🏠 Rahvastikuregister / KOV

Registering your place of residence

When moving to a new home, the notice of residence must be filed within 14 days; when moving abroad — within 30 days. The easiest way is the e-population register (rahvastikuregister.ee), accessible with an ID card, mobile-ID or Smart-ID. Filing is free; the residence data takes effect from the day the notice reaches the municipality, and can be backdated by up to 14 days.

Service passportUpdated: 29.07.2026.

Cost

Free

Duration

A few minutes online

Deadline

Within 14 days (abroad — 30)

Where

rahvastikuregister.ee or the municipality

Open the official service →

✓ Information verified: 2026-07-29 Report an error

Who this applies to

Everyone is responsible for the accuracy of their own, their minor children's and wards' residence data. The registered residence determines kindergarten places, free public transport, social assistance, voting rights and land tax relief. A foreigner files within one month of arriving on a residence permit; an EU citizen — within three months of entry. If you don't own the premises, attach the owner's consent or a lease; the owner's spouse, minor child and incapacitated parent need no consent.

Step by step

Submit the notice

In the e-population register you can file for yourself, your minor children and other adults at the same address jointly; every adult confirms with a digital signature. Filing in person at the municipality, by post or by digitally signed e-mail also works.

Attach the owner's consent

If you don't own the dwelling, attach the owner's consent (which can be given directly in the e-population register) or a document proving the right of use, such as a lease.

Check that the entry took effect

The data takes effect from the day the notice reaches the municipality. You can view your data anytime at rahvastikuregister.ee, where you can also file contact details — e-mail, phone or a temporary additional address.

Common mistakes

Leaving residence unregistered — you may lose municipal services and benefits, from kindergarten places to free transport.

Forgetting the owner's consent or the lease — without them the notice is rejected unless you are the owner or their family member.

Not updating the data when moving abroad — the foreign residence must be reported within 30 days.

Frequently asked questions

Is registering free?

Yes, filing the notice is free. A state fee applies only to register extracts (10 euros) and in some cases certificates from another municipality.

What if the owner contests my registration?

The owner may request ending your registration if you have no right to use the premises. The municipality notifies you, and if you don't prove the right within a month, the data is terminated.

Can one parent register the child's residence?

As a rule, registering a minor's residence requires both custodial parents' consent.

Official sources

Verified against official sources · 29.07.2026.