Estonia
According to the Estonian Family Law only those children whose parents are deceased or whose parents have had their parental rights taken away may be adopted.
By law, Estonian families take precedence over foreigners when it comes to the adoption of Estonian children. According to the current law, healthy babies should remain in Estonia. Only in cases where it is impossible to take ufficient care of a child in Estonia can that child be adopted internationally. Children available under the age of five are generally special needs, where needs cannot be met in-country.
After the child has been adopted under Estonian law, the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn will complete the Overseas Orphan Investigation. The Embassy in Tallinn will forward this investigation as well as the other adoption documents to the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, Finland where the child’s medical exam is performed and immigrant visa is issued.
Elgibility Requirements
Only those married couples and single women who accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord can adopt children through Compassionate Care.
Married Couples and single women over the age of 25 may adopt from Estonia.
There are no stated upper age limits.
Available Children
Children available for adoption are generally over five years old. There are also sibling groups and younger children with special needs available.
Child referrals consist of a medical and picture of the child.
Adoption Timetable
The total process time from dossier submission until the time adoptive parents travel averages ten to twelve months. Preliminary travel to meet the child is possible.
Travel Requirements
Unlike adopting from some other foreign countries that require two trips, Estonia adoptions can in most cases be completed in one trip. However, a 2-3 day preview trip is available and recommended.
Only one parent, if married, needs to travel to Estonia to adopt a child.
Escorting is available.
Stay in Estonia consist of 11 to 14 business days.
Our International Facilitators will greet you upon arrival in Estonia and assist you in every step of the international adoption process.
They will make the arrangements necessary for translations, visiting the orphanages, scheduling court hearings and obtaining the paperwork needed to complete your adoption.
Cost to Adopt from Estonia
APPLICATION FEE $ 300
due w/ submission of application.
COMPASSIONATE CARE AGENCY FEE $3,500
$1,750 due with submission of dossier.
$1,750 due with acceptance of a referral or travel date
HOME STUDY $1,500
(If prepared by Compassionate Care) + mileage
$ 750 due upon first home study visit.
$ 750 due + mileage upon completion of home study.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION (INS) $830 Two Adults ($545 + $70 per adult for FBI fingerprinting).
DOSSIER AUTHENTICATION VARIES
Depending on which state you live in, you may have a fee
for document authentication at the Secretary of State’s
office in your state.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM FEE $ 10,300
$1,500 due when dossier is sent for authentication
$6,800 due when you receive a travel date.
International fees cover the cost of government and legal procedures and paperwork done for you as an adoptive family and for the child you will adopt. International fees also cover the work done by the coordinators, representatives, lawyers and translators in Estonia.
TOTAL ADOPITON COST $16,430*
*Above fees do not include travel, and in-country living expenses.
**You will also need to purchase a one way return-flight ticket for your child which usually cost around 10% of your round-trip airfare.
***We want to remind you that the above fees are approximate and to please keep in mind that although Compassionate Care’s fees will not change during your adoption process all other fees associated with international adoption are subject to change.
For more information on Estonia’s Society click the link below: