Welcome Guide for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Welcome Guide 

for Asylum Seekers 

and Refugees: 

a Short Introduction to Life in Estonia 

IOM Tallinn

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Refugee Fund cannot be held 

responsible for actions carried out on the basis of the information provided in this Welcome Guide. The 

opinions expressed in this guide are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the IOM or of the 

funding agencies. 

Publisher: International Organization for Migration 

IOM Estonia 

Ahtri 12 

10151 Tallinn 

Estonia 

Tel: +372 611 6088 

Fax: +372 611 6089 

Design: Factory OÜ 

Production of this publication has been co-funded by the European Refugee Fund and the Estonian 

Ministry of the Interior. 

Welcome Guide for 

Asylum Seekers and 

Refugees: 

A Short Introduction to Life in Estonia 

©International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office in Estonia, 2015 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or 

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise 

without the prior written permission of the publisher. 

The guide is designed particularly for asylum seekers and beneficiaries of international protection, but 

can also be of use to other newcomers in Estonia. We hope that the guide provides better understanding of 

Estonian society and its functioning, and gives some guidance on how to deal better with any challenges 

faced as a new member of the society. The material does not include all information and details on the 

life in Estonia, but rather focuses on the primary. Additional information could be found from relevant 

resources referred to in the material.

CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

1. GENERAL FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA 4 

Climate 5 

Nature and environment 5 

Transport and traffic 5 

Media 6 

Communications 7 

Emergency 7 

2. HISTORY OF ESTONIA 8 

3. STATE OF ESTONIA 9 

Communicating with state agencies 10 

4. DOCUMENTS 11 

5. RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY 12 

Free legal advice 12 

Family reunification 12 

Law and order 13 

6. HEALTH 14 

Health insurance 14 

General practitioners (GPs) 15 

Specialists 15 

Hospital 16 

Dentists 16 

Medicines and pharmacies 16 

7. BENEFITS AND SERVICES 17 

When you apply for international protection 17 

When you are given international protection 17 

Social assistance 18 

Benefits associated with pregnancy and childbirth 18 

Subsistence benefit 18 

Unemployment insurance benefit and unemployment benefit 18 

8. LOOKING FOR HOUSING 19 

Renting a flat 19 

9. EDUCATION 20 

Nursery school and day-care 20 

Basic education 20 

Secondary education 21 

Higher education 22 

Adult learners 22 

Recognition of your prior learning and work experience 22 

10. WORKING 23 

How to find work: the Unemployment Insurance Fund 23 

How to find work: on your own 23 

Employment contracts 24 

Starting a business 24 

Work culture 24 

11. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 25 

Payment options 25 

Shopping 25 

Income and expenses 26 

How to save money 26 

12. ESTONIAN SOCIETY 27 

Communication and conduct 27 

Taking responsibility 28 

Time 28 

Eating habits 28 

Family life 28 

Religion 30 

Leisure activities 30 

13. CULTURAL ADAPTATION 31 

How to cope with culture shock 31 

14. ESTONIAN LANGUAGE 32 

15. HOW TO GET STARTED CHECKLIST 33

1. GENERAL FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA 

Official name: Republic of Estonia 

The Estonian flag: 

The national coat of arms: 

Government: Parliamentary Republic, single chamber Parliament (Riigikogu) of 101 members. 

Head of State: President 

Area: 45,227 km² 

Capital: Tallinn 

Other large cities: Tartu, Narva and Pärnu 

Regional division: Estonia has 15 counties, 30 cities and 185 rural municipalities 

Population: 1,311,000 (Statistics Estonia, 1 January 2014) 

Composition of population: Estonian – 69%, Russian – 25.5% plus Ukrainians, Belarusians, Finns, Tatars and many 

other nationalities. 

Currency: Euro, 1 EUR = 100 cents 

Geography: 1,400 lakes and 1,500 islands, highest peak Suur Munamägi 318 m (Big Egg Mountain). 

Neighbouring countries: Finland across the Gulf of Finland to the North, Latvia to the South, the Russian 

Federation to the East, and Sweden across the Baltic Sea to the West. 

National language: Estonian 

Other widely spoken languages: Russian and English 

Religion: Lutheran and Orthodox, but most Estonians do not affiliate themselves with any religion. Jewish and 

Muslim communities are also represented. 

Calling code: +372 

Coverage: Most of Estonia is covered by the Internet (3G, Wi-Fi etc.). 

Emergency number: 112 

Public holidays: 

1 January New Year’s Day 

24 February Independence Day 

March/April 

March/April 

Good Friday 

Easter Sunday 

1 May Spring Day 

May/June 

Pentecost 

23 June Victory Day 

24 June Midsummer Day 

20 August Day of Restoration of Independence 

24-26 December Christmas 

State agencies and banks are closed on public holidays. Shorter working days generally apply in the service sector. 

Climate 

There are four seasons in Estonia: 

●●Winter (21 December-21 March) 

Average temperature: -4…-5°C, but may drop to -20...-30°C. It snows when it is below 0 degrees and water bodies 

may freeze. Get yourself some warm clothes and footwear. Keep in mind that the days are short and that it is a 

relatively dark period. 

●●Spring (21 March-21 June) 

The weather gets warmer and the snow and ice melt. It is wet and muddy. The days start getting longer. 

●●Summer (21 June-21 September) 

July is the warmest month, with an average temperature of +18°C. Summer may be rainy, but also sunny and 

warm. Estonians go swimming and sunbathing when it is warm. 

The days are long in summer: the sun rises early and sets late. There are days at the end of June when it doesn't 

get dark at all. The days start getting shorter again in the second half of summer. 

●●Autumn (21 September -21 December) 

Average temperature: +5…-5°C, but may also be colder. The weather gets cooler, windier and wetter. It mainly 

rains and gets muddy, but it can already start snowing in October. 

You can take a look at weather forecasts here: Estonian Weather Service – www.ilmateenistus.ee 

Nature and environment 

The living environment is highly valued in Estonia. Over one 

half of Estonia is covered in forests, and Estonian nature is rich 

in different wild animal and bird species. Estonia has many 

national parks which offer a diverse range of flora and fauna. 

What can be done to protect the environment and save money? 

●●Turn heating down if possible. 

●●Use less water when washing and don’t leave water running 

from taps. 

●●Turn off the light when you leave the room. 

●●Use public transport or a bike instead of a car. 

●●Use the same carrier bag (e.g. a fabric one) when you go 

shopping. 

●●Sort your garbage and dispose by type (either separate bins or 

collection points and waste stations set up by local municipalities. 

Always throw your garbage in a bin. Whenever possible, collect garbage by type – paper, glass, bio waste and 

packaging are collected separately. 

Transport and traffic 

Cars in Estonia drive on the right. Traffic is regulated with traffic signs and rules. 

Cars 

Many people in Estonia own cars. In order to drive, make sure that: 

●●you have a valid driving licence or other document evidencing your right to drive plus the registration certificate 

of the motor vehicle (it is necessary to pass a driving course in a driving school and take the required exams, 

which you must pay for); 

●●In case you have a driving licence from your home country, contact The Estonian Road Administration (www. 

mnt.ee) as soon as possible, in order to receive further information on your right to drive in Estonia. 

●●the car meets all technical requirements; 

●●the car is covered by motor third party liability insurance (if there is an accident, the insurance company will 

indemnify the damage caused to the other person by the guilty party), which must be paid for and regularly 

renewed; 

●●you follow all traffic rules; 

●●the car is only parked in designated parking areas; 

●●you are sober while driving (Estonia has zero tolerance); 

●●you and the passengers have fastened your seatbelts; and 

●●any small children are sitting securely in special safety seats. 

4 5

Following traffic rules is mandatory for everyone and breaking them is subject to punishment. 

Immediately call the police 112 if you are involved in an accident and cannot reach an agreement with the other 

party. 

For more information on traffic rules and driving licences go to: www.mnt.ee (Road Administration). 

Public transport in and between cities 

Getting a driving licence and buying and maintaining a car can be expensive. In most cases, it is considerably 

cheaper to use public transport, such as (mini) buses and (electric) trains, and in Tallinn, also trams and trolley 

buses. The routes, bus schedules and stops are fixed. If you need to take a bus from one city to another, you can buy 

a ticket at the bus station or from the driver, and in some cases over the Internet. 

You can view bus timetables and find further information about routes online at www.tpilet.ee or www.peatus.ee 

You can buy train tickets from the railway station or the conductor on the train. You can view train timetables 

online at www.elron.ee. 

Besides cars many people use public transportation, which is a cheaper way to travel. 

Most of the broadcast is in Estonian, but you can also find TV programmes and newspapers in Russian and English. 

Internet is very widely used in Estonia. Most of the TV and radio programs as well as newspapers could be followed 

online. Since 2001 Estonia has been steadily holding a position between 15-18 in the level of media freedom and 

editorial independence, according to the US based Freedom House. 

Communications 

Telephone 

In Estonia, most people use mobile phones. Public phones do not exist anymore. It would be a good idea to get a 

personal phone, if you do not have it yet. 

In case you cannot afford a mobile telephone subscription, you can buy a prepaid sim-card from telecommunication 

operator outlets or from supermarkets and R-Kiosk. 

Estonia does not have any special deals for calling abroad inexpensively. Therefore, for international calls, Skype 

to Skype or Viber to Viber calls are recommended (requires the Internet access and relevant programmes on the 

computer and/or mobile phone). 

In most cases, the landline packages can be subscribed for along with other telecommunications services, like the 

Internet and cable TV. In general, landline phones are not very popular for home use nowadays. 

The Internet 

Cycling and walking 

These are the cheapest ways of getting around. As a cyclist or pedestrian, you are the most vulnerable road users, 

so please pay attention to the surrounding traffic. 

