Rahvusvahelise kaitse mooduli käsiraamat, ENG

International Protection Module Welcoming Programme

The International Migration Organization (IOM) and the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) are not responsible for the activities undertaken on the basis of the information transmitted by this publication. This material does not represent the views of the IOM nor of its financing organizations.

Compiler IOM Estonia, Ahtri 12, 10151 Tallinn, tel +372 611 6088, e-mail iomtallinn@iom.int Design and printing: Factory Advertising OĂœ Cover photo: Aron Urb, toolbox.estonia.ee photobank The Welcoming Programme on the web: www.settleinestonia.ee www.facebook.com/settleinestonia Copyright: IOM Estonia, 2019

The project „Welcoming Programme for Beneficiaries of International Protection“ is co-financed by the European Commission Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Estonia.

Dear reader, The material of the international protection module contains introductory and practical information necessary for you as a beneficiary of international protection in Estonia. The aim of the material is to provide an overview of legal information related to your status, various services available, rules of community behaviour, management of personal finances, educational opportunities, work culture and other topics concerning everyday life in Estonia. The material is complemented by the international protection module training. Development of the material was commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior of Estonia.

The welcoming programme consists of various informative and interactive training modules. The programme aims to support foreign nationals who have migrated to Estonia to obtain the primary information and skills needed for starting life in Estonia. In addition to the international protection module, the Welcoming Programme includes the basic module, and other

thematic modules such as working and entrepreneurship, family life, and children and young people. Further information about the welcoming programme can be found at www.settleinestonia.ee.

The training material has been compiled to provide you with information relevant for you. Each topic includes references and contact information to institutions that you could address with specific questions and/or problems.

The majority of the information referenced is available in Estonian, and most of it also in English and Russian.

In Estonia everyday interactions and transactions take place primarily in the Estonian language. Therefore it is important that in addition to participating in the international protection module of the welcoming programme you obtain elementary skills in the Estonian language as soon as possible. This will quickly help you to restart your life as well as to adapt in Estonia.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. General facts about Estonia 3 1.1 National holidays 4 1.2 Public transport in and between cities 4 1.3 Communications 5 2. Documents 7 2.1 Temporary residence permit 7 2.2 Travel document 9 2.3 Extending your temporary residence permit 11 2.4 Long-term residence permit 13 2.5 Family reunification 14 2.6 Pathway to citizenship 15 3. Rights, obligations and responsibilities 19 3.1 Solving legal questions 20 3.2 Becoming an active member of the society 21 4. Services for beneficiaries of international protection 23 4.1 Support person service 23 4.2 Welcoming programme 24 4.3 Culture and Sports Program for refugees 25 4.4 Information and counselling centres 25 5. Work and career 27 5.1 How to find work: The Unemployment Insurance Fund 28 5.2 How to find work: on your own 30 5.3 Employment contract 31 5.4 Trial period 33 5.5 Working hours 33 5.6 Over time 33 5.7 Annual leave 34 5.8 Mother and parental leave 34 5.9 Work culture 34 5.10 Disputes at the work place 35 5.11 Support for jobseekers 36 5.12 Subsistence Benefit of Local Government 37 6. Children and family 39 6.1 Raising a child in a foreign country 39 6.2 Obligations of parents 40 6.3 Rights of the children 41 6.4 Living together as family 42 6.5 Allowances for families with children 42 6.6 Parental leave 43 6.7 Disputes, crises violence in the family 44 7. Health 49 7.1 How to live a healthy lifestyle 49

7.2 Health insurance 49 7.3 The Family Doctor 51 7.4 Registration with a family doctor 53 7.5 Medical confidentiality 54 7.6 Medications 54 7.7 Preventive medical check-ups and vaccinations 55 7.8 Dental Care 56 7.9 Emergency medical care (EMO) 56 8. Housing 59 8.1 Rental 60 8.2 Heating the house 61 8.3 Metre readings and bills 61 8.4 Preserve the good conditions of your home 62 8.5 Rules of community life 63 8.6 Waste disposal 65 9. Learning Estonian 67 9.1 Courses for beneficiaries of international protection 67 9.2 Other ways to learn Estonian 68 10. Education 70 10.1 Pre-school education 70 10.2 Basic Education 71 10.3 Secondary education 73 11. Everyday money matters 78 11.1 Making purchase 79 11.2 Banks and services 79 11.3 Debit card 79 11.4 Cash machines (ATM) 80 11.5 Internet payments 80 11.6 Loans and credit cards 80 11.7 Shopping 81 11.8 Payment of taxes 82 11.9 How to save money 83 12. Estonian society 85 12.1 Communication and conduct 85 12.2 Religion 89 12.3 Leisure activities 90 12.4 Theatre and Cinema 90 12.5 Library 91 13. Cultural adaptation 92 13.1 How to cope with culture shock 92 14. Table of services and support available 94 15. Communication Glossary 97

HOW TO GET STARTED CHECK LIST When you receive international protection, this is the minimum what you should do to settle in in Estonia: Yes You have applied for your temporary residence permit card.

You have found a place to live in (e.g flat).

No

N/A

You have participated in the

Information is available on the

other modules of the Welcoming

webpage www.settleinestonia.ee.

Programme.

More info in chapter 4.

You have made at least one

Find something to do and network

Estonian friend.

with locals. More info in chapter 12.

How to do it?

You have participated at least in

Contact Police and Border Guard

one public event in Estonia.

for further information. More info If needed, ask help from the accommodation centre. More info in chapter 8. office or register electronically in

residence at the local government.

the internet portal www.eesti.ee.

More info in chapter 8.

Contact the closest medical centre

You are registered with a family

to your home. If needed, contact

doctor close to your home.

The Health Board. More info in chapter 7.

and other family benefits.

In case you are not working, you have applied for subsistence benefit.

Turn to your local government office. More info in chapter 6.

Turn to your local government office. More info in chapter 5.

In case you have children,

Contact your local kindergarten,

you have enrolled them to

(pre-) school or local government.

kindergarten or school.

More info in chapter 10.

In case you are not employed, you have registered as unemployed

Contact your local Töötukassa

in Estonian Unemployment

office. More info in chapter 5.

Insurance Fund (Töötukassa).

You have opened a bank account.

You have enrolled for language studies and are attending the classes.

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chapter 12.

If you feel that you need help with any of the activities and/or contacting any of the institutions mentioned in the list, please approach support person provider and/or accommodation centre for additional advice. See more in chapter 4.

Turn to your local government

have applied for child allowances

concerts, festivals etc. More info in

in chapter 2.

You have registered your place of

In case you have children, you

Learn about public events,

Turn to the bank of your choice.

More info in chapter 11.

You are provided with free language classes. Contact Tartu Folk High School for further information. More info in chapter 9.

YOUR NOTES

1. General facts about Estonia The Estonian flag:

Capital: Tallinn (449 604 residents) Other major cities: Tartu (93 124 residents), Narva (57 130 residents) ja Pärnu (51 739 residents)

1.1 National holidays: • •

• • •

1 January, New Year 24 February, Independence Day and anniversary of the Republic of Estonia March or April: Good Friday March or April: Easter Sunday 1 May, Spring Holiday

• • • • •

May or June: Pentecost 23 June, Victory Day 24 June, Midsummer Day (St. John`s Day) 20 August, Anniversary of Restoration of Independence 24–26 December, Christmas

TIP! State agenices, schools and banks are closed on public holidays. Shorter working days generally apply in the service sector.

Administrative distribution: 15 counties, 79 local municipalities (incl. 15 towns)

The national coat of arms :

Ethnic composition: Estonians (69%), Russians (25%), Ukrainians (2%), other ethnicities (4%) (Belarusians, Finns, Tatars and many others.)

Currency: the euro; 1 euro = 100 cents

Official name: Republic of Estonia Type of government: parliamentary republic

Democratic

Neighbouring countries: Finland (to the north, across the Gulf of Finland), Latvia (to the south), Russia (to the east) and Sweden (to the west across the Baltic Sea)

Head of State: President

State language: Estonian

Legislative power: Single-chamber parliament (Riigikogu)

Other most frequently used languages of communication: Russian and English

Executive power: The Government of the Republic headed by the Prime Minister

Religion: Lutheranism and Russian Orthodoxy, although many Estonians do not associate themselves with a certain religion. Jewish and Muslim communities are also represented.

Surface area: 45 339 km2 Population: 1 318 705

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1.2 Public transport in and between cities Getting a driving license, buying and maintaining a car can be expensive. In most cases, it is considerably cheaper to use public transport, such as buses, trains and in Tallinn, also trams and trolley buses. The routes, bus schedules and stops are fixed. If you need to take a bus from one city to another, you can buy a ticket at the bus station or from the driver, and in some cases over the Internet.

You can view bus timetables and find further information about routes online at www.peatus.ee or buy tickets online at www.tpilet.ee.

You can buy train tickets online, from the railway station or the conductor on the train. You can view train timetables online and buy tickets at www.elron.ee.

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1.3 Communications

TIP!

1.3.1 Telephone In Estonia, most people use mobile phones. Public phones do not exist anymore. It would be a good idea to get a personal phone, if you don’t have one yet.

In case you cannot afford a mobile telephone subscription, you can buy a prepaid sim-card from telecommunication operator outlets or from supermarkets and R-Kiosk.

Estonia doesn’t have any special deals for calling abroad inexpensively.

Make yourself an account and remember to check it every day, as you would do with the regular mail box in your home.

Therefore, for international calls, Skype to Skype or Viber to Viber, WhatsApp or Facebook calls are recommended (requires Internet access and relevant programmes on the computer/ mobile phone).

In most cases, the landline packages can be subscribed to along with other telecommunications services, like the Internet and cable TV. In general, landline phones are not very popular for home use nowadays.

1.3.2 The Internet The internet is a daily tool for communication and services in Estonia.

All you need is a phone or a computer with an Internet connection. You can have an internet connection set up at your home by contacting some of the service providers, including: • • • •

Telia http://www.telia.ee Tele2 http://tele2.ee Elisa http://www.elisa.ee STV http://stv.ee

Many people have created their e-mail accounts on www.gmail.com or www.hotmail.com, you can check out

their websites and create your own account.

1.3.4 Post Office To send letters or parcels, you can go to the local Post Office. Letters are carried to home addresses, while parcels in most cases have to be collected from the post office or parcel terminals.

Post office services are available in every municipality of Estonia.

More information: www.omniva.ee.

1.3.5 Emergency stations.

Many services are Internet-based, and Internet also helps you keep in touch with your family and friends.

You can pay bills and fill in official forms online. To fully benefit from online services, you will need your residence permit card and the card reader.

The national emergency number is 112 – call it if you need the police, ambulance or fire services.

in danger or there is reason to believe that it may be. Keep in mind that giving a false alarm may be subject to punishment.

Call the emergency number if your or someone else’s life, health or property is

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! While calling 112 answer any question concisely and precisely and do not end the call before you have been given permission to do so.

The main gateway for services offered online by the state is www.eesti.ee.

You can also access wireless internet in most public locations like cafes, restaurants as well as bus- and train

YOUR NOTES

1.3.3 E-mail In Estonia, it’s very common to communicate via e-mail. Not only friends will write you e-mails, but you will need your personal e-mail address in order to 5

receive important information from the state or from different agencies.

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2. Documents The Police and Border Guard Board processes applications for international protection and residence permits.

When you have received international protection in Estonia you have been granted a temporary residence permit on the grounds of Act on Granting

The residence card is a mandatory personal identification document you must have with you all the time. You must apply for it at the nearest Police and Border Guard Board office. It will be issued to you without charge. The residence permit automatically gives you the right to work in Estonia. You do not need to apply separately for a work permit.

International Protection to Aliens.

Residence permit, regardless of its length, gives you many rights in Estonia.

At the same time, it will bring you certain responsibilities/obligations. See more information in chapter 3.

CONTACT POLICE AND BORDER GUARD BOARD: Locally: The nearest point to your home Web: www.politsei.ee E-mail: info@politsei.ee Phone: Client information number 612 3000 (every day from 8- 19 in Estonian, Russian and English)

If you have any questions regarding your residence permit you have the option to consult with the migration advisor of the Police and Border Guard Board in Estonian, English and Russian.

There are two different types temporary residence permit:

of

• A residence permit for three years is issued if you qualif y for refugee status: this means that you have a reasonable fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, membership in a social group or political inclination.

• A residence permit for one year is issued if you qualify for subsidiary protection: this means that you do not qualify for refugee status, but there is a basis to believe that if you are returned to your country of origin, you may incur great danger, including a death sentence, torture, or you will become subject to some other treatment or punishment that is

inhuman or abusive of human dignity or become a subject to violence due to international or domestic armed conflict.

In Estonia asylum cases are processed in lines with the 1951 Geneva convention and its Protocols and respective EU directives and Estonian national legislation.

MORE INFORMATION:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Web: www.migrationadvice.ee E-mail: migrationadvice@politsei.ee Skype: EstonianPolice_MigrationAdvice Phone: +372 612 3500 (Mon-Fri 9.00-15.00)

The residence card is not a travel document.

2.1 Temporary residence permit If you are granted international protection in Estonia, you are eligible for a temporary residence permit. Applying for your temporary residence permit 7

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

card will be one of the first steps you will make to start your life in Estonia.

