Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
Statistics Estonia Tatari 51, 10134 Tallinn Population and Social Statistics Department
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
30 June 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
30 June 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
30 June 2025
3.1. Data description
First results on the main demographic developments in the year of reference.
3.2. Classification system
Not applicable.
3.3. Coverage - sector
Not applicable.
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
3.4.1 Please indicate the definition of:
Population
The mother's residence
The data deaths
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
x
x
x
3.4.2 Please describe the national definition of
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Usual resident population - all inhabitants whose usual place of residence are in Estonia.
Usual residence means the place where a person normally spends the daily period of rest, regardless of temporary absences for purposes of recreation, holidays, visits to friends and relatives, business, medical treatment or religious pilgrimage. The following persons alone are considered to be usually residents of the geographical area in question:
those who have lived in their place of usual residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months before the reference time; or
those who arrived in their place of usual residence during the 12 months before the reference time with the intention of staying there for at least one year.
Usual residence population includes all population groups who have enough signs of life during the reference year. This includes people without a permanent address (e.g. homeless), asylum seekers, refugees and people under temporary protection.
Statistics on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are based on registered data concerning the usual residents of Estonia.
See Population
See Population
See Population
See Population
3.4.3 Please provide details of the deviations of the national definition used from the usual residence definition.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
3.5. Statistical unit
Number of persons.
3.6. Statistical population
In case of survey as data source, please describe the target statistical population (one or more) which the data set refers to
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
3.7. Reference area
Reference area is the total area of Estonia.
3.8. Coverage - Time
Population – since 1920s
Live births – since 1920s
Deaths – since 1920s
Immigrants – since 2000s
Emigrants - since 2000s
3.9. Base period
Not applicable.
Data is collected at unit (person) level.
The reference date for population data is the end of the reference period (midnight of 31 December).
The reference period for vital and dual events data is the calendar year in which the events occurred. The reference period for migration flow data is the calendar year in which the migration occurred.
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 32, § 34, § 35, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.
The principles for the treatment of confidential data can be found at the Statistics Estonia website under Data protection.
7.2. Confidentiality - data treatment
Not applicable.
8.1. Release calendar
Population:Provisional data for the previous year are published in January, with final data released in April or May. (See 17.2. Data revision - practice) Births and deaths:Provisional data are published monthly, and final annual data for the previous year are released in May. Migration:No provisional data are published. Final data for the previous year are released in April or May.
Release calender is accessible through Statistic Estonia website (see 8.2. Release calendar access). It is based on the release policy - data on specific theme is released during the same period each year. All users have access to data at the same time.
Population, Vital and Migration Statistics are published annually.
In addition, provisional statistics on births and deaths are published monthly.
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
News items can be viewed on Statistics Estonia's website in the section News.
News releases:
January – population estimates;
April – final population data;
May – life expectancy and disability-free life years.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
No printed publications.
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Population data are published under the heading “Population / Population figure and composition” and vital events data under “Population / Vital events” in Statistics Estonia’s Statistical Database.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
The dissemination of data collected for the purpose of producing official statistics is guided by the requirements provided for in § 33, § 34, § 35, § 36, § 38 of the Official Statistics Act.
Legal persons and organisations can use for research confidential data held by Statistics Estonia. The data can be used remotely in a research environment.
Tiit, E., & Vähi, M. (2017). Indexes in demographic statistics: a methodology using nonstandard information for solving critical problems. Papers On Anthropology, 26(1), 72. doi: 10.12697/poa.2017.26.1.06
Maasing, Ethel & Tiit, Ene-Margit & Vähi, Mare. (2017). Residency index – A tool for measuring the population size. Acta et Commentationes Universitatis Tartuensis de Mathematica. 21. 129. doi: 10.12697/ACUTM.2017.21.09
The total population frame, as well as the methodologies and data sources used for compiling information on individuals are the same in population statistics as in the 2021 register-based census. The methodology for defining the total population frame, as described in the document, has been used in population statistics since 2016 (see also: Implementation of the residency index in demographic statistics), while the methodology for determining the place of usual residence has been applied since 2022 (see also: Implementation of the partnership and location index in demographic statistics). The methodology and data sources for calculating other individual characteristics have evolved somewhat over the years, but since 2022, they have been the same as those described in the 2021 register-based census methodology document.
