Get Your Estonia Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: A child born to at least one Estonian parent is automatically an Estonian citizen, regardless of birthplace.
- By Descent: You may be eligible if one of your parents or grandparents was an Estonian citizen before 1940 and lost it due to occupation or exile.
- By Marriage: Marriage to an Estonian does not automatically grant citizenship, but may assist in long-term residency for naturalization.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners can apply after 8 years of legal residence (5 permanent), knowledge of Estonian, a civic exam, and oath of loyalty.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Limited: Estonia does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized adults. However, it does not actively revoke Estonian citizenship if a dual national acquires or holds another passport. Children born with dual citizenship may keep both until adulthood.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm eligibility by descent, naturalization, or marriage-based residency.
- Apply through the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board or an Estonian embassy.
- Provide documentation and complete Estonian language and civics tests (for naturalization).
- Take an oath of loyalty to the Estonian state and receive your citizenship certificate.
Benefits of Estonian Citizenship
- Live, work, and travel freely in the EU
- Access to Estonia’s digital infrastructure and e-residency programs
- Visa-free travel to 180+ countries
- Strong protections and civil rights
Frequently asked questions.
Does Estonia allow dual citizenship?
Not officially. Estonian law prohibits dual citizenship for adults who naturalize. However, enforcement is lenient — many Estonians abroad retain other nationalities without penalty.
Can I get Estonian citizenship through my grandparents?
Yes, if they were Estonian citizens before 1940 and lost it due to Soviet or Nazi occupation, you may reclaim it through descent.
Can I apply for citizenship through marriage?
No, marriage alone doesn’t qualify you for citizenship. But it may help you meet residency requirements for naturalization.
How long do I need to live in Estonia to naturalize?
You must legally reside in Estonia for 8 years, including 5 with a permanent residence permit. You also need to pass language and civic exams.
Does Estonia recognize same-sex marriage for citizenship purposes?
Yes. Estonia legalized same-sex marriage in 2024. Foreign same-sex spouses are eligible for residence permits and eventual naturalization like any other spouse.
Will Estonia revoke my citizenship if I acquire another nationality?
Estonian law prohibits dual citizenship for naturalized adults, but in practice, Estonia rarely enforces this. Many dual nationals retain Estonian citizenship.
Do Estonian citizens have to pay taxes in Estonia?
Only if you live in Estonia or have Estonian-sourced income. Estonia has tax treaties to avoid double taxation with many countries.