Estonian passport
Who is eligible for an Estonian passport? Descendants of people who lived in Estonia between 1918 to 1940, may be entitled to receive Estonian citizenship, based on proof of citizenship in Estonia before 1940, and subject to a relatively quick naturalization procedure. Those who successfully complete the process will receive an Estonian passport, which confers all the rights reserved for citizens of the European Union.
Who may be included in the list of those entitled to an Estonian passport?
Estonia is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with a population of only 1.3 million. It is one of the Baltic states, along with Latvia and Lithuania. Estonia is fairly modern and is considered advanced in many respects. In recent years, in light of extensive reforms in the country, Estonia has become a European technological hub, and is even a candidate for entry into the prestigious Nordic Council.
Between World War I and World War II, several thousand Jews lived in Estonia. The few who survived the horrors of the Holocaust immigrated to Israel or immigrated to the Soviet Union, since Estonia became part of the Eastern Bloc during the war. It is important to know that descendants of Estonian Jews or those who were citizens of Estonia in the period before 1940, may be entitled to Estonian citizenship.
What does the law state regarding eligibility for Estonian citizenship?
According to the Estonian Citizenship Law, people who were citizens of Estonia in the period between 1918-1940, and their descendants, are entitled to Estonian citizenship on a declarative basis, in a relatively quick procedure, which can usually be carried out within a few weeks. As part of this procedure, a naturalization certificate is given to those who are eligible. With this certificate, you can apply for an Estonian passport.
Why should you check your eligibility for an Estonian passport?
As of 2004, Estonia has been a member of the European Union. An Estonian passport allows you to enjoy the rights reserved for citizens of the 27 EU countries, including the right to live, study and work in all EU territories. Likewise, holders of Estonian citizenship are also entitled to various benefits in purchasing real estate, establishing businesses in the European Union, study subsidies, etc.
An Estonian passport allows its holders to enter over 170 countries, many of which are closed to Israeli citizens, as well as entry to the United States without the need for a visa. It is also important to note that, as a general rule, Israeli citizens who receive Estonian citizenship are allowed to hold dual citizenship and an Estonian passport alongside their Israeli passport. In other words, there is no need to give up Israeli citizenship as part of the process. For all the above reasons, if at least one of your ancestors came from Estonia, you should check whether you are eligible for an Estonian passport.
Estonian passport – contact a lawyer specializing in immigration law and foreign citizenship
In this article, we discussed the benefits of an Estonian passport and who may be eligible for this prestigious passport. If you have any additional questions or need assistance on the matter, please contact us, and we will be happy to help. Our office, in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, specializes in immigration law and foreign citizenship. The lawyers in our firm have extensive experience in representing clients in citizenship applications and regulating legal status in EU countries. Our firm collaborates with a leading firm in Estonia, in order to provide the firm’s clients with comprehensive legal support as part of naturalization procedures in the country.
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