Basic module Training materials Welcoming Programme
2019
Contracting company: Expat Relocation Estonia OÜ Contributors: Liia Hänni, Mari Pedak, Veiko Värk, Martin Lään, Andrus Ümarik
Design: Factory Advertising OÜ Layout : Flip OÜ, www.flip.ee Printing: Librixprint OÜ, www.omaraamat.ee Responsible publisher: Siseministeerium, Pikk 61, 15065 Tallinn Cover photo: “Inimlaine laulupeol”, author Lembit Michelson, Brand Estonia fotopank Welcoming programme website: www.settleinestonia.ee
Euroopa Liit Euroopa Sotsiaalfond
Eesti tuleviku heaks
The project is co-funded by the European Union via the European Social Fund and by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia © 2019, Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia. All rights reserved. Provided the use of the work is not carried out for commercial purposes, it is allowed to use it without the author’s permission as established in Chapter IV of the Copyright Act. The Ministry of the Interior points to the fact that pursuant to the Copyright Act, in the case of unlawful use of the work, compensation for the patrimonial or non-patrimonial damage caused and delivery of that which was received may among other things be claimed for.
Dear reader, This training material contains information that is useful for every foreign national relocating to Estonia. The aim of the material is to give an overview of a variety of subjects such as functioning of The Estonian state and society, rights and obligations of foreign nationals, everyday life and cultural environment, state services, and services provided by local governments and services provided by the state, local governments and other service providers. The material has been drawn up in order to provide the basic module trainings of the Welcoming programme aimed at newly arrived immigrants and commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia. The Welcoming programme consists of various informative and interactive training modules and aims to support foreign nationals who have migrated to Estonia to settle in and to acquire the primary knowledge and skills needed for fast and efficient adaptation in Estonia. In addition to the basic module, the Welcoming programme is comprised of the working and entrepreneurship, studying, research family life, international protection and children and young people modules and basic (A1) language training. You can find more information on the Welcoming programme at www.settleinestonia.ee. This material can be used as training course notes, for independent study, or for reminding yourself of the information after the training course. We have also put together knowledge tests based on the materials, which you can use to check your knowledge at the end of the training course. We have drawn up the training materials keeping in mind the interests and needs of foreign national relocating to Estonia. Each subject matter covered in the material includes references to important adjacent materials or relevant organisations. The references guide you to web pages that have useful information in Estonian, English and/or Russian.
Welcome to Estonia!
Table of content
Part I: Estonian state............................................ 7
Emergency care.................................................... 35
1.1. Main facts about Estonia............................................. 7
Pharmacies.......................................................35
1.2. Brief history of Estonia.................................................8
People with Disabilities....................................... 35
1.3. Fundamental principles of the Estonian state...9
2.6. Transport ......................................................................36
Fundamental rights, freedoms, and duties ..... 10
Traffic management............................................36
Exercise of political authority.............................11
Traffic insurance.................................................... 37
1.4. Legal status of new immigrants in Estonia.......15
Instructions in the case of an accident ....... 37
Definitions and legal acts ..................................15
Parking...................................................................... 37
EU citizens and their family members..........15
For cyclists...............................................................38
Right of permanent residence of an EU citizen in Estonia..........................................................16
For pedestrians......................................................39
Rights of third-country nationals....................19
Driver’s license.......................................................36
Public transport.....................................................39
Ways to qualify for citizenship: ......................20
Public transport in Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva... 41
1.5. Civil society in Estonia..............................................20
2.7. Services provided to new immigrants................41
Advancement of civil society..........................20
Language courses................................................ 42
Non-governmental organizations as partners to public authority......................................20
Integration services............................................. 42
Volunteer initiatives..............................................21 1.6. Law and order and law enforcement................. 22
Part II: Living conditions in Estonia ..........24 2.1. Emergency telephone number 112 and code of conduct in emergency..................................................... 24 2.2. Digital identity cards.................................................. 24 Areas of use of residence permit cards...... 26 Areas of use of residence permit cards...... 26 What do I need to use a digital document? ... 27 Using digital documents.................................... 27 2.3. Banking services........................................................30 2.4. Recognizing professional and academic education .......................................................................................31 Options of recognizing non-formal studies....................................................................... 32 Recognition of prior learning (RPL)............... 32 2.5. Health care system................................................... 32 What does the Health Insurance Fund compensate?...................................................................33 Family doctors and specialized doctors......33 Dental care...............................................................34
Counselling centers............................................. 42 Legal counselling..................................................43 Victim Support......................................................43 Shelters.....................................................................43 Relocation services..............................................43 Civil society organizations and services.....44 2.8. Residence......................................................................44 Searching for a place to live.............................44 Fees related to renting........................................44 Agreements related to housing......................45 Requirements for maintaining rented or purchased real estate..........................................45 Address information............................................46 Waste management...........................................46 Telecommunication services..........................46 2.9. Major cities in Estonia.............................................. 47 2.10. Media............................................................................48 Television.................................................................48 Radio..........................................................................48 Newspapers............................................................48 2.11. Postal services............................................................49 2.12. Services related to everyday life........................49 Other services........................................................49
2.13. International moving...............................................49 Cars.............................................................................49 Pets.............................................................................50 2.14. Estonian food culture..............................................50 2.15. Estonian climate........................................................ 52
Part III: Estonian culture................................. 53 3.1. Cultural characteristics of Estonia........................ 53 3.2. Diversity and Equality...............................................54 What is discrimination and where to turn to if it occurs?...............................................................54 3.3. Communication culture.......................................... 55 Greetings and distance...................................... 55 Eye contact.............................................................. 55 Emotions and smiling......................................... 55 Conversation habits............................................. 55 Directness................................................................ 55 Visiting....................................................................... 55 Gifts............................................................................56 Taking responsibility............................................56 Time...........................................................................56 3.4. Leisure activities.........................................................56 Travelling in Estonia.............................................56 Sporting activities.................................................56 Music.......................................................................... 57 Theatres and cinemas........................................ 57 Museums................................................................. 57 Tickets.......................................................................58 3.5. Public holidays and days of national importance.........................................................................................58 3.6. More important Estonian cultural traditions and cultural peculiarities..................................................58 Holidays....................................................................58 Estonian sauna traditions ................................. 59 3.7. More common religions in Estonia..................... 59 3.8. Ethnic nationalities and cultural minorities in Estonia.................................................................................... 60 3.9. Estonian language.................................................... 60 3.10. Cultural adaptation................................................. 60 Some useful expressions...................................61 References.............................................................................63
Part I: Estonian state wikipedia.org
This part provides an overview of the Estonian state, its history, social organization, and institutions. The section covers the rights and obligations of the people that live in Estonia, focusing on subject matters that concern new immigrants.
An overview of the Estonian civil society is provided as well as advice on how you could participate in local social life in relation to issues of interest to you. The section also provides information on the protection of public order.
1.1. Main facts about Estonia National flag of Estonia
National coat of arms of Estonia Source: pood.regio.ee/eesti-maakonnad
Official name: Republic of Estonia National Day: Independence Day, February 24 Currency: Euro Memberships: EU, NATO, OECD, UN, OSCE, IOM, Schengen area Area: 45,339 km2 Neighboring countries: Sweden, Latvia, and Russia
Finland,
Population density: Estonia is among the least densely populated countries in the world with 31 inhabitants per 1 km2. Capital: Tallinn (population 453,033) Other major cities/town: Tartu (population 99,641), Narva (population 57,842), Kohtla-Järve (population 34,834), Pärnu (population 51,888) Administrative division: Estonia is divided into 15 counties, 79 administrative units lead by a local government, 64 rural municipalities, and 15 towns
Population: 1.3 million
Official language: Estonian. Russian, English, and Finnish are widely spoken.
Ethnic groups: The largest ethnic groups are Estonians (69%), Russians (25%), and other nationalities (6%).
GDP per capita in current prices (2018): € 20,628 Average monthly gross salary (1st quarter of 2019): € 1,341 7
Main religion: Lutheran. Other larger religions practiced include Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, Methodist, and Roman Catholic. However, only about one third of Estonians consider themselves to be religious. Time zone: GMT + 2 hours estonica.org
For more Estonian history go to www.estonica.org www.histrodamus.ee
Daylight Saving Time: GMT+3 hours is observed from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October Closest cities to Tallinn: Helsinki 85 km, Riga 307 km, St. Petersburg 395
First established signs of human habitation on Estonian territory Ca 1200 - 1558 Medieval Estonia 1208 Crusades reached Estonia
against
pagans
1227 Estonian territory conquered by the Crusaders 1558 - 1710 Estonia under Swedish rule 1558-1583 Livonian War Estonian territories were divided between Sweden, Poland, Denmark, and Russia 1632 Establishment of the University of Tartu King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden established a university in the town of Tartu 1700-1721 Great Northern War As an outcome of the war, Estonian territories were transferred from Sweden to Russia 1850 - 1914 National awakening 1860-1885 A great rise in national consciousness among Estonians. Rise in Estonian national consciousness spurred on by modernization, rise in ownership of property amongst natives, and establishment of Estonianlanguage media and high culture 1869 The first song festival held in Tartu 1,000 singers and musicians and 12,000 spectators took part in the festival (this tradition, still going strong
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Climate: Estonian climate is humid and temperate. The weather is very variable, with strong winds, high precipitation, and fluctuations in temperature. There are four seasons of virtually equal length. Estonia has great seasonal variation in daylight. In the winter, the days are short and dark; in the summer, the days are long. The longest day of the year is June 21 with 19 hours of full daylight.
1.2. Brief history of Estonia 9000 BC - ca 1200 Prehistoric Estonia
estonica.org
km, Stockholm 405 km, Vilnius 605 km
today, is of central importance in asserting Estonian national identity) 1914 - 1920 WWI and Estonian independence February 24, 1918 Estonia declared independence On February 24, Estonian nationalists seized power in Tallinn, and formed a Provisional Government led by Konstantin Päts. On February 25, the city was occupied by German forces, rendering the Estonian authority of the state unable to substantively exercise its powers. A number of Estonian politicians were imprisoned, others went underground or fled overseas. The latter formed the first foreign representation of the Republic of Estonia which began applying for recognition of the Estonian state by the Triple Entente. Within the year of 1918, the representation succeeded in securing de facto recognition of Estonia by Great Britain, France, and Italy i.e. more precisely, the Estonian Provincial Assembly was recognized as the holder of lawful authority. Nov 1918 – Jan 1920 Estonian War of Independence Estonian forces defeated German and Soviet armies, aided at critical points by Great Britain. Volunteers from Finland, Sweden, and Denmark also provided support. 1920-1939 Republic of Estonia between two World Wars Feb 1920 Treaty of Tartu The treaty between Soviet Russia and Estonia recognized the independence of Estonia 1939-1945 Estonia and WWII
Aug 1939 Molotov-Ribbentrop (Hitler-Stalin) Pact
Aug 1991 Restoration of Estonian independence
A secret protocol of the Pact divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. The Baltic states were left in the sphere of influence of the Soviet Union.
The national awakening and the Singing Revolution culminated with the restoration of independence on August 20
June 1940 Based on the MolotovRibbentrop Pact, the USSR occupied Estonia 1941 – 1944 German occupation During the course of World War II, the German forces that forged on occupied Estonia
1991 Estonia joins United Nations 1992- Republic of Estonia 1992 Adoption of own currency Estonia replaced the Soviet ruble with the Estonian kroon.
Spring 1944
1992 Entering into force of the new Constitution of the Republic of Estonia
The Red Army pushed on due West, and Estonia was once more annexed by the Soviet Union
August 31, 1994 The last Russian military units left Estonia
1944-1985 Soviet period 1985-1991 National awakening and restoration of independence 1988 Estonian Soviet legislature declares sovereignty Relying on strong popular support and the easing of Russian control, Estonia gained increased autonomy
March 2004 Estonia was admitted into NATO May 2004 Estonia joined the European Union
To review the Constitution online go to: www.riigiteataja.ee In English:
June 2010 Estonia became a member state of the OECD 2011 Adoption of the euro Estonia replaced the Estonian kroon with the euro.
1.3. Fundamental principles of the Estonian state Estonia’s national organization is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia. Pursuant to the Constitution, the supreme values of the Estonian state are liberty, justice and the law, and the activities of political authority and societal relations must be directed towards the preservation of those values. The Constitution protects Estonian statehood, asserting that the independence and sovereignty of Estonia are timeless and inalienable. It is the task of the state to guarantee the preservation of the Estonian people, the Estonian language, and the Estonian culture through the
ages. Estonia has one official language which is Estonian. Estonia is a state based on the rule of law, and the entire body of Estonian legislation is available online on the State Gazette’s website at www. riigiteataja.ee. A number of legal acts are available also in English and Russian. If you know the name of a relevant legal act in English, you can also search for the text body in the State Gazette’s English version at www.riigiteataja.ee/en. To do that, click on the link “Search” and type in the English name of a legal act (this
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additional feature is available in the English version only, and does not exist in Russian).
Fundamental rights, freedoms, and duties Anyone staying in Estonia on lawful grounds is protected by the Constitution. Most rights and freedoms extend to non-Estonian nationals on equal basis with Estonian citizens. The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia applies to any person in Estonia – both Estonian citizens and foreigners. Fundamental rights are constitutional human rights protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia. Fundamental rights, freedoms, and duties are provided for in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia.
What are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Estonian Constitution?
Human Rights, which stipulate equality and a dignified life for all, are a pillar of the Estonian society. The Estonian Constitution stipulates that all people are equal in the eyes of the law. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of nationality, race, colour, sex, language, origin, religion, political or other views, property or social status, or on other grounds. Incitement to hatred, violence or discrimination is prohibited and punishable by law. Fundamental rights
• The right to life. Estonia as most
democratic nations does not have
death penalty – human life is sacred and inviolable.
• The right to unviolated human dignity and free self-realization. Exercising their rights and freedoms, each individual must consider the same rights and freedoms of other individuals, and uphold the law.
• In Estonia all persons are equal
before the law. No one may be discriminated against on the basis of nationality, race, color, sex, language, origin, religion, political or other views, property or social status, or on other grounds.
• The freedom of conscience, freedom of religion and freedom of thought. Everyone is free to belong to any church or any religious society.
• The inviolability of private and fam-
ily life and home. Pursuant to the Constitution, spouses have equal rights. Parents have the right and the duty to raise their children and to provide for them. The family is required to provide for its members who are in need.
• The right to education. School at-
tendance for school-age children is compulsory to the extent specified by the law, and is free of charge.
• The right to move freely and to
choose freely where to reside. The right to freedom of movement may be circumscribed in the cases and pursuant to a procedure which is provided by law to protect the rights and freedoms of others.
The principles of separation of powers in Estonia is characterized by the below figure.
Higher power
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Legislative power
Executive power
1. Judicial power
Institution: 2. Parliament (Riigikogu)
Institution: 3. Government of the Republic
Institution: Supreme Court
Highest representative (official title) 4. President of the Parliament
Highest representative (official title) 5. Prime Minister
• Everyone whose rights and free-
doms have been violated has the right of recourse to the courts.
Duties Foreign nationals and stateless persons in Estonia are required to observe the constitutional order of Estonia.
• The duty to provide for one’s children and family members who are in need.
President of the Republic – the head of state of Estonia and supreme commander of national defense of Estonia (Chap. V) Government of the Republic – executive power (Chap. VI) Bank of Estonia (Eesti Pank) – manages currency circulation in the country (Chap. VIII)
• The duty to preserve the human en-
National Audit Office – independent state body exercising economic control (Chap. XI)
Differences between Estonian citizens and foreigners living in Estonia
Chancellor of Justice - independent official who reviews the legislation of general application of the legislative and executive powers and of local governments for conformity with the Constitution and the Acts of the Republic of Estonia (Chap. XII)
vironment and the natural environment, and compensate for damage caused to the environment.
• Estonian citizens have the right to vote at Parliament (Riigikogu) elections.
• Estonian citizens have the right to belong to political parties.
• Male Estonian citizens are subject to compulsory military service.
Exercise of political authority Estonia is a sovereign democratic republic wherein supreme political authority is vested in the people. Political authority is exercised only based on the Constitution and laws that adhere to the Constitution. Any arbitrary exercise of authority is prohibited and punishable. Estonia is a state based on the rule of law where the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary act in accordance with the principles of separation and balance of powers. Each branch of authority has its constitutional competency, preventing excessive accumulation of power, and concurrent potential abuse thereof. Estonia is a parliamentary democracy where the executive power is led by the Prime Minister, and where the President’s role is to represent the Republic of Estonia in international communication and to perform national tasks in reinforcing constitutional order in Estonia. Constitution of the Republic of Estonia The people – bearers of supreme political authority (Chap. III) Parliament (Riigikogu) – legislative power (Chap. IV)
Who performs supreme power in Estonia? Parliament’s website: www.riigikogu.ee What is a proportional electoral system?
Court – is independent and administers justice only in compliance with the Constitution and the law (Chap. XIII) Local governments – independently decide and organize any local issues pursuant to law (Chap. XIV) The people exercise political authority by electing the Parliament (Riigikogu) and in referendums. Estonia fosters freedom of expression – everyone has the right to freely disseminate their opinions and ideas through the media. The Estonian parliament is called the Riigikogu. The Riigikogu exercises legislative power and acts as a representative body of the Estonia people. The Riigikogu has 101 members elected for a period of four years in free elections according to the principle of proportional representation. In parliament elections, Estonia employs a proportional electoral system. The proportional electoral system means that political parties that run as candidates in elections, gain seats in the Parliament according to votes won in the election. So that a political party would be represented in the Riigikogu, it must receive at least 5% constituent support. The public can follow the working process at the Riigikogu at all times. Draft legislation and amendments thereof are published on the Riigikogu’s website, and discussions at plenary meetings are broadcast live online. President of the Republic
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The President is the head of state of Estonia. The President’s function is to represent the Republic of Estonia in its international relations, and perform important national tasks in reinforcing the constitutional order in Estonia. The President is elected by the Riigikogu or by the Electoral College if a sufficient agreement on the person of the President is not achieved in the Riigikogu. Nominations of candidates for President may be made from among citizens of Estonia by birth who have attained at least forty years of age. The President is elected for a term of five years and may hold the office of the President for two consecutive terms.
Executive power is exercised by the Government of the Republic that implements the state’s domestic policy and foreign policy. The Government’s activity is led by the Prime Minister who must obtain the support of the Riigikogu so as to form a government. 11 ministries administer the various spheres of government. The spheres of government administered by the ministries include offices and inspectorates that hold independent authorized powers determined by law to implement the state’s policies, exercise supervision, and apply enforcement powers of the state. The below table contains a list of ministries and offices, inspectorates, and other state authorities operating in the sphere of government of such ministries.
