Obtain Estonian Citizenship by Marriage

Although there is no direct route to obtaining Estonian citizenship by marriage, being married to an Estonian citizen makes it easier to acquire a residence permit. This is the first step toward meeting the requirements for the regular process of obtaining citizenship by naturalization. Our immigration lawyers in Estonia can help you apply for a residence permit if you are a foreign national married to an Estonian citizen. 

Who can apply for Estonian citizenship by marriage?

Spouses of Estonian nationals who meet the requirements for minimum lawful residence in the country, along with the other mandatory conditions, as listed below by our Estonian lawyers.

Initially, as the spouse of an Estonian citizen, you will receive a temporary residence permit that allows you to live in Estonia for five years. After those five years, you can renew your Estonian residency for another three years.

Once you have lived in the country for a total of eight years, you can apply to become a citizen through a process called naturalization. This means you will have the same rights and privileges as any other Estonian citizen.

What are some important requirements when gaining citizenship for foreigners who are married to an Estonian citizen?

As mentioned above, you first need to get a temporary residence permit for your spouse. This permit grants a residence card, which also serves as an ID card, as proof of permission to stay in the country. Our Estonian lawyers can help you obtain this permit for your partner. 

If the marriage duration is less than 3 years, the residence permit can be granted for up to one year at a time, and it can be renewed for a maximum of three years in total.

If the marriage has been longer than 3 years, the residence permit can be granted and renewed for up to three years at a time.  

What documents do I need if I want to apply for an Estonian residence permit based on marriage with an Estonian citizen?

To apply for a residence permit to join your Estonian spouse, the following documents are required:

• The temporary residence permit application form;
• A form detailing the applicant’s close relatives and family members;
• A completed invitation form filled and signed by the spouse who is the inviter;
• A document certifying the marriage;
• ID documents of the applicant;
• Digital photos;
• Proof of fee payment.  

Additional documents might be required.

Can I extend my Estonian residence permit by marriage?

Extending the residence permit is an important step in the process of obtaining long-term residency in Estonia. We can explain how this is connected with Estonian citizenship by marriage.

It is important to apply for the extension at least 2 months before your current permit expires. The documents required to extend a residence permit are similar to those needed for the initial application.

If you apply on time, you will receive a response no later than 10 days before your permit’s expiration.

What is the naturalization process like for the spouse of an Estonian citizen?

The final step for obtaining Estonian citizenship by marriage is naturalization. There are a few criteria that need to be taken into account when becoming a citizen via naturalization:

1. Your spouse must have lived in Estonia for at least eight years, with the last five years having permanent residence;
2. He/she must be familiar with the Estonian language;
3. He/she must pass an examination on the Estonian Constitution, demonstrate a means of support, and take an oath of loyalty.

Proof of sufficient Estonian language knowledge is confirmed via a language proficiency examination. An exception to this rule is if the applicant has completed basic, secondary, or higher education in the Estonian language. For example, if your spouse is a foreign national who met you while studying in Estonia, and they completed the course of an Estonian University, the language condition can be met.

The examinations are organised by the Estonian Education and Youth Board.

What documents do I need for my citizenship application as an adult married to an Estonian national?

The following documents are required:

• The filled-in application form;
• Proof of legal income;
• Digital photograph (can be taken at the Police and Border Guard photo booth or by a photographer; however, it must be used within 183 days if taken at the photo booth or six months if self-made);
• Proof of state fee payment;
• Document proving that the applicant has renounced their previous citizenship or will take this step;
• Proof of having passed the Constitution and Citizenship Act examination, along with the other required exams.

Those who apply for citizenship by marriage in Estonia submit the list of documents above (and others, as the case may be), to a Service Office of the Police and Border Guard. The application is made in person with a mandatory prior reservation.

Citizenship applications are submitted at the offices located in: Narva, Tammsaare, Tartu, Pärnu, and Jõhvi.

How much does the citizenship application cost?

The fee for applying for Estonian citizenship by marriage is currently 150 EUR.

Payments are made at the service office by card or using the customer computer terminal. This state fee can only be refunded if it was overpaid.

How long does it take to obtain Estonian citizenship by marriage?

Not including the time required to prepare the documents, after the successful citizenship application submission, you can expect a processing time of about 6 months. This varies in practice.

Contact our law firm in Estonia for more information on how to apply for Estonian citizenship by marriage.