As a pedestrian you must: 

●●follow traffic rules; 

●●wear a reflector when it is dark; and 

●●cross the road at pedestrian crossings (if there are traffic lights then cross only when the light is green). 

When cycling: 

●●follow traffic rules; 

●●make sure your bike is equipped with a bell, reflectors and lights; 

●●use the special marked bicycle paths if possible; 

●●always wear a helmet; and 

●●always lock your bike properly. 

Media 

bus trolley bus tram 

Media consumption is an integral part of everyday life in Estonia. Consumption of print media is decreasing due 

to the increasing number of online media subscribers. To be aware of domestic affairs and societal issues, the 

following main media channels should be followed: 

Printing press: TV channels: Radio channels: Digital media: 

●●Postimees (also in Estonian public 

Estonian public ●●Err.ee 

Russian) 

broadcasting (ERR): broadcasting: 

●●Postimees.ee 

●●SL Õhtuleht ●●ETV and ETV2 (can ●●Vikerraadio 

●●rus.postimees.ee 

●●Eesti Päevaleht 

watch online as well) ●●Raadio 2 

●●Delfi.ee 

●●Maaleht 

Commercial channels: ●●Klassikaraadio 

●●Delfi.ru 

●●Eesti Ekspress ●●Kanal 2 

●●Raadio 4 (in Russian) 

●●TV3 

Commercial channels: 

●●Sky Plus 

●●Elmar 

●●Uuno 

The internet is a daily tool for communication and services in Estonia. 

All you need is a phone with an Internet connection and/or a computer. Many services are Internet-based, and it 

also helps you keep in touch with your family and friends. 

The authorities offer abundant information on the Internet. You can pay bills and fill in official forms online. To 

fully benefit from online services, you will need your residence permit card and the card reader or respective online 

bank codes. 

The main gateway for services offered online by the state is www.eesti.ee 

Post Office 

To send letters or parcels, you can go to the local Post Office. Letters are carried to home addresses, while parcels in 

most cases have to be collected from the post office or parcel terminals. 

Post office services are available in every municipality of Estonia. 

More information: www.omniva.ee 

Emergency 

The national emergency number is 112 – call it if you need the police, ambulance or fire services. 

Call the emergency number if your or someone else’s life, health or property is in danger or there is reason to 

believe that it may be. Keep in mind that giving a false alarm may be subject to punishment. 

Remain calm when calling 112 and give the following information: 

1. what happened and who needs help; 

2. how it happened and whether this could prove a threat to people, property or the environment; 

3. the place where help is needed. If you do not know the exact address, describe the way to the scene. If you are not 

at the scene, make sure you say so; 

4. do not end the call before the circumstances have been clarified; 

5. make sure your phone is not busy. The person you talk to may have to call you back to get further information or 

give you advice; and 

6. if the situation at the scene changes (i.e. improves or worsens), call 112 again immediately and provide additional 

information. 

Answer any questions concisely and precisely and do not end the call before you have been given permission to 

do so! 

Note that you must have a functioning fire alarm in your home. Remember to test the fire alarm once a month to 

make sure it works. 

6 7

2. HISTORY OF ESTONIA 

Most important dates and events in the history of Estonia: 

●●The first tribes arrived in what is now Estonia approximately 10,000 years ago. 

●●The entire territory of Estonia was inhabited by 

the end of the 13th century (ca. 150,000-200,000 

inhabitants), but there were eight separate 

counties instead of a single state. 

●●The German and Danish invasions took place in 

the 13th century and Christianity was brought to 

the Baltic peoples. Repeated attempts to maintain 

independence failed. 

●●Estonians were converted to Catholicism but still 

practised their pagan traditions and followed 

their ancient gods. Respect for the souls of 

ancestors remained strong. 

The panorama of Tallinn in the beginning of 20th century 

●●The land was ruled by Baltic German, and over 

the centuries Estonians became serfs who had to 

work the manor fields for no pay. 

●●The rulers became wealthy due to the trade relationships between Europe and Russia. Impressive buildings and 

city walls, which have survived until today, appeared in larger cities like Tallinn and Tartu. 

●●The influence of the Catholic Church decreased in many European countries as a result of the reformation which 

began in Germany. In the 16th century the Lutheran church became dominant in Estonia. Many wars took place 

in the country in the subsequent centuries, which resulted in its division between Denmark, Sweden and Poland. 

●●The Great Northern War took place from 1700-1721, which left Estonia under Russian power. 

●●Peasants were released from serfdom in the 19th century and many of them bought farms for themselves. Similar 

to many other small European nations, the national identify 

of Estonians also began emerging in the second half of the 

19th century. The song festival tradition, which became a 

manifestation of people’s unity, started in 1869. Song festivals 

are still organised today. 

●●World War I took place from 1914-1918 and resulted in the 

creation of the Soviet Union. Estonia set its sights on the 

creation of an independent state. 

●●The independent Republic of Estonia was declared for the first 

time on 24 February 1918. However, this new independence 

had to be defended immediately: Estonians fought against the 

Soviet and Baltic German armies in the War of Independence 

from 1918-1920. 

●●On 2 February 1920 the war ended with the signing of the 

Tartu Peace treaty, whereby Soviet Russia recognised the 

independence of the Republic of Estonia. 

People were controlled through propaganda in the 

●●Konstantin Päts became the first president of Estonia. 

Soviet era 

●●However, independence did not last long: World War II started 

in 1939 and both the Soviet Union and Germany occupied 

Estonia from 1940-1944. Soviet occupation resumed in 1944. Many Estonians escaped to the West. 

●●People’s freedom was restricted under Soviet rule. Those who were not happy with the new order were sent to 

prison camps in Siberia. People’s standard of living decreased. The Communist Party controlled everything and 

it was difficult for people to obtain truthful information about life elsewhere in the world. 

●●Attempts to liberalise and reconstruct the Soviet system 

eventually led to its collapse, and occupied countries regained 

their independence. A strong national identity, including 

the tradition of song festivals, helped Estonia restore its 

independence. This period is also known as the Singing 

Revolution. 

●●The Republic of Estonia was restored peacefully on 20 August 

1991. Reorganisation of the country’s economy started with 

monetary reforms and the privatisation of companies. 

●●Lennart Meri became the first president (in office 1992-2001) of 

Estonia after the restoration of independence. 

●●The foreign policy objective of the Republic of Estonia 

after the restoration of independence was to establish the 

closest possible ties with Europe. The country sought to join 

NATO and the EU for economic and security policy reasons, The tradition of song festivals played an important 

becoming a member of both in 2004. Joining NATO has given role in the restoration of Estonia's independence 

Estonia security guarantees and accession to the EU has given 

it access to the European economic market, as well as entailing 

a number of obligations. Citizens of Estonia can now live, 

study and travel in all EU Member States. 

3. STATE OF ESTONIA 

Estonia is a republic with parliamentary democracy. Legislative power in the country is held by the parliament 

(known as the Riigikogu), executive power by the government, and judicial power by the judges. All Estonian 

citizens over 18 years of age can vote in the elections for people’s representatives to the Riigikogu. 

GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC 

●●The work of the government is led 

by the prime minister 

●●Its composition depends on the 

results of Riigikogu elections 

●●It governs the state on the basis of 

laws and the state budget 

MINISTRIES 

Minister 

Assistant Minister 

●●Secretary General 

COUNTIES 

County governments 

MUNICIPAL/ 

CITY 

governments 

Bank of Estonia 

National Audit Office 

Chancellor of Justice 

MUNICIPAL/ 

CITY 

councils 

Elected for a term of 

four years 

101 members 

● Adopts laws 

● 

PRESIDENT 

● Head of State of Estonia 

● 

● Supreme Commander of Estonian National 

Defence 

Citizen of Estonia by birth 

●●Elected for a term of five years 

RIIGIKOGU 

Organises referendums 

Ratifies foreign agreements 

Grants authority to presidential candidates 

● Approves candidates for higher office 

presented by the Head of State 

Controls executive power 

Approves the state budget 

●●Is elected by the citizens of Estonia for a 

term of four years 

ESTONIAN CITIZENS 

Persons at least 18 years of age may vote in 

elections 

PERMANENT RESIDENTS 

Electoral Committee 

Elected for a term of 

four years 

Supreme Court 

Circuit courts 

County courts 

Administrative courts 

You have the right to vote in municipal/city council elections if you have lived in a municipality/city for five 

years and are registered with the local government. 

●●The President is the head of state, who domestically proclaims or vetos the laws passed in the Riigikogu; 

declares the regular elections to the Riigikogu, designates the Prime Minister etc. The president also represents 

the Republic of Estonia in international relations. The president is elected for a term of 5 years by the Riigikogu 

and can be reelected for second term. 

●●Riigikogu is the parliament of Estonia, with the main task of fulfilling the function of establishing laws and 

8 9

proving of annual state budget. Riigikogu has 101 members. Members of the Riigikogu are elected by the citizens 

of Estonia by free elections. Elections of the Riigikogu take place in every four years. 

●●The Government of the Republic has the executive power of the State. The main task of the government is 

to carry out the country’s domestic and foreign policy, shaped by parliament (Riigikogu) and to direct and 

co-ordinate the work of government institutions, including ministries. The Government is formed after the 

parliamentary elections. The President of Estonia nominates the Prime Minister, who forms a Government. The 

Government of the Republic is comprised of the Prime Minister and other ministers. 

●●A ministry is a specialized organization responsible for a sector of government public administration. Each 

ministry is led by a minister; in some cases, a ministry might have two ministers due to the wide field of 

administration. Ministries are coordinated by the government. There are 11 ministries in Estonia: 

Ministry of Education and Research; Ministry of the Interior; Ministry of Culture; Ministry of Agriculture; 

Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications; Ministry of the Environment; Ministry 

of Finance; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Social Affairs. 