The residence card contains following information about you:

the

• Personal data; • Information about the residence permit (i.e. date of issue and length of validity);

• Photo; • Fingerprints.

Along with the residence permit you will be issued an identification code, which is required for official actions in Estonia.

The residence card will enable you

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to sign documents electronically, use electronic services in the state portal www.eesti.ee and conduct transactions in banks and many other portals.

To make electronic transactions, make sure you have an ID card reader and install the required software from the webpage www.id.ee.

2.2 Travel document A travel document is mandatory if you travel outside of Estonia: to a Schengen state, one of the member states of the European Union, or any state beyond.

Always check the immigration rules and the documents recognized in the destination country.

2.2.2 Alien’s passport A person who has been granted subsidiary protection may apply for an alien`s passport in order to travel outside of Estonia.

You may apply for an alien`s passport at the nearest office of the Police and Border Guard Board. If less than two years have passed since your last application for the alien`s passport, you may also apply for the alien`s passport by post.

2.2.1 Refugee travel document Documents required for the application are:

You may apply for the refugee travel document at the nearest Police and Border Guard Board office if you have been granted refugee status in Estonia.

• • • • •

If less than two years have passed from your previous application for a travel document and fingerprinting, you may also apply for the document by post.

The alien’s passport will be issued to the applicant in person within 30 days of submission of the application. You can receive the document from the office

Required documents for application are: • Application form; • Colour photo 40 x 50 mm; • Proof of payment of state fee.

If you apply by post, please send an application for the travel document and the required documents and copies of the original documents to the address:

The travel document will be issued to you in person within 30 days of submission of the application in the office of the Police and Border Guard Board marked on your application form.

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Application form; Identity document; Colour photo, 40 x 50 mm; Certificate of payment of state fee; You shall provide a handwritten letter of explanation requesting the issuing of an alien`s passport.

APPLICATION Police and Border Guard Board Pärnu mnt 139 15060 Tallinn

of the Police and Border Guard Board marked on your application form.

Upon receipt of the alien`s passport: • Present the previously issued valid alien`s passport, if you have it; • The official will compare your fingerprints with those taken previously.

TIP! Please be aware that if you are planning to travel outside EU, some countries might request a VISA. Please contact the Embassy of the country you are planning to travel to receive the correct information.

Upon receipt of the travel document: • Present the previous valid Refugee travel document, if you have one; • The official will compare your fingerprints with those you submitted previously.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION! If you do not have a valid travel document (such as a passport issued by the state you are a citizen of), you may apply for a travel document from the Police and Border Guard Board.

If you stay away from Estonia for a longer period, or if you resettle in another member state of the European Union, you must follow the laws and migration regulation of that state, and, if necessary, apply for a residence and/or work permit from that state.

Temporary stay in Estonia gives you a possibility to be away from Estonia for 90 days within 180-day period. If you stay longer, your right for temporary stay in Estonia can be terminated. Make sure you won’t stay longer than allowed unless you have legal grounds for that.

If you have received international protection in Estonia, you cannot go applying for it in another EU Member state. If you still do so, the other EU Member state will send you back to Estonia.

Inform the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board if and when you are planning to travel, in order to avoid any cancellation of your residence permit.

You will find additional information on applying for a travel document on the webpage www.politsei.ee. If you have questions, please call +372 612 3000 (Monday-Friday 8–19) or send an e-mail to info@politsei.ee.

2.3 Extending your temporary residence permit If you’re still in need of international protection and you need to extend your temporary residence permit, you should

apply for an extension four months prior to the expiry date of your valid residence permit.

If you need support in order to fill in the application, you can contact the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, your support person or the Estonian Human Rights Centre.

Documents necessary to extend your residence permit are: • Application form, which must be completed in Estonian, Russian or English and signed; • Personal identification document; • Colour photo, size 40x50 mm.

If the application for extension of residence permit is on the grounds of international protection, an interview may be requested. You will be invited for interview. In the process of your application for extension of the residence permit, your need for continued international protection will be evaluated.

Application procedure for children: Application for children under 18 years of age or those under guardianship may be submitted by his/her legal representative (for example, a parent, guardian, or the valid legal representative of the holder of the guardianship).

Decision to extend or to refuse your residence permit: A decision to extend your residence permit or to refuse to do so will be made by the Police and Border Guard Board within three months of the date of submission of the application, but no later than ten days before the expiration of your valid residence permit. The decision will be issued to you in writing to the contact details you have provided.

Make sure you check your e-mail/post regularly and inform the police if your contact details have changed.

If extension of your residence permit is granted, you must apply for a new residence card and, if necessary, a new refugee`s travel document or alien`s passport.

Your residence permit will not be extended if: • Your need for international protection no longer prevails; • You have violated public order or societal safety; • You have been identified as a national threat to the state.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Applications for extension can be submitted 4 months before expiry to the nearest Police and Border Guard Board office, by mail (Pärnu mnt 139, 15060 Tallinn), e-mail and digitally signed (ppa@politsei.ee), or in person.

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If your refugee status stays valid, your residence permit will be extended for three years. In case of further need for subsidiary protection, your residence permit will be extended for two years.

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2.4 Long-term residence permit The long-term residence permit gives you the opportunity to live in Estonia permanently.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Application on behalf of a minor younger than 15 years of age or a person under guardianship shall be submitted by his/her legal representative (for example, parent, guardian, authorized representative of a guardianship authority).

This permit does not have an expiry date, and thus you do not have to apply for periodic extensions. The long-term residence permit is also the basis for applying for citizenship.

You can apply for the long-term residence permit for a minor younger than 15 years of age, if: • One parent is Estonian citizen or • One parent holds long-term residence permit or • You all meet the criteria to apply for long-term residence permit.

TIP! You may apply for the long-term residence permit if you meet all the following conditions: • You have lived in Estonia for five years based on temporary residence permit; • You hold a valid temporary residence permit; • The data for your place of residence are entered in the Estonian Population Registry; • You have permanent legal income that enables you to meet living expenses in Estonia;

• You have health insurance provided by the Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Eesti Haigekassa); • You have met the integration requirement, that is, you have knowledge of the Estonian language at least at the B1 level as set by the language law. This means that you can manage Estonian in most situations, understand the most basic information while listening, read and understand texts, and are able to talk and write in simple sentences on a familiar topic.

TIP! Submit your application for the long-term residence permit at least two months before the expiry date of your temporary residence permit.

Application procedure: You can apply for a long-term residence permit at the nearest Police and Border Guard Board Office.

In case less than five years have passed since your last application for a residence permit and fingerprints, then you may also apply for a residence permit by post.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! The application form for applying for a long-term residence permit must be filled in Estonian language!

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Begin studying Estonian language as soon as possible. Knowledge of the language is one of the prerequisites for applying for the long- term residence permit!

2.5 Family reunification If you have been granted international protection, you have the right to apply for family reunification of the family members that have been left behind.

You are considered as a family if your family already existed in your country of origin.

If you wish to reunite your family:

You should apply for family reunification as soon as you receive international protection.

Following family members reunited with you:

can

be

• Your wife or husband (spouse), with whom you have been officially married to prior; • Your and your spouse’s single, underage children. Descent must be proved, and if necessary, the Police and Border Guard Board will obtain an expertise on DNA analysis; • Your parent(s), in case they are dependent solely on you for their subsistence. Their need for subsistence support must be proved.

• Contact the nearest office of the Police and Border Guard Board; • Present all the relevant information you have about your family ties.

Information you can prove with evidence/papers always helps more than oral claims.

If your application for family reunification is approved by the Police and Border Guard Board, your family member(s), who have remained behind in the other country must: • Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Estonian Republic or the embassy or consulate of a state representing Estonia and 14

• Apply for a travel document for entry into Estonia. In most cases this is a visa for Estonia, which will be entered into an existing international travel document or passport.

In case your family members don´t arrive in Estonia within the 6 months after you have obtained a residence permit, Police

and Border Guard Board may demand that you fulfil further requirements in order for you to be reunited with your family.

You can find the contact information for Estonian embassies and consulates abroad on the webpage http://vm.ee/ en/embassies-and-representations

MORE INFORMATION: • • • •

Locally: nearest office of the Police and Border Guard Board Web: www.politsei.ee E-mail: info@politsei.ee Telephone: +372 612 3000 (Monday-Friday from 8–19)

You can apply for Estonian citizenship if:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! When your family members arrive in Estonia, you as the person who applied for reunification, are responsible that they follow the laws.

Family must cover expenses related to the family reunification.

You can receive some assistance from NGOs such as Estonian Refugee Council www.pagulasabi.ee; Estonian Human Rights Centre (www.humanrights.ee).

Also you have the possibility to consult with the UNHCR office in Sweden www.unhcr.org/sweden.html .

2.6 Pathway to citizenship If you are living in Estonia permanently, you can obtain Estonian citizenship if you fulfil certain conditions.

In order to apply for citizenship, turn to the nearest office of the Police and Border Guard Board.

In most cases, the organizations can help you with paperwork and advice, in exceptional cases fundraising.

If you have lost contact with your family and believe them to be currently located in a refugee camp, contact the Estonian Red Cross www.redcross.ee. They can help you find your family.

• You are at least 15 years old; • You hold a valid long-term residence permit or the right to permanent residence; • You have lived in Estonia for at least eight years prior to the date of submitting application for Estonian citizenship on the basis of a residence permit or permanent residency, for the last five of these years, continually and without interruption; • You have lived in Estonian from the date following the submission of application for Estonian citizenship on the basis of residence permit or permanent residency, for six months continually and legally, without interruption; • You have a registered place of residence in Estonia; • You have passed the Estonian language proficiency examination; • You have passed the examination of knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the

Citizenship Act; • You have a permanent legal income that enables you to meet living expenses in Estonia for yourself and your dependents; • You are loyal to the Estonian state.

A child may obtain Estonian citizenship by birth only if at least one of his/her parents holds Estonian citizenship.

In order to apply for the Estonian citizenship, it is necessary to pass the examination on knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act and the Estonian language proficiency examination.

Examinations are organised by the foundation Innove (www.innove.ee).

There are courses that help you prepare for citizenship examinations provided by the state.

NB! In order to submit the application in the Service Office you need to make a reservation.

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1 3

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You receive internaional protection (temporary residence permit) in Estonia.

After 5 years apply for long-term residence permit.

2 4

Extend your temporary residence permit four months prior to the expiry date of your valid residence permit.

YOUR NOTES

After 8 years apply for citizenship.

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3. Rights, obligations and responsibilities While in Estonia, you must follow the Estonian Constitution and laws. Not knowing and thus not following the law does not excuse you from violating them. If you violate laws, you will be punished accordingly.

You can find all laws of Estonia from the State Gazette (Riigi Teataja) www.riigiteataja.ee where some of the laws have also translated into English and/or Russian. In Estonia, legislation has legal force only in Estonian language.

As a temporary resident, you have many of the same rights as permanent residents.

According to the Estonian Constitution, everyone residing in Estonia legally has the right to aid when the person is in need: • In old age.

• In cases of unemployment.

• In case of emergency.

In Estonia, no one may be discriminated against: • On the basis of their religion or political or other views; or • On the basis of the nationality, race, colour, sex or origin.

The incitement of national, racial, religious or political hatred, violence 19

or discrimination is punishable in Estonia.

prohibited

TIP! If you have been discriminated in the public space, on the basis of your nationality, race, colour, sex or origin, you can turn to the police.

and

In cases of discrimination you can turn to gender equality and equal treatment representative, who monitors the performance of the requirements in the law. Information can be found at www.svv.ee.

In Estonia, everyone can enjoy the right to: • Life, and no one may be arbitrarily deprived of their right; • Liberty and to the security of their person; • Free self-realization, choose own area of work and be engaged in any kind of legal business; • Freedom of speech and expression, including clothing; • Choose their partner- no one can force anyone to marry somebody they don’t want to marry.

In Estonia women and men are equal: women are free to choose their education, profession and their partner.

Women may choose to have children or not.

Depending on your status, there might be some additional rights you can enjoy and/or obligations you must follow.

As a beneficiary of international protection, in addition to following the Constitution and general law, you have additional obligations to: • Participate in language courses.

• Attend the international protection module of the Welcoming Programme.

• Use the services of support person when appointed to you.

Rights and obligations of men and women: • In Estonia, men and women are equal in society and have equal rights and obligations.

• Like in many other countries, men and women are equal before the law in Estonia.

• Men and women have equal rights to work, acquire and sell property, obtain health care, open bank accounts, manage their money, travel, study, marry and divorce.

• There are no jobs in Estonia that are meant only for men or only for women.

3.1 Solving legal questions Everyone has the right to stand up for their rights and liberties, and in case these are violated, to turn to courts.

accordingly to the court of law. If you get convicted for crimes, you might risk your stay in Estonia and in Schengen.

Note that in Estonia the judiciary is independent, and nobody is allowed to influence the decision making of the judges; the judgements are based on existing legislations.

You have the right to receive free legal aid. Find more information on how to approach a court of law and how to obtain free of charge state legal advice from www.kohus.ee/et/oigusabi/ tasuta-oigusabi.

Those who have committed crime, which is proved, will be punished

You can exercise your freedom(s) and right(s) as long as you are not violating the rights of others. This applies to the streets, home, and to the social media.