President’s website: www.president.ee
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Government of the Republic
Ministry
Sphere of responsibility
Offices, inspectorates, and other state authorities
Ministry of Education and Research
Education and research
Language Inspectorate, State Archives
Ministry of Justice
Justice policy and criminal policy
Data Protection Inspectorate, Patent Office
Ministry of Defense
National defense
Defense Forces, Defense League, Information Board, Defense Resources Agency
Ministry of the Environment
Environmental protection and nature conservation
Land Board, Environmental Board, Environmental Inspectorate
Ministry of Culture
Organization of culture, physical culture, sports, and heritage conservation related work and promotion of arts
National Heritage Board, Integration and Migration Foundation Our People (MISA)
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Economics, trade, transport, aviation, communication, foreign investments
Competition Authority, Civil Aviation Administration, Road Administration, Consumer Protection Board, Maritime Administration, Technical Surveillance Authority, Information System Authority
Ministry of Rural Affairs
Rural affairs, agriculture and fisheries
Agricultural Board, Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board, Veterinary and Food Board
Ministry of Finance
Tax policy, financial policy, budgetary policy
Tax and Customs Board, Statistics Estonia, county governments, local governments
Ministry of the Interior
Internal security (police, rescue services), boarder guard, citizenship, migration, regional policy
Internal Security Service, Police and Boarder Guard Board, Rescue Board, Rescue Service
Ministry of Social Affairs
Health care, social welfare, employment
Agency of Medicines, Social Insurance Board, Health Board, Labor Inspectorate
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Foreign policy
Estonian foreign representations
Public administration of the Estonian state is organized based on the principle of the civil service’s political neutrality and expertise. Officials serve the people, and must remain polite and helpful in performing their duties of employment. Courts Only the courts administer justice in Estonia, and no other branch of power may interfere in this respect. Any case starts in a court of first instance – county court or administrative court. County courts deliberate civil matters, and criminal matters involving criminal offences and misdemeanors; administrative courts deliberate disputes in public law. Parties to a proceeding have the right to appeal the decision of the court of first instance to a circuit court, and if the party also finds the decision of the latter court unsatisfactory, they may appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. In addition, the Supreme Court deliberates constitutional litigation. In certain cases, it is also possible to recourse to the European Court of Human Rights – related information is available in Estonia at the Estonian Institute of Human Rights. For more information go to www.echr.coe.int and the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at
•
Chancellor of Justice The Chancellor of Justice performs constitutional supervision – the Chancellor makes sure that the public authority considers in its activity the constitutional rights and freedoms of an individual person, and adopts legal acts in compliance with the Constitution and other legislation. The Chancellor of Justice also performs functions of the Children’s Ombudsman, i.e. tasks related to the protection and advancement of children’s rights. Everyone has the right of recourse to the Chancellor of Justice if they find that an institution performing public duties has violated the petitioner’s rights or treated the petitioner contrary to good administrative practice.
National Audit Office The National Audit Office is a state authority established on constitutional basis that verifies that state assets are used lawfully and economically expediently. The National Audit Office has the right to make proposals to the Government, ministers and local governments for better use of state assets. The head of the National Audit Office is the Auditor General who is appointed to office by the Riigikogu for a term of five years on the proposal of the President of the Republic. Eesti Pank Eesti Pank (Bank of Estonia) is the central bank of the Republic of Estonia. Eesti Pank is a member of the European System of Central Banks. In 2011, Estonia was the 17th state to adopt the euro. Therewith Eesti Pank became a member of the Eurosystem.
Courts’ website: www.kohus.ee Supreme Court’s website : www.riigikohus.ee
Local governments Local governments serve as the public authorities closest to an individual. Consequently, if you are experiencing issues or require information, the local government serves as your go-to authority.
Chancellor of Justice’s website: www.oiguskantsler.ee
In Estonia, rural municipalities and cities/tows act on self-governing bases, administrating any issues of local importance independently on the basis of the law. Municipalities are incorporated under counties where the county governor represents the state. Local governments manage the following fields in their rural municipality or city/town:
• social
services;
• • • • • • • •
assistance
and
social
senior welfare services;
•
youth work; housing and utilities; water supply and sewage; ground maintenance; waste management; spatial planning; public transport within the rural municipality or city/town, and maintenance of the rural municipality’s roads and city streets.
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What are the principal functions of local governments? Local governments’ websites: www.eesti.ee/eng/contacts
The representative body of a rural municipality and town/city is the Council that is elected in free elections for a term of four years. All permanent residents of a municipality, regardless of their citizenship, may vote in local elections. The law provides for the right of residents of rural municipalities and cities/towns to participate in performing local governance.
Estonia in the European Union
For the purposes of participating in the organization of life in your home town or home rural municipality, it is good to know that foreigners with a long-term residence permit and EU citizens also have the right to run for their local municipality Council. Also, not less than one per cent of the residents with the right to vote have the right to initiate the passage, amendment or repeal of legislation of the rural municipality or city/town council or government concerning local issues; such initiatives are debated not later than within three months.
For information on Estonia in the European Union go to:
Most materials of council sessions are public and everyone has the right to review such materials.
Official EU website ec.europa. eu/estonia Government Office’s website www.riigikantselei.ee/en
Currently, there are 79 local governments in Estonia – 15 cities/towns, and 64 rural municipalities. An administrative reform is planned to render municipalities stronger and more efficient in performing their functions. Estonia as a member state of the European Union Estonia acceded to the European Union on May 1, 2004 as a result of a corresponding referendum. Estonia holds 7 seats in the European Parliament. As of 2019, Estonian representatives in the European Parliament are: Marina Kaljurand – Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D)
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Sven Mikser – Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Andrus Ansip – Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Urmas Paet – Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Yana Toom – Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Riho Terras – Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) (EPP) Jaak Madison – European conservatives and reformists group In shaping and implementing European Union policies, Estonia is guided by the notion that the EU must remain internally strong, open, and capable of development. Issues that Estonia considers important include expeditious functioning of the common market, and more efficient implementation of ICT in the interest of citizens and companies. Estonia uses the single currency euro starting from January 1, 2011, and jointly with other member states in the euro zone is liable for the stability of the euro. European Union policies in Estonia are implemented by the Government of the Republic that consults with the European Union Affairs Committee in all issues of importance. Year by year, the Estonian population has become more supportive of Estonia’s membership in the European Union. A 2018 study indicates the support to be at 74%. Estonian population forms approximately 0.26% of the population of the European Union, and Estonia’s GDP makes up approximately 0.14% of the GDP in the European Union.
1.4. Legal status of new immigrants in Estonia Definitions and legal acts The principal objective of Estonian immigration policy is to ensure arrival in Estonia of foreigners that provide the society as a whole with added value and whose residence in Estonia is in line with public interests, European Union laws and fundamental freedoms, at the same time ensuring safety, public order and national security. Definition of foreigner According to a broader definition, an foreigner is any person that is not a citizen of their country of residence. This includes stateless persons as well as persons with undefined citizenship. Stateless persons are individuals that do not have the citizenship of any country and that are unable to obtain a citizenship should they wish to obtain one. Persons that have undefined citizenship have lost their previous citizenship in relation to cessation of their previous country of citizenship (e.g. citizens of the former Soviet Union), and have chosen not to use the opportunity to gain a citizenship of a successor state. Third-country nationals are foreigners that are citizens of a state other than an EU or EEA member state or the Swiss Confederation. Legislation regulating the stay of foreigners in Estonia The Aliens Act regulates arrival to Estonia of third-country nationals, their temporary stay, residence, and employment in Estonia.
•
Legal bases for temporary stay and residence in Estonia of citizens of a European Union member state, member state of the European Economic Area, and the Swiss Confederation (hereinafter EU citizens) and their family members are provided in the Citizen of the European Union Act.
••
Act on Granting International Protection to Foreigners provides for the basis for granting international protection to an foreigner, the legal status of an foreigner who is applying for international protection and legal status of an foreigner who has been
granted international protection and the legal bases for his or her temporary stay, residence and employment in Estonia. The legal basis for temporary stay, residence and employment in Estonia of employees of foreign diplomatic representations and family members of such employees are provided for by international agreements and other international legislation. The legal bases for arrival, temporary stay, residence and employment in Estonia of foreigners arriving in Estonia within the framework of international military co-operation is provided by the International Military Co-operation Act. Determination of the legal status of a specific individual foreigner is often complex. The Police and Border Guard Board (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet; hereinafter the PPA) is responsible for processing the legal status of foreigners in Estonia. To apply for or commence any proceedings, foreigners must contact the PPA; it is also recommended to contact the PPA for an initial consultation. Applications for a temporary residence permit are to be submitted personally by the corresponding foreigner to an Estonian foreign representation or directly to PPA in Estonia
•••
Detailed advice in Estonian, English and Russian about all immigration formalities is available from the PPA immigration advisory service. Working hours Mo-Fri 09:00-15:00 Tel: +372 612 3500 Email: migrationadvice@politsei.ee
To view the Police and Boarded Guard Board’s (Politsei- ja Piirivalveamet PPA) website go to www.politsei.ee § 3 of the Aliens Act: For the purposes of this Act, an foreigner is a person who is not an Estonian citizen. To review the Aliens Act and other legislation go to www.riigiteataja.ee
•• •
EU citizens and their family members EU citizens and their family members The right of entry is the legal basis for entry to and stay in Estonia of citizens of the European Union and their family members, and the right of residence which may be temporary or permanent is the legal basis for residence in Estonia of citizens of the European Union and their family members. Temporary right of residence of an EU citizen in Estonia
•
••
Citizens of the European Union and their family members may acquire a temporary right of residence in Estonia. To be granted a temporary right of residence, EU citizens must register their 15
Scope of rights EU citizens with right of temporary residence
EU citizens with right of permanent residence Time
Third-country nationals with temporary residence permit
Third-country nationals with long-term residence permit
Variation of rights resulting from foreigners’ legal status in Estonia (Source: Jane Ester. Välismaalaste õigusseisundid Eestis: Denizenshipi väljakutsed riigivõimule (Legal Statuses of Foreigners in Estonia: Challanges Posed to the State by Denizenship). 2009)
residence in the population registry. Citizens of the European Union must register within three months from taking up residence in Estonia. Registration of residence is organized by the local government of an foreigner’s place of residence. To register their place of residence, an EU citizen must submit either a rental agreement or a written approval by the owner of their accommodation or the owner of the accommodation. Alternatively the owner of the place of residence must personally accompany the foreigner to the local municipality’s office. The right of temporary residence is granted for a period of up to five years. The right of temporary residence is automatically extended for another five years if the person’s residence continues to be registered in Estonia. Citizens of the European Union do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work in Estonia. The ID card serves as a document proving the right of temporary residence; and ID card must be personally applied for in a PPA service hall at the latest one months after registration of a place of residence. For children below the age of 15, the application for an ID card is submitted by the child’s legal representative (e.g. parent). Right of temporary residence of a family member of a citizen of the European Union
The ID card (identity card), valid in Estonia, is a compulsory internal identity document of a citizen of the European Union
Family members (who are not EU citizens) of an EU citizen may apply for the right of temporary residence with an EU citizen:
• who is working as an employed or self-employed (FIE) person;
Read more about the ID card and other digital identity documents in section 2.2.
• who has sufficient funds for sub-
sistence of himself/herself and his/ her family members and who has medical insurance (Estonian Health Insurance Fund);
• who studies in Estonia and who has sufficient funds for subsistence of himself/herself and his/her family members and who has medical insurance (Estonian Health Insurance Fund).
A child younger than 1 year of a family member of an EU citizen who resides in Estonia on the basis of the right of temporary residence is also entitled to the right of temporary residence. To file an application, you must personally appear at a foreign rep16
resentation of the Republic of Estonia or a PPA service office. For children below the age of 15, the application is submitted by the child’s legal representative (e.g. parent, guardian). A residence permit card proves the temporary right of residence of a family member of a citizen of the European Union.
Right of permanent residence of an EU citizen in Estonia EU citizens may register their right of permanent residence if they have resided in Estonia permanently for five successive years on the basis of the right of temporary residence. For children below the age of 15, the application is submitted by the child’s legal representative (e.g. parent, guardian, authorized representative of guardianship authority). A child younger than one year of an EU citizen who resides in Estonia on the basis of a right of permanent residence is also entitled to the right of permanent residence. By way of an exception, right of permanent residence may be registered before expiry of the five-year period if the person has permanently lived or permanently lives in Estonia on the basis of a right of permanent residence:
• Exception 1 – for at least three
years and has been working or operating as a self-employed (FIE) person for at least the last 12 months and has reached retirement age;
• Exception 2 - for at least the past
two years and has stopped working or operating as a self-employed (FIE) person as a result of a permanent incapacity for work;
• Exception 3 - has stopped working
as a result of a permanent incapacity for work resulting from a work injury or occupational disease;
• Exception 4 – has worked in Estonia or operated as a self-employed (FIE) person in Estonia for at least three years and has commenced work in another EU member state, yet returns to Estonia at least once a week.
To register the right of permanent residence, the person must personally appear in a service office or post the documents required to register the right of residence (postal application is
not available for children under 1 year of age). The ID card serves as the document proving the right of permanent residence. Registration of place of residence The requirement to register one’s place of residence applies to all residents of Estonia (incl. third-country nationals). Registration of one’s place of residence means that information concerning a person’s actual place of residence1 . All Estonian residents must make sure their residence information in the population register is correct2. A person must submit their details to the population register after moving to a new place of residence, upon discovery of false details in the population register, or if details on residence are lacking. If a person has more than one place of residence, they are to select one of their addresses of residence to be submitted for entry in the population register. Persons living at the same address may submit a single notice of residence, noting details of any minor children. Upon submission of a notice of residence, the relevant persons are registered to the new address; registering out from the old address is automatic and no action has to be taken to that end. It is easy to submit notices of residence through the eesti.ee state portal, using e-services, or to a population register employee at a local government office. Citizens of the European Union (EU) have the right to stay in Estonia based on a valid travel document or identity document for up to three months without registering the right of residence. A family member of an EU citizen has the right to stay in Estonia for
up to three months with the EU citizen, and the family member must have a valid travel document and visa. After expiry of the three month period, to be granted the right of residence, the EU citizen and their family member must register their place of residence in the population register. A person has the right to review their details entered in the population registry. The parents or the guardian have the right to view a child’s details; the guardian has the right to view details of an adult with restricted legal capacity. The easiest way to view above details is to do so via the state portal. Right of permanent residence of a family member of an EU citizen A family member of a European Union (EU) citizen, who has resided in Estonia permanently for five successive years on the basis of the right of temporary residence, has a right to apply for registration of the right of permanent residence. By way of exception, right of permanent residence may be registered before expiry of the five-year period if:
• Exception 1 – the EU citizen was
granted the right of permanent residence by way of exception before expiry of the five-year period;
• Exception 2: the EU citizen dies
having worked or acted as a self-employed person (FIE) and:
• having resided in Estonia based
on the right of residence permanently for at least two years or
All Estonian residents must register their place of residence in the population register How do I file a notice of residence?
• the death was caused by an accident at work or an occupational disease.
A minor child younger than 1 year, of a family member of an EU citizen who resides in Estonia on the basis of the right of permanent residence, is
1 The population register is a single database, managed and developed by the Ministry of the Interior, of principal personal data of Estonian citizens, and foreigners who are residing in Estonia based on a residence permit or right of residence. Information in the population register is constantly updated upon registration of events involving registered individuals or upon issue of documents to such persons by a state authority or local government. 2
A residence card is an obligatory identity document, valid in Estonia and not valid as a travel document, granted to an foreigner staying/ residing in Estonia based on a valid residence permit or right of residence. Applying for a residence card, the applicant must give fingerprints (starting from 6 years of age) which are recorded on the residence card.
•
•
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also entitled to the right of permanent residence.
RESIDENCE PERMIT
To register the right of permanent residence, you must personally appear at PPA service office. For children below the age of 15, the application is submitted by the child’s legal representative (e.g. parent, guardian).
Temporary up to 5 yrs.
residing with close relative study work business settling permanently in Estonia participating in criminal proceedings.
Long term
Residence permits
If less than two years have expired from the previous occasion when an identity document, residence permit or the right of residence was applied for and fingerprints were captured, you can also apply for registration of the right of permanent residence by post (it is not possible to apply by post or email on behalf of a child younger than one year). The residence permit card serves as the document proving the right of permanent residence of a family member of an EU citizen. Rights of EU citizens upon stay in Estonia Proceeding from the Treaty on European Union, EU citizens enjoy in Estonia the right and freedom of movement (travel), residence, work, and studies. EU citizens have equal rights with Estonian citizens in the labor market with a few restricted domains as exceptions (police, armed forces, civil service etc.). EU citizens may engage in independent business in Estonia. In addition to economic and social rights, EU citizens have clearly defined political rights. EU citizens with the right of residence have the right to vote and be a candidate in at European Parliament elections and local elections. At the same time, such citizens cannot participate in Estonian Parliament elections. EU citizens that have been granted the right of permanent residence have more rights than EU citizens with a temporary residence permit. For example, an EU citizen residing permanently in Estonia may work as a security guard, and may apply for a study loan. There is no significant difference between the legal status of EU citizens with the right of temporary residence and those with the right of permanent residence.3
Family members of an EU citizen who are not themselves EU citizens fall in an intermediate category as subject to a number of rights of EU citizens regardless of being a third-country national. Citizens of non-EU countries A temporary residence permit with a term of validity of up to five years can be granted to third-country nationals for the following reasons:
• residing with a spouse or close relative
• • • • •
study work business settling permanently in Estonia participating in criminal proceedings.4
Staying in Estonia after the expiry of your residence permit As of 01.01.2016, you are allowed to legally stay in Estonia after the expiry of your residence permit. The length of time you are allowed to stay depends on the type of residence permit:
• If you hold a residence permit for
study or scientific work, you are allowed to stay in Estonia for 183 days after the expiry of your residence permit
• If you hold a residence permit for
any other grounds, you are allowed to stay in Estonia for 90 days after the expiry of your residence permit
This additional period of stay is intended to give you additional time to look for a job or find other new grounds to extend or apply for a new residence permit. This additional time is only given to you in case your current residence permit expires (i.e. you will not be able to use this additional period in case your residence permit is cancelled by the authorities.) The right of stay extends only to the territory of the Republic of Estonia! Foreigners are to submit their application for a temporary residence permit in person to an Estonian foreign representation or directly to PPA, by com-
3 One reason why an EU citizen should apply for the right of permanent residence is the intent to apply for Estonian citizenship. 4 In order to apply for this temporary residence permit, a person needs to have lived in Estonia permanently for 3 years within a 5-year period and be well adapted. Exceptions may apply to those who have acquired higher education in Estonia and in some cased for those who have been given residence permits to reside with a spouse or close relatives.
18
ing to a PPA service centre in Estonia. The PPA applies extensive discretion as pertaining to whether or not to allow an foreigner into the country, thereat considering the foreigner’s motives and various other circumstances. The PPA also applies its discretion upon renewal of residence permits. Consequently, the fact that a residence permit has been previously issued to a person or that a permit has been renewed before does not guarantee repeated renewal. The residence permit card serves as the document proving the right of temporary residence of an foreigner. Long-term residence permit of third-country nationals A long-term residence permit for a third-country national can be applied for if the foreigner:
• has resided permanently in Estonia for at least 5 years
• “permanently” means that dur-
ing the 5 years unti lthe day the application has been submitted, the foreigner has not been away from Estonia for more than 10 months in total AND no single absence has been longer than 6 months
• holds a valid temporary residence permit;
• has residence details that have
been entered in the Estonian population register;
• has stable legal income sufficient to cope in Estonia;
The residence permit card serves as the document proving the long-term residence permit of an foreigner.
Rights of third-country nationals Rights of third-country nationals temporarily staying in Estonia The law provides all foreigners, whether EU citizens or third-country nationals, regardless of whether they are staying in Estonia temporarily or permanently, with equal rights to labor market services, social assistance, and other support. Differences mostly concern political rights. Consequently, third-country nationals staying in Estonia based on a temporary residence permit do not have the right to vote or be a candidate in at local elections. Rights of third-country nationals permanently staying in Estonia Permanent residents are ensured somewhat greater benefits and rights generally because such persons have proved over a longer period of time their loyalty to the state; they have paid taxes to the state etc.
Why are permanent residents guaranteed more extensive rights than foreigners temporarily staying in the country?
In which domains are thirdcountry nationals that are long-term residents treated equally with the country’s own citizens?
• access
to employment and self-employed activity, and service and working conditions;
• has performed the requirement
• education and vocational training
• possesses
B1 proficiency level in Estonian as provided in the Language Act or equivalent level.
• recognition of professional diplo-
The application for a long-term residence permit is to be submitted at a PPA service office at least two months prior to expiry of the term of validity of the relevant temporary residence permit. If less than two years have expired from the previous occasion when a document or residence permit was applied for and fingerprints were captured, you can also apply for a residence permit by post or email. For children below the age of 15 or for persons under guardianship, the application is submitted by the child’s or the person’s legal representative (e.g. parent, guardian, authorized representative of guardianship authority).
