May is International Diversity Month. This is a time for recognising and celebrating how different we are, and how these differences enrich us. In Estonia, we celebrate Diversity Day on the second Wednesday of May – this year on 13 May – on the initiative of the Estonian Human Rights Centre.
The aim of Diversity Day and Diversity Month is to recognise and value every individual. Every person is important and unique, both in the workplace and in society in general. The Estonian Human Rights Centre, together with members of the Diversity Charter, is promoting the celebration of diversity in people, organisations, groups of friends, and communities; we also invite all Estonian companies and organisations, as well as groups of friends and individuals to get involved and organise events.
We are open to the world
If we look at recent migration statistics, we can see that Estonia is no longer a monotonous place, but an exciting crossroads of cultures, where people come to build a new home, set up businesses, or receive a world-class education.
Estonia is currently home to nearly 1.36 million people. Migration trends in recent years show that every year thousands of people choose Estonia as their new home. Last year alone, we welcomed over 11,000 newly arrived immigrants who came here to live, study, and work.
Although migration has slowed to a more peaceful and stable pace in recent years, Estonia’s ‘newcomers’ club’ remains a very diverse group.
Who are our new neighbours?
Estonia attracts people from all over the world. If we look at the countries whose citizens have been issued the most first-time temporary residence permits, India, Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan stand out alongside Ukraine. However, the most common countries of origin among European Union citizens who have registered their residence here are Germany, Finland, Latvia, France, and Spain.
A particularly remarkable phenomenon, however, is Estonia’s e-residents, who now number over 139,000. People from Ukraine, Germany, Spain, Finland, and France have shown the most interest in joining our digital state. This shows that even if not everyone moves here physically, Estonia is a global hub where people want to do business.
Why choose Estonia, of all places?
Migration statistics show that the most common reason for moving to Estonia is work. For example, according to migration statistics for 2024, the largest number of first-time residence permits were issued for the purpose of employment, followed by family reunification and study.
It is interesting to note that many of those who come here end up staying for good and wish to become Estonian citizens. Every year, around 700–1,000 people become Estonian citizens through naturalisation – these are people who have found their place here, learnt the language, and decided to tie their future to Estonia.
Diversity is our strength
Diversity Day, which we are celebrating on 13 May this year, reminds us that every newcomer adds a new colour to the vibrant mosaic that is Estonia. Whether it is new flavours on our dinner table, new ideas in the tech sector, or new friends and acquaintances in our neighbourhood.
Happy Diversity Month! Let us be open-minded, take notice of one another, and appreciate the benefits that come from working together with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Participate in the diversity quiz here.
* This article draws on data from Statistics Estonia, the European Migration Network, and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency.
Article was published in the Settle in Estonia newsletter, which is designed to support new migrants in their adaptation process and help them feel at home in Estonia more quickly. The newsletter helps make adaptation easier and keeps readers informed about important information needed for everyday life in Estonia. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.