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Additionally, there are some service providers who you can consult you for free:

YOUR NOTES

NGO Estonian Human Rights centre – who can consult your residence permit matters on the grounds of international protection. www.humanrights.ee ; info@humanrights.ee; tel: +372 644 5148 Eesti Õigusbüroo OÜ – provides free legal advice if your income is less than 1,800 EUR. Provides consultation on daily legal matters, e.g. household contracts, work contracts, loans/debts etc. www.juristaitab.ee; abi@juristaitab.ee; tel +372 6 880 400.

NGO Living for Tomorrow in case of work contract related matters. www.lft.ee; tel +372 660 7320.

The free of charge services are offered in Estonian, Russian and English language.

3.2 Becoming an active member of the society Estonia is your new home; therefore, it is expected that you are also actively participating and contributing into Estonian society.

You can have your voice heard through following channels: • Engaging in civil society organization, political parties, associations etc.

These engagements are mostly unpaid but helps you to network and better understand the local life and voice your concerns/needs

for improvement (e.g. in the field of integration).

• Joining neighbourhood activities.

This would help you feel home quicker and get to know your neighbours and them to know you.

Reach out to neighbours, introduce yourself and your family; search for information on on-going activities and events in neighbourhood. The neighbourhood can help you, and you can help them.

TIP! Participate in the culture and sports program offered by NGO Johannes Mihkelson Centre, that helps you become more active in Estonian society.

More info at chapter 4.

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4. Services for beneficiaries of international protection 4.1 Support person service As a beneficiary of international protection, you have the possibility to receive the support person service.

The service will be provided in the local municipality where you live. The aim of the support person service is to help you to become more independent in Estonia.

Support person will not do things for you, but will guide you so that you would learn how to carry out daily activities in Estonia by yourself. Remember that the responsibility is always yours. The support person service is needs- based.

Support person can: • explain to you the most important things about Estonian society and your rights and obligations; • guide you concerning concrete daily activity, for example opening bank account, using public transport etc; • help networking and interacting with various agencies (state institutions, local government, educational institutions, and hospitals), but also the landlord of your flat; • help to organise translation service;

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Support person will sign a contract with you. In addition, an action plan is put together with you, support person and a representative of the local municipality where you live (also other parties if needed). The action plan sets the goals and activities for you and establishes the rights and responsibilities of all sides of the agreement. The action plan focuses on goals like finding work, learning Estonian language, going to school and other issues relevant for you.

4.2 Welcoming programme The welcoming programme will help you adjust quickly and comfortably to everyday life in Estonia, providing you with what you need to know first off, as well as necessary skills.

The international protection module, which you are presently reading, is a part of the welcoming programme.

In addition to the international protection module, we highly recommend that you participate in the other modules of the programme: • The basic module offers an overview of the principles by which the Estonian Republic functions, its society, culture, and people, the rights and responsibilities of its residents, public services, etc.;

• Thematic modules introduce family life, work and entrepreneurship, education, and research; • The children and young people module enables children to spend a pleasant day in the company of children in the same age, while learning about Estonia. Although the Welcoming programme also offers the possibility to learn basic Estonian language, this service is not available for beneficiaries of international protection. For more info on where to study the Estonian language check chapter 9.

More information is available on the webpage www.settleinestonia.ee

Usually support person service is provided for 9 months, but can be extended if needed. For the first months the service is more frequent and becomes less frequent as you are becoming more independent.

The support person service is offered by: NGO Estonian Refugee Council Web: www.pagulasabi.ee E-mail: info@pagulasabi.ee

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4.3 Culture and Sports Program for refugees As a beneficiary of international protection, you can get involved in the Culture and Sports Program. The program gives you an opportunity to: • Get to know Estonians through fun activities together.

• Participate in local culture clubs and sport clubs.

• Discover Estonia and Estonian culture and share your own culture.

• Discover and develop your interests and talents.

You can participate in Culture and Sports Program if you have already finished the obligatory international protection module of the welcoming programme and started your Estonian language course. There are activities available for both adults and children.

For more information contact: Johannes Mihkelson Center and International House E-mail: dan.prits@jmk.ee or natalja@internationalhouse.ee

4.4 Information and counselling centres For additional information, advice and guidelines on living in Estonia, you can visit information and counselling centres of Integration Foundation (INSA). For example you can get advice on Estonian language studies, Estonian residence permits or citizenship, education, work, medical services and other social benefits. Service is available in Estonian, English and Russian.

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More information: Web: www.integratsioon.ee Email: info@integratsiooniinfo.ee Phone: 800 9999

YOUR NOTES

5. Work and career

Fulltime job is usually 40 hours a week, 8 hours a day, from Monday to Friday.

This may change if you work in shifts or in seasonal jobs.

Work also gives you the opportunities to develop your skills, make new friends

As a beneficiary of International protection, you have the right to work from day one.

In Estonia, work is an important value and provides social status to both men and women – nearly all women

are working in Estonia on different professions.

The majority of Estonians work in order to cover the expenses necessary for life.

and acquaintances, contribute to the society, and learn Estonian.

Speaking Estonian is an advantage when looking for a job, but knowledge of Russian or English is also useful.

TIP! In order to find employment, you have to be very active and open to different job opportunities.

The living costs are high and in many cases one family member cannot earn enough money to afford a decent life for their family. You would be able to offer your children a better living standard only when both parents work.

As a working parent, you don’t have to worry about leaving your child home

alone, there are kindergartens, schools and after school activities and if your child will fall ill you will be eligible for support (see more from chapter 6).

This will be a hard choice, but the best option both for your children and for you to fulfil one of the requirements for long term residence permit.

Children and work Children in Estonia must go to school and not concentrate on work. However, under some conditions working for children is allowed. Always remember that a child must never work against his or her will. The tasks that children may carry out at work must be simple and not harmful for their health. Children

TIP! A stable job and income enables you to have a better quality of life and it is one of the requirements to apply for long term residence permit and eventually have access to Estonian citizenship.

You can find important information about working in Estonia at: www.tooelu.ee

5.1 How to find work: The Unemployment Insurance Fund (Eesti Töötukassa) There are many ways of looking for work, but in the beginning the easiest is through the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund (Eesti Töötukassa).

Be prepared that at the beginning you

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should not work at night time and not do any over time. In addition to that, children who must attend school should never work before the beginning of the school day or work more than half of the school holiday. Children must receive equal salary with adults, even if their working time is limited.

might have to accept a job that is less qualified than your job back home. You can work your way up over time.

Knowing Estonian language helps you to increase your chances in finding 28

employment quicker and also benefit from services of Eesti Töötukassa (Unemployment Insurance Fund).

Go to your nearest office of Eesti Töötukassa (there is one in every county – find the addresses online at w w w. to o t u k a s s a . e e / i n d e x . p h p? id=12495) and follow these steps:

5.2 How to find work: on your own You can also find a job on your own.

Look for advertisements on Internet portals.

The main ones are:

Register as unemployed or as a job seeker. Registering yourself as unemployed means that you are not working, that you are looking for a job and that you are prepared to accept a suitable job and start working immediately.

You can register as a job seeker if you are already working but looking for a more suitable job.

After registering as unemployed, you and your consultant at Eesti Töötukassa will prepare an individual action plan to agree on the activities that will be carried out to help find you a job.

You are expected to meet your consultant at the agreed time. If you have a valid reason (you have fallen ill for example) so that you cannot come at the agreed time, always inform them beforehand. You must cancel your registration as unemployed as soon as you begin working or studying.

Make sure you inform töötukassa of this, as you will have to repay any benefits/ compensation that you are not entitled to.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! When you are registered as unemployed with the Eesti Töötukassa – you are entitled to benefits and services that will help you in getting a job, and you will also be covered by health insurance.

Preconditions for continuity of such benefits is that you are actively seeking for work, if not, you will lose it all.

Eesti Töötukassa can help you, but it is your own responsibility to find a job. They can make recommendations.

It helps you if you go to the first 29 29

consultation having done some preparations beforehand and with an open mind for various offers.

• http://www.cv.ee (in Estonian, English and Russian) • http://www.cvkeskus.ee (in Estonian, English and Russian) • https://www.tootukassa.ee/tkauth/ login (in Estonian) • https://www.workinestonia.com (in English) Look for job offers in the newspapers (although they are no longer as popular as they used to be in terms of publishing job vacancies), Facebook or Goworkabit (https://goworkabit.com)

Use the help of your friends – it is important to have a good social network.

You can also approach companies that interest you and ask for work.

Opening your own business is also one option, but it can be a very hard task for now since there are many regulations that you have to follow.

You can also apply for business startup support from töötukassa, however its precondition is that you are at least 18 years old, have undertaken respective training or have education in economics or prior experience in business. For more information: www.eesti.ee/en/ entrepreneur/

IMPORTANT ADVICE: Prepare your CV in advance and with care – a potential employer’s first impression of you will be based on it. You may ask help preparing the CV from your support person. Eesti Töötukassa also has career information specialists who can help you in preparing your CV and other application documents.

Provide information about your education and work experience. You can follow/ fill in EU skills profile tool on https://ec.europa.eu/migrantskills

If you are invited to attend a job interview, prepare for it – find out about the company and think about answers to questions that are often asked at such interviews.

The main questions interviews concern:

asked

at

job

• Your professional skills and experience that meet the requirements of the job advertisement; • Your personal qualities; • Your motivation; and • The salary that you are expecting (do not over- or underestimate yourself).

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Remember to ask about your tasks and the general organisation of work – employers will be impressed by your

interest. The size of your salary and number of days off should not be the first questions you ask.

The employment contract is an agreement between the employer and you, according to which:

is deducted (pension, income tax and unemployment insurance) and your net salary would be 516.45 EUR.

• You are obligated to work for the employer, submitting to his/her supervision and control; • The employer is obligated to pay wages to you and to guarantee you the working conditions set forth either in the agreement between the two parties, a collective agreement, law, or administrative decree.

By law it is expected that the salary is paid by your employer to your bank account. We strongly advise you to avoid any salary received in cash.

The minimum hourly gross wage in Estonia in 2019 is 3,2 EUR, and the minimum monthly gross wage is 540 EUR. Meaning, if you work full time, this is the minimum the employer can pay you, and in such cases some tax

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! You can obtain advice about preparing a CV and for job interviews from online portals mentioned above and from consultants at the Eesti töötukassa (Unemployment Insurance Fund).

If you work under an official employment contract, the employer pays for your health insurance, social tax, and the compulsory fees which guarantee your assistance from the state in case of unemployment: • Access to free medical services; • A future pension; • Access to any other applicable services provided by the state.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! The employment contract should be always in written form and signed in two copies, one of which is kept by the employee and the other by the employer.

TIP! Have documents/diplomas related to your qualifications translated into Estonian and certified (when applying for positions requiring submission of diplomas).

More info in chapter 10.

5.3 Employment contract To work legally in Estonia, you need a written employment contract.

If you find a job, make sure that your

employer is prepared to make a written work contract with you and that the terms and conditions are understandable to you.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! The contract determines the rights and responsibilities of both parties and guarantees you the right to health insurance and other social benefits.

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The following conditions and information must be included in the employment contract: • The names, personal identity or registry codes, home or business address of both employer and employee; • Date the employment contract is signed and the date when the employee must begin work; • Job description (description of the employee`s duties) • Official job location, if this has legal implications; • Wages and fees paid for work: the parties should agree on wages

• • • • •

(including remuneration for financial outcomes and transactions), how the wages are calculated, procedure for payment of wages, specification of when wages are to be paid (pay day), as well as taxes paid by the employer or income tax withheld from wages by the employer; Other possible benefits; Time during which work is to be performed; Place at which work is to be performed; Length of vacation; Deadline for advance notification to the worker that he/she is being laid off, or at least an indication of how far 32

in advance the employee should be notified; • Rules for work as set by the employer; • Reference to a collective agreement if a collective agreement is to be adjusted to include the employee.

If you want to receive some counsel/

advise on the contract you are about to sign, you can contact Labour Inspectorate of Estonia (www.ti.ee) or NGO Living for Tomorrow (www.lft.ee) who can check that your rights are protected under the contract.

the trial period, you have the same legal rights stated in the contract. The employment contract may be revoked during the trial period with at least 15 calendar days of advance notification.

the employee works for more than the agreed-upon hours, this is considered overtime, which is compensated either by time off or extra pay as agreed together.

5.6 Over time We recommend that you specify the conditions for overtime in your employment contract: • If overtime is compensated by pay, the employer shall pay the employee time-and-a-half (1,5 times the regular wages).

• If the work period is during the night (22-6), the employer must pay the employee 1,25 times the regular wages.

• If it has not already been specified in

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vacation period. Vacation pay is granted only to individuals who are officially under an employment contract and who pay taxes to the state.

Women employees have the right to pregnancy and birth leave; both women and men have the right to parental leave

and parental wages. See more from section “parental leave”.

