Nearly Two-Thirds of Estonians Contemplate Leaving the Country
2052 Mins Read
A recent straw poll by Estonian newspaper Maaleht suggests growing unease among the country’s population, with nearly two-thirds of respondents saying they are considering leaving Estonia or would do so if circumstances worsen.
The survey, which drew 2,718 votes as of press time, asked readers whether they had begun weighing a move abroad. Results showed that 15% had concrete plans to emigrate in the near future, while 40% had thought about it but had no firm plans. Another 8% said they would start considering leaving if conditions deteriorate. Meanwhile, 27% felt there was little incentive to move, noting that other countries faced similar challenges, and 7% already live abroad.
Maaleht cited Statistics Estonia figures showing that 17,260 people left Estonia in 2024, an increase from previous years.
Popular destinations included Finland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and several Asian nations. Rising living costs, a tight job market, and concerns about personal security are driving public debate about whether staying in the country remains a viable option.
The answer options to the question “Have you started weighing up whether to move away from Estonia” with the percentages who picked that option at the time of writing were:
Yes, I intend to do so in the near future (15 percent).
I have thought about it, but don’t have any concrete plans (40 percent).
No, as nowhere else is any better (27 percent).
I will start to consider this if the situation deteriorates (8 percent).
I already live abroad (7 percent).
Other (3 percent).
Note the order of the questions as posed, and the absence of an option to stay put for more positive reasons. The poll had attracted 2,718 votes at the time of writing.
