Applications for international protection and residence permits are handled by the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB). If, as an applicant, you find your own accommodation and are able to support yourself (or if this is ensured by a person legally residing in Estonia), you may, with the permission of the PBGB, live outside the accommodation centre during the application process. Otherwise, the PBGB will refer you to the accommodation centre service of the Social Insurance Board. The Social Insurance Board has a contract with AS Hoolekandeteenused for the provision of this service.
International Protection
International protection provides legal safeguards for individuals who have been compelled to leave their country of origin due to persecution or insecurity. The reception of applicants for international protection is regulated by the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens. As an applicant for international protection, you must submit an application to the PBGB, which will review your application and decide whether to grant protection.
The PBGB will carry out initial procedural steps and consider whether there is a basis for detaining the applicant. If there are no grounds for detention and the individual requires the accommodation centre service, they will be referred to the Social Insurance Board’s accommodation centre, where the necessary services will be provided until the end of the procedure. An individual may also apply for permission to reside outside the accommodation centre.
If the PBGB determines that there are no obstacles and that there are grounds to grant you a status, it will issue you a residence permit of one of three types:
- Refugee status is granted to a person who has a well-founded fear of being persecuted in their country of origin on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion (1951 Geneva Convention). The residence permit is valid for three years.
- Subsidiary protection is granted if a person does not meet the criteria for refugee status but faces a serious threat in their country of origin, such as the death penalty, torture, or other inhuman treatment. The residence permit is valid for one year.
- Temporary protection is an exceptional measure intended for a foreigner who has fled armed conflict or persistent violence and whose life or well-being is at risk due to systematic or widespread violations of human rights, making it impossible to live safely and permanently in their home country. The residence permit is valid for one year.
As an applicant for international protection, you have the right to receive information about your rights and obligations as well as about the processing of your application. You may also withdraw your application for international protection at any time and leave Estonia. Throughout the entire procedure, you have the right to seek advice by emailing [email protected].
As an applicant for international protection, you are obliged to respect the constitutional order and legislation of the Republic of Estonia. This includes showing respect for the organisation of Estonian society, its language, and culture. You must also cooperate with the authorities and fulfil your obligations under the law.
Accommodation Centre
The accommodation centre for applicants for international protection offers various services to support applicants during the procedure. The centre ensures a safe and dignified living environment, which includes living quarters and the provision of basic necessities. With the support of the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, the accommodation centre provides support services that facilitate adaptation to Estonian society and enhance social well-being.
All individuals staying in the accommodation centre are subject to the centre’s internal rules. This includes the obligation to remain in the centre overnight from 22:00 to 06:00.
The centre provides daily support, including counselling and assistance, to help applicants adapt to the new environment and cope with everyday life. Applicants for international protection have access to need-based healthcare services as determined by the centre’s contracted partner. Since knowledge of the Estonian language is crucial to functioning in Estonian society, the centre offers language instruction and translation services to facilitate communication and understanding of the new environment.
The accommodation centre also addresses the mental health needs of applicants, who may have experienced complex and traumatic events. The impact of trauma may persist even after arriving in a safe country, manifesting in mental health issues or symptoms. Not all applicants require specific intervention by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health specialists, but they do need a supportive environment for their mental well-being. Applicants can share their concerns with the centre’s staff and may request psychological counselling. It is also possible to contact victim support emotional support helpline at 116123.
Leaving the Accommodation Centre
Leaving the accommodation centre depends primarily on the PBGB’s decision regarding the application for international protection.
If the decision is negative and the PBGB does not grant international protection, the applicant has two options: to file an appeal with the court against the decision or to leave Estonia. If the court rejects the appeal and the applicant no longer has a legal basis to remain in Estonia, an expulsion order may be enforced. This can involve detention and deportation.
An applicant who wishes to return voluntarily to their home country must coordinate their departure with the PBGB. For assistance and support, it is possible to contact the International Organization for Migration’s office in Estonia. The Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRE) provides information, counselling, and assistance in arranging travel and purchasing tickets.
If the decision is positive and the applicant is granted international protection, they are provided assistance in starting an independent life. If necessary, the accommodation centre will help find housing, conclude a rental agreement, and cover the initial costs related to starting a rental relationship. If a person refuses to move into the housing offered by the accommodation centre without a valid reason, they must find their own housing and cover the related costs.
A recipient of international protection has the same rights and obligations as permanent residents of Estonia, meaning that they have access to services offered by the state and local government. These services include, for example, access to the labour market, education, social welfare, and healthcare. Individuals who have received protection are obliged to participate in language training and the adaptation programme.
A recipient of international protection who needs support and assistance to live independently and adjust to the new environment in Estonia may contact their local municipality, where they will be assisted and, if necessary, assigned a support person.
The purpose of the support person service is to provide assistance primarily in dealing with administrative authorities, offering guidance, motivation, and encouraging the development of independence and personal responsibility.
Last updated: 07.04.2026
