Citizenship

A large number of Russian speakers from all corners of the USSR came or were sent to Estonia before independence. After in 1991 many chose to remain. Most have taken either Estonian or Russian citizenship, but approximately 165,000 people in Estonia (out of 1,367,000 inhabitants) have not taken any citizenship, and are technically ‘stateless.’ Though they receive mostly the same rights and benefits as Estonian citizens, they cannot vote in national elections and have difficulties with foreign travel. The requirements for ‘stateless’ individuals to achieve citizenship are a language and history exam. Many residents, especially older ones, are reluctant to apply.