●●County is a geographical administrative unit of the Republic. Estonia has 15 counties, each of which has its own 

government (maavalitsus), which is led by a governor who represents the national government at the regional 

level. Governors are appointed by the national government for a term of five years. Each county is further 

divided into municipalities of two types: urban municipalities and rural municipalities. 

●●Municipality is the smallest administrative subdivision in Estonia. Each municipality is a unit of selfgovernment 

with its representative and executive bodies. According to the Constitution of the Republic of 

Estonia, local governments resolve all local issues. The municipalities in Estonia cover the entire territory of the 

country. In each municipality, there is a local government as well as a council. 

●●The council of municipality is a representative body elected by the residents of a municipality for a term of 

three years. The members of the council elect a chairperson, who organises the council’s work and represents 

the municipality. The government is an executive body formed by the council. It is headed by a mayor who is 

appointed for a four-year term. 

●●Chancellor of Justice is an independent supervisor of the basic principles of the Constitution of Estonia and the 

protector of individual rights. The institution seeks to ensure that authorities fulfil the obligations deriving from 

the principles of the rule of law and protection of human and social rights, human dignity, freedom, equality and 

democracy. The Chancellor of Justice is appointed to office by the Riigikogu on the proposal of the President. 

You can find further information about how the state of Estonia works online at www.eesti.ee . You can use more of 

the portal’s functions if you hold a residence permit. Every state and local government agency has its own website 

on which you can find information about the agency’s functions, opening hours and procedures. 

4. DOCUMENTS 

●●An asylum seeker’s certificate is issued to an asylum seeker. 

●●A residence permit card with a chip is issued to you when you receive a residence permit. A residence permit 

card is the mandatory internal identity document of foreigners who live in Estonia on the basis of a valid 

residence permit or right of residence. A residence permit card is not a travel document. A recognized refugee 

can apply for travel document which allows travelling across the Estonian state border. 

●●If you are granted refugee status, you will receive a residence permit for three years, and you are issued a 

residence permit card. You can also apply for a refugee’s travel document for a small service fee. 

●●If you are granted subsidiary protection, you will receive a residence permit for one year, residence permit card 

and, if requested, an alien’s passport. 

●●With the residence permit, you are also issued an Estonian personal identity code (ID). You will need the code 

often when managing your affairs in Estonia. 

The Estonian Parliament, elected by the people, is located in Tallinn 

Communicating with state agencies 

When communicating with state agencies, please bear in mind that official communication takes place in Estonian 

(the national language). Therefore: 

●●if you submit a document or application in a foreign language, the agency has the right to demand that you 

submit a translation in Estonian; 

●●responses to documents submitted are always in Estonian. If you would like a response in a foreign language, 

you must cover the cost of translation; and 

●●verbal communication may take place in a foreign language by agreement of both parties. An interpreter will 

be used if no agreement is reached, and the cost of the interpreter’s services must be covered by the person who 

does not speak Estonian. 

As an applicant for international protection: 

●●the services of an interpreter or another language intermediary are guaranteed to you free of charge for any 

procedural acts. If you are not satisfied with the interpreter provided, you may employ the services of another at 

your own cost; 

●●the evidence submitted by you will be translated into Estonian if necessary; and 

Keep in mind that proceedings in state agencies take time, so you need to be patient – but don’t lose heart. 

Rest assured that your case is being dealt with. 

In most cases, the state and municipal offices are open from 8 am to 5 pm. 

●●A family member’s residence permit is issued if your family member has received international protection and if 

you do not need international protection yourself. A family member’s residence permit is granted to you for the 

same period of time as the international protection granted to your family member. 

●●You can apply for a long-term resident’s residence permit if: 

▪▪ 

you have lived in Estonia permanently on the basis of a temporary residence permit for at least five years 1 ; 

▪▪ 

the details of your place of residence have been entered in the Population Register; 

▪▪ 

you have stable legal income in Estonia; 

▪▪ 

you have health insurance; and 

▪▪ 

your Estonian language proficiency is at least at the B1 level or equivalent. 

●●The application for an identity document on behalf of a child less than 15 years of age is submitted by the child’s 

legal representative (e.g. parent, guardian or authorised representative of a guardianship authority); and 

●●You also have the right to apply for Estonian citizenship if you meet the terms and conditions set out in the 

Citizenship Act. 

●●An identity card (ID-card) is a mandatory identity document for Estonian citizens and citizens of an EU Member 

State residing permanently in Estonia. 

Further information is available online: www.politsei.ee 

1 

Time spent outside of Estonia is considered part of your permanent residence in Estonia if it does not 

exceed six consecutive months and does not total more than 10 months in the five years immediately 

prior to applying for a long-term resident’s residence permit. 

10 11

5. RIGHTS, OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY 

The most important document in Estonia’s legal order is the Constitution. It sets out the rights, freedoms and 

obligations that apply equally to everyone – Estonian citizens, foreign citizens living in Estonia and stateless 

persons. The rights and obligations of asylum seekers and refugees can be found from the “Act on Granting 

International Protection to Aliens” in Estonia. 

All people in Estonia are equal before the law and must respect the laws and social order of the country. 

●●In Estonia, no one may be discriminated against: 

▪▪ 

on the basis of their religion or political or other views; or 

▪ ▪ on the basis of their nationality, race, colour, sex or origin. 

●●The incitement of national, racial, religious or political hatred, violence or discrimination is prohibited and 

punishable in Estonia. 

●●Everyone whose rights and freedoms are violated has the right of recourse to the courts. 

●●Everyone has the right to life and no one may be arbitrarily deprived of their life. 

●●Everyone has the right to liberty and to the security of their person. 

The Constitution protects people against defamation, torture and humiliation and stipulates everyone’s right to free 

self-realisation. 

In cases of discrimination you can turn to a gender equality or equal treatment representative, who monitors the 

performance of the requirements stipulated in the Gender Equality Act and Equal Treatment Act in a manner that 

is independent and impartial. Information about gender equality and equal treatment representatives can be found 

(in Estonian, English and Russian) online at www.svv.ee . 

Everyone – Estonian citizens and non-citizens alike – whose rights and freedoms are violated has the right to turn 

to the courts. You will find advice on how to go to court and obtain legal assistance in English and Russian on the 

website of the Ministry of Justice at www.just.ee . 

It is important to know that a visa is a simple travel document for a certain period and issued on certain grounds 

(visiting). As soon as the family member arrives to Estonia, they should apply for a residence permit and/or 

international protection if they have such need. 

In most cases, family constitutes the core family: husband and wife and children. In case an adult wants to bring 

his/her parents, then their dependency needs to be proved. If a person has more than one wife back at home, in 

most cases, he will be requested to choose only one. 

If you have lost contact with your family, and believe them to be in a camp situation, please contact the Estonian 

Red Cross to facilitate search for your family members. 

Law and order 

You must abide by the requirements of law and order to avoid problems. 

●●You must not break the law – you must obey traffic rules, must not commit acts of vandalism or other crimes etc. 

●●You must not disturb other people or behave aggressively towards them. 

●●You must not litter. 

●●You must not drink alcohol or smoke in certain public places. 

●●You must obtain the required permit to own firearms (please note: there are very few firearms in private 

ownership in Estonia). 

●●You must adhere to ‘night quiet’ rules when you cannot make excessive noise and disturb other people by doing 

so. 

You will enjoy many rights in Estonia, but you will also have obligations. 

Free legal advice 

During your stay in Estonia, you have a right for legal aid (also for your asylum procedure). Ask more information 

from the accommodation centre. You have also a right to apply for state legal aid: www.riigioigusabi.ee 

Everyone must respect the rights and freedoms of other people. 

Family reunification 

Everybody has a right to family and family unity. 

Once you have received international protection, you have a right for family reunification. In order to start with the 

process of family reunification, you should do and meet the following criteria: 

●●Go to the nearest service point of the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) to apply for family reunification. 

●●Submit to the PBGB information on family ties, also on spouse (husband or wife). Evidence-based information is 

always of more weight than simply stating that he is my husband/she is my wife. 

●●The family member must submit her/his residence permit application as soon as possible, but no later than 6 

months after the spouse has received international protection and residence permit in Estonia. If done after 6 

months, the PBGB might require that the family member in Estonia has: 

▪▪ 

Continuous legal income, which would guarantee upkeep of the family; 

▪▪ 

Actual living premises in Estonia; 

▪▪ 

The family member coming to Estonia must have health insurance, which would cover his/her health care 

during the validity of residence permit. 

●●The person the family member is joining has certain obligations in front of the law (e.g. responsible for person’s 

whereabouts, make sure that the person does not violate any laws (the most common might be, for example, the 

expiry of travel documents and illegal stay). 

●●Family member’s residence permit will be issued for the period of time as is the international protection of 

the spouse in Estonia, unless the joining spouse has individual need for international protection. It is always 

important to apply for extensions in a timely manner! 

●●The family member back home should go to the nearest Estonian Embassy/Consulate and apply for a travel 

document (visa to come to Estonia). This should take place after the family reunification has been approved by 

the PBGB in Estonia. 

●●The travel and visa fees are self-paid. 

●●In some cases, it might be worth to try to get some assistance from NGOs (e.g – Eesti Pagulasabi and/or Johannes 

Mihkelsoni Keskus). 

12 13

6. HEALTH 

It is important to maintain a healthy way of life to prevent illness – eat properly, exercise and maintain a good 

level of hygiene. 

