Veterans are a valuable human asset. They are defenders hardened in crisis situations, whose service experience helps to strengthen national defence, develop military training and unit cohesion, and pass on the core values of the Defence Forces. Veterans are often a role model for units in tense situations.
Veterans' policy values the contribution of veterans during service, after service, and in society.
Veterans’ contribution increases Estonian population's will to defend, encourages the next generation of national defence personnel, and maintains a strong link between society and national defence.
The veterans' policy of the Defence Forces and the Defence League aims to ensure inclusive, collaborative and consistent support for every veteran and the societal appreciation of veteran status.
At the core of veterans' policy are the following focus areas:
- We focus on areas directly related to veterans – health, social coping, and support of their loved ones;
- We strengthen societal recognition – measures to shape veteran culture and increase societal appreciation;
- We will link the roles of the state and NGOs – public measures and NGO actions complement each other.
- We will improve the availability and quality of support measures – additional resources will be channelled to the implementing agencies, where necessary;
- We will ensure consistent policy implementation both in peacetime and during war – ensuring the well-being of veterans is an ongoing commitment of the state.
The aim of measures directed at veterans is to value veterans at the societal level and to support them both during and after service.
Veterans of the Defence Forces and Defence League are Estonian citizens who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- have participated as a member of the Defence Forces or the Defence League in repelling an external attack against Estonia;
- have participated as part of the Defence Forces, under the International Military Cooperation Act, in international or collective self-defence operations;
- have permanently lost working capacity or have died while performing service duties in the Defence Forces;
- are members of the Defence League who have permanently lost their capacity to work or died due to an injury sustained in the course of military training or in the line of duty.
Measures aimed at veterans
- Career counseling and support for retraining
- Reimbursement of tuition costs for one higher education degree or one vocational, professional or specialised training programme.
- The option to take a day off on 23 April, Veterans Day, in agreement with one’s immediate supervisor or manager.
- Providing one free initial legal consultation per year.
- Prevention of mental health problems associated with participation in an international military operation and support for veterans – mental health support will be designed upon the implementation of the policy so that it covers the whole cycle of participating in an operation.
- Veterans will continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation after their service ends.
- Healthcare services will be provided to individuals whose service relationship has been terminated until the treatment process is transferred to the civilian healthcare system, thereby supporting the continuation of treatment
- The veteran’s family is provided with the opportunity to participate in mental health first aid training.
In the event of incidents, injuries or death, the family is provided with chaplain and psychologist support and counselling.
To recognise and value the contribution and role of the veteran’s family, events intended for veterans are designed for both veterans and their family members.
In the event of a veteran’s death, the policy focuses on supporting the family in grief and on arranging dignified military funerals.
- Housing loan down payment guarantee.
- Each mission adds 1% to the military pension.
- A relaxation package in a spa is provided to assist with reintegration after service in foreign operations
Last updated: 25.05.2026
