Frequently asked questions: what is the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme?

Have you just moved to Estonia? Do you feel like there is a lot of information but very little time? The Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is a free educational programme, through which the Estonian state helps newly arrived immigrants adapt to life here more quickly – from practical everyday activities to understanding the Estonian language and society. The programme is organised and developed by the Integration Foundation.

Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What is the adaptation programme?

The Settle in Estonia adaptation programme is a comprehensive programme consisting of several training courses, which provides:

  • an overview of living conditions in Estonia
  • answers to the most common questions asked by newly arrived immigrants
  • the opportunity to learn Estonian at a basic level and beyond (A1, A2, B1)

The types of training you are allowed or obliged to take part in depends on your legal status in Estonia.

Who can take part in the adaptation programme?

You are eligible to participate in the programme if

  • you have been granted a temporary residence permit – you have come here to work, study, engage in business, or live with a family member
  • you have been granted a temporary residence permit on the basis of temporary protection
  • you have been granted a temporary residence permit on the basis of international protection
  • you are a citizen of the European Union who has been granted temporary right of residence
  • you are the family member of a citizen of the European Union who has been granted temporary right of residence

You can participate in the programme within up to five years after obtaining your initial residence permit or EU citizen’s right of residence.

Who is required to participate?

  • The programme is mandatory for persons who have been granted temporary or international protection.
  • It is recommended but voluntary for EU citizens with temporary right of residence and their family members, as well as persons who have obtained a residence permit under the regular migration procedure (i.e. those who have come to Estonia to work, study, engage in business, or join a family member).

What can you learn in the modules of the adaptation programme?

The content of the programme depends on your legal status in Estonia.

If you have been granted temporary protection, you will need to complete the following as part of the adaptation programme:

  • the basic adaptation training module (overview of Estonia and its society)
  • an Estonian language course at level A1; if you wish, you can also take Estonian language courses at levels A2 and B1

If you have been granted international protection, you will need to complete the following as part of the adaptation programme:

  • the basic adaptation training module (overview of Estonia and its society)
  • Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2, and B1

If you have come here to work, study, engage in business, join a family member, or if you are a citizen of the European Union, you can choose from the following options as part of the adaptation programme:

  • various thematic modules of adaptation trainings: basic module, work, learning, research, entrepreneurship, family
  • Estonian language courses at levels A1, A2 and/or B1

What is the basic module of the adaptation programme?

The basic module of the adaptation training is the very first step in the Settle in Estonia adaptation programme. It is intended for all foreigners who have moved to Estonia and will help you adapt here more quickly and confidently. The basic module provides a clear and practical overview of how to handle everyday life in Estonia and how to understand the local society and culture.

Please note: training is mandatory for beneficiaries of international and temporary protection.

Depending on your legal status, the basic module lasts for either 1 day (8 academic hours) or 4 days (36 academic hours).

What will we talk about during the training?

  • What your legal status in Estonia is and what it means in everyday life
  • How the Estonian state and society function
  • What the most important authorities are and when you should contact them
  • How and in which situations an ID card and residence permit card can be used
  • Which e-services are offered in Estonia and how they make life easier
  • How healthcare works and where to get help in an emergency
  • What Estonians’ communication habits and customs are
  • What to do in your free time and how to find hobbies
  • Which services and support options are available to foreigners
  • How to participate in social and community life if you wish to do so

How to participate in the programme?

Registering for adaptation training and Estonian language courses is easy:

  1. Go to the website www.settleinestonia.ee/login.
  2. Create an account and log in with an ID card, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID.
  3. On your personal account, you can see the courses and training programmes that are currently available to you and open for registration.
  4. If there is no suitable training available, please be patient – new groups for Estonian language courses and adaptation trainings are opened gradually. Keep an eye on the website of the Integration Foundation and the Settle in Estonia Facebook page, where new training groups will be announced.

What does taking part in an adaptation programme give me?

  • Practical knowledge for coping in Estonia: opening a bank account, finding a job, using digital services
  • An overview of Estonian society: culture and traditions, education, healthcare, rights and responsibilities
  • Proficiency in Estonian, which is useful in everyday life and at work
  • New contacts – meet other people who have come to Estonia and share your experiences

Where can I find additional information?