1220 

After receiving international protection: 

Health insurance 

It is important for you to obtain health insurance once you settle in Estonia. You must pay for health services 

yourself if you have no health insurance, with the exception of emergency care (subject to appointment fees). You 

are entitled to health insurance if: 

●●you work on the basis of an employment contract entered into for more than one month and/or work as a public 

servant; 

●●your health insurance remains valid for two months after your employment relationship ends if you have 

become unemployed. However, your insurance will then expire and you will have to pay for all health services 

yourself (with the exception of emergency care); 

●●you are unemployed – register as such with the Unemployment Insurance Fund and until you actively look for 

work, you will be covered by health insurance; 

●●you are a private entrepreneur and are listed in the Commercial Register or the Tax and Customs Board and pay 

your own social tax; 

●●you are less than 19 years old and are listed in the Population Register, irrespective of whether your parents work 

or what the basis of your stay in Estonia is; and 

●●you are not yet 21 and still acquiring basic education. 

●●The documents required for health insurance are submitted to the Health Insurance Fund by your employer, the 

Tax and Customs Board if you are a sole trader, the Unemployment Insurance Fund if you are unemployed, the 

Social Insurance Board if you are a pensioner etc. 

The right to health insurance does not apply to you if your employment is not official (i.e. based on an 

employment contract). 

Pharmacy 

Another 

specialist 

You can find out more about health insurance, compensation rates and payment terms online at www.haigekassa.ee 

General practitioners (GPs) 

YOU ARE NOT 

FEELING WELL 

Family doctor (GP) 

Day care 

●●Back home 

●●Family doctor 

●●Specialist 

●●Physiotherapy 

●●Referral to other 

hospital 

Hospitailization 

●●Gynecologist 

●●Skin doctor 

●●Eye doctor 

●●Psychiatrist 

●●Traumatologist 

●●Chronic illness 

●●Tuberculosis 

Emergency care 

The first person to advise you if you are suffering from health problems is usually a GP or nurse. It is important that 

you register with a GP. You need to do the following to register: 

●●submit an application to the GP selected by you (you can find the region-based list online at www.haigekassa.ee); 

●●submit the application in person or by recorded delivery; and 

●●preferably choose a GP who works in the region in which you live. 

●●Unless you receive a negative response from the GP, you will be added to their list of patients from the first day of 

the month following the one in which you submitted your application. 

The GP can do additional tests and analyses or refer you to a specialist if they cannot treat your problem 

themselves. As a rule, you can make an appointment to see a GP or nurse by telephone or e-mail. 

Call the GP hotline on 1220 if your GP is not available and/or if you are suffering from minor health problems. 

The hotline provides information in Estonian and Russian. This service is also available to people who do not have 

health insurance. 

While facing health problems, it is always important to seek assistance immediately. Doctors can mostly speak 

Estonian or Russian, but it may also be possible to manage in English. Always make sure of the language(s) 

spoken by the doctor and if you feel you need some help with interpretation, you can take a friend along for the 

appointment. 

If you are asylum seeker residing in the accommodation centre, inform the staff at the centre of your health 

condition. Please bear in mind that waiting lists to see doctors may be long, so you will need to be patient. 

Specialists 

To see a specialist doctor, you must have a referral, which is generally given by a GP. A specialist may also refer you 

to another specialist if necessary. 

The cases in which you do not need a referral to see a specialist are listed below. 

●●Trauma 

14 15

●●Chronic illness 

●●Tuberculosis 

●●Visit to an eye specialist 

●●Visit to a skin and sexually transmitted disease specialist 

●●Visit to a gynaecologist 

●●Visit to a psychiatrist 

You must pay for the service yourself if you visit a specialist without a referral in cases where a referral is required. 

You must also pay for visits to specialists if you do not have health insurance or if the medical institution does not 

have a contract with the Health Insurance Fund. You can always visit a private doctor (incl. GP), but their service 

fees are considerably higher. 

You can register for an appointment with a specialist by telephone, online, at the surgery or by email. You can find 

most of the specialist doctors working in major clinics and hospitals. 

Waiting lists for specialists can be long. Go for regular check-ups and lead a healthy lifestyle. Don’t be late for 

your doctor’s appointment – otherwise it may be cancelled! 

Make sure you inform your doctor if you cannot keep your appointment, whatever the reason! 

If required a person is usually referred to a hospital by a GP or a specialist. 

Hospital 

You will be taken to a hospital if you need emergency care. In addition, you may be referred to hospital by your 

family doctor or a specialist doctor. 

In case you have a health emergency, you should call 112 or go the emergency room in major hospitals. 

Dentists 

7. BENEFITS AND SERVICES 

When you apply for international protection 

When applying for international protection, you are entitled to a number of services and support provided by the 

accommodation centre and other service providers. The Accommodation Centre offers you certain services while 

you are applying for international protection. The Centre: 

●●Pays you monetary support, which equals the minimum subsistence level as defined by law; 

●●pays you money for essential small expenses (for example hygiene products); 

● ●provides you with accommodation; 

●●provides you with essential clothes, other consumables and toiletries; 

● ●guarantees access to health checks and services; ; 

●●guarantees essential interpretation services; 

● ●guarantees that Estonian language is taught to you; 

●●assists in helping your child attend local school; 

● ●provides information on your rights and obligations; and 

● ●guarantees other essential services. 

It is important that you inform the centre’s staff of your needs, but please keep in mind that the principle of equality 

applies and that the centre can only offer you the services it is capable of providing. 

If the Police and Border Guard Board has sent you to another place of residence for security or other reasons, you 

are eligible for the same benefits as those living at the centre. 

If you have received respective approval and you live outside of the centre, the abovementioned services are limited 

to you. Please ask more information from the Accommodation Centre and/or the Estonian Police and Border Guard 

Board. 

When you are applying for asylum, you can receive the support person service and trainings about Estonian 

cultural and society. Ask more information from the centre. 

You can register for an appointment with a dentist by telephone, email, online or by visiting the surgery. 

Everyone older than 19 must pay for their own dental treatment. 

The Health Insurance Fund pays for emergency dental treatment of adults if the treatment is provided by one of its 

contractual partners and the dentist has identified the case as an emergency. The list of dentists who are contractual 

partners of the Health Insurance Fund can be found online at www.haigekassa.ee. 

Medicines and pharmacies 

In Estonia, you can buy medicines as described below. 

●●When you are an asylum seeker, the Accommodation centre will pay for the medications prescribed to you by the 

doctor. 

●●Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are sold in pharmacies (Apteek) only. 

●●Prescription medicines are prescribed by a doctor using a physical (paper-based) or digital prescription. 

●●Upon request, you can get a paper-based prescription from your doctor and take it to the pharmacy with you. 

●●A digital prescription is not printed out – you simply present your temporary residence permit card at the 

pharmacy to buy the medicine. If you are buying it for another person, you must provide their personal 

identification code. 

●●If you are buying over-the-counter medicines (i.e. those available without a prescription), make sure you consult 

your doctor or the pharmacist on their use and follow the guidelines included with the packaging. 

●●Estonians also use herbal teas for curing easier colds and sometimes traditional curing methods (e.g socks with 

vodka in case of higher fever, garlic, honey etc.). 

Accommodation Centre for Asylum 

Seekers: 

●●Organizing interpreting services 

and studies of Estonian language 

●●Support for renting a flat (including 

deposits) 

●●In case of social housing additional 

support for: 

●●Renovating appartment if it is 

necessary; 

●●Furnishing your home 

Support provided to 

you, when you are given 

international protection 

Estonian National Social Insurance 

board: 

●●State pension 

●●Support for families with children 

●●Support for people with disabilities 

●●Victim support 

Pharmacies (Apteek) could be found all over Estonia. 

Local government: 

●●Subsistence benefit 

●●Emergency social assistance 

●●Assistance helping your children 

attend local school 

●●Assistance on registrating with your 

family doctor 

●●Other support and services 

Unemployment Inusrance Fund 

(Töötukassa): 

Labour market services (including 

help finding a job and receiving 

unemployment insurance benefit and 

unemployment benefit 

If possible, buy all medicines prescribed by your doctor and take them according to the doctor’s instructions. 

16 17

When you are given international protection 

The social worker of the local municipality is there to assist you whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation 

in your life in Estonia. They are there to help and guide you. 

When you are given international protection, you become eligible for the following benefits: 

You must register your place of residence in the Population Register (with your local municipality) to receive 

the services and benefits outlined in the above scheme. To receive a subsistence benefit, you must also give proof of 

your actual residence to the local municipality in case you are not registered there. You need to approach the Social 

Insurance Board in order to receive national family benefits, state pensions, compensation paid to victims of crime 

and the victim support service. Elderly people are entitled to state pension after they have been living in Estonia for 

at least 5 years. The age of retirement is defined by law. 

Applications for benefits, pensions and compensation must be submitted to the Social Insurance Board by visiting 

their office, by post or electronically via their website www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee (information is available in 

Estonian, English and Russian). 

You are entitled to the free victim support service irrespective of your status if you are the victim of: 

●●negligence or mistreatment; or 

●●physical, mental or sexual violence. 

Victim support specialists work in all county centres, usually in the same building as the police. You will find the 

contact details of your nearest victim support specialists online at www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee 

After receiving international protection, you should take part in the adaption programme that helps you to 

begin your life in the Estonian society. The program includes sessions about Estonian society and culture, as 

well as language courses. Ask more information from the Accommodation Centre or the Police and Border 

Guard. 

Additionally, you can receive support services for starting your life in Estonia from NGO Johannes Mihkelsoni 

Keskus (www.jmk.ee); NGO Refugee Council (www.pagulasabi.ee). 

Social assistance 

Everyone residing in Estonia is entitled to emergency social assistance, which includes shelter for the night, food 

and, where necessary, clothing. You need to contact the local government of your place of residence to apply for this. 