5.9 Work culture In Estonia, it is very important to be punctual.

5.5 Working hours According the employment law, fulltime work in Estonia is 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week. If the employer and employee have agreed on a shorter workday or number of hours, such employment is considered part-time. If

According to the law an employee is granted 28 calendar days of vacation a year, unless the employer and the employee have agreed on a longer

5.8 Mother and parental leave

5.4 Trial period When you are first hired for a job, there is usually a trial period. This may last up to four months. During the trial period the employer assesses your suitability for the job, and also you can also assess whether the work and the working environment are suitable for you. During

5.7 Annual leave

the contract that the agreed-upon wages include extra compensation for night-time work.

• If the work day or working hours fall on a national holiday, the employer must pay the employee double wages (two times the normal wage).

You should always arrive at work exactly at the agreed- upon time. For example, if your workday begins at 8.00, this means at 8.00 exactly, not 8.10.

It is impolite to be late; often this is not allowed at all and may create problems for you with your employer. For example, the employer has the right to deduct the time you are late from your wages.

TIP! If you are going to be late to work, if you are too ill to go to work, or you are unable to follow some other agreement, let your supervisor know immediately. In addition, if you are ill, you must contact your family doctor`s office to start your certified sick leave, and in other cases make an agreement with your employer to solve the situation.

It is very important to respect agreements. If a decision has been made mutually, then both parties are expected to act according to the agreement.

In Estonian culture various Christian customs are practiced, even though religion does not have an important place in everyday life. In working life, the influence of religion can be expressed 34

by giving employees days off: many Christian holidays are national holidays in Estonia.

In general, however, religious observances and rituals are not a part of working life in Estonia. If, for example, a worker wishes to pause for prayer in the middle of a workday, this should be done during regular breaks that have been previously agreed upon.

Equal treatment and equal rights: The principle of equal treatment and equal rights applies in Estonia.

Therefore, employers must treat all employees equally, both when hiring them, setting the conditions of the employment contract or wages, and when offering training and career

promotion opportunities.

For example, it is not permitted to show gender bias when deciding on working conditions and wages; likewise, a worker must not be denied access to career opportunities while pregnant, or because they have children.

If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to contact: • The Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner by e-mail at info@svv.ee, by phone at +372 626 9059 or +372 5620 9906 (www.vordoigusvolinik.ee); • The Chancellor of Justice by e-mail at info@oiguskantsler. ee, by phone at +372 693 8404 (www.oiguskantsler.ee).

5.10 Disputes at the work place If disagreements occur between you and your employer regarding the conditions of your employment contract or the fulfilment of laws, first try to solve these directly with your employer or with the help of the trade union, if there is one present at the workplace.

If this is not effective, contact the Labour Inspectorate`s Labour dispute Committee for your region for further advice.

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFO: You can find the contact information for Labour Dispute Committee, info about their regions and the samples of applications and instructions for completing them on the webpage.

Webpage: www.ti.ee Phone: +372 640 6000

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You may submit your application on paper or electronically. Applications submitted on paper should be signed and sent in two copies by mail to the Labour Dispute Committee in your region, or submitted in person. If you submit an electronic application, you must sign it digitally. No applications

will be processed without a signature.

You should have applications to the Inspectorate submitted in Estonian.

Depending on the case you can also consult with service provides outline in section 5.1 prior to approaching the Inspectorate.

5.11 Support for jobseekers If you are unemployed or looking for work, or if you have lost your job for any reason, contact the nearest office of Eesti Töötukassa (www.tootukassa.ee) and register yourself as an unemployed person.

The consultant at Töötukassa will guide you to find a new job and advise on benefits and other services provided by Töötukassa.

As an unemployed person you are eligible to receive the following: • Information on what is happening on the job market; • Help and support while seeking a job; • Financial unemployment insurance benefit (if you have worked previously) or allowance for the unemployed (you may be eligible without being employed before, for example when you have been raising a child who is 8 years old or younger, etc);

• Services supporting finding a job (various trainings, support for starting a business, etc.); • Health insurance.

• As an unemployed person you are obligated: • To participate in drawing up an individual plan for seeking employment; • To complete the activities agreed upon in the individual plan for seeking employment; • To present yourself at Töötukassa at an agreed-upon time at least once every 30 days to discuss the individual plan for seeking employment; • To seek work independently, and to keep the Töötukassa informed of developments and changes in the process of seeking employment; • To accept an appropriate job and begin work without delay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! If you don’t fulfil your obligations and/ or you turn down 3 job offers without reasonable justification, the Eesti Töötukassa might exclude you from their service. This means you will lose your health insurance and it will also have impact on support provided by the local government.

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Within 30 days of being registered as an unemployed person, you together with the consultant from Töötukassa must develop a personal plan for seeking employment.

You may simultaneously apply for unemployment insurance benefit or unemployment allowance. The type and sum of the assistance will be dependent on your previous income, employment history, and the reason why you have lost your job. Share any relevant information with the consultant who will help you obtain the appropriate support.

You are eligible for unemployment allowance if you have worked at least 180 days within the last 12 months prior to your unemployment.

In case you lose your job, but do not yet qualify for any of the above-mentioned financial support from Töötukassa, you can always apply for subsistence benefit from the local government, in case you need it to cover your daily expenses.

on the principle that after paying rent and utilities, the following funds should be left over for everyday expenses.

Following rates are applicable in 2019: • 150 EUR per month for the first member of the family; • 120 EUR (80%) for every subsequent family member; • Underage children 180 EUR.

Payment of subsistence benefit is based

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Any amount of money that comes to your bank account, unless it is clearly marked as reimbursement, may be viewed as income, and your social benefits are lowered as a result.

WHERE TO FIND MORE INFO: Webpage: www.tootukassa.ee E-mail: info@tootukassa.ee Information telephone number: 15501 On its webpage www.tootukassa.ee Eesti Töötukassa offers an electronic selfservice option, but at present this is only available in Estonian.

5.12 Subsistence Benefit of Local Government You are expected to find a job as soon as possible, however if you have not found a job, or have lost a job and are low on money to meet your everyday living expenses (for example, rent and utilities), you are eligible to apply for a subsistence benefit from the local government according to your place of

To obtain the benefit, submit an application to the local government.

Ask help from your support person if needed. In the application indicate the names and the Estonian identity codes of the persons in your family or household. Students must also submit a valid university student card or school certificate.

Some local governments pay one-time support upon the birth of a child, or other benefits such as emergency social assistance to enable you to meet your daily expenses.

Contact the social worker at your local government for further information.

YOUR NOTES

residence. You must be registered in the municipality for receiving the support.

If you are not actively looking for work, subsistence benefit may be reduced.

Once employed you will keep receiving the benefit for the first two months.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Subsistence benefit is to prevent people from falling to poverty. Note this support is only for a short period. Be active and search for a job.

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6. Children and family

mistake you make and get smarter from it.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN RAISING YOUR CHILD IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY: The family is a very important aspect of life for many people in Estonia.

• Usually the family consists of a married or cohabiting couple and their child or children, or a single parent with one or more children.

• The average Estonian family has one to three children.

• Everyone chooses the partner they love and want to live with (as a married couple or as cohabiting partners).

• Same-sex partners can live together in Estonia and register their cohabitation, but they cannot legally marry.

• Couples with or without children often also live together without getting married.

• Elderly relatives usually live separately, either on their own or in nursing homes.

• Children generally move out of home to go to university or start living independently between the ages of 16 and 22.

• Men and women make decisions that concern the family and household together.

• Home and housework are a shared responsibility.

• Children (both boys and girls) also do housework.

• Both men and women go to work.

Raising children is the responsibility of both, mother and a father.

Many mothers go out to work and an increasing number of fathers take the decision to stay at home and look after their child for a while after the birth.

Raising children is always a challenging task but raising them in a foreign country has its own unique challenges.

It will take time to create your own community in Estonia, thus it will be very important that parents support and help each other every day.

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TIP! Since the pace of life is often fast in Estonia and both parents may be expected to work, finding time to spend with children can be challenging. Activities such as family meals and bedtime can be important opportunities for nurture and for continuing cultural traditions.

6.2 Obligations of parents

6.1 Raising a child in a foreign country In Estonia, parents are responsible for supervising their own children - both inside and outside home – and for keeping children safe from harm.

• As parents it is important that you allow your children to solve their own problems.

• Don’t transfer your own fears onto your children´.

• Children experience the same feelings as you when they move to a foreign country. Be supportive and help your children to build up a new life in Estonia • Teach children life skills • Your children will learn the local language faster than you. Use this opportunity to learn the language from them, but never use a child as an interpreter.

Remember that they are children and some important information might get lost in translation.

It might be very important for you that, in addition to a positive Estonian identity, your children will maintain a strong and positive connection to your ethnic heritage. This will help to keep families strong and to provide the support that children need to succeed in Estonia.

• Both parents are responsible for raising their children.

• Pursuant to the laws of Estonia, a person is a child until they turn 18.

• Many parents continue to support their children into their adulthood.

• Children aged 7-17 must attend school.

• The state may take away the parental rights if the parents do not take care of their children.

• Parents or guardians are responsible for the damage caused by their children.

• Parents must not hit and never sexually abuse children (both are punishable offences).

Parenting is a challenge and there is no clear right or wrong way. Children will need to know that it is ok to fail before they will succeed. You learn from every 40

6.3 Rights of the children Always ensure that the rights of the child are protected. Each child has the right to: • Life, health, and development; • Protection from all forms of violence and abuse; • Have a say in all issues related to them in the family, in school, and in the society in general.

Each child has the right to protection from violence and abuse. You as a parent and other people surrounding the child are obligated to: • Refrain from any physical, mental or sexual violence and abuse towards the child; • Explain the child their rights and encourage the child to speak about their fears and worries; • Take note if the child may have been abused and communicate this suspicion to the police-by calling 112, the local government, , and the 24-hour child protection hotline 116111.

6.4 Living together as family In case of any kind of abuse, but especially in case of sexual abuse, it is important for the child to have the courage to talk about what happened to them, and for them to be taken seriously.

The nuclear family is the traditional type of family structure in Estonia, i.e. it consists of a married or cohabiting couple and their child or children, or a single parent with one or more children.

Even though in Estonia, cohabitation is very common, if you are planning to get married there are few information you should be aware:

Any sort of physical punishment (any use of force that may hurt the child), threatening, humiliation, insulting and intimidation of the child is forbidden in Estonia. If you or someone that you know needs assistance in raising their child without using such methods, helpful advice can be found in the portal www.tarkvanem.ee.

Marriage

Always try to prevent violence and bullying between children. When witnessing bullying you must intervene.

In Estonia, the rights of the children are regulated under the Child protection act (ht tps://w w w.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/ 530122016001/consolide?leiaKehtiv).

A child protection unit, at the Social Insurance Board, supports local governments in their development activities and in resolving individual cases.

• In Estonia, you choose who you marry. Origins and religion of future husband/wife are not important.

• In Estonia, you can marry without your parents’ consent if you are at least 18 years old.

• A marriage must be registered in a national registry office.

• You can only be married to one person at a time, you might be requested to submit a certificate showing that you are not already married. In case you do not have it and you cannot get it from your country of origin, the courts might certify your marital status.

• According to the Estonian Constitution spouses are equal, which means that the same laws apply to both husband and wife.

• Both spouses have the right to choose their surname, area of activity,

profession and place of residence.

• A marriage ends with the death of one of the spouses or with divorce.

Divorce • Either husband or wife may file for divorce without the consent of the other party.

• Divorces are processed by a court, and in certain cases by a registry office (if there are no underage children and the spouses have reached an agreement).

• If parents cannot agree on who will gain custody of the children following their divorce, the court will decide what is best for the children.

• Both parents still must support their children even if they start living with the other parent after your divorce.

• The property acquired by spouses during marriage is in joint ownership.

6.5 Allowances for families with children CONTACT Child protection hotline: Web: chat at www.lasteabi.ee (“Ask for help” or “Start a conversation”) E-mail: info@lasteabi.ee Phone: 116111 (24-hour, free of charge) Missing children phone 116000 The Missing Children’s Phone 41

116000 is a free 24-hour phone to announce a missing child or get advice on topics related to it.

NB! If you have any kind of emergency related to a child, you must notify instantly to the emergency number 112 free of charge.

Birth allowance:

Child allowance:

The birth allowance for the birth of each child is paid by the state. This is a onetime sum of 320 EUR, which needs to be applied for at www.eesti.ee prior to child reaching the age of 6. Also, some municipalities are paying birth allowance, this varies from municipality to municipality.

The child allowance is paid monthly until a child reaches the age of 16 or until age 19, if a child goes to school: • 60 EUR a month for the first and second child.

• 100 EUR for the third child and any further children.

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Families with 3-6 children are entitled to additional monthly family allowance of 300 EUR, families with 7 and more children 400 EUR. Childcare allowance The monthly childcare allowance is: • 38,35 EUR for every child under the age of 3; • 19,18 EUR for every child aged 3-8, provided that the family also includes at least one child up to the age of 3 years of age.

Note that you are not entitled to childcare allowance if you receive the parental benefit.

The monthly single parent allowance is 19,18 euro, if a parent is raising a child alone. To apply for child allowance and childcare allowance, submit the application form: • at the nearest office of the Social Insurance Board or • electronically via the State portal, www.eesti.ee.

CONTACT Social Insurance Board Web: www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee E-mail: info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee Phone: 612 1360

6.7 Disputes, crises and violence in the family Crises and arguments can occur in any family. However, if the arguments are frequent and end up in violence and abuse, you should ask for professional help. In Estonia a lot of effort is put into end violence and abuse. In Estonia, doing physical and psychological harm are forbidden by law.