• social security, social assistance
integration;
To submit applications at an Estonian representation abroad, you also need to make an appointment through the website of the embassy.
In many domains, European Union legislation guarantees to third-country nationals equal treatment with nationals. This includes for example equal treatment with nationals include for example:
• holds health insurance (Estonian Health Insurance Fund);
NB! To submit residence permit applications at the PPA service centre in Estonia, you need to make an appointment through the PPA website
(incl. study grants);
mas, certificates and other qualifications, in accordance with the relevant national procedures; and social protection;
• tax benefits; • access to goods and services made available to the public;
• freedom of association and affil-
iation and membership of an organization representing workers or employers or of any organization whose members are engaged in a specific occupation, including the benefits conferred by such organizations, without prejudice to the national provisions on public policy and public security;
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• free access to the entire territory of the Member State concerned, within the limits provided for by the national legislation for reasons of security.
The Local Government Council Election Act provides third-country nationals residing in Estonia on the basis of a long-term residence permit with the right to vote at local government council elections. The Act does not provide third-country nationals with the right to be a candidate in council elections. Foreigners with a long-term resident status have the right to work freely within the territory of the country.
• they hold a residence permit of a long-term resident or the right of permanent residence or permanent residence permit (if they resided in Estonia before July 1, 1990);
• prior to submitting the application,
they have resided in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit or the right of residence for at least eight years, the last five years of which have qualified as permanent residence;
• they passed an Estonian proficien-
cy exam (there is no need to take an Estonian proficiency exam if the person has acquired basic education, secondary education, or higher education in Estonian);
• they passed an exam on the
Ways to qualify for citizenship: An foreigner can apply for Estonian citizenship if:
For detailed instructions on choosing a suitable format for your association and on implementing it, go to the website Good Citizen (Hea kodanik) of non-governmental associations’ umbrella organization EMSL (Eesti Mittetulundusühenduste ja Sihtasutuste Liit - Union of Estonian Non-Profit Associations and Foundations) at www.ngo.ee
Citizenship Day Decoration 20
• they have permanent legal income; • their place of residence is regis-
tered in the Estonian population register;
• they are loyal to the Estonian state.
estonica.org
Upon establishment of the Estonian state in 1918, and restoration of independence in 1991, civic initiative and the people’s ability to act as a unified body were of pivotal importance. Peaceful demonstrations in 1988 -1991 remembered as the “Singing Revolution” showcased to the whole world what people that hold freedom in high esteem can do.
Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and on the Citizenship Act;
1.5. Civil society in Estonia In Estonia, civil society is defined as a society inclusive of all of the people in pursuance of their interests and abilities that comprises the people’s collaborative initiative to adhere to their own interests and to participate in a discussion of and decision over public issues as well as in associations, networks, and institutions enabling such collaboration.
Advancement of civil society An active civil society has always played an important role in shaping life in Estonia. From the Singing Revolution and similar events to this present day where the civil society’s initiatives vary from organization of opinion festivals in support of a public debate to introduction of global “Let’s Do It!” initiatives. The civil society has become a valuable partner to the state in addition to standing on its own merits in policy formulation and implementation. Starting from mid-2015 the state offers civil society organisations free consulting services. These services are offered by NGO consultants of the regional development centres (Maakondlikud arenduskesused). This process is coordinated by the
National Foundation of Civil Society (www.kysk.ee). The non-profit sector advisers provide civil society organizations and initiatives support in all domains related to the Society’s activity. The development centers’ portal MAKIS (www.mty.arenduskeskused.ee) provides information on county based civil society organizations. The broader goal of the National Foundation of Civil Society is to contribute to the capacity of Estonian NGO-s and Foundations, acting for public benefit and developing civil society. Application rounds for various grants are regularly organized and activities are financed, which contribute to innovative solutions and the development of civil society and not-forprofit sector.
Non-governmental organizations as partners to public authority The legal formats of organizations operating in the third sector are non-profit association (mittetulundusühing (MTÜ)), foundation (sihtasutus (SA)), and civil law partnership (seltsing). To establish a non-profit association, you’ll need two members that would adopt the association’s Articles of Association and register the latter
adhering to the procedure prescribed by law. A foundation does not have members; the founders must agree on the goals of the foundation, prepare the Articles of Association and register it. A civil law partnership is a non-formal association that operates based on an agreement concluded between the founders; a civil law partnership does not have to be registered. The Union of Estonian Non-Profit Associations (Vabaühenduste liit, EMSL (www.ngo.ee)) plays an important role in advancing an environment that provides legal support to the operation of non-profit associations with the Union’s principal goals set as development of joint activities of Estonia-based non-profit associations, advocacy of members’ common interests, introduction and implementation of good practices of joint activity, and involvement of the public and its members in advancing Estonian civil society. The Union oversees more than 100 member associations and acts as a substantive partner to the Government of the Republic in civil society related issues. Below are a few examples of active civil society organizations
• Kodukant
(Homestead), the Estonian Village Movement (Eestimaa Külaliikumine Kodukant (www.kodukant.ee)) helps to retain a rich and sustainable rural life, benefitting from an extensive nation-wide network. The objective of Kodukant’s efforts is economically and socially strong village communities. To achieve common goals, Kodukant works in close cooperation with the Ministry of Rural Affairs. This organization is also an important partmer in the field of internal security and civil society.
• The
Estonian Council of Environmental NGOs (Keskkonnaühenduste Koda (www.eko.org. ee)) sees to the conservation of Estonian natural environment, assembling individuals and associations that prescribe to a green way of thought. The Council is an efficient partner to the Ministry of the Environment in shaping nature conservation measures and environmental policy.
Volunteer initiatives Estonian civil society has a dynamic nature, assuming an ever bigger role in realizing initiatives both independently and in a partnership with the state. A study on participation in voluntarism indicates that nearly one third of Estonian residents engage in volunteer work without expecting any pay. This percentage may actually be even higher as oftentimes people are unaware of the fact that their social activities are classified as volunteer work.5 During recent years, volunteer activates have been viewed as meaningful and support of such activities has been on the rise. The online environment Volunteer Gate (Vabatahtlike Värav (www.vabatahtlikud.ee – in Estonian only) provides information on volunteer work and advertises opportunities to volunteer in ongoing endeavors. Below are a few examples of well recognized initiatives that are here to stay:
• The “Let’s Do It!”campaign has been
organizing volunteer cleanup events in Estonian nature starting from 2008. Over the years, the movement has expanded into a global “Let’s do it world” endeavor connecting as many as 13 million people in a total of 112 countries. Read more at www.letsdoitworld.org
• The Opinion Festival is a meeting
place for all layers of society, giving a platform for different worldviews. Its mission is to improve debate culture and civic education. The Festival is free of charge and open to everyone in Estonia and beyond who would like to discuss and tackle issues that matter for all of us
• “Hooandja” (The Impeller; www.
hooandja.ee) online platform enables fundraising for the purpose of implementing a variety of ideas. During the past two and a half years, Hooandja has mediated nearly 720,000 euros to more than 250 projects.
Non-governmental associations do not shy away from serious challenges the society faces. Below are a few examples of endeavors related to significant social issues:
• A good example in employing the blind is set by non-profit associa-
5
The authority of the state values and recognizes civil society based activities. In Estonia, November 26 is celebrated as Citizenship Day, instituted to highlight the importance of active citizenship, acknowledge the status of the citizen and raise citizen pride. Citizenship Day celebrates each and every Estonian citizen and those wishing to become a citizen, regardless of their ethnic nationality.
How could you become an active participant in Estonian civil society’s undertakings?
•
• 21
tion MTÜ Eesti Pimemassööride Ühing (ASBL Estonian Association of Blind Masseuses) that trains masseuses and helps them find jobs.
• During the “For Ukraine!” campaign, money was raised to help people that suffered as a result of the Ukrainian conflict. See www.ukrainaheaks.ee/en
There is a place in Estonian civil society for each and every active person that respects Estonian constitutional public order and community life organization. You are also welcome to show your own initiative, and, if required, establish new movements advancing issues of importance to you. Voluntarism offers positive emotions, change from the daily routine, an opportunity for self-development as well as a broadened view of the world.
1.6. Law and order and law enforcement
•
In Estonia, the general principles, basics, and organization of law and order are provided by the Law Enforcement Act. To review the Law Enforcement Act go to
•
Law and order entails interpersonal relations in a society, supported by customs, good morals, norms, or rules. Every individual legally residing in Estonia is free to realize their rights in a manner best suited to them, restricted only where such realization of rights hinders another individual from performing their own rights. Individuals are equal before the law and, consequently, the principal criterion for behavior in a public place is as follows – do not disturb others. Crime victims can get help from the police and a doctor Doctors in Estonia study many years to acquire their profession and you can always turn to them for professional help. Everyone has the right to turn to a doctor. The police ensure the safety of all – both of men and women, both the elderly and the young. The police are helpful and trustworthy. You can always use an interpreter to turn to any official. Below are a few restrictions useful to know In a public place it is prohibited to behave in a manner which disturbs or endangers another person, above all to:
• hit or shove another person; • fight, throw things at another per-
son or an animal or item by endangering them, or behave violently in another manner;
22
• insult, intimidate or threaten another person by words, gestures or otherwise;
• be nude if it interferes to a signifi-
cant extent with the purposeful use of the place by another person. A local government has the right to determine on its territory places where being nude is not considered as disturbing other persons irrespective of circumstances;
• offer to a person goods or servic-
es in a manner which disturbs him or her, or to beg in a disturbing manner;
• sleep or camp in a manner which interferes to a significant extent with the purposeful use of the place by another person;
• dirty, break, destroy or relocate an
item in public use or use it in a manner other than for the prescribed purpose, including put waste in a place other than prescribed therefor, contaminate a body of water or a fountain;
• You must obtain a required permit to own firearms (please note: there are very few firearms in private ownership in Estonia).
• It is prohibited to grope, stalk, hit
or humiliate another person in any other way. It is prohibited to act violently towards your parents, children, spouse and also towards animals.
• It is prohibited to humiliate or insult
other people with your words or actions. Harassment is prohibited anywhere including on a bus, at work, in the street, at a party or any other place. It is also prohibited to humiliate people because of their clothing, age or gender.
• Rape is a very serious crime and carries a prison sentence. Immigrants committing such acts will be expelled from Estonia.
Prohibition on causing excessive noise and light effects and on pollution In a place other than a public place it is prohibited to continually or repeatedly cause noise or light effects which disturb another person to a significant extent during the period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on a night preceding a day off from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. Greater noise and use of light effects is permitted by law:
• in the course of rescue operations or by an emergency vehicle;
• under an authorization of the local government;
• on the night preceding January 1,
on the night preceding February 25 or June 24.
Alcohol consumption
• Consumption of alcoholic bever-
ages in a public place is prohibited, incl. in a public transport vehicle stop, in a public transport vehicle, in a building or on the territory of a pre-school child care institution, nursery-primary school, basic school, secondary school, vocational educational institution, hobby school, youth camp, health care provider or social welfare institution or in a part thereof during the provision of education or health care services, and also at a public gathering aimed at children.
• Alcohol may be consumed at pub-
lic events where alcohol is sold for on-site consumption, given that the drink has been purchased on site, and in a public place determined by the local government.
• Alcoholic beverages may be sold
from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Said restriction applies to stores and does not apply to bars and restaurants.
Prohibitions and restrictions on consumption of tobacco products
• Smoking is prohibited or significantly restricted in most public establishments and public places.
• In catering and recreational estab-
lishments (cafes, restaurants, bars), cultural establishments, on passenger trains, in leisure centers, office facilities, and many other establishments smoking is permitted only in designated smoking rooms or in areas accordingly marked.
• Handling and sales of tobacco
products is also subject to certain restrictions and requirements. To learn more about restrictions and prohibitions related to consumption of tobacco products, review the Tobacco Act at
•
• A person of less than 18 years of age,
•
i.e. a minor, is prohibited from smoking, consuming smokeless tobacco products and products used similarly to tobacco products. Vendors of tobacco products have the right to demand that a buyer produce a document proving their age, and to refuse to sell tobacco products if the buyer fails to produce said document. Also, minors are prohibited from acquiring and owning tobacco products.
• Adults are prohibited from buying, offering, or handing to a minor tobacco products.
• Handling and consumption of nar-
cotic substances and other psychotropic substances is severely punishable!
Corruption
• In Estonia, it is not customary to
give gifts to officials – this might be deemed to be bribery which is prohibited.
• A person of less than 18 years of
age, i.e. a minor, is prohibited from consuming or owning alcohol; likewise, others are prohibited from giving, selling, or offering such a person alcohol.
• Driving a motor vehicle in a state of alcohol intoxication is prohibited. Likewise, one should not allow a drunken person to drive a motor vehicle. Estonia applies zero tolerance and drunk driving is severely punished.
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Part II Living conditions in Estonia This part provides an overview of more important issues of daily life that a new settler in Estonia would encounter – how to act in an emergency, the healthcare system, transport, services provided to new immigrants. Below, you’ll find instructions and handy tips on renting and using your
accommodation. The section describes Estonian media, cuisine, and climate. Read about rules and principles related to staying in Estonia, and get an overview of identity documents used. Receive instructions on using the opportunities of the e-state.
2.1. Emergency telephone number 112 and code of conduct in emergency A single 24/7 emergency telephone number throughout Estonia is 112.
For more information on the emergency number 112 go to the Emergency Response Center’s website at www.112.ee The website as well contains information relevant to everyone.
112 is the European emergency telephone number, available everywhere in the EU, free of charge. You can call 112 using a landline or a mobile phone to contact any emergency service: the ambulance, the fire department or the police. Dialing 112, a specially trained operator answers the call. Only call the emergency telephone number 112 if you need help QUICKLY because someone’s life, health, property, or the environment is in danger. Calling the emergency telephone number:
• as quickly and clearly as possible
recite what happened, where it happened, and who is calling;
• memorize and recite to the oper-
ator as accurate a description as possible of the individuals (man/ woman, presumed age, height, clothing description), vehicles (license plate, make, color), and other circumstances related to the event;
• do not end the call before the op-
erator has given you permission to do so.
Explain to you children when and how to call the emergency telephone number 112! You can dial 112 both on a landline and a cell phone free of charge. You can also call 112 is there is no reception. If your mobile connection network is busy, remove the SIM card from your phone and then dial 112!
• remain calm and answer any additional questions asked;
2.2. Digital identity cards Estonian identity documents issued to foreigners enable one to consume the bulk of the e-services provided by both the state and the private sector. These documents entail the holder’s digital identity, enable digital identification and digital signature. If a public service by its nature cannot be made digital (i.e. physical presence is required for fingerprints etc.), inforDigital identity card 24
mation related to such services is still available online. In the Republic of Estonia, identity documents that contain digital identity i.e. digital documents are:
• identity card (ID card) • digital identity card • residence permit card
• e-Resident smart identity card6 • Mobile ID.
• Online voting has been available in
Estonian residents are active ID card and Mobile ID users
Personal identification code
For electronic identification and digital signature related statistics go to www. id.ee. As of July 27 2019, there are 1.3 million active ID cards (the population in Estonia is approx. 1.3 million). A person has been electronically identified on a total of 863,9 million occasions, and nearly 742,8 million digital signatures have been given. There are 200,000 active mobile ID users. Below are a few examples:
• 99% of bank transfers are made digitally;
• 98% of medications are prescribed using a digital prescription;
• 95% of individual income tax returns are filed digitally;
• 85% of students, teachers, and parents communicate using eSchool (eKool);
all elections as from 2005.
All identity documents contain a personal identification code issued by the Estonian population register. The 11-digit identification code is a unique identifier of the individual valid during the lifetime of the person. Using your identity card Identity cards of the Republic of Estonia can be used for visual identification (at a bank, at a doctor’s office, at a store etc.) and digital identification (logging in online etc.) of a person, as a travel document within the European Union, and for digital signature and encryption and decryption of files. Residence permit cards can be used similarly to identity cards, except for traveling purposes. Consequently, a residence permit card cannot be used as a travel document.
Areas of use of residence permit cards
Areas of use of identity cards
6
e-Resident smart identity card is meant for non-residents; go to www.e-resident.gov.ee/
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Areas of use of residence permit cards Digital identity cards and Mobile ID can only be used for digital operations, i.e. they cannot be used for physical identification or as a travel document.
Areas of use of residence permit cards Where can I apply for an identity card, digital identity card, or a residence permit card in Estonia?
•
If the digital document is held by a chip contained in a plastic card, in addition to obtaining an ID card reader, you need to download special ID software into your computer. Mobile-ID may be held by any phone (not only smartphone) that contains a special SIM card. For more information on Mobile-ID go to
•
Mobile-ID allows for identification and signature using a computer, a smartphone, or a tablet because you do not need a chip card reader or any special software. The technical solution that allows for a smartphone and tablet based identification and signature using a digital identity card with a contact free chip is fully developed and has been successfully tested. Applying for documents
••
To apply for an identity card, digital identity card, and a residence permit card in Estonia, you must appear at a Police and Border Guard Board’s (Politsei- ja Piirivalveameti (PPA)) service office; for opening times and to .7 Serbook an appointment go to vice offices are located in all counties.
••
To apply for Mobile-ID first contact a mobile connection provider such as EMT, Elisa, or Tele2 that will provide you with a required new SIM card. Next, go to the Police and Border Guard’s website to apply for your certificates. For instructions on how to apply for documents, go to home pages of mobile connection providers.8
SAMPLE: PIN and PUK codes issued in a PIN envelope
For example, to apply for an identity card, you will have to submit an ap-
plication form, an identity document (documents proving your citizenship), and one 40x50 mm color photograph, and pay the state fee. Authorization codes With your digital document, you will receive a PIN envelope containing your PIN1, PIN2, and PUK code which you will need in using your document electronically. PIN1 is used for identification and you will have to enter this PIN for instance when logging on to websites. PIN2 is required for digital signature. If you enter your PIN1 or PIN2 wrongly three consecutive times, your PIN will be locked. The PUK code unlocks locked PIN codes.
• You can change your PIN codes
using the ID software management tool.
• PIN codes do not expire; yet may be changed as often as you’d like.
• Do not change the codes into two identical codes so as to better remember them!
• Keep your PIN codes secret from others.
• Never keep your PIN codes with your chip card or mobile phone.
• If a malicious person gets hold of
your PIN codes and your chip card or mobile phone, they can impersonate you online and provide legally binding digital signatures on your behalf!
• If you lose or forget your PIN codes,
you will be issued a new PIN envelope at either a Police and Border Guard service point or at a bank office.
E-mail address @eesti.ee Each holder of a digital identity has their own personal e-mail address @eesti. ee, provided by the Republic of Estonia, which serves as a means of official communication between the state and the citizen where the state may send official notices and personal information concerning the individual. The above address also functions in the following format: personal identification code@eesti.ee, e.g. 47302200234@ eesti.ee.
7 Booking an appointment online, you’ll receives a booking notice that may be downloaded to your computer, printed, or if required sent to your e-mail address. Bring the notice with you to the service office or memorize the number code on it. Select “Booked appointment” from the queue management terminal’s menu and enter the number code or scan the QR code in the right hand corner of the notice. 8 Telia: www.telekom.ee/era/muud-teenused/mobiil-id (EST) Tele2: www.tele2.ee/teenused/mugavusteenused/mobiil-id (EST) Elisa: www.elisa.ee/et/eraklient/Tugiinfo/artikkel/Lisateenused/Mobiil-ID/160 (EST)
26
@eesti.ee addresses are connected to a redirectable mail server. So as to receive messages delivered to your @eesti.ee address, when redirecting your mail, note your actual e-mail addresses where you normally receive your e-mails. To configure your @ eesti.ee address, go to the state portal at www.eesti.ee.
