Starting this autumn, the Integration Foundation will continue to hold free information sessions introducing the conditions for applying for Estonian citizenship, opportunities for free Estonian language studies, and other state-provided support services.
You can register for online sessions in Russian and English at integratsioon.ee/kodanik.
“The spring pilot sessions brought together nearly 300 participants and clearly showed people’s strong interest and need for information on acquiring citizenship. Therefore, we decided to continue the sessions in the second half of the year as well, to support those who need clarity and encouragement on the topics of citizenship and language learning,” said Jekaterina Gvozdeva, Head of Civic Education at the Integration Foundation.
The first autumn sessions will take place in Russian on 24 September and 30 October, and in English on 9 October. Participants can join online by choosing a suitable time and language.
“We are doing our best to ensure that the number of Estonian citizens continues to grow. For example, nearly 60,000 residents with undetermined citizenship live in Estonia, and a recent survey shows that many of them are interested in becoming Estonian citizens. To support them – as well as others interested in citizenship – we offer a range of services, including the possibility to start free language learning until the end of the year. We will provide more detailed information about these services during our information sessions,” said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Head of the Integration Foundation.
“Often, people interested in citizenship only need to reach the required level of language proficiency. Our task is to support them in taking this step – offering language courses, encouragement, and practical help in preparing for the exam. This opportunity is provided by the language study contract programme funded by the Ministry of the Interior,” added Jekaterina.
At the information sessions, participants will receive details, for example, on how to complete free Estonian language courses up to the required B1 level, attend trainings on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act, receive compensation for study leave, register for exams, submit a citizenship application, and access other important information.
More information about the Integration Foundation’s services and information sessions can be found on integratsioon.ee/kodanik, where you can also register for the sessions and keep up to date with upcoming events, which will take place until the end of this year.