To assure the quality of processes and products, Statistics Estonia applies the EFQM Excellence Model, EU Statistics Code of Practice and the ESS Quality Assurance Framework (QAF). Statistics Estonia is also guided by the requirements provided for in § 7. „Principles and quality criteria of producing official statistics” of the Official Statistics Act.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
11.2.1. Quality assessment: Type of duration of stay used when counting a person as a migrant according to Art. 2(b) of Regulation (EC) No 862/2007
1. Actual duration of stay of at least 12 months
2. Intended duration of stay of at least 12 months
3. Actual and intended duration of stay of at least 12 months
4. Other. Please specify
Nationals
Immigrants
X
Emigrants
X
EEA citizens
Immigrants
X
Emigrants
X
Non EEA citizens
Immigrants
X
Emigrants
X
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Users are public authorities, municipalities, media, researchers, and individuals.
Nationally, the data are used in public planning, population forecasting, policy development (for example, family and pension policy), research, and public debate.
Internationally, the data are used by international organizations in analysis and research, in-country comparisons, and in policy-making. The data are also used in international research and for private purposes.
Population data are also used widely as a foundation for many other statistics.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
Since 1996, Statistics Estonia has conducted reputation and user satisfaction surveys. All results are available on the website of Statistics Estonia in the section User surveys.
12.3. Completeness
The data are complete and in line with Regulation (EU) No 1260/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
Please report on the reasons for any unreliability of the data on:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Net migration
Late or non-registration of migration can lead to over- or underestimation of the usually resident population. To mitigate this, a statistical model based on the signs-of-life approach is used to estimate usual residence and adjust for unregistered migration.
The overall quality of population data is high, although some measurement errors may remain due to incomplete or inaccurate input data. Information is compiled from over 18 state registers and other sources, which helps keep the share of missing values in population breakdowns low. Most gaps result from missing data in the original sources, but these can be reduced as new and improved data sources become available.
See more 18.6. Adjustment.
none
none
See Population
See Population
See Population
13.2. Sampling error
In case of survey as data source, please provide information on the part of the difference between a population value and an estimate thereof, derived from a random sample, which is due to the fact that only a subset of the population is enumerated.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
13.3. Non-sampling error
In case of survey as data source, please provide information on the error in survey estimates which cannot be attributed to sampling fluctuations.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
No survey data used
14.1. Timeliness
According to Article 4 (2) of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 205/2014, each year Member States shall provide the Commission (Eurostat) with data at national and regional level as described in Annex II and related standard reference metadata (in the metadata structure definition defined for the Euro SDMX Metadata Structure) for the reference year within 12 months of the end of the reference year. According to Article 3 (2) of the Commission Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, Statistics on international migration, usually resident population and acquisition of citizenship shall be supplied to the Commission (Eurostat) within 12 months of the end of the reference year.
14.2. Punctuality
Data is transmitted on time.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The data are comparable with those of other European Union countries that produce population statistics on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1260/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
15.2. Comparability - over time
Please provide information on the length of comparable time series (indicate the first reference year for which data are available), reference periods at which series occur, the reasons for the breaks and the treatment of them.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Overall data from 1919. Break is in 1941 - 1949.
From 1927. Since 1989, in electronic form.
From 1927. Since 1989, in electronic form.
From 2000.
From 2000.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Information about all vital events is collected on the same basis, so a cross-sectoral analysis is possible.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The data are internally coherent, i.e. all the data in a unit are consistent with each other. The internal coherence of the data is ensured through the use of a common methodology for data collection and aggregation.
Population data are based on administrative sources, therefore there is no burden on the respondents.
Input data and outputs are compared with the data of the previous periods and across different administrative units.
17.2. Data revision - practice
In January, the preliminary population figure as of 1 January is published in the national database. It is based on initial data from the previous year on births, deaths, and registered migration.
In April, an updated population figure—calculated using the residency index methodology—is released in the national database, replacing the preliminary figure.
Other indicators may also be revised if the methodology is updated, errors are identified, or new or improved data become available.
