UNHCR Nordic and Baltic Countries has published the Estonia Socio-Economic Insights Survey Final Report 2025, showing progress in the socio-economic inclusion of refugees from Ukraine in Estonia, despite continued language barriers and income-related challenges.
The report’s key findings show that employment among working-age refugees from Ukraine in Estonia rose to 79% in 2025, while inactivity dropped to 10%. However, 73% of households still reported at least one urgent unmet need. Language learning and access to employment matching refugees’ qualifications remain among the most pressing concerns. The share of refugees able to communicate in Estonian increased from 38% to 47%, although many still cite language as a key barrier to securing suitable employment and advancing their integration.
The survey was conducted by UNHCR in cooperation with IOM and the Estonian Refugee Council as part of the Regional Refugee Response Plan supporting refugees from Ukraine.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (6 April, 2026), [Integration of Ukrainian refugees in Estonia continues to show progress – but language barriers and income challenges persist],