Benefits associated with pregnancy and childbirth 

Different benefits are paid in Estonia in connection with pregnancy and childbirth. Among these are the maternity 

benefit, which is paid from health insurance, and the childbirth allowance and parental benefit, which are paid 

from social insurance. Some local municipalities also pay various benefits in the event of childbirth – contact your 

local municipality for details. 

As an asylum seeker, you are not eligible for these benefits, but you must register the birth of your child within one 

month of giving birth. The centre can also help you with nappies and baby food. 

8. LOOKING FOR HOUSING 

One of the first things you need to do once your applications 

for international protection and a residence permit have 

been approved is find yourself housing outside of the 

Accommodation Centre. 

You have two options: 

1. Find an apartment with the support of the accommodation 

centre; or 

2. you can look for housing independently on the real estate 

market. 

If you choose option 1, the accommodation centre will 

be providing assistance in renting a flat. In case of social 

housing, assistance is provided in renovation and furnishing 

if there is a need for that. However, most likely you are going 

to rent a flat from the real estate market, because usually 

there is shortage of social housing in Estonia. The compensation indicated above is also payable in this case. 

Contact the staff at the Accommodation centre for further information. 

If you choose option 2, you can rent a house or flat 

independently on the free market, either: 

●●directly from the owner; or 

●●via a real estate agency. 

Advertisements of flats for rent can be found in: 

●●newspapers; 

●●real estate agencies; and 

●●property portals on the Internet (also in English and 

Russian): 

▪▪ 

www.city24.ee 

▪▪ 

www.kv.ee 

▪▪ 

www.ikv.ee 

Support persons can also help you find a flat. 

Landlords may be more cautious and slightly prejudiced 

about tenants of other nationalities, so we advise you to go 

to viewings with a local, e.g. staff of the centre and/or your support person. Also landlords and real estate agents 

might not always speak all the necessary languages, but be limited only to Estonian. 

Please note that the real estate market can be depending on the season. In cities and towns with educational 

institutions, leasing an apartment in August to October might be more complicated and with higher prices because 

of students and pupils. After that, the prices stabilize and there might be possibility for bargaining. Also spring 

time might bring more available apartments to the market, thanks to the end of the school year. 

Subsistence benefit 

If you have no financial means and you do not have a job yet, you can apply for the subsistence benefit to cover rent 

and utilities. In order to apply for the benefit, you must submit an application. 

●●The application must be submitted to the municipality or city government of your place of residence. 

●●The application must be submitted before the 20th of the current month. 

●●You can ask about the documents that must be submitted with the application and request other information 

from your local municipality. 

Read more about subsistence benefits and under which circumstances you can receive the support on www.eesti.ee. 

You can register your place of residence; apply for social benefits, register births/deaths and more with your 

municipal or city government when you obtain international protection. 

Unemployment insurance benefit and unemployment benefit 

If you have worked for at least 12 months in the last 36 months and paid unemployment premiums, you will be paid 

the unemployment insurance benefit, which is linked to the salary you earned. If you are not eligible for the benefit 

(e.g. your length of employment is not sufficient or you resigned from your job) but you have worked for at least 180 

days in the last 12 months in Estonia, you will be paid the unemployment allowance. See more information from 

www.tootukassa.ee 

Renting a flat 

The rent charged for flats differs by region and location. Often the apartments are rented out with the help of a real 

estate agent. For example, flats in city centres are considerably more expensive than in the suburbs, and rent in 

cities is also higher than in smaller towns. 

Keep in mind that you generally have to pay rent in advance, as well as a deposit that amounts to one month’s rent, 

and sometimes a share of the real estate fee if requested by the landlord. You will get you deposit back when you 

move out, provided you do not owe any money to the owner and have not caused any damage to the flat. 

It is important that you sign a lease agreement when you find housing. Do not sign the agreement until you are sure 

that the flat is in good condition and are aware of the terms and conditions under which the agreement is being 

signed. Make sure you understand what the agreement means and that the landlord agrees you to register yourself 

to the flat in the local municipality. 

The payment obligation for utilities (gas, water, electricity, maintenance costs etc.) should always be regulated 

in the agreement. Always gather the issued invoices and documents proving the payment to avoid possible 

misunderstandings. 

When you move into a new home, make sure you have terminated the rental agreement of your previous residence 

before you move into a new one. Once you have a new address, notify the change in the population registry either 

by going there or do it online, if you have the residence permit card with the chip and the card reader or bank 

identifiers. 

You will need your lease agreement to register your place of residence and apply for the subsistence benefit, 

where necessary. 

18 19

9. EDUCATION 

Education is important! It guarantees you and/or your children a better chance of finding a job that you like and 

that corresponds to your abilities. 

The state guarantees free education up to the mandatory level, i.e. basic education, or up to age 17, which is the 

mandatory age of schooling. 

According to § 37 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia everyone has the right to education. 

The levels of the Estonian education system are described below. 

Parents’ role 

● ●Parents are responsible for finding a school for their children and submitting the necessary documents. 

● ●Parents are responsible for their children attending school. They may be punished if they fail to ensure this. 

● ●Parents should support their children in acquiring new knowledge and skills, adapting to their new environment 

and maintaining their motivation to study. 

● ●Ask how your children are doing at school and speak to their teachers to find out about their performance. 

Your role as a parent is to support your children in acquiring new knowledge and skills. You must monitor their 

performance and maintain their motivation to study. 

Nursery school and day-care 

This is a voluntary level of education. 

●●The parents decide whether they will prepare their children 

for school themselves or use the services of day care, hobby 

clubs or pre-school children’s institutions. If your children 

do not speak Estonian, the language will be taught to them 

in the course of various activities. 

● ●As an asylum seeker contact the staff at the Accommodation 

Centre for further information, regarding sending your 

children to the local nursery school. 

● ●After you have been given international protection, contact 

your local municipality or a child care institution directly to 

find a nursery school for your children. 

● ●Inform the local government or the nursery school of your 

intention to send your children to a nursery school as early 

as possible – the waiting lists are often long! 

If possible, send your children (aged 1.5-7) to nursery school – it will help them develop and learn the local 

language as they spend time with other children. 

Basic education 

●●This is the mandatory level of education for children aged 7-17. Also, your child must attend local school while 

applying for asylum. Get more information from the Accommodation Centre. 

● ●You have the opportunity and obligation to enrol your children in your local school while you apply for an 

asylum and also after you have been granted international protection. Parents are free to choose any school for 

their children. 

● ●If you are an asylum seeker, the Accommodation Centre will help you to enrol your child to the local school. 

● ●The school in whose catchment area the children live must admit them if there are no vacant places at the school 

selected. Contact your chosen school or local municipality to find a suitable school. 

● ●Basic education is divided into level I (Grades 1-4) and level II (Grades 5-9). 

● ●The working language of schools is primarily Estonian, but there are schools, where part of the learning takes 

place in Russian. It is also possible to study in English in Tallinn and Tartu. 

● ●In order to enrol in a school, it is usually necessary to submit certain documents, which may include an 

application, the child’s identity document (passport or birth certificate), the parent’s identity document, a photo 

of the child and the child’s health card. 

● ●You can obtain more information about the necessary documents from the school, its website or the local 

municipality. 

● ●If your children have gone to school before but you do not have any documents that evidence their education, the 

educational level of the child will be determined by the school (e.g. using interviews and tests) and the children 

allocated to the appropriate form. 

● ●If your children do not speak Estonian when they start school, the school must arrange additional Estonian 

studies for them within the scope of an individual study programme. 

Your children must attend school from the ages of 7-17 in order to comply with the law. If you live at the 

Accommodation Centre, contact a member of staff to arrange this. Contact the specific school or your local 

municipality if you live outside of the centre regardless of your status. 

Secondary education 

A person who has graduated from basic school and acquired basic education is not obliged to continue their 

education, but we advise that they do so in order to be more competitive on the labour market. You can continue 

studying at a secondary school or vocational education centre if you have a document that proves basic education. 

Secondary schools guarantee general secondary education. Keep in mind that: 

● ●you can choose a school yourself; this is not restricted to your place of residence; 

● ●the terms and conditions of admission are determined by the school – admission tests are often applied (mostly 

in spring), but some schools only require an application and a basic education certificate; 

●●if you have acquired basic education in another country, make sure you submit evidencing documents, as they 

may prove useful. However, you still have to comply with the terms and conditions of admission; 

● ●general secondary education is usually free, unless you choose a private school; 

● ●Estonian is the language predominantly used in schools, but there are bilingual schools, where part of the 

learning takes place in Russian. Some private schools in Tallinn also teach in English; and 

● ●when you graduate from secondary school, you receive a document that provides evidence of your secondary 

education. This allows you to continue your studies and to become more competitive on the labour market. 

If you choose an institution of vocational education, it is important to keep in mind that: 

● ●you are taught a vocation, but you can choose whether 

you also acquire secondary education in addition to the 

vocation; 

● ●there are institutions of vocational education in larger 

cities and generally also in all counties; 

● ●Learning in vocational schools is possible in Estonian or 

Russian languages. 

● ●you can go to a vocational school if you have acquired 

basic or general secondary education; 

● ●if you don’t have basic education and you are older than 17, 

you can still acquire vocational education without having 

basic education; 

● ●the consent of a parent or guardian is required if the 

person who wishes to enrol in a vocational school is under 

18; 

● ●you can also learn Estonian at vocational schools; 

● ●vocational schools may often apply their own terms and conditions of admission, which usually means the 

submission of documents, but admission tests may also be used in some cases. Ask the vocational school for 

information; 

● ●studying in vocational education centres is free of charge and in some cases it is also possible to get free lunches; 

and 

● ●information about institutions of vocational education can be found online at www.ehis.ee 

20 21

Higher education 

You can acquire education at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral levels. You can also acquire professional higher 

education. 

● ●You can study at state institutions of higher education (for free or fee-paying). 

