Estonian citizenship by naturalisation
Official name: Eesti kodakondsus
Adults can apply for Estonian citizenship after at least 8 years of living in Estonia on a residence permit or right of residence, 5 of them on a permanent basis, while holding a long-term residence permit or permanent right of residence. They must pass the Estonian language exam and an exam on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, have permanent legal income and a registered address, and be loyal to the state.
Life in Estonia
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
76
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
Flat 22%
Income tax (national)
VAT 24%
Flat 22%; basic exemption EUR 700/month (EUR 8,400/year) from 2026. A planned rise for 2026 was cancelled.
Living
1
Happiness
#44 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Long-term residents of Estonia.
Eligibility
Permanent status
Sign in to check this route against your profileA long-term residence permit or the right of permanent residence.
8 years of residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow at least 8 years of residence in Estonia before you apply, with at least 5 of them on a permanent basis.
Residence required before applying
- Total residence
- At least 8 years
- On permanent basispart of the 8 years
- At least 5 years
- Residence must be on a residence permit or right of residence
Official wording
At least 8 years in Estonia before applying on a residence permit or right of residence, at least 5 of them on a permanent basis.
Estonian language exam
Sign in to check this route against your profileRequired unless the person has basic, secondary or higher education in Estonian.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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