Obtain Citizenship in Estonia

Foreign nationals can obtain citizenship in Estonia through the process called naturalization, after they have resided in the country for a minimum period. Our lawyers in Estonia can help you apply for citizenship.

What are the ways in which you can obtain citizenship in Estonia?

A foreign national can acquire citizenship in Estonia in the following ways:

• At birth, if at least one parent is an Estonian national;
• Through naturalization, after sufficient time in the country (please see below);
• Through reinstatement, if this status was lost as a minor.

What are the conditions for Estonian citizenship through naturalization?

Our immigration lawyers in Estonia list the conditions for obtaining citizenship by naturalization:

• Have a valid long-term residence permit (or the right of permanent residence);
• Have lived in Estonia for at least 8 years with a valid residence permit, out of which at least the last 5 years were under a permanent residence basis;
• Have sufficient Estonian language knowledge (verified through an exam); not applicable for those who have completed their basic/secondary/higher education in Estonian;
• Pass an examination concerning the country’s constitution and relevant laws;
• Have permanent legal income and a place of residence (registered with the population register in the country);
• Be loyal to the Estonian state;
• Pay the EUR 150 application fee.

What are the needed documents?

Our Estonian lawyers list the main documents applicants need to take into account when submitting their application in 2026:

• The filled-in application form;
• Proof of legal income;
• Proof of state fee payment;
• Photograph;
• Proof of release from the citizenship of another state;
• Proof of passing the mandatory naturalization examinations (special conditions can apply to those applicants who were unable to pass these due to health conditions; our team can give you more details about the partial or complete exemptions from this criterion based on health issues).

The documents are submitted in person at the Police Service Office located in the applicant’s area of residence.

What are the conditions for a child to obtain Estonian citizenship?

Parents can submit a citizenship application for their children under the age of 15 when:

• One of the parents acquired Estonian citizenship after the child was born. The consent of the parent who is not an Estonian national would also be required if only one is an Estonian;
• A single parent acquired Estonian citizenship after the birth of the child, and they are a single parent;
• In other cases, such as when the guardian is an Estonian national.

What examinations do I have to pass to obtain Estonian citizenship?

According to the law, applicants who want to obtain Estonian citizenship are required to pass two types of tests:

1. Knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act;
2. Estonian language proficiency.

Are there exemptions to the citizenship examinations?

Yes. Two categories of individuals are exempted:

1. Persons with restricted legal capacity (either minors or adults who, due to mental health issues or disabilities, cannot fully comprehend the legality of their actions);
2. Individuals who cannot pass the exams (either in full or in part) due to their health status. In this case, a panel of experts will determine if their state of health is a hindrance;
3. Persons who have completed basic, secondary, or higher education in the Estonian language are not subject to the language proficiency exam but are not exempted from the constitution and citizenship act knowledge exam.

What is the expected timeline for citizenship application processing?

The authorities have 6 months to issue a decision once all the required documents are submitted. Exemptions can apply if there are issues with the submission.

Do I get an Estonian passport once I obtain citizenship?

Yes. Successful applicants may apply for an Estonian ID card and/or passport once they receive their favourable answer.

To apply for a passport, you are required to provide fingerprints and submit the application in person.

Passport application processing has a duration of 30 days under the ordinary procedure. If required, you may empower another person to claim your passport.

First-time applicants provide the following documents when submitting their passport application to the Estonian authorities:

• Identity document;
• Original document stating their Estonian citizenship status;
• Document photograph, in digital format.

Estonian passports issued to those who have obtained citizenship in Estonia are subject to a 60-euro fee. The expedited procedure involves a fee of 250 euros.

What are my rights once I become an Estonian citizen?

The most important rights you will have in this country after you become a citizen include:

• You will be able to vote in elections and in referendums (if you are 18 years of age);
• You will be accepted as a member of political parties and will be able to become a candidate for elections yourself, after the age of 21;
• Not to be expelled from the country;
• Be entitled to diplomatic protection of the Estonian state while abroad.

Once a foreigner becomes a citizen of Estonia, he or she will also be a European Union citizen. This can represent an important advantage for intra-EU mobility, especially if the foreigner was previously a non-EU national.

What are one’s obligations after acquiring Estonian citizenship?

The experts at our law firm in Estonia also list the main obligations that are imposed on an individual who has acquired Estonian citizenship:

• Be loyal to the Estonian state;
• For men, to serve in the Defence Forces from 18 to 60 years of age;
• Observe the Estonian constitution.

Estonian citizenship can be lost if an individual is deprived of this right or if he/she becomes a citizen of another country.

You can contact us if you have questions about immigration and citizenship in 2026, as well as for many other legal issues.