Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

Who is the Settle in Estonia programme for?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and to attend Estonian language courses at level A1. Persons who have arrived in Estonia in the course of conventional migration and who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia, e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members, are strongly encouraged to participate in the basic and thematic modules of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1.

How long will the training last?

The basic module of the adaptation programme is either 1 or 4 days, i.e. 8 or 36 academic hours. Estonian language courses consist of a total of 500 academic hours of supervised study and an additional 180 academic hours of independent study (see the notice on this subject). Estonian language courses last for 100 academic hours at level A1, 150 academic hours at level A2, and 250 academic hours at level B1.

Can I take the Estonian language course of the adaptation programme Settle in Estonia several times?

The Estonian language courses of the Settle in Estonia programme can be successfully completed only once at each level. For example, if you have successfully completed an A2-level course as part of the Settle in Estonia programme, you will not be able to participate in a second Estonian course at the same level under Settle in Estonia.

When will a language course certificate from another country be entered into the Settle in Estonia system to progress to the next level of Settle in Estonia?

In order to add the certificate of an Estonian language course completed outside the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme to the Settle in Estonia platform, it must be sent to info@settleinestonia.ee. If the certificate meets the conditions of the Settle in Estonia programme, it will be added to the Settle in Estonia platform within approximately two weeks.

Why is a language course completed under Settle in Estonia not reflected in a person’s account?

It may take a couple of weeks to two months to enter the results of the Estonian language course you have completed under the Settle in Estonia programme to the platform.

If I have passed the level A2 exam on the courses of the Settle in Estonia programme, do I have to retake the national exam?

Settle in Estonia offers Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 level. In order to certify your proficiency in Estonian at levels A2 and B1, you must pass the national language proficiency examination. The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia does not include language proficiency examinations. You can read more about national language proficiency examinations here: https://harno.ee/en/examinations-tests-and-studies/examinations-tests-and-certificates/estonian-language-proficiency

Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

What is the required language level for beneficiaries of international protection?

Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are required to learn Estonian language at level B1. To prove language proficiency, it is necessary to pass a language proficiency examination. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to attend a level A1 Estonian course.

Will language courses still be available if you change your residence permit?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Changing your temporary residence permit does not prevent you from taking part in the adaptation programme.

Do pensioners have to participate in adaptation trainings?

Under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, newly arrived immigrants of retirement age are not obliged to attend Estonian language courses. Pursuant to the regulation on the adaptation programme, a person who is unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may participate in the adaptation programme in the parts and to the extent of their choice. Participation in the basic module of the adaptation programme is strongly recommended for all adult newly arrived immigrants.

Do I have to complete the programme to get Estonian citizenship?

Completion of the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is important if you wish to extend your temporary residence permit or apply for one on a different basis. To apply for Estonian citizenship, it is necessary to pass the level B1 Estonian language examination and the examination on the knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act. More information on applying for citizenship - https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/estonian-citizenship-for-an-adult

Settle in Estonia is a national adaptation program designed to help newcomers better understand and integrate into life, work, and education in Estonia. Below you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the content of the program, participation requirements, language courses, and the rights and obligations of different target groups. Whether you want to know who is eligible to participate, how long the trainings last, or how to certify your language skills, you'll find the answers here.

Who is the Settle in Estonia programme for?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to participate in the basic module of the adaptation programme and to attend Estonian language courses at level A1. Persons who have arrived in Estonia in the course of conventional migration and who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia, e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members, are strongly encouraged to participate in the basic and thematic modules of the adaptation programme and in Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1.

How long will the training last?

The basic module of the adaptation programme is either 1 or 4 days, i.e. 8 or 36 academic hours. Estonian language courses consist of a total of 500 academic hours of supervised study and an additional 180 academic hours of independent study (see the notice on this subject). Estonian language courses last for 100 academic hours at level A1, 150 academic hours at level A2, and 250 academic hours at level B1.

Can I take the Estonian language course of the adaptation programme Settle in Estonia several times?

The Estonian language courses of the Settle in Estonia programme can be successfully completed only once at each level. For example, if you have successfully completed an A2-level course as part of the Settle in Estonia programme, you will not be able to participate in a second Estonian course at the same level under Settle in Estonia.

When will a language course certificate from another country be entered into the Settle in Estonia system to progress to the next level of Settle in Estonia?

