensure a smooth transition to the citizenship application process.

The examination and its pre-consultations are conducted by the Education and Youth Board (HARNO). 

You can find detailed information about the exams and the conditions for taking them on the website of the Board. 

There are several ways to register for the examination: 

1. online registration in the EIS database;
2. based on an application submitted by email. To do this, you have to send by email a completed and digitally signed application along with a copy of an identity document to info@harno.ee;
3. based on an application form completed and submitted on paper. To do this, you must print out the application form, complete it, attach a copy of your identity document, and send it to A. H. Tammsaare tee 47, 11316 Tallinn, or deliver it in person.

We recommend attending pre-examination consultations that take place at the main examination centres in Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, and Jõhvi once a quarter in accordance with the schedule.

You can attend a consultation without prior registration, but you must bring a valid form of identification (ID card, passport or residence permit) with you. Consultations usually start at 10 a.m. and last up to 4.5 hours.

There is no limit on the number of consultations you may attend, so you can participate in as many consultations as necessary to feel fully prepared for the examination.

The results of the examination are published in the EIS database or the eesti.ee website 40 days after taking the examination. 

Even if you did not pass the examination successfully, it is important to notify the Integration Foundation of your results by sending an email to info@integratsiooniinfo.ee. 

Based on this, each student receives personal advise on the next steps to support the development of their language skills and help them prepare for upcoming examinations.

Once the B1-level examination is successfully passed, we will provide further instructions on how to submit your application for citizenship to the Police and Border Guard Board.

If the citizenship examination is not yet set by the this time, we consider to refer you to a preparatory course.

NB! There are no requirements to the order of sitting the citizenship examination and the language examination. This means that you can sit the citizenship examination either before, after or alongside the language examination, depending on your individual needs and readiness.