There are organizations which are dealing with these issues and help people in need. Everyone deserves to feel valued, respected and safe. For that, involvement of each member of the society is needed to avoid the pattern repeating itself.

If you suspect domestic abuse or violence among people you know, or believe to be subject to it yourself, it is important to seek help.

Sometimes it can be difficult to take the decision to report these issues, but you should not be afraid to do it. You should seek for help as soon as possible before it would be too late.

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, it can be emotional, physical, economic or sexual Both men and women can be abused, but women are generally victims.

Children in homes with domestic violence are always considered as victims if there is a violent relationship between parents regardless whether they have been directly abused by parents. These children are also more likely to be abandoned or even abused.

Abusive behaviour is never acceptable, regardless the abuser – a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older adult.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Violence can be divided into following categories:

The mentioned allowances will be deducted from the subsistence benefit as they are considered as monthly income. However, if you work, you will keep both – your earned net salary and the child allowance.

Emotional violence (including mental and psychological violence) A verbal or non-verbal attack that affects another person emotionally and diminishes his or her self-esteem. Emotional violence means constantly and deliberately hurting another person´s feelings. The following is a list of examples of emotional violence:

6.6 Parental leave In Estonia parents have access to different kinds of child-related leave and benefits. Mothers who are employed are entitled to 140-day pregnancy and maternity leave at least 70 days before the birth term determined by the physician or midwife. Also, fathers are entitled to receive a total of ten working days of paternal leave.

43 43

After that period both the mother and the father have the right for parental leave until the child turns three years old. Only one person can take the leave at a time.

To find out more information about parental leave and available benefits, please visit: www.sm.ee/en/parental-leave

• • • • •

Criticism and disparagement; Name-calling; Accusation; Humiliation; Intimidation and threats (including threatening of killing); • Manipulation; • Ignoring;

• Expressing jealousy.

• Systematic controlling (including controlling the movement, communication and usage of money); • Social isolation (including limitation or prohibition of spending time with friends and relatives or on one´s hobbies.

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Physical violence Use of physical force against another person, causing injury, physical pain, or even death. Physical violence is the most easily detectable type of violence since the victim has visible physical signs. It includes the following activities: • • • • •

Pushing Scratching; Grabbing, shaking; Throwing a person with an object; Hitting with a hand, leg or any other object; • Beating, including beating with an object;

• • • • • • •

Hair pulling; Strangulation; Biting; Poisoning; Burning; Retention; tying up; Use of cold or firearms.

Sexual violence Any kind of sexual behaviour which is used to control, manipulate or humiliate another person. Sexual violence can be more common in relationships than it is often thought. The underlying reasons for this lies in the old patriarchal perceptions that being married or having a relationship means a compulsory submission to the partner’s sexual desires. Sexual violence can include the following: • Undesirable touching and comments; • Forced sexual conduct;

• Causing pain to the intimate parts of the body (sadism); • Rape.

Economic violence Controlling money or other material belongings by the partner. This can limit the victim’s material independence and make one dependent on the partner. The following activities can be considered as economic violence: • Taking hold of partner’s money; • Keeping partners bank cards; • Constant criticism of purchases made by the partner; • Limiting, or stopping the partner to make purchases; • Creating a situation where the partner needs to beg money for purchases; • Strict control of household expenses (for example constant demand to present payment checks); 45 45

• Preventing employment or gaining education; • Writing commonly acquired property on one’s own name; • Forcing the victim to engage in illegal transactions, writing illegally acquired property to victim’s name; • Causing debts to the victim.

Because of excuses and apologies, often the victim does not recognize she/ he is subject to violence and abuse and for this reason she/he would not seek for help. Image of family, fear of harming the person who is experiencing violence and abuse or even fear of harming the abuser, might be some of the reasons stopping people to intervene. If you know someone who you think or know is being abused – such as a family member, a friend, a co-worker etc. – consider helping that person by advising to seek help and contacting an agency that can provide assistance.

All physical abuse should be immediately reported to the police 112. Especially if there is need for quick intervention from the police or ambulance. When violence happens, a crime is committed.

Depending on the severity of the crime, the punishment can be imprisonment.

The length of imprisonment can vary from up to 1 to 12 years. When men are behaving disrespectfully towards women, threaten them or use physical

violence, then they are breaking the law and can be subject to legal prosecution.

Women always have the right to say “no”, and then it also means a “no”.

Assistance/help provided: • The Police should be reported in case of violence. If immediate intervention is needed, then call 112. In some cases person might also need to see a doctor after the violent act.

• In case children are victims you have to report directly to the municipal child protection officer or child helpline 116 111.

• National Victim Support Centre reached over 16 106, Contacts can be found at: https://www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet. e e /e t /o hv r i a b i - h u v i ti s /o hv r i a b i tootajate-kontaktandmed

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION! National Victim Support Centre (Ohvriabi) All people can approach victim support centres if they have been victims to a crime or experienced violence, neglect, or mistreatment. Employees of the victim support service support and provide help even if the causer of physical, mental, or sexual violence is unknown. Employees of the victim support service provide emotional support, share information about the possibilities of getting help, and guide in communicating with other necessary authorities. Services offered by the National Victim Support service: • Compensation of psychological support – the victim and their family can go to a psychological counselling. Pre-requisite is a meeting with the employee of national victim support centre • Services for victims of human trafficking, sexually abused minors, and unaccompanied under-aged foreigners • Women’s support centres - offer safe environment and counselling for women and their children who have suffered from violence. In some cases, they can also offer temporary accommodation.

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YOUR NOTES

7. Health You are not feeling well

7.1 How to live a healthy lifestyle A healthy lifestyle is a way of living that lowers the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying early.

Health is not only just about avoiding disease. It is also about physical, mental and social wellbeing. When you live a healthy lifestyle, you are a more positive role model to other people in the family, particularly to your children.

Healthy children make healthy adults, you as parent are responsible to give them a good example.

Here are some tips on how to have a healthy lifestyle:

Pharmacy

• Practice regular physical activity; • Have a healthy diet (eating in a healthier way may even be cheaper); • Keep yourself hydrated - drink water (it is fine to drink tap water in Estonia); • No tobacco nor alcohol use; • Wash your hands – good hand hygiene can protect you, your family and others.

1220

• • • • • •

Gynecologist Skin doctor Psychiatrist Traumatologist Chronic illness Tubercolosis

FAMILY DOCTOR (GP)

If you feel physically or mentally unwell you should seek help.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! In case you have experienced a life-threatening event, like war, a natural disaster or sexual assault and you have symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, emotional numbness, feeling of guilt and sadness, you may have PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). PTSD can happen to anyone. It is not a sign of weakness. Turn to your family doctor or National Victim Support Centre (Ohvriabi) to seek help.

Emergency care

Hospitalization

Another specialist doctor

7.2 Health insurance In Estonia, the costs for medical treatment, a stay in hospital or medicines are generally paid by your health insurance fund, so it is important to have state or private health insurance.

The Estonian Health Insurance Fund (Eesti Haigekassa) administers the Estonian state health insurance system.

If you are eligible for the state health insurance you can use the health care

• • • • •

Back home Family doctor Specialist Psysiotherapy Referral to other hospital

Day care

Health system in Estonia 49 49

services (which are partially or totally free), get discounts for prescription medicines, receive financial compensation in case of illness, and many other services promoting health.

The waiting period for an appointment with a specialist may be several months long; for this reason, you should discuss

your health care concerns first with your family doctor.

You are provided with the health insurance on following conditions: An adult who: • is contractually employed; • has been registered as an unemployed person; • is retired; • is disabled; • is a parent of a child under 3 years old.

A child or young person, until: • the age of 19, or • the age of 21 (if the person is pursuing further education).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! For a person with state health care insurance, most of the medical services and treatment are free of charge in state medical facilities.

The only expenses, which must be made, are the appointment charges, as determined by the Health Insurance Fund and/or the medical institution, and, in case of a hospital stay, the in-patient fee.

• A visit to a family doctor, free; • Home visit by a family doctor, up to 5 EUR; • Visit to a specialized doctor, up to 5 EUR; • In-patient fee per 24 hours, up to 2,5 EUR per day.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! You may need to have translator with you when you visit your family doctor.

Please ask help from your support person.

More specific information is available on the Estonian Health Insurance Fund: Web: www.haigekassa.ee E-mail: info@ haigekassa.ee Phone: 16363; when calling from abroad, phone number +372 669 6630

7.3 The Family Doctor In Estonia family doctor is your primary reference point in case of questions concerning your mental and physical health.

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The family doctor will provide primary health care and, if necessary, refer you for additional testing or to a specialist.

Depending on the health issue, you can book an appointment for a visit or receive advice via telephone or e-mail.

TIP! In most cases you cannot see a specialist doctor without referral letter from your Family doctor. Exceptions are: • Gynaecologist • Skin Doctor (dermatologist)

Whichever doctor gives you some diagnosis, which you do not understand, ask them to clarify it! It is part of their job to explain it so that you would understand. You always have the right

• • • • • •

Eye doctor Psychiatrist Traumatology Chronic illness Tuberculosis Dentist

to consult another doctor and ask for a second opinion.

Be aware that doctors can often advise treatment without prescribing any drug.

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7.4 Registration with a family doctor All Estonian citizens and foreigners legally residing in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit / right of residence have to register themselves with a family doctor.

Everyone has the right to choose or change their family doctor. It is also

obligatory to choose a family doctor when a child is born. If you will change your place of residence, you should also change your family doctor.

To register with or change your family doctor you must send in an application or take it to the doctor’s office.

TIP! A separate application must be submitted for each family member. You can find the application form on the Health Insurance Fund webpage www.haigekassa.ee, under the category „Forms and services provided electronically “. Or here: www.terviseamet.ee

The physician you have applied for will let you know within 7 working days, if you are accepted to the doctor’s list.

A family doctor may decline your application if their list is full or if you don’t live in the doctor’s service area

according to the Estonian Population Register. In this case you must select another family doctor. In case you have any difficulty with the registration with the family doctor please contact your support person or The Health Board.

In cases of unexpected or minor health issues or if your doctor is not available, you can also contact the Estonian family physicians state-wide advisory line by dialling 1220.

Your identity will not be recorded.

This service is also available to individuals who do not have medical insurance.

Additional information is available on the webpage www.1220.ee.

The service is accessible in Estonian and Russian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NB standard call rates apply.

7.5 Medical confidentiality You can trust doctors in Estonia, tell them the problems you have and leave nothing out, without knowing your full story they are not always able to assist you. It doesn’t matter if it is about your body or mind. All doctors treat your medical information in full confidentiality. and this also applies to the interpreters. Any preach of confidentiality is punishable by law.

Without your permission, doctors are not allowed to pass on information

about you to others (for example, official authorities, your employer or family members). Sometimes this also applies to information about the health of your children. For example, your 16-year-old daughter’s gynaecologist cannot give you information about her medical examination results without your daughter’s permission.

Respect the privacy of your wife, husband and children.

7.6 Medications

CONTACT:

In Estonia medicines can be bought only from a pharmacy (Apteek).

The Health Board Web: www.terviseamet.ee E-mail: kesk@terviseamet.ee Phone: 794 3500

Medicines to treat the common cold or some of the other illnesses

are purchased over the counter at a pharmacy without doctor’s prescription.

The pharmacist can advise you on some medications.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Family doctors` lists can be accessed at the address mveeb.sm.ee/nimistud.

This webpage is in Estonian only. To obtain additional information you can contact one of the family doctor`s centres directly.

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The location and hours of operation of the pharmacy nearest to you can be found on the webpage www.apteegiinfo.ee/info.

If you become more severely ill, or should you require stronger medication, the doctor will prescribe medications for you electronically with a digital prescription.

This means that the prescription is recorded in the system and the pharmacist will be able to see the prescription through your resident card.

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TIP! To protect yourself against various infectious diseases, it is recommended that you get vaccinated. Ask you family doctor for further information.

In case of a child or a person with limited legal capacity (restricted active legal capacity) the decision regarding the

vaccination will be made by the parent or his/her legal representative.

7.8 Dental Care

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! To purchase medications prescribed by your doctor you must present your residence card at the pharmacy.

Medications are prescribed for you in order to get better, you should buy them

and use them as advised by the doctor.

7.7 Preventive medical check-ups and vaccinations Many illnesses are easy to treat if they are diagnosed at an early stage.

having vaccinations is voluntary in Estonia.

Early recognition examinations and preventive check-ups for children and adults help to do this. It is important that children, men and women take good care of their health and have regular visits to doctor and specialists.

National medical screenings (for example cancer screenings) are organised to test people for signs of disease. Free of charge screenings are organised for men and women in certain age groups. If you receive an invitation it is very important to participate. If you notice public campaigns which call to attend a screening, and which is targeted to your age group, do participate.

Remember that finding cancers at an early stage can save lives.

Vaccinations are one of the most important and effective preventive measures.