18.1. Source data
Please report on the data sources used for the first reference year and inform of any changes thereto, to produce:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
address data system of the Land and Spatial Data Development Board, Commercial Register, Estonian Education Information System, National Register of Buildings, Estonian Unemployment Information System, Estonian Medical Birth Register, e-File system, Register of Residence and Work Permits, Prisoners’ Register, Health Insurance Information System, Identity Documents Database, Mandatory Funded Pension Register, Land Register, National Defence Obligation Register, Register of Taxable Persons, Register of Granting International Protection, Estonian Medical Prescription Centre, Population Register, State Personnel and Payroll Database, Social Security Information System, Causes of Death Register, Social Services and Benefits Registry, Database of Work Ability Assessment and Work Ability Allowance, Traffic Register, Employment Register, Data warehouse of Elering
See more 18.6. Adjustment.
Population Register and Estonian Medical Birth Registry.
Population Register and Estonian Causes of Death Registry.
See Population
See Population
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Annual.
18.3. Data collection
Administrative data are received via X-Road, an FTP-server, and by email.
Upon receipt of the data, pseudonymisation is performed immediately to ensure the security of data processing and the protection of personal data.
Subsequently, data checks and validation are performed to identify potential deficiencies or errors and to ensure the quality and reliability of the data.
For more information on data validation, see S.18.4 Data validation.
18.4. Data validation
Data are validated in two stages: first, the quality of input data is checked and then the output is assessed.
In the first stage, the quality of input data received from various sources (see S.18.1. Data sources) is assessed. This involves measuring the percentage of missing data for each topic to identify potential gaps. Qualitative controls are also applied to detect logical errors and ensure the data are consistent with expected patterns.
In the second stage, the compiled aggregate output statistics are validated. Topic-specific results are compared with data from previous periods to identify inconsistencies or unusual trends. Where possible, results are cross-referenced with survey-based data sources, such as the Labour Force Survey or the 2011 population census.
18.5. Data compilation
Principles of data processing:
The population is formed at person level, applying a specific method (residency index) to data in various registers. The residency index is used to find the probability of residing in Estonia for each person. The features necessary to identify each person are found by using the different registers in a specific priority order.
When multiple data sources are used for a particular topic, they are applied in a specific priority order, which is defined separately for each subject.
Document-based data sources are preferred to statement-based ones.
For certain topics, age checks are performed when assigning information from data sources. For example, age checks are applied to education data, which means that if the level of education reported in the source is inconsistent with the person’s age, this information is disregarded.
18.6. Adjustment
Since 2016, the usual resident population has been determined using signs-of-life-based methodology called the residency index. The residence index is used to find the probability of living in Estonia for each person. The features necessary to identify each person are found by using the different registers in a specific priority order.
In short: The method is based on the idea that each potential inhabitant of Estonia is assigned an index which shows the person’s likelihood of being a permanent inhabitant of Estonia, i.e. a resident. The value of the index ranges between 0 and 1. The greater the index value, the more likely it is that a person is a resident of Estonia. A threshold is used to make the distinction between definite residents and definite non-residents: those whose index value is above the threshold are considered residents. In order to calculate the index, approximately 20 Estonian administrative registers and sub-registers are used, including the Estonian Education Information System, the State Pension Insurance Register, the health insurance database, etc. Each register or sub-register gives a person one so-called sign of life. The signs of life are not equal; thus, each sign of life has been assigned a weight.
All persons whose index was 0 at the beginning of the year and 1 at the end of the year are recorded as persons having been born or immigrated to Estonia in the respective year. In the opposite situation, where a person’s index was 1 at the beginning of the year and 0 at the year end, the person is considered as having died or emigrated in the respective year. In order to distinguish emigration from births and deaths, register data are used and supplemented with the data of the Police and Border Guard Board.
A register-based alternative would be to base the census population on the Population Register and define the statistical population as the registered population. This would however underestimate the migration in annual population statistics as a significant amount of immigration and emigration is not registered in the Population Register (meaning that people move abroad but do not update their address/country of residence in the Population Register or vice versal people move to Estonia and do not register their place of residence in the Population Register).
Not available.
First results on the main demographic developments in the year of reference.
30 June 2025
3.4.1 Please indicate the definition of:
Population
The mother's residence
The data deaths
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
1.Usual Residence Population
2.Legal Residence Population
3.Registered Residence Population
4.Other
x
x
x
3.4.2 Please describe the national definition of
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Usual resident population - all inhabitants whose usual place of residence are in Estonia.