To use Mobile-ID, the regular mobile phone SIM card must be replaced by a SIM card that supports digital identification and digital signature. As such, the telephone replaces a chip card and chip card reader. Mobile-ID can be used with both a regular mobile phone and smartphone. Using Mobile-ID you do not need to install any additional software on your computer.
What do I need to use a digital document?
If a computer does not provide for ID software installation, use the DigiDoc portal’s service for digital signature and storage of digitally signed documents at digidoc.sk.ee/.
If the digital documents is held by a chip contained in a plastic card, in addition to obtaining an ID card reader, you need to download special ID software into your computer which is available free of charge at installer. id.ee
Desktops and most laptops sold in Estonia are equipped with an integrated chip card reader. Otherwise, use an external USB chip card reader.
ID software consists of three components: ID card management tool, DigiDoc, Krüpto.
Using digital documents
The ID card management tool manages personal details and other data related to digital identity. This is the easiest way to verify that your certificates are valid, change your PIN codes if required, redirect your @eesti.ee address, and perform a number of other operations.
Digital signature enables you to perform operations electronically and paper free which before required you to provide a handwritten signature on a hard copy.
To use the ID card management tool, attach a chip card reader to a computer equipped with ID software, insert a chip card into the reader, and open the management tool – then proceed as directed by the software. DigiDoc is meant for digital signature. Using Microsoft Windows Explorer software, right click a file name – an Estonian command “allkirjasta document” (sign document) appears - then proceed as directed by the software. Krüpto aka the encryption/decryption tool ensures secure file transport, and is not meant for long-term storage of files. Encrypting a file, it is determined which secret key corresponding to a digital document authentication certificate can be used for decryption. If the determined digital document is lost or expires, the encrypted document can no longer be decrypted because upon issue of a new digital document a new secret and public key is generated along with a new authentication certificate. In encrypting files, keep in mind that only the user of certificates included as addressees can decrypt the files.
DigiDoc
Digital signature
• Of digitally signed documents an unlimited number of copies of equal legal force can be made. You do not have to worry about safe storage of the only copy.
• Digital documents do not take up space.
• Digital documents do not require paper, a printer, or other redundant resources.
• You do not need to deliver the doc-
ument anywhere in person. They go where they need to go all on their own – by e-mail.
• In addition, the document man-
How do I access e-services?
agement software enables you to find digital documents quicker and store such documents based on a wide variety of criteria.
Generally, to consume e-services your person needs to be identified, using digital identification documents: identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card, or Mobile-ID. Mostly, you can also enter an e-service environment using your online banking system; however, the e-health portal, for example, does not provide for such access. Services containing a lower risk level are also accessible using user ID and password. The easiest way to locate a required e-service is to use the state portal www.eesti.ee. You do not need to 27
Which digital services i.e. e-services are widely used in Estonia?
For the Tax and Customs Board website go to www.emta.ee
log in to view information of general nature.
taxes etc., your person needs to be identified i.e. you need to log in.
E-services
To use the Tax and Customs Board’s online environment, you need to conclude a relevant agreement. Private clients can conclude the agreement online. With corporate clients, a legal representative must authorize natural persons to represent the company – authorized representatives log in as natural persons.
E-services are divided into three groups: services for citizens, services for entrepreneurs, and services for officials. To view your own personal details (or personal details of other persons pertaining to whom you have the required authorization as, for example, a parent or employer) or consume services, your person must be identified. You can log in to the eesti.ee environment using any of the digital identity documents (identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card, e-Resident smart identity card, Mobile-ID) or a bank link.
You can use any digital identity document (identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card, e-Resident smart identity card, Mobile-ID) or a bank link to log in to EMTA online. You may also conclude an authentication agreement at an EMTA office, enabling you to log in using a user ID.
How do I log in to the Tax and Customs Board’s online environment?
The state and the private sector provide thousands of e-services. Extensively widely used services include registration of place of residence, e-Tax Board, digital prescription, e-police, online banking, and services in many other domains. eSchool (EKool) has become an integral part of Estonian schools. E-Tax Board To log in to the eSchool environment, go to www.ekool.eu
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (Eesti Maksu- ja Tolliamet (EMTA)) has been providing e-services starting from 2000. Currently, 95% of private individuals declare their income digitally. In fact, most communication with EMTA by both private and corporate clients as well as employers is undertaken digitally. You do not need to log in to review general information. Wanting to view details on behalf of yourself or other people/companies (with regards to whom you have authorization), make inquiries, declare
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eSchool eSchool (eKool) is a communication environment enabling communication between children, parents, teachers, heads of school, and local governments. eSchool is used by 85% of general education schools educating 95% of all students. eSchool has been developed and advanced since 2002. eSchool substitutes for a student’s study journal and provides for a number of new innovative approaches. The eSchool environment enables the school and the parents to exchange information as pertaining, for example, to a child being absent from school, grades received and progress made, school events etc. Homework is also posted in the eSchool environment for students (and parents if they so wish) to review. The eSchool environment guarantees privacy. A student only sees their own details, parents only have access to
their child’s information, and teachers can only view information related to the subject they teach. To use the eSchool environment, you must log in using any digital identity document (identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card, e-Resident smart identity card, Mobile-ID), a bank link, or user ID/password. Starting from 2011, new fee charging additional services for parents have been developed such as Hooky Patrol (Popipatrull), Weekly Report (Nädalaraport), and the mSchool (mKool) app. As from 2012, universities can use the eSchool notification system to inform high school seniors of further study opportunities they provide, and parents may use eSchool to find activities for their kids during school breaks and learn about different activity classes available. Police and Border Guard Board’s e-services Documents you may file digitally with the Police and Border Guard Board include, for example, statements notifying of an offence, notices of offences against property, notices of offences against the person, notices of offences against public order etc. NB! Statements pertaining to serious crimes cannot be filed by e-mail. In the case of a serious crime, immediately call the emergency telephone number 112. When Estonians say “e-police”, what they usually means is a set of innovative solutions used by the police to render faster and more efficient police services. For example, a police officer has all the tools he may need to conduct an entire procedure in a police car. E-elections The e-election service provided by the state is a unique online service. In e-elections remote voting takes place online; thus far, Estonia is the only country in the world to use e-elections and online elections have been employed starting from 2005. In the last Parliament election in the Republic of Estonia in 2019, 44% of voters opted for online voting. E-voting is similar to regular voting, adhering to election acts and election practices. Voting is uniform and em-
9
ploys secret ballot, all persons with the right to vote can vote at elections, each person only has one vote, voters do not have the opportunity to prove who they voted for etc. E-voting is at least as reliable and secure as regular voting. The collection of votes is auditable. In e-elections, voters must have their person identified and they must provide a digital signature. Consequently, voters must possess a digital identity and a carrier of such identity enabling said identification - identity card, digital identity card, residence permit card, or Mobile-ID. You can e-vote using either a desktop or a laptop computer. So as to make sure everything goes smoothly during actual voting, go to www.valimised.ee to test-vote online. Test-voting enables to check whether your computer has the required settings, whether the ID card (or MobileID SIM card) certificates are valid, and whether you still have your PIN codes.
For the Police and Border Guard Board’s website go to www.politsei.ee
E-healthcare E-healthcare starts with the “My e-health” (Minu e-tervis) portal. The portal uses information from the health information system and such information is only available through the portal to the relevant person themselves and doctors authorized by the person. Authenticating your person using e-ID or Mobile-ID, the patient portal provides for the following:
www.digilugu.ee
• View your health details i.e. medi-
cal documents prepared and sent to the health information system by doctors;
• Appoint representatives to perform
different acts (buying prescribed medications), file declarations of intent;
www.tehik.ee
• Check by name who and when has viewed your health information;
• View details stored in the prescription center.
To book a doctor’s appointment, contact the relevant health service provider. The portal in Estonian9 contains links to important helplines or sensitive health information. The portal provides a link for locating a suitable pharmacy
•
• 29
at www.raviminfo.ee, and contains vaccination related information.
24/7 Medical Counselling Advice Line
The Medical Counselling Advice Line 1220 provides 24/7 medical advice (calling from abroad, dial +372 630 4107; e-mail noustamine@1220.ee). Services are provided in Estonian and Russian. The caller’s person is not identified, and individuals without sickness insurance may also call for advice. Digital prescription The digital prescription is an electronic prescription for medication or medical equipment prescribed online by a doctor for a patient.
How does the digital prescription system work?
Digital prescriptions are not printed as hard copies, and are sent by the doctor online directly to the prescription center. Prescriptions are then accessible to pharmacists.
Picking up a prescription, bring an identity document containing a picture and personal identity code such as, for example, an ID card, a driver’s license, or passport. If you are buying medications for someone else, make sure you know their personal identification number. The pharmacist will quickly find any relevant information using the patient’s personal ID code. You can purchase your digitally prescribed medications at any pharmacy in Estonia. To view all of your digital prescriptions go to www.eesti.ee. To view your child’s digital prescriptions, log in using the child’s ID card. Doctors may also prescribe a hard copy prescription.
2.3. Banking services
How do I open an Estonian bank account? The biggest commercial banks involved in everyday banking are: Swedbank www.swedbank.ee SEB - www.seb.ee Nordea - www.nordea.ee LHV - www.lhv.ee
NB! Never keep the PIN codes of your bank card written down in the same place as your card or written on the bank card!!!
In Estonia, the majority of money transactions take place through bank transfers (incl. salary payments and payments of state fees). Therefore, it is all but crucial for every resident to open a bank account. You can open a bank account in most commercial banks and the terms and conditions applied to current accounts are relatively similar in all of them. Residents as well as non-residents of Estonia may open an Estonian bank account. Restrictions apply to non-residents when opening bank accounts – opening an account may take up to a week and the daily transfer limits are low (up to € 200 per day as a rule). What do you need to open an account? To open a bank account, you need to appear at a bank in person, bringing your ID document issued in Estonia. All bank offices open bank accounts – you do not need to go to the main office. If you work in Estonia, it is recommended to also bring your employment contract – the bank may ask you for the contract in some cases. Opening and having a bank account is free of charge in most banks. What is the account number like? Estonia uses the standard international bank account number (IBAN). All bank account numbers contain 20 digits in a uniform format. Bank
30
account numbers issued by Estonian commercial banks start with the letter combination EE. EXAMPLE of a bank account number used in Estonia: EE01 2345 6789 0123 4567 Bank cards You can pay by card practically everywhere in Estonia. No service fees are added when you pay by card. The advantage of paying by card is not having to carry cash and strangers cannot access your money if the card is lost or stolen. If you order a bank card from a bank, it pays to specify the following:
• Will you have to pick the card up
from the office yourself or will it be mailed to you (as a rule, you can choose between those two options)?
• What is the monthly fee for the bank card?
• What is the fee for withdrawing
money from an ATM of the same bank and from an ATM of another bank? As a rule, withdrawing money from an ATM of the same bank is free of charge (up to € 1,000 at a time).
• Will the bank card also allow you to make online payments?
Online banking You can conclude nearly all bank transactions via online banking. Bank transactions concluded via online
banking are significantly cheaper than transactions concluded in bank offices and through ATMs. Nearly all banks operating in Estonia have online bank environments with a wide selection of opportunities. You can log in to an online bank using your ID card or PIN calculator. Bank transfers In 2019 immediate bank transfers (välkmaksed) are available between Swedbank, SEB and LHV banks. Money transfers from one Estonian bank to another proceed fast. On business days, transactions concluded before 4:30 p.m. go through the same day. If you transfer money from one account to another within the same bank, the transfer is instantaneous. Fees applied to transfers within Estonia generally remain below € 0.40. Transfers to other countries in the Euro zone (SEPA payments) also go thorough quickly (with 1-2 business days as a rule, depending on whether the payment was made before or after 1:00 p.m.). Here, transfer fees also remain below €1. Transfers outside of the Euro zone and EU member states may take longer. Service fees are higher for such trans-
fers. All transfers can be concluded online. Other ways of sending money Western Union transfer services can also be used in Estonia. The service is mediated by Eesti Post (Omniva) and you need to go to a post office to transfer or receive money. TransferWise is also a possible alternative. Cost of living Living in Estonia is not expensive compared to Western Europe. Prices for services (incl. rent) are lower in Estonia, whereas clothing and sometimes also food products may be in the same price range or even more expensive. The average salary in Estonia is approx. 50% lower compared to Western European countries. Tallinn definitely stands separate from other regions in the Estonian context – salaries as well as prices are higher in the capital. For examples of the cost of living in Estonia compared to various places in the world go to these specialized websites: www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living
2.4. Recognizing professional and academic education The Estonian ENIC/NARIC (Agency of Academic Recognition) is involved in recognizing in Estonia academic and professional certificates issued in other countries.
• original copy of a document ena-
You can go to an ENIC/NARIC center if you have a document certifying education or professional competence which is issued outside of Estonia but you need the document to be recognized in Estonia by an educational institution or an employer.
• translation of above educational
Academic recognition For the assessment of an educational document issued in a foreign country, the following documents need to be submitted to the Estonian ENIC/ NARIC:
• an application for assessing an ed-
ucational document obtained in an educational institution of a foreign country. For application forms go to
• • an identity document or a copy of the page of an identity document containing personal data;
bling access to higher education, certifying higher education or completion of a period of study, or a notarized, certified, or apostilled copy of above document; document into Estonian, English, or Russian. The translation must be done by the educational institution that issued the educational document, or by a person or institution competent to perform translations;
The European Council and UNESCO cooperation network ENIC (European Network of National Information Centers on Academic Recognition and Mobility) and the European Union cooperation network NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centers) are international networks created to ease the correct and fair recognition of education acquired in a foreign country and to promote academic and job mobility.
• original copies or notarized, certi-
fied or apostilled copies of the relevant academic transcript, report card, and other additional materials annexed to the educational document;
• translations into Estonian, English,
or Russian of the academic transcript, report card, and other additional documents annexed to the educational document. The translation must be done by the educational institution that issued the educational document, or by a person
•
31
or institution competent to perform translations;
• in the case of assessing a docu-
ment certifying higher education, all preceding documents certifying education which follow after secondary education, together with all annexed additional documents.
Response time The Estonian ENIC/NARIC responds to applicants in writing within 30 days after submitting all necessary documents. Assessing educational documents issued by a foreign country is free of charge in the Estonian ENIC/NARIC. Professional recognition
•
For a list of regulated professions and competent authorities in Estonia go to
•
If you wish to work in any of those professions, you need to apply for approval of your foreign professional qualification. Applications should be filed directly to the competent authority of the corresponding regulated professional activity. Applicants must submit to the competent authority a completed application form together with the following documents: For more information on recognition of education go to the Estonian ENIC/NARIC’s website at www.archimedes.ee/enic/en/
• a copy of the page of an identity document containing personal data;
• a copy of the receipt confirming payment of state fee;
• document(s) confirming the foreign
professional qualification (diploma, non-higher education diploma, certificate, attestation of competence) or a certified copy thereof;
Read more about non-formal studies and recognition thereof at www.mitteformaalne.ee
• other documents required by the
competent authority. The competent authority has the right, if necessary, to request translations of any foreign-language documents.
Options of recognizing non-formal studies
In the case of non-formal learning, skills are learned and acquired through various activities which involve learning, yet no certificate or accreditation is issued for the skills. Such activities include seminars, free-for-all training courses, internships, but also amateur sports and volunteering at a local community. Skills obtained in a non-formal and informal manner may involve technical aspects (e.g. internship experience) as well as social aspects (e.g. language skills).
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a process used by a competent authority to assess the competence of an applicant on the basis of specific criteria, i.e. the conformity of their knowledge, skills, and attitudes to the acceptance requirements of an educational institution, learning outcomes of the curriculum or its part(s), or the competence requirements of a professional standard. If an applicant’s competences meet these requirements, such competencies are taken into account when completing acceptance requirements and the curriculum, or granting a profession. This essentially means that acquiring an education or applying for a profession, you can take prior studies or work experience into account. This way, you can complete your studies faster, avoid an excessive repetition of things you already learned, and only focus on important aspects of the studies, acquiring new knowledge and skills. RPL can be used for
• continuing unfinished studies, • meeting acceptance requirements, • changing the curriculum (also within the institution),
• granting a profession, • career planning. Find out more from the Archimedes Foundation at www.archimedes.ee/ en/contact-us/
2.5. Health care system The Estonian health care system is built on a mandatory health insurance based on the principle of solidarity and the overall availability of services provided by service providers under private law. 32
The provision of health care services is organized on the basis of specificity:
• provision of emergency medical aid
• provision of general medical aid
• • • •
provision of ambulance aid provision of specialized medical aid provision of nursing aid provision of midwifery aid
Funding of the Estonian health care system is based on the Health Insurance Fund. The Health Insurance Fund is a state institution which gets receives funds from the state budget. The medical costs of all of the people that work or have sickness insurance in Estonia are covered with means of the Health Insurance Fund. The following people have sickness insurance:
• Children up to 18 years of age • Students • People who work in Estonia, whose
employer has entered them in the employment register and for whom the employer has regularly paid social tax
• Self-employed persons and their spouses
• • • •
Registered unemployed people
What does the Health Insurance Fund compensate?
How do I get health insurance in Estonia?
1. Partial or complete payment for medical services to the health care institution, including:
• seeing a doctor or nurse (also see service fees)
• • • •
diagnostic analyses
To check whether you have medical insurance go to www. eesti.ee, logging in using your ID card.
medical procedures preventive activities surgeries, etc.
2. Enabling cheaper medication for insured people. 3. Compensation for medical devices (e.g. glucose meter test strips).
Find out more on the Health Insurance Fund’s website at www.haigekassa.ee
4. Financial compensation for insured people (e.g. compensation for temporary incapacity for work). 5. Health promotion (e.g. funding cancer prevention check-ups).
Pregnant women Persons insured by the state A spouse who is a dependant of a person with sickness insurance and who is raising:
• at least one child less than 8 years of age or • a child 8 years of age until they finish 1st grade or
• at least three children less than 16 years of age
• A spouse who is a dependant of
a person with sickness insurance who has less than 5 years until retirement age
• Retired persons • Persons who have concluded a voluntary insurance contract
It is very important to make sure that you have sickness insurance! NB! In case you do not qualify for Health Insurance, you are required to purchase a health Insurance policy from a private insurance provider. This needs to be done before you apply for a residence permit. In case you DO qualify for Estonian Health Insurance, you do not need to buy a private health insurance at the time you apply for a residence permit
Family doctors and specialized doctors Each Estonian resident must have a family physician. The family physician is your first point of contact with any health issues or other problems concerning health when you need medical aid. The family physician knows you and your medical history and will refer you to specialized care when necessary. You get to choose your family physician. You also have the right to change your family physician if you wish. Before choosing a family physician, it is recommended to meet the future doctor so as to get an idea if the specific doctor suits you. The number of patients serviced by one family physician is limited. Looking for a new family physician, you need to choose a doctor who has vacancies in their patient list. How should you go about choosing a family physician? As a rule, family physicians work in family physician centers which are located all over Estonia. You can enquire about vacancies in family physicians’ patient lists from the Health Board (they also respond in English and Russian):
How do I get a family physician in Estonia?
33
•
The Health Board’s website www.terviseamet.ee/en
• The North Estonia Medical Center
Telephones
• East-Tallinn Central Hospital
• +372 694 3500 (general number) • +372 650 9850
• West-Tallinn Central Hospital
When the Health Board has found you a family physician whose office is close to where you live and who has vacancies on their patient list, you must complete an application to register with the family physician. For a template of the application in Estonian go to
• Jõgeva Hospital
•
You can send the completed and digitally signed template to the family physician center of your choice.
