National ID number — Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee)

Direct answer

Everything — a job, a bank account, a doctor, a rental — needs the national identification number, so it is the first appointment after arriving. In Estonia you get it from Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus (612 4500) when you register your address or, for non-residents, from Maksu- ja Tolliamet — vaie / ajatamine (880 0810). Bring your passport or ID card, proof of address (a rental contract or a host's declaration) and, for non-EU citizens, the residence permit or visa from Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus (612 3000). Appointments fill up: book before you arrive if the portal allows.

Call firstRahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus

Report toMaksu- ja Tolliamet — vaie / ajatamine

If that failsPolitsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus

🗣️ What to say

"I moved to Estonia on [date] and live at [address]. I would like to register and obtain my [national number / tax number / social-security number]. I have [passport/ID, rental contract / host declaration, permit]. Which documents do you need and can I book an appointment?"

🪜 Step by step

Book the registrationAt Rahvastikuregister (eesti.ee) / omavalitsus: address registration and the number usually come together. Online booking where it exists; otherwise early morning in person.
DocumentsPassport or ID, proof of address, birth certificate (sometimes with apostille), marriage certificate if relevant, permit or visa for non-EU citizens.
Non-resident number: Maksu- ja Tolliamet — vaie / ajatamineFor work or tax before you have an address — the tax office issues a provisional or non-resident number.
Non-EU: Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet — migratsioon / kodakondsus firstThe residence permit or the registration certificate may be a precondition; check the order for your case.
Then everything elseBank, health insurance, employer, GP — all take the number. Keep the letter with it safe.

📇 All contacts

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

Maksu- ja Tolliamet — vaie / ajatamineObjection to a decision, deferralWithin 30 days of service📞 880 0810 🔗 www.emta.ee

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

Kohalik omavalitsus — linnavalitsus / vallavalitsusNuisances, roads, waste, registration, lost propertyFor anything the municipality handles🔗 www.eesti.ee

❓ Frequently asked

I have a job offer but no address yet

Ask the employer for a hosting letter or use the non-resident route at Maksu- ja Tolliamet — vaie / ajatamine; the number can be converted when you register an address.

How long does it take?

Same day in some countries, weeks in others. The appointment is the bottleneck, not the processing.

EU citizen — do I need to register at all?

Yes, after three months in most countries (sooner in some), and for the number you need it anyway.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“national id number new arrival Estonia”
“register address get number Estonia”
“tax number foreigner Estonia”
“social security number apply”
“moving to Estonia first steps”

🧭 Is this still correct?

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🔢 I just moved here — how do I get the national ID / tax / social-security number?