Nationality of Estonia: all obtaining pathways
Estonia asks for eight years of residence — the last five permanent — with exams of Estonian language and of the Constitution for adult naturalization. Former citizens have a restoration procedure, descent follows ius sanguinis and there is a specific pathway for minors under fifteen.
1Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of at least one Estonian citizen parent, born anywhere (art. 6 of the Citizenship Law; art. 8 of the Constitution: every child of an Estonian citizen has the right to citizenship by birth)
Documentation
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Identity document of the citizen parent
2Citizenship of children under 15 years of age
Citizenship of children under 15 years of age
Requirements
- Minor under 15 granted citizenship by naturalization if both parents are citizens, or one is a citizen with the other's consent (per §7 of the Citizenship Law)
Documentation
- Application of the parents
- Birth certificate
- Photo
3Citizenship by naturalization (adult)
Citizenship by naturalization (adult)
Requirements
- Aged 15+ (Citizenship Act, § 6(1))
- Long-term residence permit or right of permanent residence (§ 6(2))
- At least 8 YEARS lived in Estonia on a residence permit/right, of which at least 5 on a PERMANENT basis (§ 6(2¹))
- Registered place of residence in Estonia (§ 6(2³))
- Proficiency in Estonian per § 8
- Knowledge of the Constitution and Citizenship Act per § 9 (examination)
- Permanent legal income (§ 6(5))
- Loyalty to the Estonian state (§ 6(6)) + oath (§ 6(7))
- No dual citizenship: prior renunciation required (save statutory exceptions)
Documentation
- Application form
- Document proving lawful income
- Digital photo
- Proof of payment of the state fee
- Document proving renunciation of another citizenship (or stateless status; not demanded from international-protected persons)
- Certificates of passing the language and Constitution/Citizenship exams
4Restoration of citizenship
Restoration of citizenship
Requirements
- Whoever lost Estonian citizenship as a minor by act of the parents has the right to its restoration (art. 8 Constitution; §13-14 of the Citizenship Law; simplified pathway)
- Adults who lost it voluntarily may apply for restoration under the law
Documentation
- Restoration application form
- Proof of the previous citizenship
- Proof of fee payment (150 €)
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Estonia
How many years of residence does Estonia require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Estonia (Citizenship by naturalization (adult)), the term is 8 years of residence (last 5 permanent). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Estonia allow dual nationality?
No dual citizenship: prior renunciation required (save statutory exceptions)
How much does the nationality of Estonia cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is State fee: 150 € (from 01/01/2025). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
What documentation does naturalization in Estonia require?
The Citizenship by naturalization pathway requires: Application form; Document proving lawful income; Digital photo; Proof of payment of the state fee; Document proving renunciation of another citizenship (or stateless status; not demanded from international-protected persons); among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Estonia?
Estonia provides 4 pathways: Citizenship by descent, Citizenship of children under 15 years of age, Citizenship by naturalization, Restoration of citizenship.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Estonia?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Estonia, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.