• your place of residence registered in the population register is not located in the service area of the particular family physician
• the doctor’s patient list is full
••
Specialized doctors are doctors who are specialized in a given field (e.g. eye doctor, internist, ear, nose and throat doctors etc.). A specialized doctor can help you with more specific problems. You need your family physician’s referral to see a specialized doctor. Therefore, the family physician is also your first point of contact when you need a specialized doctor. If you visit a specialized doctor as a registered patient funded by the Health Insurance Fund, the visit fee of the specialist may be up to € 5. As an alternative, you may see a private doctor. In this case, the visit fee depends on the price list of the relevant clinic. For a list of private doctors who are contractual partners of the Health Insurance Fund go to
••
Hospitals
• ••
34
www.keskhaigla.ee/?lang=en
• Tallinn Children’s Hospital
A family physician only has the right to refuse to add you to their patient list if:
Who in Estonia has the right to receive free dental care or partial compensation for dental care?
www.itk.ee/en
NB! Make sure you find out whether the family physician you want speaks the foreign language of your choice.
If you prefer, you can also go there in person and complete the application on paper.
How do I get to see a specialized doctor?
(PERH) www.regionaalhaigla.ee/ en
For specialized doctor service and general hospital treatment, refer to your family doctor who will issue a corresponding referral. The biggest hospitals are:
www.lastehaigla.ee/en/
• Tartu University Hospital www.kliinikum.ee/en/
www.jogevahaigla.ee/ (only EST)
• Narva Hospital
www.narvahaigla.ee
• Viljandi Hospital
www.vmh.ee/?lang=en
Queues for specialized doctor appointments funded by the Health Insurance Fund are often long (sometimes it take months to get to see a doctor). Patients can also book a paid appointment or an appointment with a private doctor. In such a case, you will most likely get to see a doctor in less time.
Dental care In most cases, the Health Insurance Fund does not cover dental care, but there are exceptions here. Free dental care is available for:
• children and youths of up to 18 years of age
• people who need emergency care
provided when postponing aid or not providing aid may cause the death or permanent health damage of the patient. Where or not a particular case calls for emergency care is decided by the dentist.
Free dental care is only available by dentists relevantly listed by the Health Insurance Fund. The list is available on the Health Insurance Fund’s website
•••
If you need dental care, contact a dentist of your choice and book an appointment. In bigger cities, dentists generally speak Russian or English, but it always pays to check whether the doctor of your choice speaks a language you can understand. All people with State Health Insurance are eligible for a 40 € refund of dental care costs, provided that the patient has covered at least 50% of the total cost of the treatment.
Certain compensation (from approx. € 20-30 per year) is also available to the following:
• Retired people • Pregnant women • Mothers of children of less than 1 year of age
• Persons who have an increased
need for dental care as a result of health care service provided to them
Emergency care Everyone has the right to receive emergency medical care regardless of whether they have health insurance! If you require first aid fast, yet are still able to walk or there is someone that can transport you, you can refer to a center of emergency medical care (EMO). Such centers are open around the clock. You should always be aware of where the nearest hospital and its EMO is. Emergency medical aid is provided by EMOs at bigger hospitals (see the list of bigger hospitals in the previous chapter). If you cannot refer to an EMO yourself, you can call an ambulance by dialing 112. NB! Call an ambulance if there has been an accident or a similar event where a person is unable or cannot safely refer to an EMO on their own. Make sure to call an ambulance at first opportunity if the situation is life-threatening!
Pharmacies Pharmacies are usually open from around 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pharmacies in shopping centers are open until the shopping center closes (often at 9 p.m.). Certain pharmacies in Tallinn and Tartu are open 24/7. Addresses of 24/7 pharmacies:
ter medication in unlimited amounts similarly to any other consumer goods. You need a prescription to buy prescription medication. You will get the prescription from a doctor. A prescription prescribes the medication you need in the necessary amount which you can buy from a pharmacy. Estonia uses digital prescriptions i.e. the doctor enters your prescription information in a digital database. You may go to any given pharmacy, give the pharmacist your ID card, and purchase the prescription medication prescribed to you.
How do I get prescription medications?
People with disabilities, their wishes and needs are respected in Estonia. People with disabilities are equal with others – they go to school and work, participate in cultural activities, politics and in all other walks of life. Also - a person taking care of a disabled child or family member has the right to equal treatment. More info at www.volinik.ee/?lang=en Disability is the loss of or an abnormality in an anatomical, physiological, or mental structure or function of a person which in conjunction with different relational and environmental restrictions prevents participation in social life on equal bases with others. The state pays social benefits to disabled persons if they have additional expenses because of their disability, e.g. they are in need of assistance, care, or medical rehabilitation, or their additional expenses are related to transport, employment, or studies.
Medications available in a pharmacy are divided in two categories – overthe-counter and prescription medication. Everyone can buy over-the-coun-
The aim of social welfare is to provide assistance to disabled persons and their families to prevent, eliminate, or ease difficulties in coping and con-
Tartu
Where is the nearest hospital and EMO from where you live?
People with Disabilities
• Town Hall Square – Town Hall
• Tõnismägi 5 • Vikerlase 19
Where is the nearest hospital and emergency medicine center to your home?
You can also buy someone else’s prescription medication. For this, you need to give the pharmacist the personal ID code of the actual owner of the prescription. You will also need to provide your own ID card – your person will also be identified.
The aim of granting social benefits to disabled persons is to support the ability of disabled persons to cope independently, their social integration and equal opportunities through partial compensation for additional expenses caused by the disability.
Tallinn
Who has the right to get emergency medical aid in Estonia?
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tribute to the social security, development, and integration into society of disabled persons.
Additional information is also available on the website of Estonian Chamber of Disabled People at www.epikoda.ee
For more information go to www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee/en
2.6. Transport Traffic management What are the main traffic rules in Estonia? Are there any differences as compared to my home country?
raised to 110 km/h on two-lane highways.
Using a passenger car is very popular in Estonia and there are over 400 cars per one thousand residents. At the same time, the entire country is covered by a well-functioning public transport system.
• The main inter-city roads are
Good to know
Rules for drivers and passengers
• Drive on the right. • Headlights must be on at all times. • Pedestrians on the crosswalk have the right of way.
• You cannot make a right turn at a red traffic light.
• Never cross a solid white line. • Certain lanes are reserved for pub-
lic transport, e.g. lanes where the word “BUS” is painted on the street or there is a square blue road sign with a bus and an arrow.
• On roads where the maximum speed is 50 km/h, a public bus re-entering traffic or flashing its lights to change lanes has the right of way.
• Entering a traffic circle, cars already in the circle have the right of way.
• Vehicles coming from the right
equipped with speed cameras that take photographs of speeding cars.
• Speeding is frequently monitored by the police and automatic cameras on the main roads.
• The minimum age for driving a car
is 18. Limited driving rights may be granted to persons of 16 to 17 years of age in specific cases.
• There is zero tolerance for blood alcohol concentration for drivers in Estonia.
• The driver and all passengers must
wear a seat belt, including in the back seat(s).
• When transporting a child, you
must use appropriate security equipment for the child’s height and weight. Safety cradles must be fitted as rear-facing. Do not drive with a child in the front passenger seat while the airbag is activated.
• You may not transport more people
in your vehicle than the number of places noted on the car registration.
otherwise
• You must have a first aid kit, warn-
Pedestrians must wear a reflector in the autumn and winter to make themselves visible to drivers in the dark.
• It is illegal to use a hand-held mo-
have priority, regulated.
unless
Ice roads are open between islands in the winter, weather permitting. Follow the applicable strict traffic rules while driving on a temporary ice road between the mainland and islands. For information about opening and closing of the ice roads go to the Estonian Road Administration’s website at www.mnt.ee. Speed limits
ing triangle, fire extinguisher, reflective vest and wheel chocks in your car. bile phone while driving. You may use hand-free sets.
• Use of winter tires is compulso-
ry from December 1 until March 1, but studded tires can be used from October 15 until March 30.
• All vehicles need to be regularly checked by relevant authorities to ensure their safety when used on roads. Interval of the checks depends on the age of the car (1-3 years).
• Speed limits in towns and smaller urban areas: 50 km/h.
• Speed limits on country roads and two-lane highways: 90 km/h
• From May until September, the speed limit may be temporarily
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Driver’s license Citizens of the EU, EEA, and the Swiss Confederation
• Driver’s licenses issued by EU, EEA,
and the Swiss Confederation countries are valid in Estonia. You are not required to replace such licenses after settling in Estonia, unless they are valid for a period longer than 10 years (or for an unspecified term).
• Driver’s licenses issued for a peri-
od longer than 10 years must be exchanged for a driver’s license of the Republic of Estonia within 24 months of being granted the right of residence or settling in Estonia.
after moving to Estonia and must be replaced with Estonian driver’s licenses after that time. Information from the Estonian population register will be used to certify the relevant place of permanent residence.
• You can apply for an Estonian driver’s license after having lived in Estonia for at least 185 days.
• Driver’s licenses issued by a mem-
ber state of the Geneva Convention of 1949 on road traffic (e.g. the USA, Canada, Argentina, etc.) are valid in Estonia only together with an International Driving Permit. Such licenses can be replaced with Estonian licenses only after passing a theory exam and driving test.
• As a rule, driver’s licenses will be
replaced without having to take an exam (except when you fail to exchange your driver’s license within the period of 24 months or the driver’s license expired more than five years ago).
• You can apply for an Estonian driver’s license after having lived in Estonia for at least 185 days.
Citizens of non-EU countries
When can I apply for an Estonian driver’s license? For detailed information about driver’s licenses go to the Road Administration’s website at www.mnt.ee To find insurance companies in Estonia go to www.lkf.ee
Traffic insurance Third party liability insurance
• All vehicles must have third party liability insurance issued by a licensed Estonian insurance compa-
• Driver’s licenses issued by non-EU countries are valid for 12 months
A Traffic Accident Has Happened Evaluate the situation and the related dangers. Avoiding causing any further harm (e.g. wear a reflective vest). Mark the vehicles and accident site with a warning triangle
Has Anyone Been Injured or Killed? yes
no
Call 122 and behave according to the instructions received
Is the Injured Person There? The Injured person may not be there in case you have hit a parked vehicle, traffic sign, a fence or a wild animal
Do the drivers understand each other and agree about who was at fault in the accident? Will the Police come to the accident site to register the event? yes
Act according to instructions received from the Police
no
yes no
If possible, make photographs of the site and the vehicles involved Make sure that you do not create additional danger by photographing. Take photos of the vehicles, their licence plates and registration documents as well as general conditions on the site (weather, traffic, etc)
Try to reach an agreement. If an agreement is not reached, call 112 and act according to instructions received
no
Vacate the road and park the vehicle in a safe place?
Will the Police come to the accident site to register the event?
NB! Before moving the vehicles, make sure that the photos and videos you have taken, adequately cover the entire situation
yes
Act according to instructions received from the Police
Make sure the road is safe for use after the vehicles have been removed If needed, remove any debris or vehicle details from the road
Document the accident It is convenient to use a form which is provided by insurance companies with all new car insurance policies. If you do not have such a form, document the event on an empty sheet of paper. Please indicate in the Document all the required information XXX
Note down the contacts of eye-witnesses and the other party(ies) of the accident Make sure you get at least the emails and phone numbers of the pther party to the accident. In case the accident had witnesses, please also note down their names and phone numbers
Call your insurer and ask what to do next In the simplest case, you will be able to choose whether to demand compensation from your own insurer or from the insurer of the other party. Click here to find the insurer according to the car’s licence plate: https://eteenindus.mnt.ee/public/soidukTaustakontroll.jsf
Act according to instructions received from your insurer
37
ny or by a local branch of a foreign insurance company.
Notification” form. Otherwise, feel free to call the Police.
• The insurance must be valid in Estonia, in countries of the European Economic Area (including the European Union), and in Switzerland.
• The insurance must be valid outside of the European Economic Area in other green card countries.
Formore information about parking go to www.parkimine.ee/en
Kasko Insurance (Car damage insurance) Kasko insurance compensates damage caused by you. There are different types of insurance packages available.
• Generally, Kasko Insurance is valid in all European countries.
• Kasko Insurance is compulsory for leased cars.
NB! A compulsory third party liability insurance agreement must be signed right after registering a car! Technical inspection is mandatory for all cars registered with the Estonian Road Administration.
Instructions in the case of an accident Dial 112 for the Police (Politsei) if:
• there are injuries and it is necessary to request an ambulance;
• there is a disagreement about
how to share the responsibility between the drivers or the driver and the person/persons who incurred damage (even if no one has been injured).
Only if there are no injuries and no disagreement about who was guilty in causing the traffic accident it is advisable to use the “Traffic Accident Notification” form for accident registration. A similar claim form is used throughout the European Union, and it simplifies the procedure when both parties are from different countries. The claim forms are available from insurance agencies and gas stations. If there are more than two parties, several sets of “Traffic Accident Notification” forms should be completed.
What are the most important requirements for travelling by bike? 38
NB! To avoid a very common practical problem, make sure that the guilty party has clearly formulated his/her guilt in a written format and has provided a signature admitting such guilt in the “Traffic Accident
Parking A parking fee is usually required in city centers of larger cities/towns in Estonia. Signs indicate the prices for different times and parking zones. Blue lines on a parking space also indicate that it is located in a paid parking area. Parking tickets can be purchased from street-side parking meters. However, parking meters are not always available, because paying for parking, using a mobile phone is the predominant means of payment. To use mobile parking, you need to have an Estonian SIM card. To activate parking you need to:
• send text message to the number 1902 with the text [parking zone] SPACE [car license plate no.].
• “Parking zone” may be indicated on a plate next to the parking area entrance
• or, when parking on city streets
the “parking zone” depends on the actual street (see link to the right for more detailed information)
• To end parking just dial 1903 The first 15 minutes of parking in municipal parking areas are free of charge if you indicate the starting time using a parking clock.
• Parking fines are placed under wiper blades or otherwise attached to windshields.
• Unpaid parking fees will eventual-
ly result in a payment request by a collection agency (unpaid parking fees plus collection charges)
• For information on parking fines go to www.parkimine.ee
• Parking garages have a blue sign
with a large white “P”. When parking spaces are available, a green sign indicates “vaba” (“free”). When the garage is full, a red sign is lit.
• Use the entrance marked “sisse”
(“entrance”). In most cases you have to take the parking ticket with you and pay at the parking machine before returning to your car. Your paid ticket is valid for a short period of time (usually ten minutes).
For cyclists Using a bicycle to participate in traf-
fic is becoming increasingly popular in Estonia. Light traffic and bike roads are being built, which are comfortable and safe to use. If you ride a bike on a regular road, it is recommended to be particularly careful as not all drivers may pay attention to cyclists in traffic. For maps of bike roads go to Tallinn
• cyclists less than 13 years of age
and up to two companions of such cyclists;
• cyclists who have a small child in a child seat;
• cyclists if riding on the road is dif-
ficult due to the condition of the road.
Bike paths, bike and pedestrian paths, and bike paths marked on roads are intended for travel by bicycle. You may travel by bicycle on the right side of the road. Cyclists ride in one row following one another.
For pedestrians A pedestrian is a person who takes part in traffic on foot, by wheelchair, on roller skates, with a skateboard, etc. A cyclist who is walking while pushing the bike is also a pedestrian. Tartu
Pedestrians on the road A pedestrian is safest on the sidewalk. If you use a skateboard, roller skates, scooter, or similar means, you must take other people on the sidewalk into account. If traffic density allows, you may also walk on a bike path if by doing so you do not disturb bike traffic.
A person at least 16 years old does not need a driver’s license to ride a bicycle or a small moped. A person with a driver’s license certifying the right to drive a motor vehicle may ride a moped. A child who is at least 10 years old and carrying a cyclist’s license may ride a bicycle independently on a road. A child who is at least 8 years old may ride a bike under parental supervision. In this case, a license is not required. Technical requirements A bicycle and small moped must have:
• working brakes and signal bell; • white reflector in the front and red reflector in the back;
• a yellow or white reflector on both sides of at least one wheel.
Cyclists and drivers of a small moped or moped may not ride on the sidewalk. The following persons may ride on the sidewalk:
On the side of a road, the pedestrian must walk on the sidewalk, and if there is none, then on the left side of the road, walking towards cars. If the visibility is poor or it is dark and the road is not lit, pedestrians may only walk on the road in one row following one another. The above applies in the city as well as on country roads. In poor visibility or walking on the road in the dark, pedestrians must use a reflector! Places for crossing the road A pedestrian may cross the road at a site intended for the purpose (through a walkway bridge or tunnel, at a zebra crossing or crossing site (without going over its borders), or at an intersection). Requirements for crossing a road Crossing a road, do not delay or stop without reason. Using a skateboard, scooter, or similar means, you must cross the road at the regular speed of a pedestrian. Cross the road taking the shortest possible route across a safety island if there is one. 39
At a regulated intersection or crossing you must pay attention to traffic lights when crossing.
For schedules and tickets for bus lines operating across Estonia go to www. tpilet.ee.
On an unregulated intersection pedestrians must not obstruct vehicles approaching the intersection and vehicles crossing the intersection driving straight.
Trains
Before crossing the road, pedestrians must make sure drivers have noticed them and can stop the car safely to give way and that it is safe to cross the road. Pedestrian must not:
• cross the road in a place where a
border has been installed to stop pedestrian traffic, and in a built-up area, cross a road with a median strip outside of a walkway bridge, tunnel, zebra crossing, or crossing site;
• walk onto the road from behind a standing vehicle or other obstacle without making sure a vehicle is not approaching;
• walk on a highway; • walk next to the median strip on a road with a median strip, or across the median strip if there is no sidewalk on it.
www.tuulelaevad.ee
For train route maps go to www.elron.ee/en/stops/ The Baltic Station (Balti jaam) in Tallinn is the main railway station in Estonia. All local commuter, inter-city, and international trains depart from this station. The Baltic Station is situated close to the Old Town. For timetables and tickets visit www.baltijaam.ee. Ships The Port of Tallinn is one of the biggest and busiest passenger ports in the Baltic region. More than 8 million passengers pass through the Port of Tallinn’s passenger terminals each year. Tallinn-Helsinki The Tallinn-Helsinki line is serviced by the following companies:
Public transport
Tallink: www.tallink.com/
Inter-city buses
Eckerö Line: www.eckeroline.ee/
The most widely used means of public transport between cities in Estonia is the bus. Main lines are well equipped and usually have free wireless internet on board (the quality of the connection can vary).
The trip takes 1.5-3 hours depending on the ship. Ship traffic is dense between Tallinn and Helsinki with several departures on a daily basis.
All bigger cities/towns have central bus stations where one can make bookings and buy tickets. Buying tickets online is also an option and quite popular. It is recommended to check the website of a particular bus company. Usually, if there are free seats on the bus, one can buy tickets directly from the driver as well. Buying tickets from the driver, payment should be made in cash only. Tallinn Bus Station (Autobussijaam) is the main inter-city bus station in Estonia. It is located near the city center at 46 Lastekodu Str. For detailed bus information and tickets to all destinations go to www.bussijaam.ee For city and county bus line schedules go to www.peatus.ee.
40
Domestic trains are operated by Elron. Train connections are available from Tallinn to Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Valga, and Viljandi (including stops along these lines). See Elron’s destinations and ticket prices at www.elron.ee/en/
Viking Line: www.vikingline.ee/
Tallinn-Stockholm The Tallinn-Stockholm line is serviced by the following companies: Tallink: www.tallink.com/ This is an overnight trip – the ship departs in the evening and reaches the destination next morning. Ships to Stockholm depart every day. Tallinn-St Petersburg The Tallinn-St Petersburg line is serviced by the following companies: Tallink: www.tallink.com/ A visa of the Russian Federation is not required for cruise passengers. It is recommended to specify visa issues with a travel agent before booking a trip.
