Government press release
7.04.2022
Minister of the Interior Kristian Jaani says the sanction is an additional step in avoiding the contradiction of national and international sanctions restricting Russian and Belarusian investments and the countries’ economies but their citizens still being issued with residence permits to work and do business in Estonia. “We must act decisively to limit the opportunities available to the citizens of these two countries to come to and start living in Estonia,” he said.
Residence permits which have already been issued will not be revoked, nor will the basis for being and working in Estonia be repealed, and anyone who already has such a permit or fulfils these criteria will be able to apply for an extension or for the amendment of the basis of their being in the country.
As such, based on a residence permit already issued to them, a Russian or Belarusian citizen will be able to apply for another residence permit so as to work for a different employer. If they do not meet the requirements set out in law or have broken any Estonian laws, they will lose the right to remain in Estonia. For example, a residence permit will be revoked if the recipient incites hatred (based on nationality, race, religious beliefs or political views), carries out a violent act or commits a crime.
Entry to Estonia will still be possible within the framework of family migration and for humanitarian reasons.
More information
Frequently asked questions about the restrictions on employment and business activities for Russian and Belarusian citizens can be found on Estonian Police and Border Guard Board webpage HERE
Estonian Police and Border Guard Board Migration Consultants can be reached via:
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: +372 612 3500 (Mo-Fri 9 AM to 3 PM)
Webpage: https://www.politsei.ee/en/migration-consultants