There are some protective vaccinations that are officially recommended but 55 55

In Estonia dental care is free only for children and young people under the age of 19 if they use dental care provided by the National Health Insurance Fund`s contractual partners. All other dental care costs must be paid. Make sure that you visit a licensed dentist to avoid health complications. Dentists that are National Health Insurance Fund`s contractual partners can be found at: www.haigekassa.ee/en/node/89 Invest your time for children’s healthy teeth and take them to the dentist at least once a year.

For adults with health insurance some dental benefits are available. All adults with state health insurance will receive a dental allowance of â‚Ź 40 per year, with the patient paying at least 50%.

Free dental care is available in case of emergency, however whether or not the case is classified as an emergency is the decision of the dentist.

Ask for further information from your dentist.

7.9 Emergency medical care (EMO) In the event of accidents or emergencies you can go to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you or phone for an ambulance at 112.

Emergency medical care is covered to everyone, regardless whether you have health insurance or not. This means the provision of urgent medical care which, if postponed, may place the patient `s life and health in danger. You will only need to pay a small fee of 5â‚Ź in the reception.

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YOUR NOTES

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8. Housing You must register your place of residence within one month after you are informed of receiving a residence permit.

You can register your address at your local government office, or electronically by using your residence card in the Internet portal www.eesti.ee. Go to the section “housing and environment”.

Should you change your place of living, change your registration into your new flat. Do not forget to inform different service providers of your move.

The staff at the accommodation centre and your support person can help you to find a place to live. You have to be supportive and active in finding a house.

The state will cover costs related to signing your first rental contract in Estonia (which include real estate charges, first rent payment, deposit payments). Note that this is only onetime off support and certain limits apply.

Should you desire to move afterwards, then all these costs are to be covered

8.1 Rental As your first place of residence, it is most economical to rent an apartment.

by you. In case you will leave Estonia for more than 90 days, you will no longer receive this support, even if you return.

Remember that you are allowed to be away from Estonia for 90 days within 180-day period For more information contact the accommodation centre or your support person. More information: www.hoolekandeteenused.ee/ vaokeskus In case there is a need, you can apply for support from the local government to cover monthly payments for rent and utilities (electricity, water, heating etc.).

A flat is looked through open market, meaning the state does not have any apartments to give, they would be rented from citizens/other residents in Estonia. This can cause some delays and difficulties as locals are not often too willing to rent their house to foreigners.

Have patience and open mind.

TIP! If you are looking for an apartment, the Internet is the first source of information.

There you will find providers who specialize in acting as agents for flats and houses.

In Estonia the main Internet portals are: • City24.ee (https://city24.ee) • KV.ee (http://kinnisvaraportaal.kv.ee) 59 59

When renting an apartment, a contract (lease) is made between the landlord and the tenant (you). The lease specifies the amount of rent, the procedures for paying for utilities, extending or ending the lease, and any other rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant.

In addition to the lease, you might have to sign a handover certificate. This records the items in the accommodation and the condition of the flat when you moved in. Be careful while signing it, the landlord could later claim that you are responsible for defects that are not mentioned in this certificate.

Never agree to a lease which is not in writing and you do not understand fully.

CHECKLIST Before agreeing and signing a lease, you should make sure you know all the relevant details, for example: • How much the deposit is; • How much the rent is; • What are the procedures for paying for utilities and the average cost for the bills; • If there are any brokerage fees (e.g. from the estate agent); • The length of the tenancy and termination clause; • If there are any obligations on the tenant to redecorate the flat • Check for items that are unusable or that need repair, and ask the landlord to fix these items (In this way you avoid the situation that the landlord would hold you responsible for the repair of objects that previous tenants have ruined or destroyed).

Note that during winter time your costs would be higher than summer time because of the heating and darker period requiring more electricity consumption.

Always inform the future landlord about pets if you have any. In case you plan to have a pet during the tenancy, get permit from the landlord first - they might object.

Rental and utility costs can be high in Estonia. Therefore, it is important that all adult members of the family work in order to provide good living environment for their children.

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8.2 Heating the house If you choose to live in an apartment with a woodstove, you must obtain fire wood, and in wintertime you must heat the stoves or ovens regularly. If you do not, the apartment will be very cold; dampness, even frost will come in to the apartment, and if the winter is particularly cold, the water pipes may freeze.

8.4 Preserve the good conditions of your home If you choose an apartment where heating is by means of a woodstove, learn to use it properly, and never leave a fire unattended.

Electric heating is usually very expensive in the wintertime. In order to plan your expenses, ask your landlord for the winter electric bills of the previous tenant.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! All apartments must have a functioning smoke alarm and the carbon monoxide alarm if the apartment has gas system installed. Periodically you should check to see whether a smoke alarm is functioning by pressing on the control button. If there is no smoke alarm in the apartment, agree with the landlord how and when it will be installed. if these things are not in place/not functioning it might be fine and it can be an actual threat to your life.

8.3 Metre readings and bills Make sure you understand where you must submit metre readings for utilities (water, electricity, etc.).

Some figures can be read automatically (for example, electricity), and the bill is

sent to you automatically, but for others you may have to present metre readings (electronically or on paper) to the accountant of the apartment building association or directly to the service provider.

TIP!

As a tenant of a house or a flat you have specific obligations. For example, you must pay the agreed rent on agreed time. But you also have rights, for example, if major repair work is needed.

Inform the landlord of anything that has broken down, stopped working or anything that you would like to change.

Here are some tips on how to preserve the good conditions of your home: • Clean your apartment regularly.

• Do not walk around in your apartment (except for the hallway of the apartment building) with the shoes you wear outside—this way the floors will remain cleaner.

• If you have children, teach them how to handle the objects and furniture in your apartment.

• Do not let them draw on the walls, jump on the couch or bed, or pull down the curtains. In such cases the landlord may order you to repair the damaged items and/or pay for repairs, and even cancel the lease.

• Do not leave food lying around, because it will attract pests (cockroaches, mice, etc).

• Always turn stoves and faucets off completely after the use.

• If you leave home for a longer period, turn off the water in the apartment.

This will prevent leaks, which may damage your living space, as well as the apartments next to you or on the floor below.

• Obtain the phone numbers where you can get quick help in case of a burst pipe, a household gas accident, blocked pipe or power outage, and have these phone numbers handy. If necessary, ask your landlord for help in finding these phone numbers. Handling household emergencies is a service for which a fee must be paid.

Know where the fuse box is located and know how to handle it – in case

you need to switch of electricity for the whole flat.

If you are receiving aid from the state for renting an apartment, ask the association and other utilities service providers to forward bills electronically.

Make sure that your e-mail address is working, and check your Inbox regularly.

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8.5 Rules of community life In Estonia it is very important to respect the neighbours and the rules of the community life.

In most apartment buildings there are house rules, this is a voluntary arrangement written down by the

In a living space it is prohibited to: building association, which you agree to by signing the tenancy agreement.

The house rules specify the rules for all residents of the apartment building.

These regulations can vary, but they usually touch on the following points.

The resident is required to: • Use living space and other facilities as intended and to maintain them; • Conserve energy by providing additional insulation for doors and windows (especially in wintertime); • Notify the building supervisor or agency immediately of any breakdowns, accidents, or dangerous situations that occur, while at the same time using all available means to solve the problem or eliminate the danger; • Follow safety regulations when using electrical and other devices; • Maintain cleanliness and order in community space (the hallway, cellar, attic, sauna, etc.) and to avoid damage to equipment in these facilities; • Close and lock the outer doors of the building and use care in opening and closing them; • Put trash in its proper place, not next to the trash bin, you can be charged extra for all trash you have placed outside of the bin or for not sorting the garbage; • Hang clothes out to dry in the appropriate places; • Obey sanitary, hygiene and safety regulations; if you have a dog, cat, or other pet in your apartment, you must not let them dirty the hallway or the property around the building; if a pet has done so, the owner must clean up after it immediately; you must also make sure that your pet is not a danger to other residents; • Follow other regulations as stated in the association`s constitution and the laws of the Republic of Estonia.

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• Make excessive noise that disturbs neighbours after 23.00 and till 7.00 in the morning; • Keep items or substances in apartments or common rooms that pollute the air; • Flush flammable substances, rags, packages, and other items that might cause blockage into the piping system; • Keep flammable items in the living space for longer than necessary for immediate household use; • Place items on balconies that extend over the balcony`s edge; • Clean rugs, bedding and other household items by shaking dust from them out of the window; • Keep a cat, dog, or other pet in an apartment if sanitary, hygiene, and safety rules are not observed; • Enter the technical facilities in the building (heating room, water main, fuse room, etc.) or go onto the roof, if absolutely necessary; • Destroy or remove the seals placed on electric or cold water metres; • Carry out activities, either in the apartment or the hallway that damage the rooms or disturb the normal living activities of other residents; • Alter, without written permission from the association board, the outer appearance of the building, to close off balconies, place bars on the windows, or change the interior decoration of the stairwell; • To install, without written permission from the association board, individual radio or television equipment on the roof or facade of the building; • Engage in any other activities, which may be in conflict with the constitution of the building association, the regulations of local government, or the laws of the Republic of Estonia.

TIP! • You can ask a copy of the house rules from your landlord; • Follow the rules and regulations of your apartment building; • In case of questions or problems, contact the landlord.

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8.6 Waste disposal In many Estonian apartment buildings waste is collected and disposed of after having been separated into different categories.

There are usually separate bins for paper and cardboard, organic waste (such as fruit and vegetable waste) and all other waste.

YOUR NOTES example, for glass and for special waste (such as varnish and paint).

Most of empty bottles and metal cans (for drinks) can be returned to collection points. You will get a refund check (0.10 EUR/bottle) from the vending machine which you can use as token in any bigger grocery shops while doing your purchases.

In addition, there are collection points or containers for other types of waste, for

TIP! Be aware about your apartment waste collection and disposal rules and follow them.

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9. Learning Estonian

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! Remember that by law it is your obligation to learn Estonian language and attend the classes. Not fulfilling your obligation to learn Estonian language will be taken account of, when you are extending your living permit.

The official state language of Estonia is Estonian. At the same time majority of the Estonian population also speaks

Russian and/ or English, as well as other international languages.

TIP! You should try to learn Estonian as soon as possible.

Learning Estonian is very important in order to meet new people, to make yourself understood in everyday life, to find work and also to understand the local culture.

If you are not able to communicate in Estonian or an official`s lack of skill in a foreign language impedes your interaction, for example, with a health care provider or an educational

institution, the accommodation centre and/ or support person can provide you with help in arranging translation services.

9.1 Courses for beneficiaries of international protection If you are a beneficiary of international protection, by law you must obtain: • A1 level knowledge of Estonian language within 1 year starting from

receiving protection and residence permit and • A2 level knowledge within 2 years from receiving protection and residence permit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! You can obtain A1-A2 level language at Foundation Tartu Folk High School (www.rahvaylikool.ee) to whom the state would be covering the cost. These language classes may be provided all over Estonia.

Contact the accommodation centre or your support person directly for more information on language courses.

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In case you do not obtain the desired language level during the time foreseen in the law, you may have to reimburse the cost of the language courses.

You must obtain B1 level knowledge of Estonian within 5 years.

Foundation according to its established regulations:

If you are learning in basic, secondary or higher educational institution in Estonian, then attending language courses is not obligatory.

• Reimbursing language study expenses for individuals who have passed the state exam.

• Reimbursing language study expenses for individuals who have been referred by the Language Inspectorate for a language examination.

Obtaining B1 level is your own responsibility, you have to find the course and pay for it. However, you can apply for coverage from Innove

9.2 Other ways to learn Estonian Beside the official language courses there are many other ways to improve and practice your Estonian language: • Watch Estonian TV and listen to the Estonian radio. This way you will practice the listening and you will soon start recognizing the words you will learn in the language class.

• Look out for language cafes in Facebook or ask information from your support person. There are many foreigners in Estonia who are interested in practicing the language.

These language cafes are for free.

• Contact Eesti Töötukassa for possibilities learning Estonian.

• Try to speak Estonian when you are in the shop, when you are ordering

something in a cafeteria or if you are together with Estonians. Even a little sentence at the time will help.

• If you have a smartphone, look up for some free language learning apps like Speakly or Duolingo. Use the spare time wisely practicing Estonian.

• Check out the free online language courses like Keeleklikk (up to level A2) www.keeleklikk.ee and Keeletee (level B1) www.keeletee.ee.

With time and effort you will be able to master Estonian language, but you have to practice it from the very beginning and as often as possible.

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YOUR NOTES

10. Education A good education gives you and your children an opportunity to be more successful at finding work and have a better quality of life.

In Estonia it is obligatory to attend school full time from age 7-17. Your role as a parent is to ensure that your children attend school every day.

with various opportunities to continue their educational path and to re-training.

In the Estonian education system boys and girls; men and women sharing the same classroom and have joint activities, including sports.

You have many options to study also as an adult.

The Estonian education system provides people of any age or educational level The levels of Estonian education are:

HIGHER EDUCATION (LEVEL III)

SECONDARY EDUCATION (LEVEL II)

BASIC EDUCATION (LEVEL I)

PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION

10.1 Pre-school education Until a child is 7 years old, he or she usually attends kindergarten to acquire pre-school education. This educational stage is voluntary but recommended for the development of a child.

while playing with other children. Send your child/children between 1.5-7 years of age into a kindergarten, where they meet other children, learn local language and traditions and discover the world in general.

