Citizenship — Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet · Estonia

Direct answer

Naturalisation has conditions (years of lawful residence, language level, integration test, income, no serious record), a procedure (application at Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus (612 3000), fee, interview, a decision within a legal deadline that is often exceeded), and consequences you should check first — whether you may keep your current nationality. Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus (612 4500) confirms your registration history, which is the proof of residence years. Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõu (600 0230) advises for free if the case is complicated (gaps, a refusal, a criminal record).

Call firstPolitsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus

Report toRahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus

If that failsRiigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõu

🗣️ What to say

"I have lived lawfully in Estonia since [date] and hold [permit]. I would like to apply for naturalisation. Which conditions apply to my case, which documents do you need, what is the fee and the expected processing time?"

🪜 Step by step

Check the conditionsYears, language level, test, income. Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus's site has a checklist; migrant-support organisations run free info sessions.
Collect proofRegistration history from Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus, permits, language certificate, tax and income records, birth certificate with apostille and translation.
Dual nationality?Check both countries' rules before applying; some require renunciation, some do not.
Apply at Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsusFee is due at filing. Ask for the legal decision deadline and note it.
Refused: objectWithin the deadline, with reasons; Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõu helps. Many refusals are about missing documents, not eligibility.

📇 All contacts

Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsusResidence permits, citizenshipFor residence and citizenship📞 612 3000 🔗 www.politsei.ee/et/elamisload

Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsusResidence registration, personal code, extractsWithin 14 days of moving📞 612 4500 🔗 www.rahvastikuregister.ee

Riigi õigusabi (Advokatuur) / HUGO.legal tasuta õigusnõuState legal aid on low income; free first adviceWhen you cannot afford a lawyer📞 600 0230 🔗 www.advokatuur.ee/est/riigi-oigusabi

ÕiguskantslerComplaints about authorities, freeWhen the authority does not answer or acts unfairly📞 693 8404 🔗 www.oiguskantsler.ee

❓ Frequently asked

Do my children get citizenship too?

Usually included in the parent's application if minors and living with you; ask to add them explicitly.

I was abroad for a year in between

Long absences can break the residence count; check the rule for Estonia before you apply, and explain the reason if allowed.

How long does it take?

From several months to a couple of years. The legal deadline gives you a lever (notice of default) if it is exceeded.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

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“apply citizenship Estonia”
“naturalisation requirements Estonia”
“citizenship test language level”
“dual nationality allowed Estonia”
“naturalisation refused appeal”

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