● ●The number of free student places is limited and they are usually given to students whose admission results are 

the best. It is possible to pay fees to study the same specialty if there are no free student places left. 

● ●There are also private schools of higher education, at which you must pay tuition fees. 

● ●Most of the higher education degrees are in Estonian, but there are also possibilities to study in English. Further 

information is available on the websites of institutions of higher education. 

● ●You could also visit a website: www.studyinestonia.ee. 

You have several options for continuing your education or re-training in Estonia. Take advantage of them – this 

will give you a better chance of coping successfully. Everyone has the opportunity, regardless of their age or 

level of education! 

10. WORKING 

Most of the Estonian labour force is occupied in various branches of the services sector, but jobs are also available 

in industry, agriculture, fisheries and forestry, and other fields. There is, however, also unemployment. Many 

local people do not have a job, so in order to find employment, one has to be very active and open to different job 

opportunities. 

Speaking Estonian is an advantage when looking for a job, but a command of Russian and English is also 

useful. You must be active and open to different options. 

As an asylum seeker, you always have the right to do voluntary work in Estonia, which will help you understand 

the work culture of Estonians and make it easier for you to find work once you have been granted protection. As 

an asylum seeker you also will gain a right to work at certain stage of asylum proceedings. Please ask for further 

information from the accommodation centre or your asylum case handler at the Police and Border Guard Board. 

You have the right to work when you are granted international protection. 

Adult learners 

If you wish to resume your education and are older than 17, you have several options in terms of learning a new 

profession or improving your skills and knowledge. 

Acquiring basic or secondary education: 

●●you can do this at an adult secondary school, where you can study free of charge. The school takes into account 

that you have a family and a job; 

●●you can enrol in daytime studies or distance learning (you attend school in certain periods, but otherwise study 

at home); 

●●you can continue studying at a secondary school or vocational education centre. 

● ●it is generally possible to continue basic education from Grade 7, but adult secondary schools are flexible – if you 

do not have any documents, the school will assess your knowledge and skills; and 

●●the language used in schools is usually Estonian, but in some cities part of the learning takes place in Russian. 

Recognition of your prior learning and work experience. 

It may be difficult to enter education or employment in Estonia, because the employers or schools might not take 

account of your previous qualifications. Therefore, the verification of previous experience is very important. If you 

have any documentation regarding your previous education or employment that you wish to continue in Estonia, 

you should contact Archimedes Foundation: www.archimedes.ee. 

Know what options are open to you and ask around. You should definitely try to complete your education or 

acquire a vocation or academic degree. 

More information at: www.hm.ee 

How to find work: the Unemployment Insurance Fund 

There are many ways of looking for work, but doing so via the Unemployment Insurance Fund (Töötukassa) is 

probably one of the easiest. 

●●After you are granted protection, go to your nearest branch of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (there is one in 

every county – find the addresses online at www.tootukassa.ee ). 

●●Register as unemployed or as a job seeker. 

●●Registering yourself as unemployed means that you are not working, that you are looking for a job and that you 

are prepared to accept a suitable job and start working immediately. 

●●You can register as a job seeker if you are already working but looking for a more suitable job. 

●●After registering as unemployed, you and your consultant at the UIF will prepare an individual action plan to 

agree on the activities that will be carried out to help find you a job. 

● ●Always inform your consultant if you cannot meet them at the agreed time (and make sure you have a valid 

reason). 

● ●You must cancel your registration as unemployed as soon as you begin working or studying. Make sure you 

inform the Unemployment Insurance Fund of this, as you will have to repay any benefits/compensation that you 

are not entitled to. 

Register as unemployed with the Unemployment Insurance Fund – you are entitled to benefits and services 

that will help you enter the labour market, and you will also be covered by health insurance. 

How to find work: on your own 

You can also find a job on your own. 

●●Look for advertisements on Internet portals. The main ones are: 

▪▪ 

www.cv.ee (in Estonian, English and Russian) 

▪ ▪ www.cvkeskus.ee (in Estonian, English and Russian) 

▪ ▪ www.tootukassa.ee/toopakkumised (in Estonian) 

● ●Newspapers (although they are no longer as popular as they used to be in terms of publishing job vacancies). 

● ●Use the help of your friends – it is important to have a good social network. You can also approach companies 

that interest you and ask for work. 

Important advice 

●●Prepare your CV in good time – a potential employer’s first impression of you will be based on it. Provide 

information about your education and work experience. 

●●If you are invited to attend a job interview, prepare for it – find out about the company and think about answers 

to questions that are often asked at such interviews. 

● ●The main questions asked at job interviews concern: 

▪ ▪ your professional skills and experience that meet the requirements of the job advertisement; 

▪ ▪ your personal qualities; 

▪ ▪ your motivation; and 

▪▪ 

the salary that you are expecting (do not over- or underestimate yourself). 

●●Remember to ask about your tasks and the general organisation of work – employers will be impressed by your 

interest. The size of your salary and number of days off should not be the first questions you ask. 

●●You can obtain advice about preparing a CV and for job interviews online at www.volanoustaja.ee (in Estonian 

and Russian), from the portals mentioned above and from consultants at the Unemployment Insurance Fund. 

22 23

●●Have documents/diplomas related to your qualifications translated into Estonian and certified (when applying 

for positions requiring submission of diplomas). 

You must be active when looking for work. Don’t forget that job-seeking itself can be hard work. Don’t lose 

hope – finding work is difficult for Estonians, too. 

11. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

The euro (€) has been the official currency of Estonia since 1 January 2011. 1 euro = 100 cents. The following coins 

are used: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cents and 1 & 2 euros. The denominations of the banknotes used are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 

& 500 euros. 

Employment contracts 

It is important to have an employment contract to feel secure in a job. You have nothing to protect yourself with if 

you have no contract – your working conditions may differ from those you were initially promised, you may have to 

work overtime without pay, your salary may be less than promised, your employer may not pay any taxes, you may 

not be covered by health insurance etc. An employment contract is made in writing. 

When you find a job, make sure your employer is prepared to enter into a written contract. It is important to 

avoid being deceived and exploited, and to be covered by health insurance and other social benefits. 

An employment contract must cover the following as a minimum: 

●●the details of the employee and employer; 

● ●the date on which the contract was signed and on which employment will commence; 

● ●the salary, the manner in which it will be calculated, the payment procedure, the payment day and the taxes 

withheld by the employer; 

● ●the working hours; 

● ●the place of work; 

● ●the length of holidays; and 

● ●the rules established by the employer regarding the organisation of work. 

● ●The figure indicated in your contract as your monthly salary is generally the gross salary, which includes all 

taxes payable at the rates established by the state. 

Please bear in mind that taxes will be withheld from the salary indicated in the contract. Read about the current tax 

system in Estonia at: www.eesti.ee. 

You must submit a tax return every year. This is the document on which the total income you earned in the 

previous year and the income tax payable on it are noted. Tax returns must be submitted by 31 March, either 

electronically via an online bank or on paper to the Regional Tax Centre of the Tax and Customs Board. For more 

details see www.emta.ee. 

Read the contract carefully before you sign it. Ask your employer to explain any clauses you do not fully 

understand. 

Starting a business 

If working for someone else is not for you or you would prefer to start your own business, then this is also possible. 

Setting up and running a business is strictly regulated by various laws and requires knowledge of both economics 

and the law. 

You can apply for start-up support from the Unemployment Insurance Fund according to the criteria set by them. 

Read more online at www.tootukassa.ee . 

Work culture 

Finding a job is a great achievement, but you also have to keep the job. 

Therefore, it is important that: 

● ●your behaviour is appropriate and conscientious; 

● ●you (and your employer!) adhere to the provisions of the employment contract; 

● ●you arrive at work on time. You may be considered unreliable if you often arrive late; 

● ●you are not discriminated against and you do not discriminate against anyone else; 

● ●you respect your colleagues and treat them the way you want them to treat you; and 

● ●you do not harass your colleagues in any way. 

Contact the Labour Inspectorate (www.ti.ee) if you have problems with your employer, employment contract or 

working conditions and these cannot be resolved between you and the employer. 

Although it may seem that your income in Estonia is higher than where you came from, you should bear in mind 

that things cost considerably more here. Be very careful when spending your money! 

Payment options 

There are several ways of paying for products and services in Estonia: 

●●Cash (banknotes and coins) – Using €50 or larger banknotes to pay may be a problem in some shops. Make sure 

you have smaller banknotes for cash transactions. It is not safe to carry large amounts of cash with you. 

●●Bank transfer – If you have your own bank account in which your employer pays your salary or into which your 

benefits are paid. To open a bank account, take the following steps. 

▪▪ 

Choose the bank in which you want to open your account, e.g. Swedbank (www.swedbank.ee), SEB Bank 

(www.seb.ee), Danske Bank (www.danskebank.ee) or Nordea Bank (www.nordea.ee). When choosing the 

bank, compare their prices, check if there is a branch near your home, availability of ATMs etc. 

▪▪ 

Take an identity document and proof of your address when you go to the bank. 

▪▪ 

The bank will offer you a contract. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions before you sign 

it (ask the bank to give you a copy of the contract in the language you understand best – Estonian, Russian or 

English). 

▪▪ 

Once you have opened your account, you can also sign a contract that allows you to make payments (e.g. for 

rent, utilities and phone bills) in the Internet bank. 

▪▪ 

Once you have opened your account, you can also request a debit card, which comes with a personal security 

code (PIN). You can use the debit card to pay for purchases in shops. You can use it instead of cash. You can 

also use it to withdraw cash from ATMs, to deposit money in your account and to pay bills. 

▪▪ 

The bank may also offer you a credit card, which means that you borrow money from the bank and pay 

interest on it. You have to make regular repayments or you may be penalised. We advise you to avoid credit 

cards unless you have a steady income. 