In order to add the certificate of an Estonian language course completed outside the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme to the Settle in Estonia platform, it must be sent to info@settleinestonia.ee. If the certificate meets the conditions of the Settle in Estonia programme, it will be added to the Settle in Estonia platform within approximately two weeks.

Why is a language course completed under Settle in Estonia not reflected in a person’s account?

It may take a couple of weeks to two months to enter the results of the Estonian language course you have completed under the Settle in Estonia programme to the platform.

If I have passed the level A2 exam on the courses of the Settle in Estonia programme, do I have to retake the national exam?

Settle in Estonia offers Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 level. In order to certify your proficiency in Estonian at levels A2 and B1, you must pass the national language proficiency examination. The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia does not include language proficiency examinations. You can read more about national language proficiency examinations here: https://harno.ee/en/examinations-tests-and-studies/examinations-tests-and-certificates/estonian-language-proficiency

What is the required language level for beneficiaries of international protection?

Beneficiaries of international protection (except for temporary protection) are required to learn Estonian language at level B1. To prove language proficiency, it is necessary to pass a language proficiency examination. Beneficiaries of temporary protection are required to attend a level A1 Estonian course.

Will language courses still be available if you change your residence permit?

The adaptation programme Settle in Estonia is open to all adults who have been residing in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit for less than 5 years after the first temporary residence permit was issued. Changing your temporary residence permit does not prevent you from taking part in the adaptation programme.

Do pensioners have to participate in adaptation trainings?

Under the Act on Granting International Protection to Aliens, newly arrived immigrants of retirement age are not obliged to attend Estonian language courses. Pursuant to the regulation on the adaptation programme, a person who is unable to cope independently due to a medical condition or disability may participate in the adaptation programme in the parts and to the extent of their choice. Participation in the basic module of the adaptation programme is strongly recommended for all adult newly arrived immigrants.

Do I have to complete the programme to get Estonian citizenship?

Completion of the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is important if you wish to extend your temporary residence permit or apply for one on a different basis. To apply for Estonian citizenship, it is necessary to pass the level B1 Estonian language examination and the examination on the knowledge of the Estonian Constitution and the Citizenship Act. More information on applying for citizenship - https://www.politsei.ee/en/instructions/estonian-citizenship-for-an-adult

The Settle in Estonia programme will help you to better understand life in Estonia and create opportunities for you to become independent in our country. The adaptation programme offers participants free A1, A2, and B1 Estonian language courses, as well as adaptation training on Estonian society and life in Estonia.

There are a number of Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1, as well as adaptation training currently open for registration in the Settle in Estonia portal. The training and courses you can take part in under the adaptation programme depend on your legal status in Estonia. When you log in to the Settle in Estonia platform, you will see only those language courses and training courses on your profile where there are places available and are open for registration.

Participation in Estonian language courses and adaptation training is either recommended or compulsory, depending on your legal status:

• newly arrived migrants who have come to live in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit are recommended to learn Estonian at level A1, A2, or B1;
• newly arrived migrants living in Estonia as beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to complete an Estonian language course at level A1 and recommended to continue learning at levels A2 and B1; it is compulsory to complete adaptation training.
• a newly arrived migrant living in Estonia as a beneficiary of international protection (subsidiary protection, refugee status) is obliged to complete Estonian language courses at A1, A2, and B1 level; it is compulsory to complete adaptation training.

Which trainings and courses are currently open for registration?

Regular migration*:

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – registration is open as long as spots are available;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

Beneficiaries of temporary protection:

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – the next courses will be open for registration in August;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

Beneficiaries of international protection (except beneficiaries of temporary protection):  

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – registration is open as long as spots are available;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

*Regular migration: aliens who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members staying in Estonia on the basis of a right of residence.

Courses are available both online as well as on-site in major cities.

How to register for the courses and trainings of the adaptation programme?

1. You can register for adaptation trainings and Estonian language courses once you have received a notification letter from the Police and Border Guard Board about the possibility to participate in the adaptation programme and once you have obtained an identity document.
2. For more information on the training courses of the adaptation programme, visit settleinestonia.ee/login. To use the self-service environment, you need to create an account using an ID card, Smart-ID, or Mobile ID.
3. On your personal account, you can see all the courses suitable for you that are open for registration and have available spots. You can choose the course that suits you best and register by clicking on the ‘Register’ button next to the course.
4. When you log in, you will see a list on your personal page of the Estonian language courses and trainings you can participate in. You can choose the course that suits you best and sign up for it. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation and other details from the provider of the course a few days before the start of the course.