Children learn more quickly than adults.

They practice words and grammar 70

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! In order to find a kindergarten for your child, contact your local government or pre-school institution; let your local government or kindergarten know about your wish to send your child to kindergarten as soon as possible, because the waiting list can be long.

Municipality-run kindergartens are not so expensive, and different additional support is available from the municipality.

In case there are no free places in the municipality-run kindergartens, you can also use private kindergartens and seek compensation from your local government.

Always discuss dietary needs/ requirements with kindergarten. They might have an option to provide a special menu or agree certain arrangements with you.

It is common in Estonia that teachers will communicate with you via email, thus have an email address which you can share with them and which you check regularly.

Children need to have change of clothes in the kindergarten (including pajamas).

They go out, they do sports and sleep daytime nap.

In Estonia it is compulsory for all children to attend school full-time from the age of 7 to 17. Every child has to attend school from 1st grade to 9 th grade to acquire basic education (and diploma).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children attend school. If your child does not appear at school, the school will inquire about the whereabouts of the child, it can also be brought to the attention of child protection officials.

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You can be fined if you do not sign your school aged children to any school or they are constantly absent without any reasonable justification.

As a parent, you may choose the school that your child will attend. Every school does not necessarily have space, but the school nearest the child`s home is obligated to find a place for the child.

TIP! To find a school, contact the school you are considering or the local government.

The language of instruction is mostly Estonian, but there are schools in larger cities and some counties where instruction is in Russian. In Tallinn and Tartu, it is also possible to study in English.

To register your child for school, present the following documents to the school:

10.2 Basic Education Basic education is a privilege and obligation and it is free of charge in Estonia. Therefore, you should make any effort to use this opportunity to support your child’s/children’s future.

Absence from school can be excused only in case of illness and emergencies. You have the inform school about absence the same day. If you don’t, they will get in touch with you. Note that if you do not inform the school about the absence and the school cannot find out why the child is absent, the child protection officer may be approached.

• application; • the child`s identity document (residence card, passport or birth certificate); • the parent `s identity document; • the child`s photograph; • the child`s health card (or the equivalent).

Check the list of documents required by the school of your choice.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! The school year in Estonia starts always on the 1st of September

If your child has attended school previously, but you do not have documents for his/her studies to date, the child`s educational level will be assessed by the school (for example, by means of an interview or tests), and he or she will be assigned to the appropriate grade.

If your child does not speak Estonian when enrolling in school, the school must organize Estonian language lessons for him or her to supplement the regular curriculum. In most cases your child would have an individual study plan and first attend the classes that do not require so much Estonian.

Step by step they will be integrated to the regular curriculum.

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As a parent you are responsible for: • • • • •

Finding a school for your child and submitting the required documents; Your child`s attendance at school; Help your child acquire new knowledge and skills; Help your child to get used to a new environment; Keep up your child’s motivation to study.

Do not hesitate to contact your child’s school.

TIP! Take an active interest in how your child is doing at school and take this opportunity to create contacts with the other parents.

Communicate with his/her teachers in order to be up-to-date concerning the child`s academic progress and development.

Many schools have adopted an e-school service (https://www.ekool.eu/ index_ en.html), which enables you to follow your child`s academic progress on-line and contact his/ her teachers (most of

Even though it is not compulsory to continue studying after completing the basic education, you should encourage and support your child to keep on studying, as it would make him/her more competitive on the job market.

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education

(2

Your children can also attend Sunday schools which are offered by some of the national culture societies in Estonia. Sunday schools enable children to study their own language and culture.

More info at: www.integratsioon.ee/rahvuskultuuriseltside-puhapaevakoolide-kontaktid

10.3.1 Upper Secondary School You may choose the high school that suits you best: this is not limited by your place of residence.

Admissions requirements are set by each school.

Often there are admissions examinations (mostly conducted in the spring); in some cases, an application and proof of completion of basic education is enough.

If you have obtained your basic education in another country, be sure to submit documentation, as this can be helpful.

Even in such cases you must follow the admissions requirements.

General secondary education is mostly free of charge, except in private schools.

In the majority of high schools, the language of instruction is Estonian.

There are also some bilingual schools (40% of instruction in Russian, 60% in Estonian).

When you graduate from high school, you will receive a document that proves you have completed your secondary education, which also enables you to continue on for further education and become more competitive on the job market.

10.3.2 Vocational schools

10.3 Secondary education

• Upper secondary school (gymnasium/high school), which provides a general secondary education (3 years);

secondary

TIP!

the contact with teachers is in Estonian).

You can find more information about studies, the educational system, and opportunities on the web page of SA Innove, www.innove.ee.

After completing basic education, there are the following options to continue studies:

general years).

secondary education (3–3,5 years); • Vocational school, which provides only vocational education, without

IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

• Upper secondary school combined with vocational education, which provides a general secondary education and some vocational skills (3 years); • Vocational school, which provides both a vocational education (and specific profession) and a general

Vocational schools teach practical skills to work (for examples, as a carpenter, chef, hairdressers, IT specialist etc.).

If you lack basic education and are at least 18 years old, you may obtain a vocational education without a basic education.

You may enrol in a vocational school if you have a basic or general secondary education.

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If you are under 18 years old, you must have the permission of a parent or guardian to continue your studies.

Often vocational schools have their own specific admissions requirements, which you should check with the school

In vocational schools, you also have the opportunity for supplementary study of Estonian language.

Study in a vocational school is free of charge, and in some schools, you may also obtain a free lunch.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFO: Additional information about vocational schools is available on the webpage www.ehis.ee.

10.3.3 Higher education After completion of your secondary education, you have the following three choices to continue your education:

In a state institution of higher education, you may study for free or on a tuition basis.

• You may pursue a vocational degree in a vocational institution (0,5–2,5 years) or a degree in applied higher education (3–4,5 years); • You may pursue a degree in applied higher education or a college associated with a university (3–4,5 years); • At a university you may obtain an academic higher education (a bachelor`s degree, 3–4 years; a master`s degree, 1–2 years; a Ph.D., 3–4 years).

Students are accepted for admission to free slots based on the results of admissions examinations.

In private institutions of higher learning, tuition must be paid according to the regulations of the institution.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! If you wish to continue or begin your higher education in Estonia, and your documents proving your previous education are from outside Estonia, contact the ENIC-NARIC (www.archimedes.ee/enic) office and submit your documents. This institution will confirm the correspondence of your documents with the Estonian educational system.

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10.3.4 The adult learner If you are an adult and you are interested in continuing or starting studies, you have the following opportunities: • Complete an interrupted basic or general secondary education by studying at evening school, through distance learning, or as an extern (some knowledge of Estonian or Russian is recommended); • Study toward a university degree (bachelor`s or master`s) in your field of specialization or to learn a new one;

• Obtain a vocational education through part-time study; • Obtain a higher education via parttime study, distance learning, or as an extern.

You may pursue general secondary education and vocational education in a state or municipal educational institution free of charge.

Pursuing higher education through parttime study requires that you pay tuition.

TIP! If you wish individual counselling on education or career, contact the nearest Path finder (Rajaleidja) counselling centre (www.rajaleidja.ee).

YOUR NOTES

11. Everyday money matters In Estonia you are expected to manage your financial affairs on your own.

However, the first time you go to an office, in an institution or a bank, you may ask for the help of a friend or your support person, if available, in order to cope better with the new situation.

You must find a suitable job rather fast, which enables you to have a better quality of life and pays enough for you to manage your monthly living expenses.

The earlier you (and your spouse) go to work, the quicker you get a better understanding and more experience in Estonian work culture.

Although all state taxes are usually already deducted from your salary, you must pay certain ongoing expenses every month which are related to your place of residence: rent and utilities.

activities, etc. Setting up your household will also require money.

Your expenses may not be the same every month. Therefore: • plan your spending carefully; • save money for possible emergencies; • avoid debts; • pay bills on time. If you don’t, you may be charged interest on the unpaid amount and the service may be discontinued. Even then, you are still responsible for paying the due bills along with interest.

The currency in use in Estonia is the Euro (€). 1 euro = 100 cents. Coins are in units of 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, 20- and 50-cents, 1- and 2-euros. Paper currency is in units of 5-, 10-, 20-, 50-, 100-, 200and 500-euros.

You will also need money for food, household items, clothing, leisure time

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11.1 Making purchase You can pay for products and services in three ways: • Cash (paper currency and coins).

• By debit card: if you have a bank account, you can pay in shops with your debit card. Most of the time

people in Estonia make payments using their debit card.

• Bank transfer: If you buy something online or you need to make a transfer to someone, you can use online banking and make transfers via Internet.

11.2 Banks and services You can open a bank account at a bank of your choice (Swedbank, SEB Bank, LHV, etc.).

Note that some banks might want to charge you a fee in order to open an account.

Your monthly incomes will deposited in this bank account.

When choosing a bank, compare the lists of fees for services at different banks, and check to see what cash machines (ATM) are located near your home.

be

To open a bank account, look at the list of reputable banks on the webpage www. pangaliit.ee/et/yldino/liikmespangad.

TIP! When you go to the bank to open an account, take your residence permit with you.

Before signing a contract, make sure you understand all the conditions. If you need additional explanations, ask for them, or ask to see the contract in a language that you understand better (Estonian, Russian, or English).

11.3 Debit card When you open your account, you will be issued a debit card with a personal security or PIN number. You can pay for products and services with your

debit card in shops that have a payment terminal. Debit cards are widely used in shops in Estonia.

TIP!

With you debit card you can withdraw cash, deposit money on your bank account and pay your bills.

11.4 Cash machines (ATM) Cash machines (ATM) offer various services. Make sure you understand what transactions are possible at each ATM machine, particularly the one you plan to use most frequently.

In most cases you should try to withdraw money from the ATM of the bank you have an account in. It is possible to do it from other banks’ ATMs too, but in most

cases your account will be charged an extra fee.

If you can't pay your utilities bills online, you should use an ATM that allows payments and follow instructions on the screen of the ATM. You can also make the payment at the bank counter, but this costs money (payment fees).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION! When withdrawing cash from an ATM pay attention to insert the correct PIN number. If you insert the wrong PIN code 3 times in a row (even during different days), the machine will confiscate your card and you will need to apply for a new card.

11.5 Internet payments When opening a bank account, you can apply to use the services of the Internet bank, which enables you to make payments on-line from home or wherever you are. For online payments make sure that you use safe and secure internet access and after exiting from the internet bank you close all internet

pages. We do not recommend entering the internet bank in public computers.

In Estonia it’s very common to use payments online in order to pay rent, utilities, telephone bills, purchase bus or train tickets and, buy tickets for cinema, theatre and concerts etc.

11.6 Loans and credit cards A bank may also offer you opportunities for loans or a credit card.

Memorize your debit card PIN number by heart as soon as possible.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

TIP!

Remember that every debt is a financial responsibility. Return payments of the loan must be regular; if not, the bank will charge you fees which will further increase your financial burden. If you do not have a stable and sufficient income, avoid credit cards and loans. Try to get by on the amount of money you have available.

You can also ask friends and acquaintances for suggestions on finding secondhand shops in your area. Uuskasutuskeskus, Humana, Realiseerimiskeskus, are the most known ones.

In addition to the basic amount of the loan, you will have to pay interest. The total amount you have to pay back can be up to 25% more than the amount borrowed.

Besides banks, small loans are offered by instant loan agencies. These

agencies transfer money to your account quickly and without a contract fee, but their interest rates are very high.

For this reason, people who use these services often fall into debt and the amount they have to pay back doubles or becomes even larger.

The price that you see marked on a product in a store is the final price, which includes sales tax.

Most Estonian towns have a market, where you can find products for a good price, particularly fruits and vegetables.

Remember that the choice and prices at the market depend on the season.

Always be on the lookout for discounts.

If the expiry date allows, buy basic ingredients in larger packages, because the price per kilo is lower than for a smaller package.

The prices for products may vary in different shops and in different regions of Estonia.

TIP! TIP! Spend your money wisely and do not ask for a loan or a lease if you don’t have financial means to cover the expenses. When making a new purchase think if you really need it and if you can afford it (for instance a very expensive phone). Be aware that paying back loans and leases is an obligation. If you don’t pay back, the debt collectors can come, and you can be taken to courts.

11.7 Shopping In Estonia you will find shops in small towns and large cities. There are shops that specialize in certain kinds of products, such as groceries, consumer goods, cosmetics, electronics, books, and clothing. Usually you can find all these shops in a shopping mall.

Larger shopping malls are often open seven days a week, and with long hours, some even from 7-23.

In Estonia clothing and consumer products are relatively expensive. If your income is low, it is a good idea to purchase clothing at a secondhand clothing store. Most of the time you will find clothing in such shops to be clean and in good shape. You can buy clothing and different kinds of consumer products at second-hand (reuse) shops; you can find list off these at www.uuskasutuskeskus.ee , www.taaskasutuskeskus.ee .

You should consider obtaining different stores loyalty cards in order to receive discounts every time there are some campaigns available. Just keep in mind that they will collect your personal data.

11.8 Payment of taxes In Estonia everyone pays tax on the income they earn (20% of the salary).

Every year you have to submit income tax returns which can be submitted from 15 February and usually within 1.5 month. You can submit your income tax return electronically through your bank or then through the e-Tax system. Also, you can submit in the service point of Tax and Customs Board, where officials can help you.