Usual residence means the place where a person normally spends the daily period of rest, regardless of temporary absences for purposes of recreation, holidays, visits to friends and relatives, business, medical treatment or religious pilgrimage. The following persons alone are considered to be usually residents of the geographical area in question:
those who have lived in their place of usual residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months before the reference time; or
those who arrived in their place of usual residence during the 12 months before the reference time with the intention of staying there for at least one year.
Usual residence population includes all population groups who have enough signs of life during the reference year. This includes people without a permanent address (e.g. homeless), asylum seekers, refugees and people under temporary protection.
Statistics on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are based on registered data concerning the usual residents of Estonia.
See Population
See Population
See Population
See Population
3.4.3 Please provide details of the deviations of the national definition used from the usual residence definition.
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
No deviations
Number of persons.
In case of survey as data source, please describe the target statistical population (one or more) which the data set refers to
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Reference area is the total area of Estonia.
The reference date for population data is the end of the reference period (midnight of 31 December).
The reference period for vital and dual events data is the calendar year in which the events occurred. The reference period for migration flow data is the calendar year in which the migration occurred.
Please report on the reasons for any unreliability of the data on:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
Net migration
Late or non-registration of migration can lead to over- or underestimation of the usually resident population. To mitigate this, a statistical model based on the signs-of-life approach is used to estimate usual residence and adjust for unregistered migration.
The overall quality of population data is high, although some measurement errors may remain due to incomplete or inaccurate input data. Information is compiled from over 18 state registers and other sources, which helps keep the share of missing values in population breakdowns low. Most gaps result from missing data in the original sources, but these can be reduced as new and improved data sources become available.
See more 18.6. Adjustment.
none
none
See Population
See Population
See Population
Data is collected at unit (person) level.
Principles of data processing:
The population is formed at person level, applying a specific method (residency index) to data in various registers. The residency index is used to find the probability of residing in Estonia for each person. The features necessary to identify each person are found by using the different registers in a specific priority order.
When multiple data sources are used for a particular topic, they are applied in a specific priority order, which is defined separately for each subject.
Document-based data sources are preferred to statement-based ones.
For certain topics, age checks are performed when assigning information from data sources. For example, age checks are applied to education data, which means that if the level of education reported in the source is inconsistent with the person’s age, this information is disregarded.
Please report on the data sources used for the first reference year and inform of any changes thereto, to produce:
Population
Live births
Deaths
Immigrants
Emigrants
ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
address data system of the Land and Spatial Data Development Board, Commercial Register, Estonian Education Information System, National Register of Buildings, Estonian Unemployment Information System, Estonian Medical Birth Register, e-File system, Register of Residence and Work Permits, Prisoners’ Register, Health Insurance Information System, Identity Documents Database, Mandatory Funded Pension Register, Land Register, National Defence Obligation Register, Register of Taxable Persons, Register of Granting International Protection, Estonian Medical Prescription Centre, Population Register, State Personnel and Payroll Database, Social Security Information System, Causes of Death Register, Social Services and Benefits Registry, Database of Work Ability Assessment and Work Ability Allowance, Traffic Register, Employment Register, Data warehouse of Elering
See more 18.6. Adjustment.
Population Register and Estonian Medical Birth Registry.
Population Register and Estonian Causes of Death Registry.
See Population
See Population
Population, Vital and Migration Statistics are published annually.
In addition, provisional statistics on births and deaths are published monthly.
According to Article 4 (2) of the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 205/2014, each year Member States shall provide the Commission (Eurostat) with data at national and regional level as described in Annex II and related standard reference metadata (in the metadata structure definition defined for the Euro SDMX Metadata Structure) for the reference year within 12 months of the end of the reference year. According to Article 3 (2) of the Commission Regulation (EC) No 862/2007, Statistics on international migration, usually resident population and acquisition of citizenship shall be supplied to the Commission (Eurostat) within 12 months of the end of the reference year.
The data are comparable with those of other European Union countries that produce population statistics on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1260/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
Please provide information on the length of comparable time series (indicate the first reference year for which data are available), reference periods at which series occur, the reasons for the breaks and the treatment of them.