▪▪ 

Keep in mind that you cannot use bankcards for payments in all shops or service companies. You should 

therefore always carry a certain amount of cash with you. 

Try to open a bank account as soon as possible after you have been granted protection, as any money payable 

to you – e.g. your salary or benefits – will then be able to be transferred to your account. 

Shopping 

There are many shops in Estonia that sell the products and goods you 

will need. 

●●You can buy most groceries, household goods and some clothes 

from large supermarkets and hypermarkets (e.g. Rimi, Selver, 

Prisma, Maxima and Säästumarket). 

● ●There are shops that specialise in electronics, books, clothes etc. 

● ●You will find everything you need in some shopping centres, so you 

will not have to go from one to another. 

● ●The competition between shops and shopping centres is fierce in 

large towns and cities, which means you can find prices that are 

lower than in shops in small towns and villages. 

● ●Clothes are relatively expensive in Estonia, so you should consider 

buying them from second-hand shops if your income is low. The 

clothes sold there are generally clean and in good condition. 

● ●It is not customary to haggle in the shops in Estonia. The price that 

you pay in a shop is a total price that includes the value-added tax 

(VAT). 

● ●Most Estonian towns and cities have markets at which you will find 

many goods, especially fresh fruit and vegetables, at affordable 

prices. 

● ●Keep in mind that the selection and prices of goods may vary 

depending on the season. 

● ●Look for special offers and buy in bulk for better value. 

24 25

There are many different types of stores in Estonia. Decide what it is you need and then look for a shopping 

centre you can buy it from. 

Income and expenses 

In addition to the things you buy in shops, you also have to pay for other things when living in Estonia – most of 

which are associated with housing. Some of the expenses you may have to cover are listed below. 

Expenses – February 2014 (Tallinn, 1 

person, room and kitchen, central heating) 

Expenses, family living in Tartu: mother, 

father and two small children, 2-room flat, 

central heating 

Rent €200 Rent €160 

Heating €76 Heating €90 

Water (hot and cold) €9 Water (hot and cold) €15 

Electricity €20 Electricity €20 

Garbage and waste water, other expenses €30 Garbage and waste water, other expenses €23 

Telephone and Internet €35 Telephone and Internet €20 

Food €200 Food €500 

Other household expenses €10 Other household expenses €40 

Clothes €50 Clothes €40 

Transport €20 Transport (car) €45 

Total €650 Total €953 

●●Your housing expenses will be higher in winter, as you will have to pay for heating (whether central heating or a 

stove). 

●●You should consider this when planning your money matters and try to save more money in certain months. 

● ●Pay all of your bills when they are due. Otherwise, the service provider may stop providing the service to you – 

and you will still have to pay all of your outstanding bills and interests. 

● ●Remember that you need warm clothes in winter. 

● ●Bear in mind that expenses are always higher when you are settling in. 

Keep in mind that your costs may be higher in certain months. Plan carefully and avoid getting into debt. 

12. ESTONIAN SOCIETY 

The Estonian people are strongly influenced by everything described in this guide. Some things have influenced 

them more than others, but they have all left their mark on society and the way it functions today. Knowing 

the norms and values in the society helps to communicate better with locals and adapt faster in the Estonian 

society. Sometimes people moving to Estonia from abroad may find Estonians “cold” at first. This does not mean 

that the person does not like you. S/he simply needs time to get to know you. Understanding the main rules of 

communication and conduct will make getting around with Estonian people easier. 

Estonians value their privacy – please bear this in mind. 

Communication and conduct 

Like all other cultures, Estonians have habits and traditions that concern everyday communication and conduct. 

Greetings and distance 

●●People usually greet each other with a wave of the hand, i.e. without physical contact. 

● ●A handshake is used in more formal settings (regardless of whether the other person is a man or a woman). 

● ●Physical contact (e.g. a hug) is common among young people and in informal communication. 

● ●Kissing on the cheek is not very common in Estonia. 

● ●Estonians like to keep some space around them, and invading this space may be seen as aggressive – it makes 

people feel uncomfortable, and they may take a step back to maintain their personal space. 

Eye contact 

●●Estonians consider eye contact very important in communication, as it shows that you are interested in the other 

person and that they have your attention. 

●●If you avoid eye contact, people may think you have something to hide or that you are bored or not interested in 

the conversation. 

●●Always make eye contact, but ensure it is not too intense, or it may be interpreted as overbearing. 

Emotions and smiling 

● ●Estonians may seem reserved at first. 

● ●Estonians do not smile much in official communication. 

● ●Estonians may be rather more emotional and smile more often once you have broken the ice and befriended 

them. 

● ●Although Estonians may seem cold at first, this does not mean that they dislike you. They simply need time to 

get to know you. 

How to save money 

There is no magic formula for saving money – you simply need to be sensible and critical about your consumption 

habits. However, we can still give you some tips. 

●●Keep an eye on special offers in shops and buy more when there are discounts. (However, check the best before 

dates.) 

● ●Buy consumer goods and clothes during sales. 

● ●You can also buy clothes from second-hand shops. You may even find brand new clothes, and all of the clothing 

and footwear should be clean and in good condition. 

● ●Order as many services as possible from the same provider and ask about special offers. For example, you can get 

Internet and mobile phone services from the same provider and choose the one offering the best price. 

● ●Never buy anything before checking the prices of other service providers – make sure that you get similar value 

for money. 

● ●Download Skype (www.skype.com) onto your computer or phone (if possible) when you get an Internet 

connection – it will enable you to make free calls from one computer to another. 

● ●Make sure you have turned off all the lights and taps before you leave home. 

● ●Do not leave water running when you are not using it. 

● ●Walk, cycle or use public transport if possible. 

● ●Try sharing a flat with friends or other people. 

● ●Cook at home and enough for more than one meal. 

● ●Prepare a monthly budget and keep track of what you are spending most of your money on. Think about whether 

you need everything you have bought or whether you are just buying things because you like them. 

● ●Instead of buying books and films, borrow them from a library. You will need to register with a library in order 

to do so. 

Every new beginning is difficult and you will need to calculate carefully. However, things will get easier if you 

manage your money well from the outset, and you will probably be able to afford more in future. 

Communicating with Estonians and understanding them is considerably easier if you know and consider the 

manner in which they communicate and behave. 

Conversation habits 

● ●It is important to be specific in conversations. Taking a long time to get to the point is considered a waste of time. 

● ●Estonians do not generally talk with their hands. 

● ●People are rather informal when they communicate with their colleagues, calling them by their first name 

irrespective of their age or position. 

● ●When addressing an official or service staff, it is advisable to use the formal teie, which is also appropriate and 

polite when speaking to older people or meeting someone for the first time. 

● ●However, using the less formal "sina" is not disrespectful. 

Refusal 

● ●Estonians are usually direct and say what they think, which is why they are also direct in refusal and say ‘no’ 

immediately if they feel they cannot do you a favour. 

● ●‘No’ usually means ‘no’, and there is little point trying to make people change their mind – they see it as applying 

pressure, which may have negative consequences. 

● ●This means that you too should be direct. It takes some getting used to, but is not impossible. 

Visiting 

● ●Home is important to Estonians, which means that people do not often invite guests over. 

● ●However, inviting people over and visiting others is more common among young people. 

● ●Visiting someone without asking or telling them in advance is generally considered impolite. 

● ●Both men and women who are mutual friends may invite each other over. 

● ●It is generally assumed that you have made preparations when you invite someone to visit. 

26 27

●●Guests do not generally help themselves to food or drinks until the host offers. 

● ●It is polite to bring something for the host when you visit them. 

● ●If someone has invited you over and you want to bring a friend, make sure you ask beforehand whether this is 

OK. 

Gifts 

● ●Estonians celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriage, graduation and often also when people move into a new 

home. 

● ●If you have been invited to a party, take a gift for the host (unless it says on the invitation that you do not need to 

bring one). 

● ●The gift should be something small – flowers, chocolates, wine etc. 

● ●You should not give gifts to officials or other service providers (e.g. doctors) as expressions of gratitude – this 

could be deemed bribery and be subject to punishment. 

Taking responsibility 

● ●Taking responsibility for your actions is important in Estonian society. 

● ●You make your own decisions, so you are responsible for the consequences. 

● ●Parents are responsible for the actions of their children until they turn 18 – but after this they must take 

responsibility for their own actions. 

● ●Society expects you to be independent and show initiative. 

● ●Expecting too much and being dependent on the state and other service providers is not a long-term solution, but 

restricts your independence and your ability to cope. 

● ●Being a good member of society means that you abide by the law, follow standards of conducts, earn your own 

money, pay taxes and contribute to society in other ways. 

Understanding the way Estonians behave and learning to behave that way yourself to a certain extent takes 

time. However, it is not impossible – you can learn by observing their conduct. 

Time 

Time is very important to Estonians. In general: 

●●Estonians are punctual and disapprove of being late; 

●●if you have agreed to attend a job interview, made an appointment 

with a doctor or need to attend a meeting with people you do not 

know very well, make sure you arrive on time or even early; and 

●●if you cannot avoid being late and you know you will be in advance, 

make sure you call and let the other person or people know. 

Time is very important to Estonians – being late is considered impolite 

Eating habits 

●●People usually eat breakfast before going to work or school. 

● ●Breakfast usually consists of a sandwich, porridge or muesli, and tea 

or coffee. 

● ●Lunch is normally eaten between noon and 3.00 pm. 

● ●Dinner is normally eaten between 6.00 pm and 8.00 pm. 

● ●Black bread, potatoes and dairy products are traditionally important 

to Estonians. Pork and chicken are the preferred meats, but beef is also 

eaten. 

● ●In summer, people eat fresh berries, fruits and vegetables, which can 

be bought in shops all year round (mainly frozen). These can also be 

bought all year around from the shops. 

