Changes in Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Estonia

In Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, from May this year, the country will cease funding housing costs and translation services for Ukrainian refugees granted temporary protection.

According to the Estonian broadcaster ERR, previously refugees could receive a one-time compensation for rent to assist them in finding permanent housing.

Liis Paloots, head of the migration department at the Social Insurance Agency, stated, "Support is not disappearing; it is simply becoming more targeted and stable."

She added that Estonia is gradually returning to a standard procedure where aid is primarily provided to those applying for international or temporary protection, who lack support in the country and are living in state accommodation centers while their cases are being processed.

After Tallinn, the Social Insurance Agency is considering ending similar agreements with other local communities to ensure a unified approach to assistance across the country.

This will also ensure that the support provided to Ukrainian refugees will not depend on their location but solely on their need for help when relocating from the accommodation center.

Since the program began in June 2022 and until April 2025, nearly 11,000 families of Ukrainian refugees have received this compensation, including 1,710 households in 2024, 62% of which utilized support in Tallinn.

The maximum compensation was up to 1,200 euros per household.