A light and welcoming moment from a participatory budgeting meeting in Tartu –
a cartoon hedgehog saying ‘Tere’ (‘Hello’) is drawn on a whiteboard by caricaturist Urmas Nemvalts.
The hedgehog is also a well-known character in the Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg,
where it shares wise advice with the hero. Photo: Mana Kaasik.

We help newcomers feel at home in Tartu

Are you new to Tartu?

Welcome to Tartu! Whether you have come here to study, work, join your family or build a new life, settling into a new country takes time.

You may need to navigate official procedures, understand local services and get used to a new language, culture and way of life. It is completely normal to have questions – Tartu Welcome Centre is here to help you find the information and support you need.

LET'S CREATE A BETTER EXPERIENCE OF SETTLING IN
People relaxing and chatting outdoors in Tartu, with bicycles and a lively urban background.

Photo: Peeter Paaver.

Tartu Welcome Centre

Let’s make settling in easier

You are not alone. Tartu Welcome Centre is a team of advisers who support international newcomers and their family members in settling into life in Tartu and Southern Estonia.

We provide free information and guidance on official procedures and practical matters related to everyday life. You are welcome to contact us even if you are not sure which authority or service you need.

Our free services include:

  • consultations in person and online;

  • applying for an Estonian personal identification code and registering a place of residence in Tartu;

  • practical information and guidance for living in Estonia.

Our services

All services are free of charge and meant for international newcomers and their family members living in Tartu or Southern Estonia.

Free consultations

Our advisers can help you find answers to questions about settling in Tartu, from official procedures to practical matters related to everyday life.

Consultations are available in person and online during our opening hours.

ID Code and Residence Registration

At Tartu Welcome Centre, you can apply for an Estonian personal identification code and register an address located within the City of Tartu.

Visit this section to learn more about the procedures, required documents and how to prepare for your visit.

Events and activities

We share information about free public events and activities taking place in Tartu. We also guide newcomers to free adaptation courses, Estonian language courses and activities that support language learning.

Visit our Events and Activities page to find free events, courses and activities for newcomers.

Practical information

Our website provides practical information about housing, healthcare, banking and everyday life in Tartu and Estonia.

We aim to make this information clear and easy to use, especially for people who are not yet familiar with Estonian services and procedures.

Meet our team

Janika Hango,
Janika Hango,Head of Adaptation and Integration
Merle Soosaar,
Merle Soosaar,Adviser | Integration Club Coordinator
Merje Laimets,
Merje Laimets,Adviser | ID Code and Residence Registration

Get in touch

Tartu Welcome Centre
Ülikooli 17, Tartu

Monday-Friday 9:00-16:00,
Thursdays 9:00-18:00

Not sure which entrance to use?
See the photo of our location.

Phone: +372 51 913 248
Email: info@tartuwelcomecentre.ee
Facebook: Tartu Welcome Centre

Let’s make settling in easier.

Entrance view of Tartu Welcome Centre with a world map on the wall marking clients’ countries of origin. oto: Janika Hango.
Entrance view of Tartu Welcome Centre with a world map on the wall marking clients’ countries of origin.

Photo: Janika Hango

City of Tartu
University of Tartu
Estonian University of Life Sciences
The Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities
Co-funded by EU