The same way value added tax (VAT – käibemaks - KM) is collected from all items that you buy from shops and services that you use.

Social tax is paid by the employer directly from your salary. The rate for

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social tax is 33% of your salary (this is part of the whole cost that employer has in terms of your salary) There are also other taxes that are collected, but they aren’t so common in your everyday life.

The tax is collected in order to: • Have the state functioning; • Be able to provide services to its residents.

More information on tax returns: www.emta.ee . More information on the Estonian tax system and taxes: www.eesti.ee under the section Money and property.

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11.9 How to save money

YOUR NOTES

There is no magic formula for saving money – you simply need to be sensible and critical on how you use your money.

However, we can still give you some tips: SPECIAL OFFERS

Keep an eye on special offers in shops and buy more when there are discounts. (check the expiring dates.)

SALES SALE

SECOND-HAND

You can also buy clothes from second-hand shops.

€

€

SAME PROVIDER

@

Order as many services as possible from the same provider and ask about special offers. For example, you can get Internet and mobile phone services from the same provider and choose the one offering the best price.

CHECK PRICES

FREE CHAT

TURN OFF LIGHTS

CLOSE ALL TAPS

Make sure you have turned off all the lights and taps before you leave home.

Do not leave water running when you are not using it.

SAVE ON TRANSPORTATION COSTS

SHARING

COOK AT HOME

MONTHLY BUDGET

Never buy anything before checking the prices of other service providers – make sure that you get similar value for money.

Walk, cycle or use public transport if possible.

Cook at home and enough for more than one meal (you can freeze some foods and food products so they would not go waste).

VISIT LIBRARY

Instead of buying books and films, borrow them from a library.

You will need to register with a library in order to do so.

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Buy consumer goods and clothes during sales.

Use Skype or WhatsApp to talk or chat with your family and friends for free, even if they don’t live in Estonia.

Try sharing a flat with friends or other people.

Prepare a monthly budget and keep track of what you are spending most of your money on.

Think about whether you need everything you have bought or whether you are just buying things because you like them.

12. Estonian society The Estonians are strongly influenced by everything described in this guide.

Some things have influenced them

more than others, but they have all left their mark on society and the way it functions today.

TIP! Speaking the local language, knowing the norms and values in the society helps to communicate better with locals and adapt faster in the Estonian society.

Sometimes people moving to Estonia from abroad may find Estonians “cold” at first. This does not mean that the people don’t like you. They simply need

TIP! Estonians value their privacy, avoid asking personal questions if you are meeting for the first time.

12.1.2 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.

time to get to know you. Understanding the main rules of communication and conduct will make getting around with Estonian people easier.

12.1 Communication and conduct Like all other cultures, Estonians have habits and traditions that concern everyday communication and conduct.

12.1.1 Greetings and distance • When meeting on the street, people usually greet each other with a wave of the hand (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) is common among young people and in informal communication.

• Kissing on the cheek is not very common in Estonia.

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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.

12.1.3 Emotions and smiling Estonians may seem reserved at first and 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.

TIP! Estonians show more emotions when they are speaking in Estonian. You will notice it as soon as you will be speaking a little bit of Estonian. Even if you say a simple word like “Tere” it can draw a smile on their face.

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12.1.4 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 with their hands.

• People are rather informal when they communicate with their colleagues, calling them by their first name irrespective of their age or position.

12.1.7 Gifts • When addressing an official or service staff, it is advisable to use the formal “ 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.

‘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 too should be direct. It takes some getting used to but is not impossible.

TIP! If you are invited to join an event and you already know you won’t be able to attend, you should say straight away that you can’t attend. Promising and then cancelling in the last minute is considered very impolite, while saying the truth would be appreciated as this would avoid cancelling in the last moment.

• 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.

• Expecting too much and being dependent on the state and other

Time is very important to Estonians, being late is considered impolite.

12.1.6 Visiting

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mutual friends may invite each other over.

• Guests do not generally help themselves to food or drinks until the host offers.

• If someone has invited you over and you want to bring a friend, make sure you ask beforehand whether this is OK.

service providers is not a longterm solution, but restricts your independence and your ability to cope.

• Being a good member of society means that you abide by the law, follow standards of conducts, earn your own money, pay taxes and contribute to society in other ways.

12.1.9 Time

In general:

• Home is important to Estonians, which means that people do not often invite guests over, unless you are a family member or a close friend.

• Visiting someone without asking or telling them in advance is generally considered impolite.

• It is polite to bring something for the host when you visit them.

• Both men and women who are

• The gift should be something small flowers, chocolates, wine, etc.

• You should not give gifts or agree to give to officials or other service providers (e.g. doctors) as expressions of gratitude – this could be deemed bribery and be subject to punishment.

12.1.8 Taking responsibility

12.1.5 Refusal 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 favour.

• Estonians celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, marriage, graduation and often also when people move 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).

• Estonians are punctual and disapprove of being late; • if you have agreed to attend a job interview, made an appointment with a doctor, Police and Border Guard Board or need to attend a meeting

with people you do not know very well, make sure you arrive on time or even early; and • if you cannot avoid being late and you know you will be in advance, make sure you call and let the other person or people know.

If you are late for meetings you may not be accepted and not receive the services which you requested.

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12.3 Leisure activities

12.1.10 Eating habits • Black bread, potatoes and dairy products are traditionally important to Estonians. Pork and chicken are the preferred meats, but beef and fish are also eaten.

• In summer, people eat fresh berries, fruits and vegetables, which can be bought in shops all year round (mainly frozen). These can also be bought all year around from the shops.

• It is possible to find Middle-East, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Mexican and other cuisines, and some shops also sell more exotic foods.

• Halal meat is sold in certain supermarket in Estonia. More info can be found from the internet.

Free time is important to Estonians.

Newspapers and local papers have details about events taking place. Local events can be also advertised on the website of your town or municipality.

Check the section on media for further information.

12.4 Theatre and Cinema

12.2 Religion In many societies, religion has a very important role. In Estonia, less than a third of the population define themselves as believers. The largest religious groups are Lutheran and Eastern Orthodox. There are also a number of smaller Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist groups.

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Although the number of believers is low, there is a freedom of religion in Estonia and everyone is able to follow their own practices. When communicating with Estonians, it is good to know that the majority of population is non-religious, but religion as such is not a taboo.

In your free time, you can go to the theatre or the cinema. In Estonia, the films are not dubbed (unless cartoons for children) and have the original soundtrack with subtitles in Estonian and Russian. Also, some theatre plays

might have the subtitles in English and Russian. The theatres are available in bigger towns, and tickets should be brought well in advance. Estonians value going to theatre and thus tickets are often sold out.

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12.5 Library Libraries can also serve as a good place for free time. If you have a library card, you are able to borrow the books, DVDs and music CDs from the library.

Additionally, most of the libraries have free internet access, but in smaller libraries, it might be with limited time of usage (because of other users) or with booking the time. Also, libraries are often hosting interesting events, which

might not always require the reader’s card. In order to obtain the reader’s card, you would in most cases need to submit your ID to the library and have the residence registered in the same local municipality as the library.

(This generally requires that your place of residence is registered in the same local municipality as the library.)

13. Cultural adaptation Living in an unfamiliar country is not always easy. Life in Estonia may be quite a challenge, not just because of the weather, but due to the significant differences in culture and values.

Adapting is easier for those who have come into contact with European cultures before, but people usually have a limited understanding of what lies ahead.

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 usually evokes 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 experienced to various degrees by most people who need to adapt to a new culture. It is highly likely that you will experience some element of culture shock, but don’t worry, below we list some tips on how to cope with it.

13.1 How to cope with culture shock

YOUR NOTES

• Learn about local rules and traditions and do your best to build up an extensive communication network.

• Be an active member of society – find something to do, e.g. a hobby.

• Find local friends (e.g. visit the local library, culture events, language cafes etc.).

• Try to find a job as quickly as possible if you have the right to work.

• Attend the Estonian language courses.

• If you have children who go to day care or school, try to attend events involving parents and mingle with other parents.

• Definitely 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.

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YOUR NOTES

14. Table of services and support available What

Service provider

Contact

Support in everyday matters

Support person (for first few months in Estonia) • NGO Estonian Refugee Council Social worker at the municipality

Web: www.pagulasabi.ee e-mail: info@pagulasabi.ee

Trainings about Estonian society and culture, and your rights and obligations

Welcoming programme

Web: www.settleinestonia.ee FB: /settleinestonia

Get involved in local culture clubs and sport clubs

Culture and Sports Program for refugees • Johannes Mihkelson centre and International House

e-mail: dan.prits@jmk.ee or natalja@internationalhouse.ee

Information, advice and guidelines on living in Estonia

Information and counselling centres • Integration Foundation

Web: www.integratsioon.ee e-mail: info@integratsiooniinfo.ee

Information regarding your residence permit

Migration advisors of the Police and Border Guard Board

Web: www.migrationadvice.ee e-mail: migrationadvice@politsei.ee Skype: EstonianPolice_MigrationAdvice Phone: 612 3500

Extend temporary residence permit, apply for longterm residence permit and citizenship

Police and Border Guard Board

Web: www.ppa.ee e-mail: info@politsei.ee Phone: 612 3000

Free legal aid

Daily legal matters (e.g. household contracts, work contracts, loans/debts etc) • Eesti Õigusbüroo OÜ

Web: www.juristaitab.ee; e-mail: abi@juristaitab.ee Phone: 6 880 400

Residence permit matters • NGO Estonian Human Rights centre

Web: www.humanrights.ee e- mail: info@humanrights.ee Phone: 644 5148

Work contract related matters • NGO Living for Tomorrow

Web: www.lft.ee Phone: 660 7320

• Labour Inspectorate of Estonia

Web: www.ti.ee/en Phone: 640 6000

Equal treatment matters • Gender and Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner

Web: www.vordoigusvolinik.ee e-mail: info@svv.ee Phone: 626 9059 or 5620 9906

• The Chancellor of Justice

Web: www.oiguskantsler.ee e-mail: info@oiguskantsler.ee Phone: 693 8404

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What

Service provider

Contact

Estonian language

Foundation Tartu Folk High School (Rahvaülikool) A1-A2 level

Web: www.rahvaylikool.ee

Unemployment Insurance Fund (Eesti Töötukassa)

Web: www.tootukassa.ee Phone: 15501

Estonian language cafes Help with finding work

Eesti Töötukassa

Web: www.tootukassa.ee Phone: 15501

Education

• • • •

Contact the local municipality or school or kindergarten in order enroll yourself or your child.

Monetary support

Subsistence benefit, emergency social assistance • Local municipality

Contact the local municipality

Unemployment benefit, unemployment insurance benefit • Eesti Töötukassa

Web: www.tootukassa.ee Phone: 15501

Birth allowance, child allowance, childcare allowance, state pension • Social Insurance Board

Web: www.sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee e-mail: info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee Phone: 612 1360

Medical help

• Family doctor (primary reference point in case of health concerns) • Specialist doctors (orthopaedist, gynaecologist etc.)

Contact your family doctor or register for an appointment with a specialist doctor

Psychological support

• Family doctor • Psychologist

Contact your family doctor or register for an appointment with a psychologist

• National Victim Support Centre (Ohvriabi)

e-mail: info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee Phone: 16 106

Support if you have experience domestic violence

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Pre-school education (kindergarten) Basic education (Level I) Secondary education (Level II) Higher education (Level III)

Police

Phone: 112

National Victim Support Centre (Ohvriabi)

e-mail: info@sotsiaalkindlustusamet.ee Phone: 16 106

Psychologist

Register for an appointment with a psychologist

YOUR NOTES

15. Communication Glossary English

Estonian

Welcome

Tere tulemast

Hello

Tere

How are you?

Kuidas läheb?

I'm fine, thanks. And you?

Tänan, hästi? Ja sul?

What is your name?

Mis on sinu nimi?

My name is…

Minu nimi on….

Where are you from?

Kust sa pärit oled?

Pleased to meet you

Meeldiv tutvuda

Where is .. (the shop)

Kus asub …. (pood)?

left/ on the left

vasak/ vasakul

right/ on the right

parem/ paremal

straight ahead

otse

Thank you

Aitäh

You welcome

võta heaks / pole tänu väärt

Where do you live

Kus sa elad?

Address

aadress

Street

tänav

City/town

Linn

Good morning

Tere hommikust

Good afternoon

tere päevast

Good evening

Tere õhtust

Good night

Head ööd

Good bye

Nägemist; Head aega

Cheers!

Tervist! Terviseks!

Bon appetit

Head isu!

I don't understand

Ma ei saa aru

Please speak more slowly

Palun rääkige aeglasemalt

Please say that again

Kas sa saaksid seda korrata?

Please write it down

Palun kirjutage see üles

How much is this?

Kui palju see maksab?

Do you speak English/Arabic/Russian/French Kas te räägite inglise/araabia/vene/ prantsuse keelt

97 97

Excuse me

Vabandage!

Sorry!

Andke andeks

Help!

Appi!

Fire!

Tulekahju/ Põleb!

Police

Politsei

Ambulance

Kiirabi

YOUR NOTES