Estonia is a beautiful and prosperous country located in Northern Europe. Estonia is a popular destination for immigrants due to its burgeoning economy and excellent level of life. Immigration to Estonia is not as simple as one would believe, however. Having a criminal record can significantly impact the immigration process in Estonia, so it’s crucial to be aware of the potential repercussions when applying for a visa or residence permit.
Background
The Aliens Act, which outlines the guidelines and specifications for foreign people seeking to reside and work in Estonia, governs the immigration procedure there. Criminal convictions and other legal infractions are among the reasons the Act lists for denial or revocation of a residency permit. The main body in charge of processing immigration requests, performing background investigations, and deciding on residency permits is the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA).
Crime categories
People with specific sorts of criminal convictions may have their visa or residence permit refused by the Estonian government, which has a rigorous policy regarding criminal histories. These consist of:
- Violent offenses, such as battering, assault, or murder
- Sexual acts like rape and sexual assault
- Drug charges, such as drug possession or trafficking
- Theft and property offenses, such as fraud or burglary
- White-collar offenses including theft and money laundering
Those who have been convicted of crimes related to terrorism, human trafficking, or national security may also be refused entrance to Estonia.
Method for revealing criminal background
People must provide details about their criminal background when applying for a visa or residence permit in Estonia. This includes providing any prior convictions or any criminal investigations, as well as any other pertinent background data. If this information is withheld, the application for a visa or residence permit may be denied, and there may even be legal repercussions for giving false information. It is crucial to understand that a person’s criminal history does not automatically exclude them from receiving a visa or residence card. The Estonian government will take into account the kind of crime, how long it has been since the conviction, and the person’s general conduct and behavior since the offense.
Immigration effects of criminal records
Your prospects of getting a residence permit in Estonia will be considerably impacted by having a criminal record. A residency visa may be denied or withdrawn following the Aliens Act if the applicant has been found guilty of a crime in Estonia or another country. The Act comprehensively covers criminal offenses, which include both infractions of the law and major crimes including assault, drug offenses, theft, and more. All candidates are subjected to background investigations by the PPA, during which criminal histories are often uncovered. The PPA will take into account the following elements before reaching a judgment if an applicant has a criminal history:
- The kind of crime committed and the surrounding circumstances
- The severity of the offense and the penalty meted out.
- The length of time after the conviction
- If the petitioner has been law-abiding throughout that period.
- The threat the application would represent to security and safety in general.
- The effect of the applicant’s criminal history on their capacity to blend into Estonian society.
The application will probably be rejected if the PPA considers that the applicant’s criminal past constitutes a danger to the safety or security of the public. The application could still be allowed, however, if the PPA determines that the crime was relatively small and the applicant has shown signs of repentance and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to be truthful and open about your previous transgressions if you have a criminal record and want to immigrate to Estonia. To improve your chances of a successful application, it is also advised that you take efforts to show rehabilitation and regret for your acts.
You may also find these articles helpful
Preparing for the immigration interview in Estonia
Best coworking spaces in Estonia for digital nomads
Finding a job in Estonia as an expat
