Support for Reservists

Support for Training Assemblies

For the time spent in reserve service, you are paid support whose amount and payment procedure are established by a Government regulation.

Support is calculated from the day of arrival at the location indicated on the training assembly summons until the end of the training assembly. Free transport, accommodation, and meals are provided at the place of reserve service.

If you are called to reserve service, your travel expenses to and from the reserve service location will be reimbursed up to a specified limit.

Travel expenses are reimbursed based on the following conditions:

  • A reservist living in Estonia, according to the Population Register, is reimbursed travel expenses of 40 euros.
  • A reservist living abroad, according to the Population Register, is reimbursed travel expenses of 125 euros.

A reservist is paid support for the time spent participating in a training assembly according to the main type of position as follows:

Soldier – 55 euros per day
Non-commissioned officer – 60 euros per day
Officer – 75 euros per day

During heightened defence readiness, support for participation in training assemblies is paid as follows:
Soldier – 75 euros per day
Non-commissioned officer – 80 euros per day
Officer – 100 euros per day

If sent abroad for more than 14 days, you will receive an additional support payment of 10 euros per day until the end of your stay abroad.

If you have an agreement with the Defence Forces to instruct other reservists during training assemblies held under general defence readiness, or to organize other training necessary for the country’s military defence preparation, you will receive an additional 50 euros per day during instruction or training.

Support for participation in training assemblies is paid within 14 days after the end of the assembly to the bank account you provide.

Benefits for companies employing national defenders

The Defence Service website lists various discount offers for national defenders. You can use these offers in partner online stores by entering a discount code or in physical stores by presenting a national defender’s certificate.

National defender certificates include:

  • Certificate confirming completion of conscript service (downloadable from the Defence Service website)
  • Certificate confirming current conscript service (downloadable from the Defence Service website)
  • Defence League membership card
  • Active-duty personnel certificate
  • Defence Forces field uniform

Possibility to retain salary

The Defence Forces compensate all participants in training on uniform terms based on their position and rank.

Many employers have decided to cover the difference between the employee’s salary and the training assembly support, continue paying the salary, pay additional compensation to the participant, or grant paid leave for the duration of the training. If your employer does not maintain your salary during the training assembly, we recommend discussing this with them, as it is an opportunity to contribute to national defence.

You can find companies that support national defenders on the Defence Forces website.