Estonia: immigration

What is the population of Estonia?

Estonia's population was 1,360,745 on 1 January 2026, 9,250 fewer than a year earlier, according to Statistics Estonia on 21 April 2026. It was the second year in a row that the population fell.

There were 9,240 births and 15,688 deaths in 2025. Statistics Estonia attributes two thirds of the decline to natural decrease and one third to net migration, which turned negative.

Official sources: Statistics Estonia: population on 1 January 2026

How many people move to Estonia?

15,212 people immigrated to Estonia in 2025 and 18,014 emigrated, according to Statistics Estonia. Net migration was negative for the first time in more than ten years, at about -2,800.

Estonia issued 5,228 first residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, up from 4,860 in 2024, according to Eurostat. Residence permits are issued by the Police and Border Guard Board.

Official sources: Statistics Estonia: population on 1 January 2026 · Eurostat: First permits by reason

Does Estonia accept refugees?

1,005 people applied for asylum in Estonia for the first time in 2025, down from 1,330 in 2024, according to Eurostat. Asylum applications are handled by the Police and Border Guard Board.

Application numbers count people seeking protection for the first time, not repeat applications or decisions. Eurostat publishes decisions separately. Temporary protection for people who fled Ukraine is recorded separately from asylum applications.

Official sources: Eurostat: Asylum applicants · Police and Border Guard Board

How many people become Estonian citizens?

758 people acquired Estonian citizenship in 2024, down from 1,078 in 2023, according to Eurostat. Citizenship applications are handled by the Police and Border Guard Board.

Eurostat counts all routes to citizenship, including naturalisation, and publishes the figures from data supplied by national authorities. Statistics Estonia reports that people of 224 different ethnic nationalities live in Estonia; ethnic nationality and citizenship are recorded separately.

Official sources: Eurostat: Acquisition of citizenship

What share of Estonia's population are immigrants?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 14.9%. That compares with 14.8% in 2015. It is 17th highest of 52 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 11.7%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 40th highest.

What is net migration in Estonia?

In 2025, net migration in Estonia was -13,350, according to the UN Population Division. It is the bottom of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 158, and Estonia placed 39th highest of 52. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 139th highest.

How many refugees live in Estonia?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Estonia at 41,299 in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2024, at 42,267; its low point was 2005, at 0. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Estonia placed 28th highest of 50. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 67th highest.

How many refugees come from Estonia?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Estonia was 86, according to UNHCR. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 738; its low point was 2022, at 45. It is 38th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. Worldwide: 154th of 189.

How big are remittances in Estonia's economy?

According to the World Bank, personal remittances received in Estonia was 1.1% of GDP in 2025. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 1.4% of GDP; Estonia is 27th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 79th of 127.