● ●It is possible to find Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican and other 

cuisines, and some shops also sell more exotic foods. 

● ●Finding halal meat may be difficult. 

Family life 

Below is a description of a traditional Estonian family. 

●●The family is nuclear, i.e. it consists of a married or cohabiting couple and their child or children, or a single 

parent with one or more children. 

● ●The average Estonian family has one to three children. 

● ●Everyone chooses the partner they love and want to live with (as a married couple or as cohabiting partners). 

● ●Same-sex partners can live together in Estonia, but they cannot legally marry. 

● ●Couples with or without children often also live together without getting married. 

● ●Elderly relatives usually live separately, either on their own or in nursing homes. 

● ●Children generally move out of home to go to university or start living independently between the ages of 16 and 

22. 

● ●Men and women make decisions that concern the family and household together. 

● ●Home and housework are a shared responsibility. 

● ●Children (both boys and girls) also do housework. 

● ●Both men and women usually go to work. 

Equality is supported in Estonian families and everyone is expected to contribute. The members of an Estonian 

family may be more independent than in some other cultures. 

Marriage 

● ●In Estonia, you choose who you marry. Origins and religion of future husband/wife are not important. 

● ●In Estonia, you can marry without your parents’ consent if you are at least 18 years old. 

● ●A marriage can be registered in a national registry office, but people also get married in churches. 

● ●You can only be married to one person at a time, you might be requested to submit a certificate showing that you 

are not already married. 

● ●According to the Constitution spouses are equal, which means that the same laws apply to both husband and 

wife. 

● ●Both spouses have the right to choose their surname, area of activity, profession and place of residence. 

● ●A marriage ends with the death of one of the spouses or with divorce. 

● ●Domestic violence is prohibited in Estonia and use of violence against the spouse is punishable . 

● ●In case of violent marriage or cohabitation, one can contact Victim Support (see www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee) 

or seek refuge in a shelter (see www.naisteliin.ee). 

In Estonia, both parties are equal in marriage and in cohabitation. 

Divorce 

●●Either husband or wife may file for divorce without the consent of the other party. 

● ●Divorces are processed by a court, and in certain cases by a registry office (if there are no underage children and 

the spouses have reached an agreement). 

● ●If parents cannot agree on who will gain custody of the children following their divorce, the court will decide 

what is best for the children. 

● ●Both parents still have to support their children even if they start living with the other parent after your divorce. 

● ●The property acquired by spouses during marriage is in joint ownership. 

Obligations of parents 

● ●Both parents are responsible for raising their children. 

● ●Pursuant to the laws of Estonia, a person is considered to be 

a child until they turn 18. 

● ●Many parents continue to support their children into their 

adulthood. 

● ●Children aged 7-17 must attend school. 

● ●The state may take away the parental rights if the parents do 

not take care of their children. 

● ●Parents or guardians are responsible for the damage caused 

by their children. 

● ●Parents must not hit and never sexually abuse children (both 

are punishable offences). 

28 29

Rights and obligations of men and women 

● ●Similar to many other countries, men and women are equal before the law in Estonia. 

● ●Men and women have equal rights to work, acquire and sell property, obtain health care, open bank accounts, 

manage their money, travel, study, marry and divorce. 

● ●There are no jobs in Estonia that are meant only for men or only for women. 

In Estonia, men and women are equal in society and have equal rights and obligations. 

Religion 

In many societies, religion has a very important role. In Estonia, less than a third of the population define 

themselves as believers. The largest religious groups are Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox. There are also a number 

of smaller Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist groups. Although the number of believers is low, there 

is a freedom of religion in Estonia and everyone is able to follow their own practices. When communicating with 

Estonians, it is good to know that the majority of population is non-religious, but religion as such is not a taboo. 

13. CULTURAL ADAPTATION 

Living in an unfamiliar country is not always easy. Life in Estonia may be quite a challenge, not just because of the 

weather, but due to the significant differences in culture and values. Adapting is easier for those who have come 

into contact with European cultures before, but people usually have a limited understanding of what lies ahead. 

At first, you may be interested in the new culture and find it exciting, but soon realise that your new situation is 

not living up to your expectations. This usually evokes a range of emotions, including depression and reluctance, 

because your knowledge of the new culture is inadequate and you cannot understand the way people behave. This 

phase is known as ‘culture shock’ and is experienced to various degrees by most people who need to adapt to a new 

culture. 

Regardless of whether you are an asylum seeker or have already been granted protection, it is highly likely that you 

will experience some element of culture shock. It is possible that you will go through it again when you are granted 

protection, because you will then leave the centre and experience new things. 

Leisure activities 

Free time is important to Estonians. Newspapers and local papers have details about events taking place. Local 

events can be also advertised on the website of your town or municipality. 

Mood range 

the “Honeymoon“ period 

Adjustment 

Theatre and Cinema 

In your free time, you can go to the theatre or the cinema. In Estonia, the films are not dubbed, and have the original 

soundtrack with subtitles in Estonian and Russian. Also, some theatre plays might have the subtitles in English and 

Russian. The theatres are available in bigger towns, and tickets should be brought well in advance. Estonians value 

going to theatre and thus tickets are often sold out. 

Recovery period 

Library 

Depression 

Libraries can also serve as a good place for free time. If you have a library card, you are able to borrow the books, 

DVDs and music CDs from the library. Additionally, most of the libraries have free internet access, but in smaller 

libraries, it might be with limited time of usage (because of other users) or with booking the time. Also, libraries are 

often hosting interesting events, which might not always require the reader’s card. In order to obtain the reader’s 

card, you would in most cases need to submit your ID to the library and have the residence registered in the same 

local municipality as the library. 

(This generally requires that your place of residence is registered in the same local municipality as the library.) 

True culture shock 

Time 

How to cope with culture shock 

● ●Learn about local rules and traditions, and do your best to build up an extensive communication network. 

● ●Be an active member of society – find something to do, e.g. a hobby. 

● ●Find local friends (e.g. visit the local library, culture events, public sauna etc.). 

● ●Try to find a job as quickly as possible if you have the right to work. 

● ●Attend the Estonian language courses. 

● ●Attend various courses or undergo training if possible. 

● ●If you have children who go to day care or school, try to attend the parent evenings and mingle with other 

parents. 

● ●Definitely try voluntary work/service – it is an excellent opportunity to understand Estonians and their work 

culture, and it is ‘added value’ on your CV. 

Remember that culture shock does not last forever and that you will start to feel comfortable in both your old and 

new cultures if you work on it. You do not need to abandon your ethnic or cultural identity – you will simply be 

acquiring an additional one. 

30 31

14. ESTONIAN LANGUAGE 

Estonian alphabet is in Latin script and has 32 letters: 

Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd, Ee, Ff, Gg, Hh, Ii, Jj, Kk, Ll, Mm, Nn, Oo, Pp, Qq, Rr, Ss, Šš, Zz, Žž, Tt, Uu, Vv, Ww, Õõ, Ää, Öö, Üü, Xx, 

Yy. 

You should attend Estonian language courses as part of you adaption courses once you have been granted 

international protection. Estonian language courses can be taken up in respective language schools. Also, 

universities have language lectures, which in most cases can be attended by people who are not enrolled as students 

at the university. 

Estonian can also be learnt online for free. For example: www.keeleklikk.ee. 

Useful phrases in Estonian: 

English 

Welcome 

Hello 

How are you? 

I'm fine, thanks. And you? 

What is your name? 

My name is… 

Where are you from? 

Pleased to meet you 

Where is .. (the shop) 

left/ on the left 

right/ on the right 

straight ahead 

Thank you 

You welcome 

Where do you live 

address 

Street 

City/town 

Good morning 

Good afternoon 

Good evening 

Good night 

Good bye 

Cheers! 

Bon appetit 

I don't understand 

Please speak more slowly 

Please say that again 

Please write it down 

How much is this? 

Do you speak English/Arabic/Russian/French 

Excuse me 

Sorry! 

Help! 

Fire! 

Police 

Ambulance 

Estonian 

Tere tulemast 

Tere 

Kuidas läheb? 

Tänan, hästi? Ja sul? 

Mis on sinu nimi? 

Minu nimi on…. 

Kust sa pärit oled? 

Meeldiv tutvuda 

Kus asub …. (pood)? 

vasak/ vasakul 

parem/ paremal 

otse 

Aitäh 

võta heaks / pole tänu väärt 

Kus sa elad? 

aadress 

tänav 

Linn 

Tere hommikust 

tere päevast 

Tere õhtust 

Head ööd 

Nägemist; Head aega 

Tervist! Terviseks! 

Head isu! 

Ma ei saa aru 

Palun rääkige aeglasemalt 

Kas sa saaksid seda korrata? 

Palun kirjutage see üles 

Kui palju see maksab? 

Kas te räägite inglise/araabia/vene/prantsuse keelt 

Vabandage! 

Andke andeks 

Appi! 

Tulekahju/ Põleb! 

Politsei 

Kiirabi 

15. HOW TO GET STARTED CHECKLIST 

When you receive international protection, this is the minimum what you should do in order to settle in in Estonia: 

Yes No N/A 

You have found a place of residence 

You have registered your place of residence 

You have submitted application for family doctor 

In case needed, you have applied for social benefits (e.g child support etc) 

In case needed, you have applied for subsistence benefit 

In case you have children, you have enrolled them to school 

You have registered as unemployed in töötukassa 

You have opened a bank account 

You have enrolled for language studies 

You have made at least one Estonian friend near your place of residence 

You have participated at least in one public event of your place of residence 

32 33

Welcome Guide 

for Asylum Seekers 

and Refugees: 

a Short Introduction to Life in Estonia

Welcome Guide for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

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