Estonian citizenship

Estonian citizenship and its validity

Estonian citizenship is the 7th most prestigious country in the global ranking. It has the seventh most valid citizenship, along with Slovakia, Latvia, and New Zealand. You can travel to 121 countries with Estonian citizenship and without a visa. For the other 41 countries, you have to travel with an airport visa upon arrival, but Estonian citizens need a visa to enter the other 36 countries of the world. The individual citizenship validity in Estonia is 30th in the world.

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Topics reviewed in this article:

• The methods of obtaining an Estonian citizenship
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by work
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by study
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by investment
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by birth
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by marriage
• Obtaining Estonian citizenship by asylum

The methods of obtaining an Estonian citizenship

There are six different methods for obtaining Estonian citizenship, like other countries. At first, the applicants must get enough information about the necessary points and conditions for entering, obtaining residency, and citizenship.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by work

To obtain Estonian residency by work, people need to receive a work permit in this country. Therefore, having a valid job offer (Job Offer) from an employer is very critical.

Employers in Estonia can invite foreign workers and professionals to work in this country when no workforce or citizen in Estonia or even the European Union can take that job. Non-EU nationals must apply for a Type D visa if they intend to work in Estonia for less than six months. However, they must apply for a temporary residence permit if they intend to work in the country for more than six months. Moreover, they can apply for long-term residence in Estonia if they can stay and work in this country for five years.

According to Estonian citizenship laws, people who work in Estonia for eight years and learn its official language without committing any crime can also apply for Estonian citizenship.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by study

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by studying is one of the indirect methods. Study in this country is in English. Estonia, like in other European countries, has an advanced and professional education system at the university level. The school year is usually in two semesters (beginning of September or October).

The undergraduate study takes between three to four years, depending on the field. Postgraduate study is usually between one and two years. The study of those in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary, architecture, and civil engineering is long-term. Therefore, they will pass between 300 to 360 units in five to six years and eventually receive a master’s degree.

Usually, the minimum language qualifications for university admission are TOFEL 70 or IELTS 5.5.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by investment

Investing in Estonia is a two-step process. Thus, the Estonian government must first grant the applicant a temporary residence permit. The investment plan should include an economic policy and a business in a company with operational documents.

One of the best ways to invest in Estonia and obtain residence and citizenship is company registration. Applicants who have a foreign company use this method. They must invest at least 65,000 euros to start a business in this country. However, if the applicant is the company’s sole owner, one can begin one’s investment with at least 16,000 Euros in Estonia. A temporary residence permit for an investor in Estonia is valid for five years, which can be extended. As long as the investor is in Estonia, one must prove that has an annual income of 200,000 euros. After obtaining permanent residence, people who have lived in this country for eight years can apply to become an Estonian citizen.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by birth

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by birth and its rules are based on the blood law. So, children whose parents are Estonian citizens, according to this law, can receive Estonian citizenship.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by marriage

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by marriage is one of the immigration methods. Marrying an Estonian citizen and obtaining residency and citizenship in this country is a multi-step process. In the first stage, applicants must prove their celibacy then determine the purpose of this marriage. After that, the applicant must reside in this country for five years, and after the examinations, if agreed, one can apply for Estonian permanent residence.

Obtaining Estonian citizenship by asylum

It is possible to obtain Estonian citizenship by the asylum, but it is one of the most dangerous ways to immigrate. Estonia is a party to the Geneva Conventions and has international obligations to protect asylum seekers. The process of the asylum case in Estonia will take six months.