Integration of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia continues to show progress – but language barriers and income challenges persist

6 April 2026

The 2025 UNHCR Socio-Economic Insights Survey SEIS Estonia provides an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia. In Estonia, more than 33 000 refugees from Ukraine currently hold temporary protection. Most refugees are women and children. The survey data underscores both the progress made and the areas where gaps persist. Employment among working-age refugees rose to 79 per cent in 2025 (up from 69 per cent in 2024), and the share able to communicate in Estonian increased from 38 per cent to 47 per cent. However, 73 per cent of households still report at least urgent unmet need. Language learning and employment that matches person’s qualifications on remain the most pressing concerns.

“Since 2022, Estonia has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to welcoming refugees fleeing Ukraine, providing safety, stability, and opportunities. While many refugees view their integration in Estonia positively, the 2025 Socio-Economic Insights Survey highlights areas that require continued attention, particularly in the context of language acquisition and sustainable employment,” said Olga Sõtnik, UNHCR Government Liaison Officer for Estonia.

“With temporary protection set to expire in March 2027 while the war in Ukraine continues, many refugees face uncertainty about their future. The survey shows that a significant number plan to remain in Estonia long term and apply for residence permits on other legal grounds, underscoring the importance of ensuring that refugees are well informed about their rights and available opportunities,” said Sigrid Solnik, Estonia Programme Manager at the Estonian Refugee Council.

Positive indicators of refugee integration in Estonia are numerous; however, income insufficiency and language barriers remain critical challenges for longer-term inclusion. Although employment increased to 79 per cent and inactivity dropped to 10 per cent, 62 per cent of households report dissatisfaction with their income and fewer than half could cover an unexpected €800 expense. At the same time, progress is evident in other areas. Relations with the host community have improved, with reports of hostile behavior declining from 39 per cent to 30 per cent, 99 per cent of school-aged children are enrolled in national schools, and the share of households living in independent accommodation rose from 81 per cent to 91 per cent. The proportion of refugees able to communicate in Estonian increased from 38 per cent in 2024 to 47 per cent in 2025; however, many still cite language as a key barrier to securing suitable employment and advancing their integration. Furthermore:

1. 73% of households report at least one unmet urgent need.
   
2. 44% of households received Estonian social protection benefits.
   
3. 86% of households rely on employment as their main income source.
   
4. 90% of refugees with health needs accessed required healthcare.
   
5. 25% of household members report mental health challenges.
   
6. 15% of working-age refugees are engaged in business activity.
   
7. 83% intend to remain in Estonia over the next year.
   

The SEIS Estonia study is conducted by UNHCR and jointly done with IOM and Estonian Refugee Council as part of the Regional Refugee Response Plan supporting refugees from Ukraine. UNHCR supports the Government of Estonia in applying international protection standards so that refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine can access legal status, essential services, and inclusion under national and EU frameworks.

Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war continues to cause immense suffering. Nearly 5.7 million Ukrainians are currently living as refugees worldwide, while about 3.7 million are internally displaced. In Europe, one-third of Ukrainian refugees are children, and six out of ten are women and girls. Brutal attacks continue to devastate the lives of civilians across Ukraine, increase humanitarian needs, and prevent safe, voluntary returns.

The full 2025 report is available here.

About the SEIS Survey: UNHCR Estonia, in collaboration with IOM and Estonian Refugee Council, conducted the 2025 Estonia Socio-Economic Insights Survey (SEIS). Data was collected in May–June and September–October 2025. The report serves as a strategic interagency tool to guide humanitarian planning and needs-based programming in Estonia in 2026 and beyond. The SEIS was conducted across all three Baltic states, as well as in other countries that are part of the Refugee Response Plan for Ukraine.

UNHCR contacts in Estonia, Olga Sõtnik, [email protected], +372 5388 3446