According to the new directive of the European Union, Estonia has to issue permanent residence permits to tens of thousands of retired Russian servicemen and their family members.
The document states that starting from January 26, 2006, EU member states have to provide the status of a permanent resident to all foreigners who, prior to submitting an application for a permanent residence permit, have lived in these states for at least five years on a permanent and legal basis.
At present, Estonian legislation does not allow retired Russian servicemen to live in the country on a permanent basis. By decision of a special government commission, they are issued only temporary residence permits, for the duration of maximum five years. According to the Estonian-Russian agreement on social guarantees for temporary residents, about 30 thousand retired Russian servicemen and their family members are living in Estonia.
The document states that starting from January 26, 2006, EU member states have to provide the status of a permanent resident to all foreigners who, prior to submitting an application for a permanent residence permit, have lived in these states for at least five years on a permanent and legal basis.
At present, Estonian legislation does not allow retired Russian servicemen to live in the country on a permanent basis. By decision of a special government commission, they are issued only temporary residence permits, for the duration of maximum five years. According to the Estonian-Russian agreement on social guarantees for temporary residents, about 30 thousand retired Russian servicemen and their family members are living in Estonia.
