Personal identification code and residence registration

At Tartu Welcome Centre, you can apply for an Estonian personal identification code (ID code; in Estonian, isikukood) and register your place of residence in Tartu.

A personal identification code is a unique 11-digit number used to identify you in Estonian public databases and services. It is not an identity document and does not by itself give you the right to live or work in Estonia.

Reception hours
Tartu Welcome Centre, Ülikooli 17
Monday–Friday: 9:00–16:00
Thursday: 9:00–18:00

Please bring a valid passport or another recognised identity document.

If you have previously received an Estonian personal identification code, the same code remains valid for life and you cannot apply for a new one.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen moving to Tartu, you can apply for an Estonian personal identification code when registering your place of residence.

You can complete both steps at Tartu Welcome Centre (Ülikooli 17) or at the Department of Population Facts of the Tartu City Government (Küüni 5).

Registering your place of residence gives you a temporary right of residence in Estonia for five years. You must then apply for an Estonian ID card at the Police and Border Guard Board within one month.

Please book an appointment in advance before visiting the Police and Border Guard Board. You can book your appointment online. When making the booking, choose the ID card service for EU citizens.

More information is available on Tartu.ee > Personal identification code page.

Citizens of other countries

If you apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) in Estonia, you will usually receive an Estonian personal identification code as part of that process.

However, preparing and processing a residence permit application can take time. If you need a personal identification code earlier for an Estonian public database or service, you can apply for one at Tartu Welcome Centre (Ülikooli 17) before submitting your residence permit application. You can also apply at the Department of Population Facts of the Tartu City Government (Küüni 5).

If your short-term employment in Estonia is being registered, you will receive a personal identification code as part of that process and do not need to apply for one separately.

Not sure whether you need to apply separately? Contact us and we will help you find the right option.

More information is available on Tartu.ee > Personal identification code page.

NB! Take your identity document (passport or ID card) with you when applying for the ID code.

If you live in Estonia, your actual address should be registered in the Estonian Population Register. A registered address is needed for many public and local services.

Where to register

You can register an address located within the City of Tartu at either of the following service points:

  • Tartu Welcome Centre, Ülikooli 17
  • Department of Population Facts of the Tartu City Government, Küüni 5

If your address is outside the City of Tartu, please contact the local government of the municipality where you live.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

You should register your place of residence within three months of arriving in Estonia.

If you do not yet have an Estonian personal identification code, you can apply for it during the same visit.

Citizens of other countries

You should register your place of residence within one month of arriving in Estonia with a residence permit. If you are already in Estonia when your residence permit is granted, you should register your address within one month of receiving the decision.

What to bring:

To register your place of residence, please bring:

  • a valid passport or another recognised identity document;
  • your Estonian personal identification code, if you already have one;
  • for non-EU citizens, a valid Estonian residence permit card;
  • a rental agreement in your name or the written consent of the owner of the property.

If the property has several owners, the agreement or consent may need to be provided by all owners.

More information and the notice of residence form are available on tartu.ee > Place of residence page.

You can also register your address online through the Population Register self-service portal if you have access to Estonian digital identification.

To save time during your visit, please complete the necessary forms in advance:

You can find instructions for completing the notice of residence on the Tartu City website: how to write a notice of residence.

If you are an EU citizen, you only need to submit a notice of residence, and your personal identification code will be created during this process.

Please bring the completed forms and all the documents listed above. If you are also registering minor children or people under your guardianship, bring their identity documents and a document confirming your right to represent them.

Not sure which forms or documents you need? Contact us before your visit and we will be happy to help.

Moving to another address in Estonia

If you move to another address in Estonia, register your new place of residence. Your previous address will then be replaced automatically in the Population Register.

You can register your new address through the Population Register self-service portal or contact the local government of the municipality where your new home is located.

Leaving Estonia

If you included your planned departure date when registering your address in Tartu, your address will be removed from the Population Register automatically on that date.

If you are not sure whether you provided a departure date, please contact us at info@tartuwelcomecentre.ee. Include your Estonian personal identification code so that we can check your information.

If your departure date was not registered, you can update your address in one of the following ways:

  • complete and digitally sign the notice of residence and send it to info@tartuwelcomecentre.ee;
  • if you cannot sign digitally, complete the form and send us a scanned copy or a clear photo;
  • visit Tartu Welcome Centre at Ülikooli 17;
  • visit the Department of Population Facts of the Tartu City Government at Küüni 5.

You can also update your address through the Population Register self-service portal if you have access to Estonian digital identification.

For a long-term stay in Estonia you will need:

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can stay in Estonia for up to three months without registering their place of residence.

If you plan to stay longer, you must register your place of residence and apply for an Estonian ID card at the Police and Border Guard Board within one month after registration.

The ID card proves your temporary right of residence in Estonia and allows you to identify yourself and use Estonian e-services.

Please book an appointment in advance before visiting the Police and Border Guard Board. When making the booking, choose the ID card service for EU citizens.

More information is available on the Police and Border Guard Board website.

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland and plan to live in Estonia longer than your visa or visa-free stay allows, you will generally need a temporary residence permit (TRP).

A temporary residence permit may be issued for different reasons, such as studying, working, doing business or joining a family member in Estonia.

Residence permit applications are handled by the Police and Border Guard Board, not by Tartu Welcome Centre. Depending on your situation, you may need to apply at an Estonian embassy abroad or at a Police and Border Guard Board service office in Estonia.

Before applying in Estonia, please check the requirements and book an appointment in advance.

If your residence permit is granted, you will receive an Estonian residence permit card. You must also register your place of residence in the Estonian Population Register.

For up-to-date information about residence permits and individual advice, visit the Police and Border Guard Board website or contact its migration advisers at migrationadvice@politsei.ee.