Foreign-born population – 2024 | 17.9% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
0.2 million, 56% women | Evolution since 2014: +24% | Russia (44%), Ukraine (29%), Belarus (4%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Estonia received 8 900 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑29% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 35% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 30% labour migrants, 20% family members (including accompanying family) and 15% humanitarian migrants. Around 500 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 4 700 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration).
Ukraine, Russia and Finland were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Uzbekistan registered the strongest increase (57) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑20 000) in flows to Estonia compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑67%, to reach around 1 300. The majority of applicants came from Ukraine (1 200), Russia (40) and Belarus (15). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of India (5) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑2 600). Of the 1 410 decisions taken in 2024, 96% were positive.
Emigration of Estonian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑7% in 2023, to 4 300. Approximately 32% of this group migrated to Finland, 10% to Germany and 10% to Sweden.
In 2025, Estonia continued policy discussions on labour migration, with a particular focus on attracting highly skilled talent. Despite interest in raising the immigration quota to better reflect labour market needs, the annual quota remained unchanged and underutilised in 2024 – partly due to an economic slowdown and subdued employer demand, but also because most labour migrants have historically come from Russia and Ukraine. These flows have either declined significantly or shifted into other migration categories. This evolving context has prompted renewed debate on the structure and purpose of the quota system, with proposals for a more flexible model – potentially linked to economic performance – under consideration for 2025. In parallel, Estonia has continued to promote talent attraction by simplifying procedures for highly qualified workers and supporting innovation-led sectors. In May 2024, Estonia transposed the revised EU Blue Card Directive, introducing more flexible eligibility criteria, including recognition of professional experience, shorter minimum contract durations, and greater labour market mobility.
On 1 January 2025, amendments to the Statutory Fees Act came into force, raising state fees for identity documents and immigration services. The increase reflects actual processing costs and is intended to encourage use of digital self-service platforms.
In response to geopolitical developments, Estonia introduced new restrictions. As of March 2025, Russian citizens with non-biometric passports are no longer permitted entry or eligible for Estonian Schengen visas. Affected individuals may apply for biometric passports until September 2025. In May, Estonia also suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, following a partial suspension of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. Additionally, legislative proposals are under development to limit e‑residency access for nationals of high-risk countries, with implementation expected in 2026.
Estonia further strengthened border management with an additional EUR 19.4 million in EU funding approved in December 2024 for surveillance upgrades, mobile ID tools, and anti-drone technologies. The Border Management and Visa Policy programme was also amended to support the rollout of EU “Smart Borders” systems.
Estonia continues to adjust integration policies in response to shifting migration dynamics, particularly the arrival of Ukrainian refugees since 2022. Ukrainian nationals account for approximately three‑quarters of new arrivals in recent years. In January 2025, the Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation expanded support for language learning and orientation, including free A2 and B1‑level study groups. A broader review of the national integration strategy was launched in March 2025, focussing on programme effectiveness and inclusive service delivery, with stakeholder consultations underway.
Estonia also extended temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals until 4 March 2026. Beneficiaries are required to apply for renewal through the Police and Border Guard Board’s self-service portal within the designated time window before their current permit expires.
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