The information on this page was collected from public resources.

Where can I go to find emergency/short-term housing?

The Estonian state offers short-term accommodation to war refugees and supports them in finding a long-term place of residence. Dwellings can be found all over Estonia; however, it can be more time consuming in Tallinn, Tartu, Pรคrnu and Haapsalu. Estonia is a small country and the whole of Estonia is a liveable place. The Social Insurance Board in cooperation with Kinnisvara24 has opened a real estate portal that gathers together accommodation that people are offering specifically to Ukrainian war refugees. You can find the available residencies at kinnisvara24 mceclip0.png . You can also search for rental apartments on the free market through kinnisvara24.ee mceclip0.pngย , city24.ee mceclip0.png and kv.ee mceclip0.png .

Read more information about housing here mceclip0.png.

Can I access public housing or housing provided by the state? How and where do I apply for public housing?

The Social Insurance Board in cooperation with Kinnisvara24 has opened a real estate portal that gathers together accommodation that people are offering specifically to Ukrainian war refugees. It is also possible to find housing that is offered for free there. More specific information here mceclip0.png.ย 

If your income is very low, you also have the right to apply for a subsistence benefit from your local government. If you are renting an apartment or a house and therefore have to pay housing costs, the application for subsistence benefit must include the lease contract and documents proving housing costs (e.g. utility bills).

You can find more information here mceclip0.png.

How do I find long term housing?

You can post your wishes in the Facebook group 'Friends of Ukraine in Estonia' mceclip0.png . There are also several other Facebook groups for finding accommodation in Estonia. You'll usually find them by the keyword 'renting apartement(s)' ('korteri(te) รผรผrimine')) and location, e.g. โ€˜รœรผrikorterid ilma maakleritaโ€™ (apartments for rent without a broker mceclip0.png).

Regional advisers from the Social Insurance Board (SKA) also provide assistance in finding suitable accommodation to war refugees. Accommodation can be dwellings owned by private individuals, local governments, or the state (e.g. former dormitories or care homes). Contact the coordinator of your accommodation establishment (hotel or ship) for assistance.

If an adviser from the Social Insurance Board helps you find a place to live, they will also let the local government know so that it could provide additional social support or services.

Some NGOs also help to find housing. You can seek advice and assistance, for example, from the Estonian Refugee Assistance Council (Eesti Pagulasabi mceclip0.png), Hands for Ukraine mceclip0.png.

The Social Insurance Board in cooperation with Kinnisvara24 has opened a real estate portal that gathers together accommodation that people are offering specifically to Ukrainian war refugees. You can find the available residencies at kinnisvara24.delfi.ee mceclip0.png. You can also search for rental apartments on the free market through kinnisvara24.ee mceclip0.png, city24.ee mceclip0.png and kv.ee mceclip0.png.

Read more information about housing here mceclip0.png.

EU4UA is a platform for finding housing in Europe together with other Ukrainians

A new roommate search function has been launched on the EU4UA platform.

Renting housing with other people will allow:

  • save money by sharing housing costs with other people;
  • have a greater choice of housing;
  • to find friends, expand the network of social contacts and feel supported in a new country.

Go to the platform via the link mceclip0.png.

If I am staying with friends and family in the long term, what documents do I need to fill out to make it official? How can I obtain proof of residency?

Do not forget to register your place of residence!

When you have received a temporary protection and residence permit in Estonia, you must register your place of residence in the Estonian Population Register. You can do this in the local government of your residence. After registering your place of residence, you are entitled to services and benefits intended for Estonian residents, such as social benefits, health care, free public transport, or a place in a school or kindergarten.

You must submit a document certifying the use of the room (e.g. lease contract) or the consent of the owner of the room. If there is a lease contract, it will suffice and the ownerโ€™s consent is not required.

If you move from one city, district, or municipality to another, you must also update your data in the population register. This is necessary so that the local government can plan nursery school and school places and pay subsistence and housing benefits.