Domestic routes Estonia’s biggest islands – Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu – benefit from regular ferry connections with the mainland. Discovering the islands by bicycle, car, or bus is easy, and the ferries are fast and comfortable. Saaremaa and Muhu are connected to the coast via the Virtsu – Kuivastu ferry route. The ferry route between Hiiumaa and the mainland is called Rohuküla – Heltermaa. Rohuküla harbour is located close to the small seaside resort town of Haapsalu. The Triigi – Sõru ferry route connects Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. During off-season, ferries go twice every other day: one trip in the morning and one in the evening. Timetables: Tuule Laevad (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormsi, and Ruhnu). www.tuulelaevad.ee Kihnu Veeteed (Kihnu, Prangli, Aegna, Piirissaar) www.veeteed.com Airports Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport is the main airport in Estonia. The airport is located just 4 km from the city center. See more at www.tallinn-airport.ee/ There are direct flights from Tallinn to a number of European cities, including Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, Berlin, Vienna, Kiev, Riga, and Vilnius. Schedules change regularly. Other airports in Estonia are Tartu Airport, Pärnu Airport, Kuressaare Airport (Saaremaa), and Kärdla Airport (Hiiumaa). There are limited domestic routes from Tallinn to Kuressaare and Kärdla. Taxis Taxis can be ordered by phone, and there are also taxi stands located at major intersections and in front of bigger hotels and shopping malls. Rates are posted on a passenger window. Be sure to check the base fair and per kilometer rates before entering the taxi. The total cost for a ride is monitored by a taximeter. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is recommended. All taxi drivers must provide a receipt upon request. It is increasingly common to use the Bolt, Uber, or Kutsu Takso mobile apps for finding a taxi in Tallinn and other larger towns.
Average rates can be between € 0.50-0.70 /km. There is also a fee for starting the ride, which is usually around € 2.50-4. If fees indicated on the taxi window are significantly higher than provided above, it is recommended to choose another taxi. As there is no official ceiling for the fees, negligent passengers can fall victim to malicious drivers using artificially high fees. To review taxi service providers in Estonia and compare fare rates, go to www.taksod.net.
For information about international and domestic flights, visit www.tallinn-airport.ee
Please note: Be aware of illegal taxi drivers or unlicensed cabs – they are not permitted to provide taxi service. Unlicensed taxis usually do not have taxi meters and therefore your fare rate might be considerably higher than that with licensed taxis.
Public transport in Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva Public transport in Tallinn The public transport system in Tallinn consists of buses, trolley buses, trams, and city trains. Buses, trolley buses, and trams usually operate regularly from about 5 a.m. to 12 midnight.
What are average taxi rates in Estonia?
For timetables, go to Tallinn’s website at transport.tallinn.ee/#bus/en Payment for a ride is made in a Public Transport Card (Ühiskaart) based joint ticketing system. The Public Transport Card is a no-contact card which can be used when entering any means of public transport. Public transport is free of charge for Tallinn residents! To enjoy your free rides, you must previously validate your Public Transport Card at www.pilet.ee/viipe/?lang=en If you wish, you may also validate your Public Transport Card at a ticket sales site (e.g. R-Kiosk or a shopping center information desk)
For information about public transport in Tartu go to the city’s website at www.tartu.ee
Using public transport costs a fee for people who are not registered in the population register as Tallinn residents. Non Tallinn residents can also use the Public Transport Card to pay for rides, having previously put money on the card. This can be done at sales sites or at shopping center information desks. Tallinn Public Transport Card 41
•
••
One-way tickets can be purchased from the driver for cash only or using a mobile phone. Purchase instructions can be found in all buses, trolleybuses, and trams. To find out more about prices and using the Public Transport Card go to www.tallinn.ee/eng/pilet/ Public transport in Tartu Buses constitute the only form of public transport within the city of Tartu. There are 25 bus routes in Tartu.
•• •
For bus lines and schedules go to
•
For ticket prices and information about discounts go to
www.tartu.ee/?lang_id=2&menu_ id=9&page_id=25238 Tartu Bus Card Tartu uses a ticketing system which is already in use in many places throughout Estonia and Europe. The system uses a contact-free plastic chip card or a sticker which must be swiped at the validator upon entering the bus. For more information go to
••
Public transport in Narva Public transport in Narva is based on buses. For timetables and other information about Narva city lines go to
•••
2.7. Services provided to new immigrants As a new immigrant, you are entitled to support in Estonia for adapting, integration, and language studies. Services are provided by the public, third, and private sector, and there are paid as well as free-of-charge services. We recommend that you use such services actively.
Foundation manages compensations for such expenses. To find out more about compensation for the costs of language studies go to
Language courses Where can I learn Estonian?
Knowing Estonian is very important for residing and successfully coping in Estonia. This applies even if your working environment is in a foreign language, because elementary Estonian skills help you cope better with everyday life.
• Free basic level (A1) Estonian stud-
ies take place within the scope of the adaptation program provided by the state for new immigrants (people who have legally resided in Estonia for less than 5 years). To register for a language course and find out more go to www.settleinestonia.ee
• Estonian courses occasionally take
place for more advanced language levels (A2 to B2). To find out more about studies with the Integration and Migration Foundation go to
www.meis.ee/en/ estonian-language-studies Persons who have taken part in paid Estonian courses and have thereafter successfully passed an A2, B1, B2, or C1 level Estonian exam will be repaid for expenses related to language studies in the amount of up to € 320. The Innove
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For more information about taking part in free Estonian courses go to Level A1: www.settleinestonia.ee Level A2-B2: www.meis.ee Different providers offer different volumes of courses; however, it generally takes about 80-100 academic hours to acquire a language level (1 academic hour = 45 minutes) Paid language courses In addition to free, state-funded language courses you can take part in courses provided by various language schools. There are many language schools and they are easy to find with an online search. Courses take place at different times and in groups with varying levels and intensity.
Integration services Integration activities following adaptation are carried out by the Integration and Migration Foundation Our People. Integration activities are, for example, language courses (A1-B1), supporting language studies in schools and kindergartens, language and cultural integration, language camps for youths, preparation courses for the constitution and citizenship act knowledge exams for obtaining citizenship, assistance in preparing for professional exams, assistance in preparing for the constitution exam, and providing information about the functioning of the Estonian society, supporting cultural societies and Sunday schools, supporting cooperation activities for people of various nationalities. For more information, contact the Integration and Migration Foundation: Website: www.meis.ee Telephone: +372 659 9021 E-mail: info@meis.ee
Student law office of the Estonian Lawyers Association Free legal aid is provided at the student law office of the Estonian Lawyers Association in the service office of Tallinn City Office (Vabaduse väljak 7, 1st floor) and Mustamäe District Government (A. H. Tammsaare tee 135) by 2nd and 3rd year students of the faculties of law in both Tartu and Tallinn. You can also receive advice in English and Russian. Find out more about the times of student legal counselling on the Estonian Lawyers Association’s website (www. juristideliit.ee) and the Estonian Lawyers Association’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/ Eesti-Juristide-Liit/182456475233855).
www.meis.ee
Estonian Language Houses in Tallinn and Narva www.meis.ee/en/ estonian-language-houses International House of Estonia www.workinestonia.com/ internationalhouse/
Foundation Legal Service Bureau The Foundation Legal Service Bureau provides legal counselling to people with low income in Tallinn, Tartu, Rakvere, and Jõhvi. As prior registration is required, call +372 6 015 122 to book an appointment; for information e-mail otb@otb.ee. Estonian Union for Child Welfare
If you require help and counselling with issues regarding settling in Estonia, you are welcome at the counselling centers located in Tallinn and Narva.
NGO Estonian Union for Child Welfare provides counselling regarding family law on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. As prior registration is required, call +372 6 311 128 to book an appointment. Counselling takes place at Endla 6-18, Tallinn.
Counselling center in Tallinn
Tallinn Enterprise Board
Integration and Migration Foundation Our People Address: Lõõtsa 2a, Tallinn (8th floor) Telephone: +372 800 9999 E-mail: info@integratsiooniinfo.ee
Tallinn Enterprise Board provides counselling in labor law issues on Wednesdays on site and by e-mail. Questions may involve all areas of labor law, incl. employment contract, holidays, issues of working and holiday time, as well as working relations amongst the staff. Vabaduse väljak 7, Tallinn City Government’s service hall, 1st floor, box 12, every Wednesday from 8:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Counselling centers
Counselling center in Narva Address: Kerese 3, Narva (3rd floor), Telephone: +372 800 9999 E-mail: info@integratsiooniinfo.ee Opening hours: Mon 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Wed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m. You can also receive counselling service online by sending an inquiry through the website www.integratsiooniinfo.ee.
Legal counselling If you need legal aid and counselling, there are several possibilities.
Where can I receive free legal counselling?
At www.juristaitab.ee lawyers answer your questions in an online forum in Estonian and Russian.
Victim Support Everyone who has become a victim of negligence or bad treatment, physical, mental, or sexual abuse has the right to contact to victim support. Victim support is a free public social service, the purpose of which is to preserve or improve the coping of the victim. Victim support staff provides emotional support and information about getting help. They also instruct on and help with interaction with the state and local government institutions and
In which cases should I contact victim support? To find out more about victim support, go to the Social Insurance Board’s website at www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet. ee/et
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other institutions which provide services required by a victim. Every person who has experienced suffering or damages is entitled to counselling regardless of whether the person who caused the damage is known and whether criminal proceedings have been initiated against them. Contact a victim support worker if you want to talk about your problem, feel that you need support to solve your problems, or wish to find a way out of your situation. The state compensates for expenses of psychological aid to victims of an offense and their family members when necessary.
• ••
•• •
For a detailed description of services, review the information on such companies’ websites and contact them in person.
Civil society organizations and services Estonian Refugee Council The Estonian Refugee Council’s activities can be divided into four broad categories:
• assistance with cultural, social, and labor market integration of refugees;
• raising public awareness on refu-
Shelters
gee issues in Estonia;
There are shelters in Estonia for those in need where you can go if you are, for example, afraid of domestic violence.
• advocacy work and representation
Women who experience domestic violence, can turn to women’s shelters for help. It is possible to go to a women’s shelter together with your children.
See more at www.pagulasabi.ee/en
Estonian Association of Shelters for Women
•
Tallinn Safety Center for Children
•• www.facebook.com/turvakeskus Narva Shelter for Children
•••
Tartu Safety Center for Children www.turvakodu.ee/ (EST only)
Relocation services Companies that provide professional relocation services operate in Estonia, providing paid services which may increase your comfort in arriving in Estonia and coping with life here.
The biggest companies offering relocation services in Estonia:
move your things, conclude rental agreements, order utility services and executing your documents concerning your stay in Estonia.
Services provided by such service providers may include, for example, finding you a place to live, helping you
of refugee interests;
• provision of humanitarian aid outside of Estonia.
Johannes Mihkelson Center The Johannes Mihkelson Center is an NGO based in Tartu, Southern Estonia. The Center was founded in 1993. The aim of the Center is to provide more opportunities for marginalized segments of the society. Training and social projects (especially related to long-term unemployment), effective management of changes in trade unions’ and third sectors’ developmental assistance in general are in their main focus areas. Read more at www.jmk.ee/en/ Churches There are a number of different churches and religious organizations operating in Estonia, which also do community work and may offer various services to those in need. For specific contacts, see Estonian Council of Churches www.ekn.ee/english.php
www.movemytalent.com www.expatestonia.ee
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2.8. Residence Searching for a place to live
expectations are available.
The Estonian rental market in major cities/towns is quite vibrant. Locations for tenants with different needs and
The most common way to find a place for rent or properties for sale is to use
an online real estate websites. Major websites are:
• www.city24.ee • www.kv.ee These real estate websites contain thousands of properties for sale and rent at any given time. Major websites also have menus in foreign languages. The content of the advertisements is generally in Estonian. To find suitable place to live, use the filters available on the websites. The filters enable you to choose the most suitable real estate offers according to criteria important to you.
Fees related to renting The fees related to renting an apartment are divided into four groups:
• 1. Rent of the apartment – this fee
is agreed upon in the rental agreement. Rent is paid once a month, generally in advance (consequently, the rent for January is paid at the beginning of January)
• 2. Deposit – this sum is paid once
prior moving in. The deposit remains in the possession of the landlord for the entire rental period. When the rental period ends and you move out of the property, the deposit is returned to you. If after moving out bills are left unpaid or if you have damaged the property, the owner can pay said expenses using the deposit. The deposit is usually equal to one month’s rent. In some cases (more expensive properties) it can be equal to the rent for 2 or 3 months.
• 3. Utilites – utilities include all the
running costs related to using an apartment, such as water, electricity and heat. Often the tenant is responsible for paying the general costs for the building, such as cleaning etc.
The exact amount paid for utilities is not usually laid down in the agreement. That is why it is important to find out the utilities for the specific property – ask the owner or realtor to show you earlier bills. Occasionally, especially with properties that are older or in bad shape, utilities can be very high (sometimes even as high as the rent!)
• 4. Agreement fee / realtor ar-
rangement fee. Most properties posted on websites are offered through realtors. The realtor represents the owner of the property
and arranges the finding of tenants, draws up the agreements, and shows the property to interested parties. However, traditionally the realtor fee is paid by the tenant. The realtor fee is usually equal to one month’s rent.
Why is the instrument of delivery and receipt important? What should be considered when putting one together?
EXAMPLE: If you have decided to move into a property where the monthly rent is € 400, generally you have to pay: € 400 – first month’s rent in advance € 400 – deposit € 400 – realtor fee Total: € 1,200
Agreements related to housing Renting When renting, a rental agreement is concluded between the owner and the tenant. The agreement specifies the rental period, the rights and obligations of the parties and information related to amending the agreement. Before signing a rental agreement it is very important to review the terms and conditions of the agreement in detail. If the agreement is in Estonian and you lack the language skills needed, you must ask the realtor or a local to explain the contents of the agreement to you as thoroughly as possible. The rental agreement is generally signed when the tenant moves in to the property (upon handing over the property). Upon handing over the property an instrument of delivery and receipt is concluded. Conclusion of this instrument is very important, as it helps prevent disputes when the rental period expires and the tenant returns the property to the owner. Items handed over by the owner (furniture, lighting fittings, appliances, etc.) to the tenant are listed in the instrument of delivery and receipt. The instrument also states any defects in the property (stains, damages, non-working appliances, etc.). After concluding the rental agreement, the tenant has the right to notify the owner of any discovered defects within 7 days. It is advised to document these defects on photographs and forward the pictures to the owner by e-mail.
What kinds of fees are associated with renting an apartment?
How do I assess the cost of utilites?
A similar instrument of delivery and receipt is concluded during the handing over of the property to the owner after the rental term expires and the tenant moves out.
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Purchase and sales Buying property in a foreign country is one of the most complex decisions in the process of relocation. It is recommended to use a real estate agency and consult a notary or law firm in the process.
For zip codes go to www.omniva.ee How do I register my place of residence?
Individuals and companies, who are not members of the European Union or EEA, are allowed to buy a house or plot of land with the permission of local authorities. In most cases, there are no restrictions on buying apartments. The sales contract must always be notarized. The notary public also prepares the application to the Land Register for transfer of ownership and title. The parties must sign the transfer documents at the notary’s office.
Requirements for maintaining rented or purchased real estate Renting your housing, the rental agreement regulates the need to maintain the property. Usually the phrasing is quite general, saying that you must use the housing prudently, that is, similarly to an owner who is interested in retaining the property value in the long term.
What does prudent maintenance mean?
In essence it means that you must do everything possible to keep the property and its interior clean and undamaged. If damages occur, you must eliminate them. If that is not possible, you must contact the owner, explain what has happened and find a solution. If the damages are serious and according to the rental agreement the responsibility lies on you, you are obligated to replace the damaged object with a similar undamaged object. Your exact responsibility and the extent thereof depend on the details of the rental agreement. In the common areas of the building (corridors, gardens, common balconies etc), rules of the house established by the owner or the housing association are usually in effect. It is always advisable to review such rules when moving into a new location. Maintaining sidewalks Keeping sidewalks clean and safe is the duty of the owner of the building or private house. In the winter, owners must:
What is considered hazardous waste in Estonia?
46
• ensure de-icing of the pedestrian walkways bordering their property
and provide sanding materials, if necessary;
• check the roof and facade regularly; • remove built-up snow and icicles. If you rent a house, winter maintenance should be regulated in the rental agreement.
Address information All immovable properties in Estonia have an address. An address is composed of the following elements:
• Street name • House number (and apartment number, if applicable). Usually written in the format of “house number”-“apartment number”
• Zip code www.omniva.ee • City / town / rural municipality Example of an address in a city Pikk 12-5, 10123 Tallinn Example of an address outside of a city Puka talu, Harkujärve küla, Harku vald, 76912 Harjumaa You have an obligation to register your actual address in the population register. A notice of residence can be filed with a local government body as follows:
• with an employee of the population register
• in the state portal (www.eesti.ee)
using the population register’s e-services (you must log in using your ID card or Mobile-ID)
• by post • by digitally signed e-mail.
Waste management The goal of Estonian waste management is to recycle as many leftover materials or waste as possible. The most important aspect is to avoid the creation of waste. If waste has been created, it should be reused as raw material. It is also important to reduce the environmental hazards arising from waste. If you do not know where to take certain special waste, you can use the Google Maps based search engine www.kuhuviia.ee to locate the nearest waste plant.
Waste management at your place of residence If you live in an apartment building, your housing association has most likely already organized the collection and removal of waste. As a rule there are garbage cans in the basement of the building or near the building and you have the right to take your waste there. In some cases waste is recycled before collection. In that case you must sort your waste into the following categories:
• Municipal waste • Paper and cardboard • Biodegradable waste Moving to a new location, make sure to specify with the house association or the owner of the building the location and manner of waste collection. NB! Hazardous waste and electrical waste must always be taken to a waste plant or, in the case of electronics, to an electronics store. Packaging The producer is responsible for the packaging. That means that a business selling their packaged goods in Estonia is obligated to guarantee the collection and necessary treatment of the relevant packaging waste. To achieve this goal, packaging organizations have been established to assure national collection of packages and reuse of packaging in the maximum extent possible. A deposit amount applies to packaging of light alcoholic beverages and soft drinks. Bottles and cans with the relevant logo can be returned to reverse vending machines. Reverse vending machines are usually situated near major stores and supermarkets. After returning a package you are refunded the deposit for the specific package.
Telecommunication services Estonia is known for its high-tech lifestyle. Feeling connected is very im-
portant for Estonians. Almost everyone, from executives to children, communicates by mobile phones and e-mail. Estonia has one of the highest numbers of mobile phones per capita in the world – there are more mobile phone contracts than residents in Estonia. Many people no longer use landlines. There are no public phone booths in Estonia. Phone services Mobile phones have become very important in everyday life. They are used to paying for parking and banking services, and to purchase public transport and movie tickets. All mobile phone service providers also offer mobile Internet services. Calling cards (rechargeable prepaid SIM cards) have no monthly payments, but adhere to slightly higher per-minute rates, and can be bought from all petrol stations and newsstands. Permanent contracts require you to visit a service provider’s service office. Such offices are located in major shopping centers. All landline phone numbers in Estonia have 7 digits. For international calls, dial 00, then the country code, area code and phone number. The country code for Estonia is +372. TV / Internet / Landlines The easiest and most convenient way to set up telecom services in your home is to contact one of the service providers that offer packages including all the necessary services you need – landline, TV, and Internet. The prices of such services are low compared to other countries, starting from approximately € 20 per month and depending on your specific needs. You can choose which TV channels you would like to access (local and international) and the type of Internet connection you prefer (in terms of speed and capacity).
The main mobile phone service providers in Estonia are: TELE2 - www.tele2.ee TELIA - www.telia.ee ELISA - www.elisa.ee The main service providers that provide Internet, TV and landlines are: ELISA - www.elisa.ee TELIA - www.telia.ee STV - www.stv.ee
You can also choose among additional services, e.g. recording your favorite shows, video rentals, etc. What are the largest municipalities in Estonia?
2.9. Major cities in Estonia The major cities in Estonia by population are many times smaller than the major cities of the world. Even so, Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva are important centers in Estonia and are divided into districts.
