A common misconception is that registering a residence in the apartment or house listed as the place of residence automatically grants rights for the residency in the population registry.

In reality, registering a residence does not provide any legal right to use or access the property. To use a dwelling, a valid tenancy agreement must be signed with the property owner. Additionally, the property owner has full discretion over who may register their residence at their property.

Registration vs. Ownership

Registration of a residence in the Estonian Population Register does not affect property ownership or usage rights. Ownership is legally recognized through registration in the Land Register (Maa-amet) and can only be transferred through a formal transaction, usually facilitated by a notary.

• Land Register: The individual listed in the Land Register is the rightful owner and retains full control over the property.
• For more information on property ownership, visit the Estonian Land Register.

What Does Residence Registration Affect?

While it does not influence private property rights, residence registration is important for:

1. Local Government Services and Benefits:
   • Social Services: Registration determines eligibility for local government-provided social services, such as subsidies for children, pensions, and funeral benefits.
   • Specific Examples:
     • Tallinn residents receive free public transport within the city.
     • Rural residents may qualify for grants such as farm subsidies or living-alone pensions.
2. Tax Distribution:
   • Taxes paid by residents are distributed between the state and the local government based on their registered address. This directly supports the development of local infrastructure and services.
3. Voting Rights:
   • Registration defines your electoral district, which determines where you can participate in municipal or parliamentary elections.
4. State Planning:
   • Correct registration helps the state allocate resources for healthcare, education, and infrastructure based on population density and needs.

Key Takeaway

Although registration of a residence does not grant rights in private legal relationships (e.g., between landlords and tenants), it plays a crucial role in your relationship with the state and local governments.

For further guidance on residence registration and its implications, consult the official Estonian Population Register or your local government office.