Immigration. Travel. Living.

Options of becoming a citizen of Estonia

The lawful relationship that exists between an Estonian citizen and the Estonian government incorporates both rights and responsibilities for each party. No one’s citizenship might be detracted from them upon entering the world. An individual who is an Estonian citizen can’t likewise be a citizen of another country. By assuming citizenship in another nation, one forfeits their Estonian citizenship. If a kid’s parents have different nationalities, that child may possess multiple citizenship. However, after turning 18, a youngster must renounce either their Estonian nationality or their nationality from another nation within three years. Estonian nationality legislation does not recognize birthright, like many other nations. As per the regulation, a youngster brought into the world in Estonia doesn’t naturally obtain citizenship, except for a few extremely extraordinary conditions under global regulation. Contingent upon your circumstances, there are three methods for turning into an Estonian citizen. As follows:

Flag of Estonia

Citizenship by descent

You are an Estonian citizen by descent if one of your folks is Estonian or was a citizen of Estonia when you were conceived. Regardless of whether you were brought into the world outside Estonia, you reserve the privilege to this. If one of your parents had your nationality revoked before to became 18, you may reapply. If both of your parents are not citizens but you were born in Estonia, you will not be qualified for citizenship.

Citizenship by naturalization

You could turn into a citizen of Estonia if you’ve lived there lawfully for no less than eight years. The circumstances for getting citizenship by naturalization are as per the following:

  • You must be at least fifteen years of age.ย 
  • Possess a valid residency permit and have spent at least eight years in Estonia.ย 
  • For at least the previous five years, you had to be a Permanent Resident.
  • You need to pass an Estonian language test or have adequate education in Estonia.ย 
  • Pass a test on Estonian constitutional law and nationality.ย 
  • Prove that you can sustain your dependents and yourself financially.ย 
  • Add your address to Estonia’s population registry.ย 
  • Make a personal commitment to your new home.
  • Renounce any other nationalities you might still hold.
  • You must hold a visa or residence permission.

Citizenship by marriage

By naturalization, you may become an Estonian citizen if you’re married to an Estonian. Your marriage initially qualifies you for a five-year temporary residency visa. After that, you may stay an additional three months. You become qualified for citizenship after the home prerequisite has been met. To qualify, you must have lived in the nation for at least five years in a row. Marriages that are performed abroad may be registered by an Estonian notary. When the government grants your union legal standing in Estonia, you may begin the naturalization procedure. To make sure your documentation is in place if you want to pursue the citizenship-by-marriage option, you need to speak with an immigration partner.

Investment-based citizenship

The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is not directly accessible. However, you may become eligible for Estonian citizenship via naturalization by participating in the Estonian Residency by Investment (RBI) program.  If you invest in Estonia, you are qualified to get a five-year renewable resident permit. The nationality process may then be followed when you have completed the whole eligible residence time. 

Dual citizenship

Dual nationality is not permitted in Estonia. Because of this restriction, you must revoke your citizenship from your nation of origin to get citizenship in Estonia. Just minors whose guardians are nationals of various nations are absolved from this standard. You must specify which you wish to retain in this situation if you are between the ages of 18 and 21.

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