Deposit logos
For more information about Estonian cities/towns go to
•
•
TALLINN – the capital Tallinn is the oldest capital in Northern Europe, first mentioned on the world 47
More information about the University of Tartu, go to the university’s website at www.ut.ee
map in 1154. The Old Town of Tallinn is included in the UNESCO world heritage list as one of the most preserved medieval city centers in Europe. As the capital and the largest city in Estonia, it is the administrative and economic center of the country.
produced many eminent scientists and scholars of international repute. Tartu was known as the Athens of the Emajõgi River (“Mother River”) and to this day the city has retained its intellectual and bohemian ambience.
Facts Population: 441,338 (as of July, 2018)
Population: 99,641 (as of January 1, 2019)
Area: 159.2 km2
Area: 38.87 km2
Sea border: 46 km Ethnic groups: Estonians 53.2 %, Russians 38%, Ukrainians 3.4 %, other nationalities 5.3 % City districts: Kesklinn, Pirita, Põhja-Tallinn, Mustamäe, Kristiine, Lasnamäe, Nõmme, Haabersti For more information about Tallinn, its districts, and what is happening in Tallinn go to
• www.visittallinn.ee/eng TARTU – city of good thoughts Tartu is Estonia’s second largest city and also the oldest city in the Baltic states, first mentioned in 1030. Hermann Castle in Narva
The university city of Tartu sits on the Emajõgi river. The large student population and abundance of museums mean that the city is always alive with interesting new events to entertain you. The University of Tartu is one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe (founded in 1632) and has
Facts
Ethnic groups: Estonians 79%, Russians 15%, other nationalities 6% For more information about Tartu and what is happening in Tartu go to www.visittartu.com/en/ NARVA – city of good energy The Hermann Castle, which looks across the Narva River to the Russian castle on the other side, is the best-preserved castle in Estonia. Narva is largely populated by Russian speakers and the city boasts fine examples of Soviet architecture. Facts Population: 57,842 (as of 2019) Area: 84.54 km2 Ethnic groups: Russians 87.6%, Estonians 4.1%, other nationalities 8.3% For more information about Narva go to http://tourism.narva.ee/en
2.10. Media Television Media consumption is shifting more and more towards digital media. Websites and television channels accessible online are becoming the tools of choice for Estonians to watch the news and obtain information. The percentage of mobile devices (smart phones and tablets) in media consumption is growing, yet traditional media - television, radio, and the printed press - is still going strong. Estonian Public Broadcasting (Eesti Rahvusringhääling, ERR) is a public service media organization. ERR has three TV channels – ETV, ETV2, and ETV+. ETV is Estonia’s biggest public service TV channel. Its programs include education, science, culture, lifestyle, current affairs, and entertainment programs, sports coverage, and the 48
popular daily evening news show Aktuaalne Kaamera. See more at http://etv.err.ee/ (EST) ETV2’s programming consists of cultural and educational broadcasts, documentaries, TV shows, and movies. It has a special daily children’s program as well as some programming in Russian, including a daily news broadcast. See more at http://etv2.err.ee/ (EST) ETV+ is a Russian TV channel. See more at www.etvpluss.err.ee/l/eng Movies and imported programs are mostly shown in their original language with Estonian subtitles. This also applies to private television stations in Estonia. The best-known private channels are Kanal2 and TV3.
Radio Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) offers four different radio channels in Estonian (Vikerraadio, Raadio2, Klassikaraadio, Raadio Tallinn) and one in Russian (Raadio4). In addition to public radio, Estonia has a number of private broadcasters. Among the biggest radio broadcasters are Sky Media Group and Trio LSL Radio Group. For a list of radio stations streaming live on the internet, visit www.listenlive.eu/estonia.html
Newspapers Newspapers and magazines play an important role in Estonia. There are four daily nationwide newspapers (Postimees, Eesti Päevaleht, Äripäev, and Õhtuleht), and nine weekly newspapers (Eesti Ekspress and Maaleht being the most popular). Regional papers are published across Estonia. For an exhaustive list of newspapers in Estonia, go to the Estonian Newspaper Association’s website at www. eall.ee Magazines are published for different target groups. Family, home, and lifestyle magazines are the most popular.
Estonian and international newspapers and magazines are sold in bigger shopping centers and R-kiosks. Foreign-language media in Estonia
• Estonian Public Broadcasting news in English: http://news.err.ee
• Postimees is one of the four daily newspapers published in Estonia:
• Postimees in English: http:// news.postimees.ee
• Baltic Business News (BBN) is
mainly based on the daily news flow from the business newspaper Äripäev: www.bbn.ee
• The Baltic Times is an independ-
ent biweekly newspaper that covers the latest political, economic, business, and cultural events in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania: https://m.baltictimes.com/
• Baltic News Service is the largest
news agency in the Baltic states and a leading source of information about the Baltic countries. Subscription is required.
• www.bns.ee/en Russian newspapers in Estonia include:
• Delovõje vedomosti: www.dv.ee/ • www.mke.ee/
2.11. Postal services Eesti Post (Omniva) is the Estonian national postal service provider with post offices across Estonia. Post offices are open on weekdays and some on Saturdays, with opening hours that may vary greatly. For information about post offices and opening hours, go to Eesti Post’s website at www.omniva.ee
Within Estonia letters are delivered within one working day as from mailing them. Internationally, most letters take between one to three days to arrive within the Baltic and Nordic countries and up to a week to other countries. You can buy stamps and envelopes at post offices, kiosks, and most grocery stores.
Public mailboxes in Estonia are orange, located outside of all post offices, in shopping centers, and at most gas stations. To send mail, put letters and postcards in any official orange Eesti Post mailbox. Pick up times are noted on each box. Mail will not be picked up from your home mailbox.
Use a zip code when addressing letters. Zip codes for all Estonian localities are listed on Eesti Post’s website (www.omniva.ee). Mail is delivered daily from Monday to Saturday, except on holidays.
2.12. Services related to everyday life Estonia provides for a range of services to make your life easier.
Babysitting services To find a babysitter, go to
• www.lapsehoidjad.eu
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Other services If you are looking for a repair man, a housekeeper, or other services, an efficient way is to find them using a search engine (the most widely used search engine is Google). A few search terms to help look for these services are listed below.
• www.toruabi.ee – plumbing • Pesumajad ja keemiline puhastus (laundry and dry cleaning)
• • • •
Kolimine (moving) Lukuabi (locksmith) Koduabiline (housekeeper) Koristaja (janitor)
Several websites handle person to person sale and purchase advertisements. The major ones are:
• Kuldne Börs - www.kuldnebors.ee • Soov - www.soov.ee • Osta - www.osta.ee
2.13. International moving When moving your personal belongings from other countries to Estonia, it is advised to use a professional moving company’s services. That way it is guaranteed that your belongings reach their destination safely, customs related services are handled correctly, and your property is insured during the moving process. If you are moving within the European Union, customs formalities generally do not apply. To cut costs, it is possible to rent a van or a small truck and drive your belongings to Estonia. In such a case you should take into account risks that are covered when using a moving company.
Cars For more information about the Estonian Road Administration, go to their website at www.mnt.ee
If you wish to bring a car registered in a different country with you to Estonia, you must keep in mind the following: Importing a car from an EU country Under EU law, a private vehicle may be temporarily imported to another EU country and used for up to six months in any 12-month period. However, the vehicle must be re-registered if it is owned and used by a resident of that country. Importing a car from outside the EU It is allowed to import a car into Estonia duty-free as part of your household shipment; however, cars imported and sold within the first year of arrival will be subject to import tax and value added tax (VAT). If you are importing a car as a part of your household shipment from a nonEU country, it is necessary to pass customs clearance first. Customs clearance and car registration must be done as quickly as possible, but not more than 5 working days after being granted an Estonian residence permit.
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If a car is imported from a non-EU country, two conditions must be met to qualify for tax exemption:
• Permanent residence outside the
EU has lasted for at least 12 months without interruption;
• The car has been in the owner’s possession for at least six months.
To register a car in Estonia, it is necessary to:
• hold a residence permit; • take the car for inspection to a lo-
cal bureau of the Estonian Road Administration.
Pets Moving pets to Estonia from EU countries All dogs and cats need a microchip and passport to move and travel within the EU. The EU Pet Passport is identical for all European countries and contains obligatory information concerning the individual animal: identification number and proof of valid vaccination against rabies virus. The Pet Passport is valid for the lifetime of the pet. All vets should have the relevant information and be able to prepare a pet for travel. Moving pets to Estonia from nonEU countries Animals from outside the EU may enter Estonia if they:
• hold a valid Veterinary Certificate or Pet Passport;
• carry a microchip (ISO 11784); • hold proof of valid rabies vaccination.
Once in Estonia, a local vet can issue an EU Pet Passport allowing travel within Europe.
Finding a veterinarian
In Tartu
To find a suitable vet, we recommend you to visit several vet offices and find out what kind of pets they specialize in. Major veterinary clinics:
• Orro - www.orrokliinik.ee • Väikeloomakliinik - www.fik.ee/ • Animal – https://animalkliinik.
In Tallinn
• Estonian
• Tiina
Toomet´s Pet www.toometikliinik.ee/
Clinic
webs.com
Universtiy of Life Sciences Veterinary Clinic https://loomakliinik.emu.ee/en/
-
• Billy - www.billy.ee/ • Tatari - www.tatari.ee • Västriku - www.vastriku.ee/
In Narva
• Narvavet - www.narvavet.ee
2.14. Estonian food culture Traditionally, an Estonian family eats home cooked meals prepared using local ingredients. Eating out is slowly becoming more popular. In Estonia (especially in Tallinn), the variety of restaurants is large enough to cater to all needs. Estonians are proud of their agriculture and are convinced that local food is the best and healthiest. They are often willing to pay more for local produce than for imported goods. Bread has been made in Estonia for seven thousand years and it has always been considered one of the most important foods on our table – it can be said that bread is the symbol of Estonian food. Many beliefs and traditions are linked to bread and following such beliefs assured that food would never run out and that the members of the family lived happy lives. Bread and related products are still honored today – the bread department in Estonian stores often has the best selection and in addition to traditional rye bread Estonians also purchase crust bread, fine rye bread, loafed bread, floor bread, graham bread, white bread, and many other bread products. An average Estonian eats about 40 kg of pastries every year. Almost all of the bread consumed is domestic, foreign pastries rarely make it to Estonian dinner tables. Potatoes are loved by all Estonians, especially early summer potatoes that do not require peeling and are especially appetizing with a bit of butter, salt, and fresh greens. Many of our loved summer treats, such as chanterelle sauce, cottage cheese salad, or smoked flounder absolutely need to be accompanied by early potatoes. Fish. An average Estonians eats about 10 kg of fish every year. Fish has been
and still is an inseparable part of our national cuisine. A sandwich with spiced Baltic sprat, boiled egg, and spring onions is never left out of an Estonian feast and canned sprats are the most typical fish products in Estonian stores. Estonians also eat more and more salmon and trout. Vegetables are an inseparable part of Estonian cuisine, especially a fresh cucumber-tomato salad with sour cream. Since the Estonian summer is not too long, most people use greenhouses to grow their tomatoes and cucumbers, but some people in the cities grow tomatoes on their apartment windowsills.
For a regularly updated list of “50 best restaurants in Estonia” go to www.flavoursofestonia.com/
Estonians also love all kinds of other vegetables – carrots, radishes, turnips, and rutabagas. A recent favorite is beetroot, which has thanks to its intense color and sweet taste found its way to the menus of gourmet restaurants and exciting food products. Milk has for thousands of years been irreplaceable for Estonians. Although a lot of new beverages have emerged and milk consumption has dropped a bit during the last few decades, milk consumption in comparison to other countries is still high – in 2009 Estonia together with Ireland led the milk product consumption chart in Europe. Meat is consumed at an average of 65 kg every year. Since for centuries most farms have reared pigs, the most popular meat in Estonia is pork. Roasted pork is the pride of any Estonian feast, be it a birthday, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any other festivity. Before the Midsummer Day, the meat departments of Estonian stores are filled with pork meat marinated in vinegar or other marinades that are then skewered and roasted
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on the bonfire. Pork hams, sausages, minced meat, paté, and bacon are also popular, and recently other meats, such as pork crackle snacks have become common. Year by year the importance of poultry has started to grow. Poultry, especially chicken and turkey, is popular among the health-conscious due to its low calorie content. Beef has always been important as well. A well-cooked beef tenderloin is a sign of quality for many restaurants. Beef products, such as hams, sausages, minced meat, and other products are also enjoyed.
Most popular weather forecast websites are: www.ilmateenistus.ee/ www.ilm.ee
Mushrooms and berries are plentiful in Estonian forests. Although the most common mushrooms are milk mushrooms and russulas, the Estonians have always appreciated boleti and chantarelles – these delicate mushrooms are very tasty when fried, and mushroom sauce is the favorite food of many. Mulgikapsad (sauerkraut) and verivorst (black pudding) have been Estonian Christmas specialties for centuries. Beer is the most common beverage for Estonian adults, and it is consumed with meals and on other occasions. A variety of beers, both light and dark, are commonly available.
Estonians prefer beers produced by local breweries. Traditional Estonian food:
• Rye and graham bread; • Pork with boiled or oven-baked potatoes and vegetables;
• Hot-smoked flounder, smoked small herring, bream, eel;
• Self-picked mushrooms and berries;
• Sandwiches are common for breakfast.
Eating out Most Estonian cafés and restaurants offer good value for money. A typical restaurant or pub meal will cost € 5–20. Pubs often have happy hours or drink promotions. Estonia also boasts a number of high-end restaurants, mostly in Tallinn. Tallinn is an important tourist destination; hence there are numerous restaurants (especially in the Old Town). Most of such restaurants are oriented towards tourists and therefore have premium pricing – a glass of beer can cost € 4–5 and a meal € 20–30. Tipping in Estonia is voluntary, and Estonians are pretty casual about tipping. However, tipping 10% of the bill is polite and in many places it is expected for good or exceptional service. It is not common to tip at lunch.
2.15. Estonian climate Estonian weather is often made fun of and the local climate is considered a major drawback to living in Estonia. However, Estonians value the four seasons greatly and a lot of time is spent outdoors, regardless of the weather.
The climate in Estonia is temperate and milder than would be expected from such Northern latitudes (thanks to the warm maritime air). The weather is very variable, with strong winds, high precipitation and fluctuations in temperature.
Average temperature in Estonia C
0
19 17 15 13 11 9 7 5 3 1 -1 -3
1971 - 2000
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2001 - 2010
Decembre
November
October
September
August
July
Juny
May
April
March
February
January
-5
There are four seasons of virtually equal length. Estonia has great seasonal variation in daylight. In the winter, the days are short and dark; in the summer, the days are long. The longest day of the year is June 21 with 19 hours of full daylight.
• Winter (November to February)
can be fairly cold with a lot of snow, and the temperature may drop below -20°C, usually in January or February.
• Spring arrives in March or April and is usually sunny but chilly.
• Summer (June to August) has an average temperature of 18°C; however, the temperature might go up to 30°C for shorter periods of time.
• Autumn (September to October) is typically the wettest season, although rainfall can occur during any month of the year.
Estonians find the weather to be one of the most popular discussion topics and observing the weather forecast is very common, regardless of the season.
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To compare the cultural dimensions of Estonia with your own country, go to the Hofstede Centre’s website (in English) at:
Part III Estonian culture The third part of this pamphlet describes important aspects of Estonian culture – the characteristics and behavior typical to Estonians, Estonian cultural traditions and holidays, in-
cluding possible cultural shocks and ways to cope with them. Opportunities to spend free time and exercise are overviewed – music, theater, cinema, museums.
3.1. Cultural characteristics of Estonia What characterizes Estonians and the Estonian way of life?
As rule Estonians are reserved, serious, and hard-working people. While close relations with strangers develop slowly, once developed they are sincere and lasting. Estonians do not readily obey and respect people in positions of authority based merely on their rank and status. Instead, Estonians welcome managers that give them the opportunity to state their opinions and express disagreement, and be included in the decision-making process. Estonia is an Individualist country. Estonians foster a solid conviction about personal responsibility and everybody’s own achievement and contribution so as to be self-fulfilled. Most Estonians believe that everyone should be allowed to do his/her own thing, reach new heights or even dig their own grave. Work situations are driven more by task-orientation than by relationship-orientation, which is to say that for Estonians, work relations serve a functional purpose. Achievement is reflected directly on the person responsible. Estonian social framework is much looser than it is in many individualist countries. In Estonia, a person’s progress in life does not depend on how well connected the person is, transparency and honesty rather than harmony and loyalty are virtues in Estonia. For this reason, Estonians tend to be direct communicators. They usually say what they mean and mean what they say and there is limited time for small talk. Estonian society is driven by a certain amount of modesty and fairness. Estonians do not boast about their achievements. Instead they enhance
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their character through hard work and diligence and show their competitiveness by letting the results speak for themselves. Estonians prefer to take turns out of fairness and consideration for the other person’s time. Passive silence and listening are very much part of the Estonian communication style. Although Estonians communicate in a direct manner, they do tend to shy away from conflicts. For this reason, they are reluctant to raise issues and are quick to take constructive criticism personally. Many companies in Estonia are run and staffed by people of younger generations, who favor an informal, democratic, and consultative management style. Thus, decisions are ideally made by gaining support through participation. Estonia has a high preference for avoiding uncertainty. Estonians maintain rigid codes of belief and behavior and are sometimes intolerant of unorthodox behaviors and ideas. There is an emotional need for rules (even if the rules do not appear to work), time is money, people have an inner urge to be busy and work hard, precision and punctuality are the norm. Security is an important element of individual motivation. Estonian culture is highly pragmatic. People believe that truth depends very much on the situation, context and time. They show an ability to adapt traditions easily to changed conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest, thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results. Estonian culture is very restrained in nature. There exists a tendency to be cynical and pessimistic. Also, in contrast to people in more indulgent
societies, Estonians do not put much emphasis on leisure time and control the gratification of their desires. People have the perception that their
actions are restrained by social norms and feel that indulging themselves is somewhat wrong.
3.2. Diversity and Equality Estonian society respects diversity. This means that many different people live in Estonia. They all enrich the Estonian society - they may look different, come from different cultures, be of different age, gender, origin, experience, ability or interests. All people are equally valuable. Gender equality is very important. Women and men, boys and girls are equal in all walks of life. They have equal rights, obligations, responsibility and opportunities. They have an equal right to make decisions about their lives. For example, nobody needs to ask permission from anyone in order to go to see a doctor, go out on their own or work. Gender does not limit a person’s possibilities neither at home, at school nor in work-life. There are no professions and no work which would be suitable only for men or only for women. Children can just as well be raised by their fathers, cooking and cleaning can equally be done by men and women are equally able to manage a business. Employers are expected to pay men and women an equal salary for the same work Family occupies an important place in the Estonian society. Father and mother are equally important to their children. After a baby is born, it can be both the mother or the father who stays at home and takes care of the baby. Or if children fall ill, it can be both the mother or the father who takes them to see a doctor. Or when the school has a parents’ meeting, both parents are equally suitable for discussing issues with the teacher. Both parents can contribute to home chores – for example men also cook, do garden work or clean the house, while women can also drive a car or repair the house. In Estonia anyone can choose what to wear. The way a person chooses to dress cannot be a reason to act violently or abusively towards them. For example, anyone can wear a short skirt, headscarf or make-up. Outer appearance is anyone’s own business. Handicapped people are respected. Handicapped people are equal with others – they go to school and work,
participate in cultural activities, politics and in all other walks of life. In the same way, people of different ages are part of Estonia’s multifaceted society. All have their rights and obligations. Same applies to young people and children. Children are listened to and their opinion is taken into account. A child has a right to good health, a right to play and to go to school. All this is guaranteed by a loving family and the state. Elderly people cannot be treated worse than others. For example, elderly people can go to work even after the retirement age if they wish to do so. An employer has no right to fire them because of it. Sexual and gender minorities live in Estonia and they are equal members of the society. A person has the right to choose their partner and this partner can be of the same gender or of a different gender. No one has the right to abuse or insult others because of their sexual preferences or gender identity. It is perfectly normal that in one family a child has two fathers or two mothers.