Have you already completed an Estonian language course?

If you have previously completed an Estonian language course at A1, A2, or B1 level outside the adaptation programme (e.g. through your employer, the Unemployment Insurance Fund or elsewhere) or passed the national language proficiency examination, please send your certificate to info@settleinestonia.ee – this will enable you to prove that you have fulfilled your obligations and/or to continue your language studies within the adaptation programme (registration for the next level language course will open).

If you have any questions, please contact us by email: info@settleinestonia.ee

The adaptation programme is intended for adults who have stayed in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit or right of residence for less than five years from the moment of obtaining the initial residence permit or right of residence. The courses of the adaptation programme are co-funded by the European Union and the state budget.

The Settle in Estonia programme will help you to better understand life in Estonia and create opportunities for you to become independent in our country. The adaptation programme offers participants free A1, A2, and B1 Estonian language courses, as well as adaptation training on Estonian society and life in Estonia.

There are a number of Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1, as well as adaptation training currently open for registration in the Settle in Estonia portal. The training and courses you can take part in under the adaptation programme depend on your legal status in Estonia. When you log in to the Settle in Estonia platform, you will see only those language courses and training courses on your profile where there are places available and are open for registration.

Participation in Estonian language courses and adaptation training is either recommended or compulsory, depending on your legal status:

• newly arrived migrants who have come to live in Estonia on the basis of a temporary residence permit are recommended to learn Estonian at level A1, A2, or B1;
• newly arrived migrants living in Estonia as beneficiaries of temporary protection are obliged to complete an Estonian language course at level A1 and recommended to continue learning at levels A2 and B1; it is compulsory to complete adaptation training.
• a newly arrived migrant living in Estonia as a beneficiary of international protection (subsidiary protection, refugee status) is obliged to complete Estonian language courses at A1, A2, and B1 level; it is compulsory to complete adaptation training.

Which trainings and courses are currently open for registration?

Regular migration*:

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – registration is open as long as spots are available;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

Beneficiaries of temporary protection:

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – the next courses will be open for registration in August;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

Beneficiaries of international protection (except beneficiaries of temporary protection):  

• Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1 – registration is open as long as spots are available;
• adaptation training – registration is open as long as spots are available.

*Regular migration: aliens who have been granted a residence permit in Estonia e.g. for work, study, business, or to live with a family member, as well as citizens of the EU and their family members staying in Estonia on the basis of a right of residence.

Courses are available both online as well as on-site in major cities.

How to register for the courses and trainings of the adaptation programme?

1. You can register for adaptation trainings and Estonian language courses once you have received a notification letter from the Police and Border Guard Board about the possibility to participate in the adaptation programme and once you have obtained an identity document.
2. For more information on the training courses of the adaptation programme, visit settleinestonia.ee/login. To use the self-service environment, you need to create an account using an ID card, Smart-ID, or Mobile ID.
3. On your personal account, you can see all the courses suitable for you that are open for registration and have available spots. You can choose the course that suits you best and register by clicking on the ‘Register’ button next to the course.
4. When you log in, you will see a list on your personal page of the Estonian language courses and trainings you can participate in. You can choose the course that suits you best and sign up for it. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation and other details from the provider of the course a few days before the start of the course.

Have you already completed an Estonian language course?

If you have previously completed an Estonian language course at A1, A2, or B1 level outside the adaptation programme (e.g. through your employer, the Unemployment Insurance Fund or elsewhere) or passed the national language proficiency examination, please send your certificate to info@settleinestonia.ee – this will enable you to prove that you have fulfilled your obligations and/or to continue your language studies within the adaptation programme (registration for the next level language course will open).

If you have any questions, please contact us by email: info@settleinestonia.ee

The adaptation programme is intended for adults who have stayed in Estonia on the basis of a residence permit or right of residence for less than five years from the moment of obtaining the initial residence permit or right of residence. The courses of the adaptation programme are co-funded by the European Union and the state budget.