Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
General Questions
Abroad, you can apply for or renew an Estonian passport or ID card in three ways:
➡️ Through the Police and Border Guard Board’s self-service portal — Note: To use this service, your fingerprints must be valid, meaning they are no older than 6 years at the time of submission.
➡️ By mail — This is only possible if your fingerprints are still valid. You will need to send the completed application, proof of payment of the state fee, and a document photo to the Police and Border Guard Board by mail.
➡️ In person at an Estonian foreign representation (embassy or consulate) — Necessary if you need to provide or update fingerprints, or if you wish to submit your application on-site. If needed, we recommend directing any additional questions to the foreign representation.
After submitting the application, processing usually takes up to 30 days from the date the application arrives in Estonia. Receiving the document from the foreign representation may take additional time due to transport.
To apply for a first Estonian passport or ID card for a child aged 12 or older, or for an adult, you must submit the application in person at an Estonian embassy, consulate, or the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonia. Fingerprints and identity verification are required. You will need:
- Proof of Estonian citizenship (apostilled birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or previous document)
- A passport photo meeting official specifications
- Completed application forms
Processing usually takes up to 30 days from the time the application reaches Estonia, with additional time for receiving the document abroad. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, you should contact your nearest Estonian embassy before applying.
Estonian Language Learning
For adult learners, the Estonian online course Keeleklikk is a good fit.
This course consists of two parts:
- Keeleklikk (Levels 0–A2)
- Keeletee (Level B1)
In addition, E-koolikott offers many topics and learning materials for both adults and children living abroad. Direct links:
- Estonian Language and Literature
- Nature Studies and Local History
- Holiday-Related Learning Materials
- Resources for Teachers
To support more structured study, we also recommend checking the offerings of Üleilmakool , which provides guided learning opportunities.
You can find more Estonian language learning options on the Global Estonian portal: Estonian Language Learning.
Soovituslikud materjalid on eesti keele e-kursused Keeleklikk (tasemed 0-A2) ja Keeletee (B1) ning mitmekesised õppematerjalid E-koolikoti veebilehel. Lisatuge saab Üleilmakooli kursustelt.
There are many ways to learn Estonian from abroad, including online courses and local language classes offered by Estonian organizations and schools around the world.
Popular online platforms such as Keeleklikk, E-koolikott, and guided courses through Üleilmakool provide learning materials for different age groups and language levels.
The Globalestonian.com portal regularly features updated information about both online and in-person Estonian language learning opportunities for children and adults.
➡️ See Estonian language learning resources on Global Estonian
➡️ See also: What learning materials are recommended for studying Estonian abroad?
Networks and Communities
Global Estonian maintains a directory of Estonian societies, organizations, and other contact points. You can search by country or category to find relevant contacts and communities.
➡️ Community Groups: organizations, societies, groups, and associations
➡️ Community Places: Estonian Houses, community centers, churches
➡️ Estonian Food: shops and restaurants around the world
➡️ Chambers of Commerce: organizations that can support your business
To add or update information about your local community, please contact us at info@globalestonian.com
You can add or update information about your community, society, or organization by sending the changes or corrections to us by email at info@globalestonian.com.
Please include the following details:
- Name / title
- Contact person
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website (if available)
- A short description of your community, society, or organization (optional)
We also recommend including a landscape image under 2 MB in size and at least 770 × 402 pixels, to ensure the best display quality in the portal.
Youth and Students
Estonian youth living abroad have access to a variety of programs and events that help strengthen their connection to Estonia and their heritage. For example, the Global Estonian Youth Network (ÜENV) connects and supports young Estonians abroad by organizing meetups, projects, and information exchange.
Every summer, language and cultural camps, as well as summer schools, offer opportunities to practice Estonian, learn about Estonian culture, and make new friends from around the world. Scholarships and internships are also available to help youth study or work in Estonia.
The Globalestonian.com portal is a key source for up-to-date information on program news, camps, funding, and other opportunities supporting young Estonians.
Connections to Estonia and cultural roots are also maintained through local Estonian community events, Estonian language courses, youth organizations, and Estonian societies and schools operating in various countries. Modern digital channels allow participation in events in Estonia even from a distance.
Students can receive various forms of support when preparing for Estonian national exams, both at school and online.
In Estonia, an electronic testing environment is used, which provides sample exams and learning materials to help practice the exam format and topics. Some universities and educational institutions offer free online preparatory courses, such as Tallinn University of Technology’s national exam preparation program.
Exam support includes study materials and electronic exercises for Estonian language, mathematics, and other elective subjects, which can be completed from home or at school. Schools and official channels of the Estonian Education and Youth Board provide more detailed information about exams and preparation opportunities.
Useful links:
Education and Youth Board: https://harno.ee/eksamid-testid-ja-uuringud/eksamid-testid-ja-lopudokumendid/riigieksamid
TalTech: https://taltech.ee/sisseastuja/ettevalmistus-riigieksamiteks
Grants and Scholarships
Estonians abroad can apply for scholarships and grants supporting language, culture, community projects, and studies or internships in Estonia. Details and application calls are available from Estonian government bodies and on the Global Estonian portal: Grants & Scholarships.
Apply during official calls announced by Estonian institutions online or by post, following program-specific criteria and deadlines. Guidance and contacts are available on the Global Estonian portal and official program sites.
Living in Estonia
The Estonian state offers various family benefits for households with children, which depend on the number of children, their ages, and the family composition.
Family Benefits
Estonian family benefits depend on the number of children, their ages, and the family composition.
Parental Benefits
There are four types of parental benefits: mother’s, father’s, shared, and adopter’s parental benefits. The amounts depend on the applicant’s average social tax contributions during the calculation period.
Child Support
If the person obligated to pay child support fails to do so, the state pays up to €200 per month per child. This support is available during court, enforcement, or bankruptcy proceedings.
Additional Contributions to the Funded Pension
If you stay at home on parental leave with a child under three, the state pays an additional 4% of the Estonian average monthly income subject to social tax into your second pension pillar each month.
Last updated: 17 September 2024
The main steps usually include registering your place of residence, arranging health insurance, and understanding your rights and obligations. Assistance and guidance are available, including support with documentation and integration procedures.
Here are some resources that can help you when moving to Estonia:
- For studies: www.studyinestonia.ee
- For work or entrepreneurship:
- For research:
- General information for newcomers:
- Returning to Estonia:
- For EU and other foreign citizens and their family members: www.settleinestonia.ee
Last updated: 7 August 2025
Portal Help
The Global Estonian portal is part information gateway, part community tool, and part virtual Estonian House. It’s a place we can connect and support one another, no matter where we are.
GlobalEstonian.com platforms content for Estonian diaspora, globally minded Estonians at home, and our friends and family. You’ll find a wide range of topics, such as personal stories, community news, updates from Estonia, and more. In the media corner, find content formats like video, podcast, and photo galleries, and discover Estonian film and TV, diaspora media, and surveys.
You’ll also find the monthly newsletter, in which we present a collection of content, from the portal and elsewhere, to keep readers connected and up-to-date.
The Global Estonian portal is managed by the Integration Foundation. The founder of the foundation is the Republic of Estonia, with the Ministry of Culture exercising founder’s rights. The monthly newsletter is curated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Global Estonian portal is managed by the Integration Foundation. The founder of the foundation is the Republic of Estonia, with the Ministry of Culture exercising founder’s rights. The monthly newsletter is curated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