What is discrimination and where to turn to if it occurs? Discrimination means that a person is treated worse because of his/her gender, age, handicap, faith, belief, sexual orientation, skin colour or nationality. For example, it is discrimination when a restaurant refuses to serve you because of your skin colour or when an employer refuses to hire you because of your religion. Discrimination is not allowed in Estonia. In case you feel that you have been discriminated against, you may turn to the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner for advice. It is free of charge for you. See www.volinik.ee
www.volinik.ee
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What are the characteristics and peculiarities of Estonian behavior?
3.3. Communication culture Like every citizen of a Northern country, Estonians at first glance seem friendly but reserved, polite and calm but serious. On first encounter, foreigners may be surprised to find that approaching Estonians with warm hugs and kisses has just the opposite effect from creating an open and friendly atmosphere. At that awkward moment, most of them think – just a hand-shake would have been enough… Estonians do not tend to go to extremes with emotionality and sentimentality: opening up and trusting others on a personal level takes longer than with some other nationalities. 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 along with Estonian people easier. Estonians value their privacy – please bear this in mind.
Greetings and distance People usually greet each other with a wave of the hand or a nod, 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 or a handshake) is common among young people and in informal communication. Kissing on the cheek is not 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.
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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.
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 using 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 form of the word “you” “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.
Directness 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 favor. ‘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 should also be quite direct when communicating with Estonians.
Visiting Remember – Estonians value their privacy. Home is quite a private place for 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 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 it is OK.
It is considered polite in Estonia to take your shoes off when entering somebody’s home. This rule should be ignored only if you are clearly said to leave your shoes on. Removing your shoes mostly has a practical reason as the streets are either muddy, wet, or covered with snow for at least half of the year. Walking around in your muddy or wet shoes would make the floor quite dirty. Taking outdoor shoes off when going inside is also more hygienic during the summer.
Gifts Estonians celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriage, graduation, and oftentimes also moving 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. Being a good member of the society means that you abide by the law, follow standards of conducts, earn your own money, pay taxes, and contribute to s the ociety in other ways.
Time Time is very important to Estonians. Estonians are quite 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. If you cannot avoid being late and you know that in advance, make sure you call and let the other person or people know as soon as possible.
3.4. Leisure activities Travelling in Estonia
Some popular Estonia include:
Many Estonians like to spend their holidays and weekends travelling around Estonia. There are plenty of picturesque small towns and villages you can visit and many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful nature. It is useful to book accommodation in advance as otherwise hotels might be full.
• • • •
The State Forest Management Centre (RMK www.rmk.ee/en) maintains, grows, and manages the state forests in Estonia. It also maintains forest roads, builds hiking trails, maintains accommodation facilities, marks scenic recreational areas, and prepares camping sites and campfire locations. RMK has set up diverse facilities for forest recreation areas that provide fire making locations, hiking tracks, campsites, cottages and huts. There are official Tourist Information Centers in all of the bigger cities/ tows and county centers. Tourist Information Centers provide information and advice on local points of interests and activities in the area.
destinations
in
Lahemaa National Park City of Pärnu (in summer) City of Otepää (in winter) Islands off the west coast (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu)
For more information about leisure facilities and recreation areas, go to www.visitestonia.com/en/
• Different spas and water parks For more information about travelling and various destinations in Estonia go to www.visitestonia.com.
Sporting activities During the winter, cross-country skiing is the most popular sport in Estonia. There are many ski paths in Estonia, some of which are also lit during evenings. From spring to autumn you can use these paths also for cross-country jogging, cycling, and walking. There are also many indoor facilities for sports – aerobics, bodybuilding, swimming, volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis, squash, athletics, bowling etc.
For and overview of ski path locations (in Estonian and Russian) go to www.terviserajad.ee 57
•
••
If you are interested in participating in major public sports events like marathons, relevant information is, for example, available at: www.visitestonia.com/ en/what-to-see-do/ events#activities-adventure (in English)
In the summer you can engage in many outdoor activities like roller-skating, canoeing, tennis, football, golf, beach volleyball, triathlon etc. There are many lit bike trails on the outskirts of towns and even in the countryside. The easiest way to find information about sporting opportunities that you are interested is to use an online search engine. Below are a few websites providing location specific information: The use of health trails is popular in Estonia. The trails are usually lit and you can walk, run, ride a bike, or ski during the winter as well. For more information about health trails go to
• www.terviserajad.ee/ (EST) • www.terviserajad.ee/ru/ (RUS) In addition, it is possible to practice several other sports, such as golf, horseback riding, sailing etc.
Theatres and cinemas are also popular in Estonia. The theatre landscape is varied, boasting professional state, municipal, and private theatres next to numerous amateur theatre groups. From autumn to spring, performances are usually held at indoor theater halls; however during summertime, many theatres deliver performances at various beautiful outdoor locations. For more information about theatres and cinemas in Estonia go to Theatres www.teater.ee (in Estonian and English) Cinemas Forum Cinemas (in Tallinn, Tartu, and Narva)
• www.forumcinemas.ee/eng/ Cinema “Artis”
• www.kino.ee/eng/
To find out about sporting opportunities provided by the city of Tallinn go to
Solaris
Tartu: www.visittartu.com/en/ sport-activities
Cinema “Sõprus”
•
Narva:
••
Music Estonians are not called a singing nation without good reason. There are numerous festivals taking place every season of the year. The most remarkable is the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration, where more than 100,000 people gather in the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds to sing and celebrate together (every four years, the Estonian Youth Song and Dance Celebration is organized). This event is designated as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. For information about music events and festivals go to
• Event calendar www.culture.ee • Estonian Song and Dance
Celebration www.laulupidu.ee (in Estonian and English)
• Tallinn Music Week www.tmw.ee • Estonian Concert www.concert.ee • Estonian National Opera www. opera.ee (in Estonian and English)
• Jazz festivals www.jazzkaar.ee • Folk festival www.folk.ee • Blues festival www.augustibluus.ee 58
Theatres and cinemas
• www.solariskino.ee/ • www.kinosoprus.ee/en Viimsi cinema
• www.viimsikino.ee/ (EST) • www.viimsikino.ee/rus/ (RUS) Cinamon
• www.cinamon.ee/ (EST)
Museums Estonia boasts more than 250 museums and collections, ranging from fine arts, nature, and technology to photography and design. For more information about Estonian museums (in Estonian and English) go to www.muuseum.ee/ Below is a list of some the most popular museums:
• Estonian National Museum www. erm.ee/en (in Estonian and English)
• Art Museum of Estonia
https://kunstimuuseum.ekm.ee/en/
• Seaplane Harbour
www.lennusadam.eu/en/
• AHHAA Science Center www.ahhaa.ee/en
• Tartu Toy Museum www.mm.ee/
• Rocca Al Mare Open Air Museum
For more information about this event go to
• Estonian Road Museum
www.muuseumioo.ee/en
www.evm.ee/eng/home
www.maanteemuuseum.ee/en
• Estonian History Museum
www.ajaloomuuseum.ee/en
Once a year various Estonian museums all over the country open their doors for visitors for a night of special events and exhibitions, celebrating the Night of Museums. In previous years, the number of participating museums has been more than a hundred. This is a truly popular event as the number of visitors is around 100,000 annually.
Tickets In Estonia you can buy tickets to most events and festivals in advance online at www.piletilevi.ee. You can buy tickets in advance also at numerous salespoints. For salespoint locations go to www.piletilevi.ee/eng/salespoints. Piletimaailm is another provider of ticketing services: www.piletimaailm.com/
3.5. Public holidays and days of national importance The following dates are public holidays and, therefore, constitute days off work:
• • • • • • • •
January 1 – New Year February 24 – Independence Day Good Friday Easter Sunday (Sunday) May 1 – Spring Day June 23 – Victory Day June 26 – Midsummer Day August 20 – Day of Restoration of Independence
• December 24 – Christmas Eve • December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – Boxing Day If a public holiday falls on the weekend, a free day is not observed the following week. The working day before New Year’s Day (January 1), Independence Day (February 24), Victory Day (June 23), and Christmas Eve (December 24) is shortened by three hours.
Which days are public holidays in Estonia? What is similar or different compared to my home country?
During public holidays kindergartens, schools, and other establishments and businesses are closed. Grocery stores and supermarkets are open for a shorter period.
3.6. More important Estonian cultural traditions and cultural peculiarities Holidays St. John’s Eve (June 23) and Christmas Eve (December 24) are the most important holidays in Estonia. Christmas, celebrated after the winter solstice, falls in the darkest period of the year and is primarily a family-centered holiday. Both the old and the young stand by a decorated, candle-lit Christmas tree waiting for Father Christmas to deliver presents. Afterwards, they all sit down to a festive dinner, which usually consists of roast pork, black pudding with cowberry jam, and sauerkraut with roast potatoes. On the evening of June 23, Estonian cities become half empty. Everyone who can do so travels to the countryside to celebrate one of Estonia’s most significant holidays - St. John’s Eve. On that night darkness lasts for only a few
hours. Hundreds of bonfires are lit all over Estonia, people sing and dance around them, and when the flames have died down a bit, those who are brave enough leap through them to shake off the year’s evils. St. John’s (Midsummer’s) Day marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year, and the traditions relating to the celebration date back to pre-Christian pagan times. Two other ancient traditions that relate to the time of year are also still practiced. On Shrove Tuesday in February adults seize the chance to go sledging together with their children, on the pretext of the old tradition. On St. Martin’s Eve (November 9) and St. Catherine’s Day (November 25), children in costumes go from house to house, earning sweets with their singing and dancing.
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In addition to these festivities, Estonians also have several national holidays. The most important one falls on February 24 when people celebrate the declaration of independence of 1918. Regardless of the weather, which in February may vary between mild thaw and fierce frost, a military parade takes place in the morning. In the evening, the majority of Estonians gather in front of their television sets to watch the President’s reception – if they are not invited to attend themselves, that is. Several Christian holidays receive much less attention and importance in Estonia than in many other European countries. Easter is celebrated by many only with coloring eggs and only Good Friday and Easter Sunday are days off.
Estonian sauna traditions The sauna is an ancient source of health for Estonians. Estonians are true sauna-lovers – their sauna traditions date back 800 years, and there are many opportunities to enjoy the traditions for yourself while visiting the countryside. Today saunas form an inseparable part of almost every private home, summer cottage, and farm. You will not find a single spa in Estonia that doesn’t have a proper sauna complex of its own. One thing you definitely shouldn’t miss doing in a traditional Estonian sauna, which is commonly referred to as ‘whisking’, is gently beating your-
self (or having someone else beat you) with birch twigs, which accelerates perspiration and both massages and cleanses your skin (just ask beforehand if this is allowed in a particular sauna – in public spas it is usually prohibited because of extra cleaning afterwards). Older and more traditional saunas are often found in tourist farms. One of the most special sauna experiences is without doubt the smoke sauna. This is a ritual in itself – the sauna is heated for almost half a day, and the amount of time spent in it in total can amount to many hours. There is no emphasis on washing yourself clean, since repeated exposure to steam and constant ‘whisking’ and cooling off cleanse you very effectively in their own right. It is said that your mind too will come out of the smoke sauna as purified as your body. The Võru region’s smoke sauna tradition is listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Estonians have such respect for saunas that they have built them in some very unusual locations, including on buses, old fire trucks, and barges – where in between enjoying the sauna itself and one another’s company the sauna-goers can jump into the lake or river straight from the sauna door. Indian sauna tents are an experience all of their own, too, while many tourist farms have their own barrel saunas, in which you can immerse yourself in steaming water out in the open air surrounded by nature.
3.7. More common religions in Estonia
What role does religion play in Estonia?
In many societies, religion has a very important role. In Estonia, however, less than a third of the population define themselves as religious people. 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 can adhere to their own practices. When communicating with Estonians, it is good to know that the majority of the population is non-religious, but religion as such is not a taboo. Estonia has freedom of belief and speech. This means that Estonian does not have a state religion. People are free to choose their own religion and practice it in a peaceful manner.
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Religion is everyone’s personal matter and no one can be treated differently because of his/her religion or beliefs. Everyone has the right to express and distribute their thoughts orally or in writing. It is not allowed, however, to instil hatred or to insult or humiliate others. Estonians are fond of talking about their Lutheran work habits. This is largely the only religion-related topic ever discussed. In predominantly Protestant (since the early 16th century) Estonia, the church is separated from the state, and religious topics only emerge at Christmas and Easter. Confessional belonging is strictly everybody’s own business. Mass Christianization of Estonians began in the 13th century, although the pre-
vious pagan beliefs persisted until the 17th century. Alongside Christian holidays there are also a number of “pagan” traditions alive today; such as bonfires in May and on Midsummer’s Eve. The majority of religiously active people belong to the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Orthodox Church. The Orthodox Church in
Estonia has two separate branches: the Russian church subordinated to Moscow and the Estonian church subordinated to Constantinople. The most common time for Sunday services is 10 o’clock, but in some congregations services begin at 11 a.m. or 12 noon. You should contact a congregation directly if you wish to become a member.
3.8. Ethnic nationalities and cultural minorities in Estonia Very different people live in Estonia. Many have their own culture, language or religion. Knowledge of the Estonian language is important, so that all people could interact with one another, could find work and do well in their lives. It is important that people with different language and culture could adapt in Estonia and could learn to understand and respect other cultures. Estonia is one of the smallest countries in Europe in terms of population – Estonia´s population is 1,324,820 (as of January 1, 2019). Nearly 200 different nationalities and ethnic groups are represented in Estonia with the largest ethnic groups being Estonians (69%), Russians (25%), Ukrainians
(2%), Belarusians (1%), and Finns (1%). Other smaller national groups include Jews, Tatars, Germans, Latvians, Poles, and Lithuanians. According to the 2011 Population and Housing Census, 85.1% of enumerated permanent residents in Estonia constituted themselves as Estonian citizens. 8.1% of permanent residents defined themselves as citizens of a foreign country. 6.5% of the enumerated permanent residents defined themselves as persons with undetermined citizenship.
What are the largest ethnic groups in Estonia?
Allover, around 160 native languages are spoken in Estonia. 68.5% of the total population speaks Estonian as their native language.
3.9. Estonian language Estonian is the official language of Estonia. It is spoken by about 1.1 million people in the country itself and thousands of others abroad. Estonian is a Finno-Ugric language and is closely related to Finnish and distantly to Hungarian. It has throughout history been influenced by German, Russian, Swedish, and Latvian, though it is not related to any of them. Estonian has two main dialects – Northern and Southern. Various
smaller regional dialects are more common along the coast and on the islands. In some of the southern regions of Estonia, Võru and Seto dialects are spoken. Practice has proved that the quickest way for a foreigner to open up a reserved Estonian is to at least try to say something in Estonian: a simple “Tere” (Hello) or “Aitäh” (Thank you) will make any Estonian smile in surprise and delight.
3.10. Cultural adaptation It is quite common that upon moving to a new country, at first you may be interested in the new culture and find it exciting, but soon realize that your new situation is not living up to your expectations. This might evoke 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 expe-
rienced to various degrees by most people who need to adapt to a new culture. Some examples of phenomena and behaviors that can shock foreigners at first when arriving in Estonia
How might culture shock be expressed?
• People are overly serious, talk quietly and do not smile (ever) – for people from the US or Latin countries
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• Sauna culture and getting naked in
• Try to find a job as quickly as pos-
• Reluctance of Estonians to invite
• Attend Estonian language courses. • Attend various courses or undergo
the company of other people
new acquaintances to their homes
• Above average alcohol consumption – for people from Muslim countries or some parts of Asia
• Liberal clothing traditions for women – for people from more conservative countries
Below are ways to cope with “culture shock” and make adaptation easier:
• Learn about local rules and tra-
ditions, and do your best to build up an extensive communication network.
What can I do to cope with culture shock?
• Be an active member of society – find something to do, e.g. a hobby.
• Find local friends (e.g. visit the local library, cultural events etc.).
sible if you have the right to work.
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.
• 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.
Mood range
Culture shock
the “Honeymoon” period Adjustment
Recovery period
Depression
True culture shock Time
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Some useful expressions Tere! - Hello!
juuksur – hairdresser
Tere hommikust/päevast/õhtust! – Good morning/afternoon/evening!
MONEY
Nägemiseni! / Head aega! - Good bye! Tšau (Ciao) - informal and a very common expression between friends to say both Hi and Bye
valuutavahetus - currency exchange vahetuskurss - exchange rate palk - wage, salary hind - price
Aitäh! / Tänan! - Thank you!
arve - bill
Palun – Please
tasuta - free of charge
Head isu! – Bon appetite! Jah - Yes
FAMILY
Ei – No
naine - woman
Võib-olla – Maybe Vabandage – Excuse me NUMBERS
mees – man laps - child abikaasa - spouse kool - school
üks, kaks, kolm, neli, viis, kuus seitse, kaheksa, üheksa, kümme – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
lasteaed - kindergarten
TRANSPORT
SOME USEFUL PHRASES
buss - bus
Kus asub/kus on …? - Where is …..?
bussipeatus - bus stop bussijaam – bus station rong – train rongijaam – train station takso – taxi
õpetaja – teacher
Ma armastan Sind - I love you Ilusat päeva! - Have a nice day! Mulle meeldib kohtuda uute inimestega - I like meeting new people
lennuk – plane
Kus on raamatukogu? - Where is the library?
lennujaam - airport
Minge vasakule - Go left
pilet – ticket
Minge paremale - Go right Minge otse - Go straight ahead
DOCUMENTS id-kaart - ID card isikut tõendav dokument - personal identification document juhiluba – driver’s license lugejapilet - library card pass – passport SERVICES postkontor - post office ümbrik - envelope
Palun sõitke aadressil… - Please drive to this address Mis kell on? - What time is it? Kui palju see maksab?- How much does this cost? Kuidas läheb? - How are you? Tänan küsimast, väga hästi! - Very well, thank you! Ma ei saanud aru, palun räägi natuke aeglasemalt - I didn’t understand, could you speak a bit slower, please.
mark – stamp haigla - hospital arst - doctor hambaarst - dentist kiirabi - ambulance pood – shop, store restoran - restaurant kohvik - café baar - bar
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References Estonica: www.estonica.org – Encyclopaedia about Estonia Estonian official gateway: http://estonia.eu/ - Estonian history, society, culture, ecomony Study in Estonia: www.studyinestonia.ee - gateway to higher education in Estonia Visit Estonia: www.visitestonia.com - gateway to travel and sights in Estonia Invest in Estonia: www.investinestonia.ee – gateway to doing business in Estonia Euraxess: www.euraxess.ee/ - practical information for foreign students living in Estonia Emergency line: www.112.ee – info about the emergency phone nr International Organisation for Migration Handbook: www.iom.ee/estco/failid/File/COHandbook2015/IOM_ Handbook_ENG.pdf Relocation Guide Estonia: www.issuu.com/eas-estonia/docs/relocationguide_2014 - compilation of practical information for foreigners in Estonia Restrictions relating to alcohol: www.alkoinfo.ee/et/faktid/keelud-ja-piirangud Restrictions relating to tobacco: www.terviseinfo.ee/valdkonnad/tubakas/tubakas-ja-seadused Ministry of the Interior: www.siseministeerium.ee – official site of the Ministry of the Interior Social Security Board: www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee – official site of the Social Securty board. Info about social security benefits and requirements Visit Tallinn: www.visittallinn.ee - gateway to sights and activities available in the capital city Supreme Court: www.riigikohus.ee – site of the highest instance court Histrodamus: www.histrodamus.ee – gateway to information about Estonian history Geert Hofstede: www.geert-hofstede.com – intro to cultural profile of Estonians Jane Ester. Legal Statuses of Foreigners in Estonia: Challenges Posed to the State by Denizenship). 2009.